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Rh and with me thus bring Isis and her worship to the dust?

How long afterward was it that Kallikrates came? But a little while, I think, though to one who has lived over two thousand years Time loses its measure and significance.

I had sent Philo to the coast, purposing to prepare for the opening up of trade and converse with the outer world. For in this rich place, when its wild people were brought beneath my yoke, who already looked upon me as one half divine, as the spirit of their ancient goddess indeed, sent back to them from Heaven, I knew that we could produce much that the teeming tribes of Libya would seek and buy. One night he returned and was at once admitted to my presence. He told me of all that he had done, or failed to do, and I praised him, then made the signal of dismissal. He hesitated a while, then said,

Child of Isis, be pleased to learn that I have not returned alone.

That I know already, Philo, since there were many in your company.

Be it understood, Child of Isis, that I have brought back with me some with whom I did not set forth.

Doubtless envoys from the peoples of the coast, I answered indifferently.

Nay, he replied, travellers who have wandered long among those peoples and whom I found shipwrecked and in a desperate state. Travellers from Egypt.

From Egypt! How many, Philo?

Nine in all, Prophetess, though the most of them are servants.