"Do you want me to encourage them in idleness?
Naturally they work."
"They are grown men - at least Yahmose and Sobek are - more than grown."
"Sobek has no judgment. He does everything wrong.
Also he is frequently impertinent, which I will not tolerate.
Yahmose is a good obedient boy -"
"A good deal more than a boy!"
"But sometimes I have to tell him things two or three times before he takes them in.
I have to think of every thing - be everywhere!
All the time I am away, I am dictating to scribes - writing full instructions so that my sons can carry them out... I hardly rest - I hardly sleep!
And now when I come home, having earned a little peace, there is to be fresh difficulty!
Even you, my mother, deny my right to have a concubine like other men.
You are angry -"
Esa interrupted him. "I am not angry.
I am amused. There will be good sport to watch in the household - but I say all the same that when you go north again you had best take the girl with you."
"Her place is here, in my household!
And woe to any who dare ill-treat her."
"It is not a question of ill-treatment.
But remember, it is easy to kindle a fire in dry stubble.
It has been said of women that 'the place where they are is not good...'"
Esa paused and said slowly:
"Nofret is beautiful.
But remember this: Men are made fools by the gleaming limbs of women, and lo, in a minute they are become discolored carnelians..."
Her voice deepened as she quoted:
"A trifle, a little, the likeness of a dream, and death comes as the end."
Chapter 4 THIRD MONTH OF INUNDATION, 15TH DAY
Imhotep listened to Sobek's explanations of the sale of the timber in ominous silence.
His face had grown very red and a small pulse was beating in his temple.
Sobek's air of easy nonchalance wore a little thin.
He had intended to carry things off with a high hand, but in the face of his father's gathering frowns, he found himself stammering and hesitating.
Imhotep finally cut him short impatiently: "Yes, yes, yes - you thought that you knew more than I did - you departed from my instructions - it is always the same - unless I am here to see to everything."
He sighed.
"What would become of you boys without me, I cannot imagine!"
Sobek went on doggedly: "There was a chance of making a much bigger profit - I took the risk.
One cannot always be pettifogging and cautious!"
"There is nothing cautious about you, Sobek!
You are rash and much too bold and your judgment is always wrong."
"Do I ever have a chance to exercise my judgment?"
Imhotep said dryly: "You have done so this time - against my express orders -"
"Orders!
Have I always got to take orders?
I am a grown man."
Losing control of his temper, Imhotep shouted:
"Who feeds you; who clothes you?
Who thinks of the future?
Who has your welfare - the welfare of all of you - constantly in mind?
When the River was low and we were threatened with famine, did I not arrange for food to be sent south to you?
You are lucky to have such a father - who thinks of everything!
And what do I ask in return?
Only that you should work hard, do your best, and obey the instructions I send you -"