"That you most certainly are not," said Esa.
"A tongue, Henet, may sometimes be a weapon.
A tongue may cause a death - may cause more than one death.
I hope your tongue, Henet, has not caused a death."
"Why, Esa, the things you say!
And what's in your mind?
I'm sure I never say a word to anybody that I wouldn't be willing to let the whole world overhear.
I'm so devoted to the whole family - I'd die for anyone of them.
Oh, they underestimate old Henet's devotion.
I promised their dear mother -"
"Ha," said Esa, cutting her short, "here comes my plump reed bird, cooked with leeks and celery.
It smells delicious - cooked to a turn.
Since you're so devoted, Henet, you can take a little mouthful from one side - just in case it's poisoned."
"Esa!" Henet gave a squeal.
"Poisoned!
How can you say such things!
And cooked in our very own kitchen."
"Well," said Esa, "someone's got to taste it - just in case.
And it had better be you, Henet, since you're so willing to die for any member of the family.
I don't suppose it would be too painful a death.
Come on, Henet.
Look how plump and juicy and tasty it is.
No, thanks, I don't want to lose my little slave girl.
She's young and merry.
You've passed your best days, Henet, and it wouldn't matter so much what happened to you.
Now then - open your mouth... Delicious, isn't it?
I declare - you're looking quite green in the face.
Didn't you like my little joke?
I don't believe you did.
Ha ha, he he!"
Esa rolled about with merriment, then composing herself suddenly, she set greedily to work to eat her favorite dish.
Chapter 16 SECOND MONTH OF SUMMER, 1ST DAY
The consultation at the Temple was over. The exact form of the petition had been drawn up and amended. Hori and two Temple scribes had been busily employed.
Now at last the first step had been taken.
The priest signed that the draft of the petition should be read out.
"To the most excellent Spirit Ashayet:
"This from your brother and husband.
Has the sister forgotten her brother?
Has the mother forgotten the children that were born to her?
Does not the most excellent Ashayet know that a spirit of evil life menaces her children?
Already is Sobek, her son, passed to Osiris by means of poison.
"I treated you in life with all honor. I gave you jewels and dresses, unguents and perfumes and oils for your limbs.
Together we ate of good foods, sitting in peace and amity with tables loaded before us.
When you were ill, I spared no expense. I procured for you a master physician.
You were buried with all honor and with due ceremonies and all things needful for your life in the hereafter were provided for you - servants and oxen and food and drink and jewels and raiment.
I mourned for you many years - and after long, long years only did I take a concubine so that I might live as befits a man not yet old.
"This concubine it is that now does evil to your children.
Do you not know of this?
Perchance you are in ignorance.
Surely if Ashayet knows, she will be swift to come to the aid of the sons born to her.