"'This Prince Mœris, for whom I have done all in my power--whom I have made second only to me in the Thebaïd, I have reason to know seeks your ruin and my throne!'
"'What proof hast thou of this?' I cried, deeply moved.
"'Remeses,' said my mother, in ringing tones, 'I must unfold to thee all! I know how slow thou art to suspect or believe evil of any one; and that you fancy Mœris an honorable prince, overlooking his jealousy of you. You have confidence in my judgment and truth?'
"'I have, the most undoubted and deferential,' I answered the queen.
"'Then, my son, hear me!' she said, with a face as pale as the fine linen of her vesture. 'Prince Mœris possesses a secret (ask me _not_ what it is) which gives him a dangerous power over me. He obtained possession of it years ago, how I know not; but it has placed in his hands a power that I tremble beneath. Nay, ask not! My heart itself would as soon open to thine eyes, under the shield of my bosom, as reveal its secret! It will die with me! Yet Mœris, my nephew--a man of talents and ambition, in morals most unprincipled, and in disposition cruel and unjust--holds my happiness in his hand!'
"'My mother,' I cried, 'why then didst thou confer on him the principality of the Thebaïd and its enormous military power?'
"'To bribe him, when he menaced me with the betrayal of what he knew!' was the queen's almost fierce rejoinder.
"'But why make him the admiral of your fleet of the Nile?'
"'Another bribe when he renewed his threats to inform you--'
"'Did I say you? No! no!' she cried, checking herself; 'when he menaced me with the betrayal of the dreadful secret.'
"'And, my dear mother, who was interested to know it, whom would it benefit or injure?' I asked, lost in amazement.
"'Injure one whom--whom I love--destroy my happiness and hopes--benefit Mœris himself!' she answered coloring with deepest confusion and alarm.
"'Why not crush such a dangerous subject when he menaces your peace?' I demanded, my whole spirit roused for my mother, and my indignation excited against this wicked man. 'If thy happiness is thus menaced, O my mother, if this prince is the cause of all your sorrow, say the word, and in thirty days hence, he shall be brought bound in chains to your feet.'