Bolesław Prus

“ Behold, how vain are human hopes before the order of the world; behold, how vain they are before the decrees that have been written in fiery signs upon the heavens by the Eternal!...
Hundred-year-old Ramses, mighty ruler of Egypt, was breathing his last. The chest of the potentate before whose voice millions had quaked half a century, had been invested by a stifling incubus, and it drank the blood from his heart, the strength from his arm, and at times even the consciousness from his brain. ”

“ Though he should order you to release the slaves from their chains and give all the land to the people, you shall do so when you see my sacred ring on his hand, for immortal Osiris speaks through the lips of rulers.'"
"My heart does not reach that far," said Horus. "But write an edict at once, that the people's rents and taxes are lowered by half, and that the slaves shall have three days a week free from labor and shall not have their backs caned without a court judgment. ”

“ And has Ramses long to live?..."
"I don't know... Maybe they are bringing you his ring right now."
At that moment the ministers entered with ready edicts.
"Chancellor!" cried Horus, grabbing his arm, "if I were to die right now, would you all carry out my orders?..."
"Live to your grandfather's age, Horus!" replied the chancellor. "But even were you to step before Osiris' court right after him, your every edict will be carried out, so long as you touch it with the sacred ring of the pharaohs." ”