§iM 
 
 'M§t: 
 
 '.v^ ' ■■.■/:vi'
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 sjc- -A" a
 
 R A M E S E S ; 
 
 AN 
 
 EGYPTIAN TALE 
 
 WITH 
 
 HISTORICAL NOTES, 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ERA OF THE PHARAOHS. 
 
 I ^ 
 
 ' Les Egyptiens sont les premiers ou Ton ait su les regies du gou- 
 vernemeiit. Cctte nation grave et serieuse connul d'abord la vrai 
 fin de la politique, qui est de rendre la vie commode, et les peuples 
 heurcux.' — Bossnet, Histoire Universelk, tome ii. 
 
 IN THREE VOLUMES. 
 VOL. l. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED FOR G. B. WHITTAKER, AVE-M ARIA-LANE; 
 
 JOHN tTHAiM, KATII ; AND CHAKLES UPHAM, EXETER. 
 
 1821.
 
 
 ADVEKTISEMENT. 
 
 v./ 
 
 The mind of the author is strongly im- 
 pressed with the necessity of presenting to 
 the reader an introduction to his Egyptian 
 tale. It may seem objectionable to exhibit 
 Egypt as possessing at so early a period of 
 the world knowledge and science in certain 
 branches of learning and art surpassing all 
 that the moderns, with the advantages of 
 the experience and wisdom of ages, can pro- 
 duce. The Notes contain the evidence 
 and authority for such a representation of 
 the wisdom of the Egyptians. 
 
 In the tale itself arc embodied many of 
 the scattered notices of the history of this 
 singular country and people, their govern- 
 
 ^-^ ^ -V M
 
 VI ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 ment, their institutions, religious and civil, 
 their manners, and mode of life. Some of 
 the astonishing wonders of Egypt (and no 
 other term can designate every thing re- 
 lating to this country) have survived, and 
 prove their existence at a very remote 
 period of antiquity, and confirm the sa- 
 gacious remark of Ferguson : — * The Ro- 
 mans are thought to have learned from the 
 Greeks, and the moderns of Europe from 
 both : the Greek was a copy of the Egyp- 
 tian, and even the Egyptian was an imi- 
 tator, though we have lost sight of the 
 model on which he was formed.* 
 
 The comparison of ancient historians 
 with modern travellers has furnished the 
 materials and groundwork of the tale. It 
 developes an interesting era in Egyptian 
 history, the subjugation of this people by a 
 swarm of eastern invaders called pastoral 
 warriors and shepherds, to distinguish
 
 ADVEHTISEMENT. Vll 
 
 them as nomade tribes of the great Cau- 
 casian family. 
 
 The author wished to comprise as large 
 an extent of information respecting the 
 rites, arts, and public monuments of the 
 Egyptians, as possible ; and it has been his 
 study to keep within the limits of historic 
 evidence, confirming and illustrating his 
 details by ample notes, which contain 
 such various and important matter from 
 the earliest historians, as must interest 
 even the general reader. Their details 
 will unfold a series of data, whereby may 
 be formed a knowledge and appreciation of 
 this ancient and illustrious kingdom, re- 
 sorted to by the wisest and the best of the 
 philosophers, the sages, and legislators of 
 Greece, and pronounced by them to be 
 * the mother of the arts, and the fountain 
 of wisdom.' They will facilitate also a 
 comparison of Egypt and Greece j which
 
 Vlll ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 the author would rather suggest as a na- 
 tural object of contemplation and reflection 
 to the reader, than as one on which he 
 would form an opinion for him. 
 
 June, 1824.
 
 HAMESES 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Sabacon and Rameses, the two sons of the Egyptian general 
 ^Sosis, attended by their governor, are -witnessing the 
 
 ■ joyous scene of the retiring waters of the Nile, from their 
 -father's palace at Memphis. — The different sentiments 
 ^^nd feelings of the brothers upon the present state of 
 -Egypt, threatened with an invasion by the Pallic bands, 
 -now overspreading Arabia. — A royal barge from Thebes 
 -arrives and summonses them to repair thither to the court 
 ~of Amenophis, king of Egypt. — They embark, and ascend 
 "the Nile. 
 
 The sun was high in the horizon, and flamed 
 with a radiance most intense, the air and sky 
 sparkled with lieat and Hght, when Sabacon and 
 Rameses sought a shelter from its glorious but 
 overpowering beams in their favourite resort upon 
 the borders of the Nile. It was constructed upon a 
 vast and solid mound overhanging the stream, and 
 at the present instant presented a scene, such as 
 only Egypt could display. 
 
 The benign inundation of this beautiful and celc- 
 
 VOL. I. B
 
 2 RAMESr.S. 
 
 brated river had broiio-ht with its sacred streams 
 its usual donative of enriching mould and fatness. 
 Its height now subsiding, had reached the usual 
 maximum of plenty, sixteen^ cubits, and the propi- 
 tious favour of this great annual operation of the 
 Nile had filled every heart with gladness ; from the 
 borders of Ethiopia to its seven mouths where its 
 waters mix with the ocean, all the land rejoiced, 
 contemplating that all-bounteous season, which, 
 after the retiring of its streams, pours forth abund- 
 ance and enjoyment in a plenitude inexhaustible. 
 Covered with its waters, the scene was an endless 
 display of interesting and attractive objects. The 
 appearance of the thickly studded towns and cities, 
 arising from the flood as in a vast sea ; the glitter- 
 ing temples and obelisks insulated amid the wide- 
 spreading inundation; the papyrine^ vessels and 
 barks, crowded with happy and rejoicing mortals, 
 who floated on its -surface, suggested no thought 
 but that of universal happiness peculiarly the 
 portion of this country. Under the protection of 
 their tutelary river, Mizraim appeared the favourite 
 of great Isis, and her prototype Nature, and to 
 have a talismanic exemption from those disturb- 
 ances of seasons, that caprice of elements, which in 
 less happy lands too often lead famine and pesti- 
 lence to their prey. 
 
 The beings thus enjoying the scene were the 
 two sons of Sosis, the chief general and commander
 
 RAMESES. 3 
 
 of the Egyptian forces, one of the bulwarks of its 
 monarchy, equally respected by his king and ho- 
 noured by this people ; born in the caste of war- 
 riors, and descended from names highly distin- 
 guished for their devotedness to sacred Egypt, 
 Sosis saw in their achievements an example to 
 emulate, which the trying events of his own career 
 had brightly and nobly accomplished. 
 
 The characters of the youths were as different as 
 their persons ; and influential as they became upon 
 the destinies of their country, no less than on their 
 own changeful and checkered course, may require 
 some touches to develope ; while the main springs 
 will be traced more usefully, as they are drawn into 
 operation, in their actions and future conduct. Sa- 
 bacon, the eldest, had passed the bounds of youth, 
 and sighed to encounter the responsibility and reali- 
 ties of life. Born to the most elevated honours, 
 secured also by the invariable laws and constitution ^ 
 of the kingdom of the rank possessed by his ances- 
 tors, he saw the sphere of command and power 
 ready for his occupancy ; inflexible and energetic, 
 he could control the wavering and overawe the 
 timid, while ardent and intrepid, he had the natural 
 materials of the warrior and conqueror. His frame 
 was of an iron mould, above the common stature, 
 and athletic for an Egyptian : a forehead wide and 
 bold, a countenance austere and highly majestic, 
 complexion dark and swarthy, he displayed all the
 
 4 RAMESES. 
 
 strong outlines of a decided, powerful mind. But 
 amid qualities calculated to create the grand and 
 the sublime in moral ascendency, when duly called 
 forth by great eras and occasions, were also mixed, 
 most intimately, the rank seeds of hatred and re- 
 venge ; and these fearful impulses, ofttimes so 
 mysteriously rooted in our nature, experienced 
 from his peculiar destiny a rapid growth and de- 
 structive developeracnt. 
 
 His brother Rameses, younger by three years, was 
 in the very dawn and flower of youth, and destined 
 also to arms as well as his brother. He from in- 
 fancy had strongly felt a bias to trace the infinite 
 and refined system of Egyptian mysteries to their 
 sublime source. With a powerful and operative 
 sense of sacred things, he ardently cultivated every 
 source of intelligence and knowledge which the 
 sages of Egypt, the wise of the earth, vouchsafed 
 to communicate. The dark and , gloomy rites of 
 the caverns, and the earth- formed receptacles of 
 their ceremonies, had an attractive charm beyond 
 all the splendors of Memphis ; and in their deeply 
 impressive scenes, his mind and imagination gra- 
 dually formed a tone, grounded upon and suited 
 to the high-wrought mysteries of his gods ; and no 
 earthly cares, or fears, could daunt or deter him, 
 until a further progress in their mysterious secrets 
 struck him with surprise as being debasing and 
 sanguinary. Too young to decide from reason,
 
 RAMESES. 5 
 
 amid appearances seductive, and mysteries ap- 
 parently sensual, a light within, spoken to by some 
 unknown but powerful divinity, always restrained 
 him from the contaminations of vice; and the 
 counsels of his friend and counsellor, the learned 
 Phritiphanes, were scarcely needed to shov/ the 
 allegories which these scenes contained, and wherein 
 grosser souls were led astray. Fortified by a train 
 of thought and matured reflection, beyond the 
 common reach of Egypt's race, contemplative by 
 habit, with his passions controlled in their propensi- 
 ties, and alive only to the attractive objects and ap- 
 pearancesin the secrets of nature, known to the priest- 
 hood, Rameses possessed all the latent qualities of a 
 resplendent character, for his intellect aspired beyond 
 the usually estimated progress of the human mind ; 
 his eager thirst of knowledge was unbounded, and 
 he had chosen a path most likely to gratify it, in 
 the affection and confidence with which his interest- 
 ing qualities had inspired the chief of the sacred 
 priests of Egypt. His form might be said to be 
 under the common standard, but it was strong, 
 light, and symmetrical, capable of the greatest fa- 
 tigue, and indeed the mere organ of an highly in- 
 tellectual soul : his forehead finely open, his face 
 mild arul serene, his mouth soft and gracious, the 
 whole contour expressed the bean ideal of a being 
 superior to the fluctuations and trials of the world, 
 and capable of the most sublime and devoted ac-
 
 6 EAMESES. 
 
 tions from a sense of hiohcr origin, and heavenly 
 emanation from tlie gods ; witli a part and portion 
 of whose eternal essence and brightness, in con- 
 formity with his preceptor's doctrines, Ramescs had 
 sought entirely to associate himself. 
 
 Such were the personages who, now reclining 
 upon couches, inhaled the fresh sweetness of the 
 breeze which arose from the waters. Their go- 
 vernor in silence, with his arms crossed, watched 
 intently the current of their thoughts: dark and 
 swarthy, with strong lineaments of impassioned 
 feeling, the eye full and prominent, lips thick and 
 heavy, his form as well as character expressed 
 calm and patient endurance and fortitude. He 
 was evidently not of the Mizraim race, but one of 
 the celebrated eastern invaders, who, under the ge- 
 neric title of ' Pastoral Shepherds,' had subjugated 
 and tyrannized over Egypt. In a battle long since 
 gained by Sosis he had become his captive ; and in- 
 stead of the tortures and death usually inflicted by 
 the exasperated nations, he had met with a humanity 
 and tenderness, which awakened anew the feelings 
 of regard and sympathy, and attached him to his 
 patron's fortunes and race with the strongest ties. 
 Athor had long ceased to remember the state he 
 had exchanged for slavery. Indeed he had never 
 known the powerful tic of country, for the band he 
 had been attached to had for three generations 
 flowed onward as a torrent through Arabia to
 
 RAMESES. 7 
 
 Egypt, and desolated all the tract they passed over. 
 Settled at length in the delicious valley of Miz- 
 raim, they tyrannized over its cities, and possessed 
 themselves of its riches, until oppressions roused, and 
 union strengthened the native Egyptians, to expel 
 their stubborn and powerful adversaries. The 
 chord broken, however, which attached him to his 
 band, his comrades dead in battle, or slain by 
 the sword in hostile pursuit and in successive strug- 
 gles; he stood alone and solitary, and the tie which 
 linked him with Sosis and his race became the 
 stronger, as it grew up in the soul from affec- 
 tion to his sons. His services also had been pecu- 
 liarly useful to Sosis, for, daring in action, impenetra- 
 ble in purpose, and gifted with great adroitness in 
 ascertaining the motives and plans of others, 
 Athor had fathomed the wiles and projects of 
 various combined enemies, which at different epochs 
 threatened the peace of Egypt ; and so clear had 
 been his conceptions and intelligence, that Sosis 
 often thought he must have been enrolled among 
 the tried and revered band of Epopta?^ through 
 whose powerful and invisible agency the secrets of 
 every latent spring were moved and developed. 
 But no vigilance could trace any appai-ent con- 
 nexion : and so devoted were his feelings for the 
 sons of Sosis, the hopes of his future days, that 
 latterly their pai'ent had always connected Athor 
 with his sons, as a guard and tutelary ward.
 
 8 RAMESES. 
 
 The building in which they indulged in repose, 
 during the hours of intense heat, was a pile of 
 some beauty and architectural excellence, overlook- 
 ing the Nile, resting upon a massy mound, con- 
 structed to protect the shores from the encroaching 
 river. A flight of steps, massive and vast, led to a 
 platform, from which arose a square pavihon, whose 
 sides of granite were adorned with the exploits of 
 Sosis; showing the successful surprise of a part of the 
 enemy's flotilla, the details of which overspread the 
 walls. Its gates of bronze opened to an interior hall, 
 dimly lighted up by pierced windows in the ma- 
 sonry and sycamore wood, and often used upon state 
 occasions. From the side, a staircase ascended to 
 the second story, which led to a spacious and mag- 
 nificent chamber of polished granite: it was sup- 
 ported by massive columns, displaying in exquisite 
 sculpture the nymphas's mysterious and sacred 
 flower, whose capsule and bud were entwined and 
 wreathed in every form along the columns. The 
 shutters opened to the beautiful view which its eleva- 
 tion displayed, and which was now the object of the 
 contemplation of its occupiers, lying to the south 
 of the proud and superb city of Memphis, in whose 
 suburbs the palace of Sosis was situated. Hence the 
 eye ranged over the opposite eastern banks of the 
 stream, covered at present by the inundation flow- 
 ing to the very base of the bold and precipitous 
 cliffs of the Arabian chain, which, to the eye,
 
 R AMESES. 9 
 
 towered over the inundated lands as a vast and 
 mighty mark, the barrier of the wide-spreading 
 waters. 
 
 ' How benignly the gods are disposed to this 
 happy country,' said Rameses : ' flourishing in arts, 
 crowned by plenty, her fierce invaders subdued, 
 Mizraim reposes in the lap of enjoyment !' 
 
 ' An enjoyment,' replied Sabacon, ' that a few 
 moons may see direfuUy changed. True ; arts, riches, 
 and splendor shine around; so much the worse, 
 when they may become attractions to allure the 
 warlike and the brave. The enemy of our race yet 
 hovers on the frontiers, baffled but not destroyed ; 
 but I forget when I speak to such a sage, who 
 needs can teach. What say your friends the priests 
 on public things ?"* 
 
 ' They, Sabacon, happy in choice and practice, 
 trace the book of knowledge, ever open in fair 
 nature; they look to the azure vault, shining in 
 heavenly calmness and repose, to read the stars, 
 and elevate their thoughts above this worldly scene. 
 Such attainments,' sighed Rameses, ' are indeed my 
 envy.'' 
 
 ' Oh, modest disciple of the great priest Phriti- 
 phanes, slander not thus thy master, who reads in- 
 deed the stars, but lives for better things than 
 future hopes; and with his altar-rites contrives to 
 move at will the schemes and worldly plans of 
 Mizraim's state. Fie, fie upon thy dulness: re-
 
 10 RAMESES. 
 
 collect the epoch lately past, when the deceased 
 Apis^ left this mighty land without its god.' 
 
 ' Well, Sabacon, and what canst thou infer ? — 
 were not anxious cares felt from daily unsuccessful 
 search, prosecuted with the deepest thought and 
 intense ardor ? — were not the exhortations of my 
 revered instructor sent day and night throughout 
 the land, to mark the auspicious birth of the re- 
 newed and youthful god ?' 
 
 ' In truth no wonder ; for thou knowest nine 
 months and more passed by, and Memphis was still 
 deserted, ere the impatient priests could fix upon the 
 much-wanted and mysterious successor to the sacred 
 animal. Meantime their own rule was suffering; 
 yes, Rameses ! getting into jeopardy : for Mizraim, 
 gloomy Mizraim drooped and trembled : our cities 
 shook with dread, and hollow murmurs, as of storms 
 and change, spread round from town to town, and 
 no one knew their authors ; yet, at this instant, in the 
 lowering north are those whose swords could help 
 the guess.' 
 
 ' Well, Sabacon, what inference flows from this ? 
 Surely j'llamcsesquickly dcmandti, * surely you doubt 
 not ? You question not that the ray of the moon, 
 of Isis queen of night, shed from her sparkling 
 crescent the impregnate beam — these marks divine, 
 which show the embodied jjod ?' 
 
 ' Indeed, brother })riest, as thou seemest, I shall 
 merely say, your friends should have looked sharper
 
 IIAMESES. 1 1 
 
 for a successor, ere they drowned" their ancient 
 deity : but, in very truth, become torpid in age, 
 enfeebled in auguries, he seems best disposed of in 
 his pyramidal sanctuary — embalmed, and shrined 
 in his beauteous tomb.* 
 
 ' Peace, Sabacon ; it is a tomb most fit for the 
 lifeless form once animate with essence so sacred 
 and divine, qualities now marked by sculptors in 
 the hieralphic symbols covering his baris. But 
 why name with taunts a mystic death which issued 
 forth,' and as Rameses spoke his eyes sparkled with 
 the liveliest animation, ' which led to scenes so 
 brio-ht as shone on grateful IVIizraim when the hea- 
 venly visitant was owned and was brought to ]Mem- 
 phis ? Hast thou forgot the accumulated myriads, 
 the air resounding with their shouts, while the mul- 
 titude bore him onward on the sacred stream ; the 
 papyrine vessels, the gilded barges following ; our- 
 selves rejoicing, and all with shouts and sounds of 
 joy attesting the miglity rule of Mizraim's god? 
 Beware, Sabacon, beware of entertaining doubts or 
 jealousy of those whose high attendance on the gods 
 draw down their favour, and whose knowledge ex- 
 tracts the enlightening ray which aids our mortal 
 intellect ! Ignorantly bound down to this low sphere, 
 what were our race? To the priests, and their 
 mystic books, Mizraira owes every art which makes 
 her shine resplendent among nations, every secret 
 which lifts her sages to the skies !'
 
 12 RAMESES. 
 
 * Very true, Ramcses, and unquestionable, but 
 rely upon it, the sword must yet be drawn. Whe- 
 ther you are revolving to meet the storm by nerve 
 of arm or priestly supplications, I know not ; but 
 Sabacon casts his die at once upon the bloody field : 
 there, neither my father's fame, nor glories of my 
 ancestors, shall dim the triumphs I aspire to 
 wm ! 
 
 ' Sabacon, may the god of armies grant you all 
 you wish ! Me not the blood-stained trophy dazzles, 
 or the glare of high ambition ! For my country, 
 if in danger, not even yourself should dare the ex- 
 tremes of death more fearless or undaunted ; but 
 far rather would I seek in wisdom''s book the truths 
 of nature''s laws ; how these same shining stars per- 
 form their course, and shed their beaming influence 
 on unthinking man; how the plants disseminate 
 their germs and offer secret symbols, known only 
 to the good and wise ; how nature's animals '^, the 
 most minute and coarse, yet all partake a ray di- 
 vine, which in its hue and change often lends a cha- 
 racter of sacred import, and illustrates the hiero- 
 glyphic store. These would 1 draw in and graft' 
 upon my eager sj)irit, that when disembodied from 
 its fleshly, mortal partner, when the frame en- 
 shrining its livelier associate parts from life, I may 
 commix^ my being with the bright splendors of 
 Osiris's beams V 
 
 ^ Take, llameses, your choice ; cross not my
 
 IIAMESES. 13 
 
 paili, and feel assured I never rival your mysterious 
 lore. But, Rameses, did you not hint, some new 
 and wonderful display awaited us, not known to 
 any of our present raee, or for some centuries past, 
 — some celestial stranger, that at long intervals re- 
 visits this his favourite spot ?*■ 
 
 ' You awaken feelings,' replied his brother, 
 ' strongly allied to those portentous signs you dwelt 
 so scornfully on just now, — the portent which the 
 sages trace within their sacred hermaic books is 
 the Phcenix^ which comes to earth from the great 
 orb, the sun, shining in ethereal brightness, — this 
 sacred bird passes five centuries near his flaming 
 course, nor is once seen to light on earth, or breathe 
 its grosser air ; but when the awful cycle has re- 
 volved, which measures off so great a part of earth''s 
 progressive course, the heavenly visitant prepares 
 to recreate again its radiant form ; and now pre- 
 sages of celestial character indicate a change : and 
 the star of Egypt, sparkling Sirius, leading on the 
 inundation, which, as a cornucopia, now pours 
 plenty round us, also displays some Avarning ema- 
 nations, which are deemed the signs of this rare 
 symbolic stranger : — should these speak truly, soon 
 will heavenly odours, sweeter than all the spices and 
 Sabaean perfumes of Arabia's groves, breathe in the 
 air ; and flashes of intense and dazzling light shine 
 on the temple and altar of the revered and mighty ! 
 on the protecting deity of Heliopolis, the creator
 
 14 R AMESES. 
 
 of the world ! herein, on his altar, in eager haste, 
 the brilliant bird will then prepare his odorous 
 nest, which a self-shot beam from heaven instantly in- 
 flames ; spreading her splendid plumes, the bird will 
 then repose amid the circling blaze, while har- 
 monious sounds are floating with celestial fragrance 
 all around ! and as the pure element reduces its 
 material form to ashes, a cloud of sweets, as in- 
 cense, will steam upward to the sky, hiding the 
 mysterious change performing on its burnished 
 form, until emerging from the bright embers, the 
 renewed and vigorous Phoenix towering in pi'ide, 
 is strengdiened to regain its native skies, and shines 
 in all the beauty of its youthful form ! The her- 
 maic pillars, these records of the past, show the visit 
 of the Phccnix, once every five hundred years, to 
 be all important on the destinies of our country ; 
 and the priests now weigh with solemn caution the 
 stellar auguries for our weal or woe. When last 
 this awful bird soared to our kingdom, Mizraim, 
 they report, was the queen of Earth ! She now 
 again regains this glorious height, or sinks the 
 lowest in the Eastern world — the slave of her 
 oppressors. Oh, Sabacon, boast not thy arm of 
 strength I but when our country seems thus hang- 
 ing in the dubious scales of great Osiris, her heavy 
 crimes of dull forgetfulncss foi- heavenly favours — 
 debasing luxury and vice loading her adverse 
 beam, 1 so speak the pensive priests, add not your
 
 RAMESES. 15 
 
 presumption to its weight, but breathe the self- 
 subduing prayer to him, who, in this glorious bird, 
 this type of great all-renovating nature, calls on us 
 to seek his altars, and to trust his power!' 
 
 * Rameses, pray you,' was Sabacon's angry re- 
 joinder ; ' I scorn not Apis, nor disdain the rites 
 of great Osiris ! but the state has enough of those 
 who seek their defence and safety in the tutelary 
 care of others. — My arm be mine. Enough from 
 Bocchoris I have learnt of our eastern enemies to 
 judge that strength aud courage are our best 
 auxiliaries.' 
 
 A sigh came from the recess of the pavilion which 
 instantly drew the eyes of the brothers thither ; but 
 nothing was perceptible, save the sculptured form 
 of Osiris with his crook and scourge; his deep blue 
 visage, more darkened by the shade of a projecting 
 column, and the severe dignity of his aspect suited 
 to the heavenly supremacy of the god, and as if 
 frowniuiTon the bold recklessness of Sabacon. Turn- 
 ing to Athor, who had watched in meditative silence 
 the two brothers, they perceived by his saddened 
 look that the sounds had burst from his well-ex- 
 perienced soul, on viewing the germs of disunion 
 and jealousy thus early budding in a brother's heart. 
 Ere any explanation could occur of an involuntary 
 mark of sadness, a presage of the future ; a splen- 
 did galley decked with the ensigns of royalty, and 
 sweet strains of the sistrum's music floating around, 
 bearing on its prow"* the carved symbol of the mystic
 
 16 RAMESES. 
 
 serpent, and on the stern the head of Pthah or 
 Ammon, striped with blue and gold, and decked 
 with streamers, stopt at the granite steps which 
 wound downward to the river. It was descending 
 the Nile on a special mission to the brothers from 
 the imperial Thebes, where the king Amenophis 
 and the nobles of the laud, passing the vernal sea- 
 son of the spring, had celebrated the sacred feast, 
 the festival of nature, at this great revolving season 
 of delights, with the rites of Egypt's God. These 
 joyous days throughout the East are most sacred, 
 especially in Egypt. Here all conspires to fill the 
 measure of pleasure. The gods proclaim aloud, ' all 
 earth rejoice.' The ground, covered with genial 
 waters, is absorbing that all generative plastic fat- 
 ness, which, as in creation, renews its strength and 
 powers prolific to clothe her fields with smiling ver- 
 dure, and pour forth fruits a hundred fold : here man 
 breathes in peace and hope, relieved from labour 
 and from care : kind mother earth, as a generous 
 parent, saves him all his toil, and leaves him free to 
 indulge his fill of joy, and trust her future bounty. 
 Hence, these days, during the inundation, present 
 throughout the land, the high and low, the peasant 
 as well as prince, the slave as well as master, all 
 rejoicing in full tide of pleasure. These now had 
 passed, but they also, in compliance with the temper 
 and wish of their sovereign, held in his courts the 
 feastings following the great Nile's increase:— 
 gliding on the waters, with swift and easy mo-
 
 RAMESES. 17 
 
 tion, breathing harmonious sounds, the rowers soon 
 reached the bank, and brought letters to the brothers. 
 One from their father, Sosis, urged their instant ap- 
 pearance at Thebes, enjoining, that at night they 
 were to take their equipages and mount the Nile. 
 They were also warned to prepare their minds to 
 enter on the manly paths of life, as duties might arise 
 suited to their respective parts and talents. Sabacon's 
 heart beat high at this intimation. Once freed from 
 restraint, and his soul enlarged to its pitch of energy, 
 he doubted not distinguishing himself in arms, which 
 was his darling aim. He had a short and myste- 
 rious scroll also from Bocchoris, a friend and as- 
 sociate, which pointed at some difficulty or danger 
 hanging over the future; but whether directed to- 
 ward himself, or impending on the land, was not 
 explained : and so elastic are the hopes of youth, 
 so presumptuous its plans, that Sabacon scarcely 
 deigned to give a thought to its contents. He knew 
 that he should lose the trammels of paternal rule ; 
 that he should have no other monitor than a bold 
 aspiring heart and willing hand : that power and 
 riches would attend upon his steps; and glory and 
 enjoyment he doubted not would to the full crown 
 all his days : aspiring in his thoughts, precipitate in 
 his resolves, sanguine and determined, he prepared 
 to bid farewell to a home which had been, indeed, a 
 residence of paternal wisdom, kindness, and affection : 
 wherein no labour entered, and no voice was heard, 
 
 VOL. I. c
 
 18 RAMESES. 
 
 but the easy lessons of experience taught by love ; 
 no toil or care but the sober dictates of philosopliy 
 for instruction and mental and bodily culture : no 
 cares ever intruded which the father's eye did not 
 watch, and his hand remove. Nature had done her 
 part ; but while the form was noble, the seeds under- 
 neath were rife with bold and portentous passions, 
 deep and latent, but only awaiting circumstances to 
 call them forth with all the whirlwind's rage. 
 
 Rameses had a despatch from the sacred Phriti- 
 phanes, couched in the following most impressive 
 lines : 
 
 « To Rameses : — He who sighs to seek on earth 
 the bright awards of Heaven's wise decrees ! to be 
 the son of virtue, and for her own reward to obey 
 her heavenly voice : who, dead to insatiable ambi- 
 tion's claims, her pride and power, would sublimely 
 seek the Initiati's crown— soon, too soon, he may 
 perceive the path open, which courts his resolute and 
 steady step; but ere the last resolve is made, or 
 the portal of the awful gods opens to the aspirant 
 for initiate mysteries, and the searching appeal is 
 put on record, wherein to fail is — death, think, 
 Rameses ! beloved youth ! think well upon the tests, 
 and deep resolve ; but, if thy mind is firm to yield 
 the world for this great prize, to accept of every 
 trial, danger — death itself — for the sole approval of 
 a heart sincere, and true to Wisdom's call — then
 
 II AMESES. 19 
 
 bo bold — be doubly bold — and soon the mystic 
 scenes, and wonders most ineffable, shall court 
 your daring. Come to our palace ! the king is 
 steeped in joy ! here pleasures revel ! the temples 
 are crowded ! As yet the horizon betrays not the 
 darkling and purple vapour which proclaims the 
 hurricane; but no more. Court Sabacon's fraternal 
 love — beware of brothers' strife. Health, peace, 
 prosperity, be yours. 
 
 ' Phritiphanes.' 
 
 With these despatches was announced the plea- 
 sure of Amcnophis, sovereign of Egypt, that they 
 should instantly attend the celebration of the great 
 Isiac pomp within the stupendous halls of Thebes. 
 The faithful Athor was directed to arrange for their 
 departure; and hastening to their apartments, the 
 necessary preparations for this great change in their 
 lives occupied some days, during which the inun- 
 dating waters rapidly retired. The courts swarmed 
 with domestics, arranging the war habiliments; the 
 quilted tunics ; their quivers embossed with gems ; 
 the bright falchions and accoutrements of. war. 
 AVith eager joy Sabacon looked on, and grasped 
 the shining sword, half drew it forth, and his eye 
 sparkled in its polished beams as he in fancy 
 wielded it in the field of death. During this })criod 
 Ramescs, thoughtful and reflective, pondered the 
 words ol' rhritiphancs ; the presages of the times ;
 
 20 RAMESES. 
 
 and deeply fixed his inmost thoughts on becoming 
 one of the aspirants for the holy rites and mysteries. 
 Athor, silent and watchful, hastened the prepara- 
 tions ; as well versed in his native band's recources, 
 he saw the indications of a fierce and bloody inva- 
 sion upon Egyp^s enervate sons, and decided to de- 
 vote his energies and powers to his patron's house. 
 Long had he strengthened and laid deep the secret 
 correspondence, and those ties of intercourse which 
 hitherto, through the subordinate channels of Mem- 
 phis's numerous citizens, had enabled him to watch 
 his kindred PaUic lineage, the most deadly enemies 
 to Egypt's power, and despisers of her gods ; they 
 longed to occupy again her fertile fields, and all the 
 towns still, harboured numerous obscure, but bold 
 and daring individuals of this race, now mixed and 
 intermingled among the myriads of the Mizraimites ; 
 they, however, still preserved an active but ujiseen 
 communication with their expelled and vanquished 
 brethren now in Auaris and the chpsen land, and as 
 the means of intercourse were dangerous and highly 
 difficult, they necessarily veiled them in hieroglyphic 
 symbols and signs; but Athor, taught their forms 
 with acuteness most unerring, had possessed himself 
 of every character and watched the growing signs of 
 war ; these manifestations and plans as yet only re- 
 vealed to him the danger without the mean^ of un- 
 ravelling the clue. Anxious therefore for the present, 
 and dreading the future, devoted to Sosis and his
 
 RAMESES. 21 
 
 race, Athor prepared for the exchange to Thebes and 
 its proud court with an anxious and perturbed heart. 
 The heats had abated ; and as the sun sat in majestic 
 glor}', the breezes from the Nile arose grateful and 
 cooling ; the music resounded upon its waters ; the 
 bright star of Egypt, auspicious Sirius, sparkled with 
 heavenly radiance, when the barges prepared, Saba- 
 con and Rameses, with a train of followers, their five 
 augurs bearing the holy shrine of Osiris — ' the god 
 seated upon the mystic pyramid ;' — the holy scara- 
 bees and women attendants ; the banners of the Sosis 
 race borne by slaves, all embarked with martial 
 sounds. The oars dashed in the waters as the vessels 
 left the banks : the bright splendors of Memphis 
 soon sunk in the distance, and amid the silence of the 
 night, under the canopy of the heavenly fires, the 
 barges proceeded swiftly up the sacred stream.
 
 il2 llAMKSES. 
 
 BOOK II. 
 
 , Argument: 
 
 The character and person of Amenophis ilescribed ; his par- 
 ticular devotion to the sacerdotal class and sacred shrines ; 
 the influence and wisdom of the chief priest, Phritiphanes, 
 the head of the priesthood. — His predilection for, and in- 
 struction of Rameses, the youngest son of Sosis. The dan- 
 gers threatening Egypt from the Pallic forces assembled 
 on the Arabian frontier of Aouara. — The queen Saptha, 
 and Nitocris, daughter of Phritiphanes, described ; they 
 are all assembled with the chief nobles of Egypt at 
 Thebes engaged in festivities. — The brothers, ascending 
 the Nile, arc surprised by the portent of a locust, which 
 particularly designating the future "glory of Rameses, 
 becomes an object of jealousy and umbrage to his elder 
 brother, Sabacon. — They enter Thebes at the break of day. 
 
 \ 
 Egypt was at this time govcnied by Amenophis, /j 
 of tlie DiospoUtan race ; he had held the reins of go- 
 vernment for nearly twenty years, and during this 
 long interval had indulged in the luxuries and en- 
 joyments of his palace, while the dangers and storms 
 I of war, which rolled along the frontiers of the king- 
 |. dom, had been under the guidance of his tried and 
 I faithful generals. Happily for Egypt, the stormy 
 and adverse period she was just emerging from, 
 i when Amenophis began to reign, had formed the I
 
 RAMESES. 23 
 
 statesmen and commanders who were the orna- 
 ments and bulwarks of the throne. Indolent in 
 habit, imbecile in purpose, one tie powerfully recom- 
 mended Amenophis to his faithful Mizraim, which 
 was his entire devotedness to the priesthood ; — by 
 the invariable customs of the kingdom, himself ad- 
 mitted to its hicrhest ceremonies. The altars of 
 Apis and of Mnevis blazed with hecatombs. The 
 hawks, the bright emanations of Osiris, were at- 
 tended by watchful courses of attendant priests; 
 and all the numerous divinities of the land, the 
 fish of Latopolis, the crocodile of Ombos, the eagle 
 and ram of Thebes, the bear of Papremis, and sacred 
 Aspic Cneph, alike partook of his votive splendor 
 and his cares. 
 
 In the long era preceding the reigns of his two 
 predecessors, the Mizraimites, after a most bloody 
 struggle, had expelled their cruel enemies, the pas- 
 toral dynasty, from their fields ; but they still oc- 
 cupied an advantageous position on their northern 
 frontier, and hung like a dark cloud upon their 
 land. Accustomed, during the long and grievous 
 period that Egypt had been held in slavery during 
 the former conquest of their country, to have their 
 gods abused and slaughtered, their rites proscribed 
 and despised, their temples defaced and closed, 
 the Egyptian race viewed with rapturous joy the 
 devotion of Amenophis ; and as the recoil of the 
 bow is proiwrtioncd to the strain and pressure
 
 34 RAMESF.S. 
 
 which bends it, so they rushed with eager and re- 
 doubled ardour to their restored and gUttering 
 temples. 
 
 The reigns of Egyptus and Armais, the prede- 
 cessors of Amenophis, had been passed in active 
 and unceasing wars, which left them no leisure to 
 repair the ruined fanes. But while the cares of go- 
 vernment were left unattended to and neglected, and 
 the safety of Egypt was confided to his generals, the 
 luxury and weakness of Amenophis were restricted 
 within his palaces, and became not the subject of 
 public observation and censure. A most serious 
 cause of solicitude had long disturbed the minds of 
 his subjects, and given him a further claim on their 
 forbearance ; for he was the last of the race of the 
 Pharaohs, whom they revered as next to the gods 
 in power and sanctity. Now, however, after eigh- 
 teen years of disappointed hopes, his queen had 
 borne him a son, an event which strengthened his 
 throne, and rendered his rule more popular to his 
 subjects, who had long despaired of such an au- 
 spicious event. The sacred priesthood, constant 
 and grateful for his favours, had formed no incon- 
 siderable means of securing the tranquillity of the 
 luxurious reign of Amenophis : possessing an un- 
 bounded ascendency over the multitude, being the 
 depositories of all the wisdom of Egypt, and the 
 guardians of her gods, the wise expounders of her 
 laws, they necessarily formed the most efTcctivc and
 
 RAMESES. 25 
 
 powerful class of her entire polity. Indeed, so 
 great was their sanctity and ascendency, that the 
 monarch became, on his accession, always invested 
 with the ceremonies and sanctity of their order by 
 an express initiation. At the head of this powerful 
 class was the venerable and profoundly gifted sage 
 Phritiphanes,now bending under the weight of years, 
 but his mind survived the work of time, and bright- 
 ened as its career drew near its close ; his long and 
 arduous term of nearly seventy summers had seen 
 many changes and awful trials ; deeply versed in the 
 mysteries and doctrines of Egypt's wisdom, all na- 
 ture's laws lay open to his eye, and graven in his 
 heart, the veil which hung upon her sacred hierogly- 
 phic symbols to his spirit was withdrawn, and he con- 
 versed with wisdom in its pure etherial form ; and 
 although living amid the world, its cares and changes 
 moved not his stable purpose. He had contemplated 
 in her annals Egypt prostrate, her king a fugitive, 
 her gods destroyed, and he had lived within the re- 
 trospect of much of the horrors attendant on such 
 scenes ; now he viewed her restoration to her native 
 sovereign'*s race ; her temples opened, and her gods 
 therein enshrined : gathering prudence and know- 
 ledge from every passing day, a profound observer 
 of nature, and a keen reader of the human heart, 
 the constant daily access which his sacred office gave 
 him to the presence of Amenophis was highly be- 
 neficial to his country, and important to the sove-
 
 26 llAMESES. 
 
 reign, by the counsels which he thereby was en- 
 abled to influence and mature. His figure was 
 inclining to be tall, and appeared worn and bent by 
 exercises of the mind, rather than by age; thin 
 and emaciated by severe abstinence, and habits of 
 intense and abstruse thought, his whole aspect and 
 appearance was that of a sage, while the imposing 
 features of wisdom and knowledge came softened to 
 the beholder by a benignity and mildness which ir- 
 radiated every line of his character ; deeply sensible 
 of the emptiness of worldly objects, accustomed to 
 contemplate the world unseen as close at hand, con- 
 versing by the mysterious agency of thought with 
 pure intelligences, he already contemplated his fel- 
 low man, as a superior being does the object of his 
 tender solicitude and interest ; as one whose hopes 
 and views are belonging to a sphere below him, 
 which, however, he pities and loves. The pros- 
 perity of his country, of Egypt, the repository of 
 learning, the bright luminary of science, his heart 
 clung to with more than patriotic love, as it also 
 included the restoration of her altars and gods, 
 achieved, together with her deliverance from the 
 Pallic enemies; his judgment clear, calm, and de- 
 cisive, his firmness immoveable, he had not only 
 the greatest weight in Egypt's councils from his 
 high situation, but equally so from his commanding 
 talents; to this also must be added the influence of 
 the vast hierarchy of Mizraim, at the head of whicli
 
 11 AMESES. 37 
 
 he stood ; throughout lier cities they all presided over 
 her several temples, and ranked before the military 
 governors ; possessing the immense contributions of 
 their worshippers, they added great riches to the 
 weiffht their knowledge conferred and associated with 
 their ostensible situation. They chiefly cultivated the 
 sciences; that of astronomy, as connected with the se- 
 crets of the stars in their courses, wholly appertained 
 to their order; and they entirely furnished those 
 bright supplies of intellectual vigour and intelligence, 
 which, as much as the pictorial hieroglyphic secrets 
 contained within its walls, enabled the great sove- 
 reigns of Memphis to declare their college * the 
 Medicine for the Mind ^^' Added to these extraor- 
 dinary advantages, acknowledged by all the neigh- 
 bouring kingdoms resorting to their schools, they 
 were bound to each other by peculiar ties, for all in 
 greater or lesser degrees were initiati of the great 
 Osiric rites, the head and supreme of which was the 
 venerable Hierophant Phritiphanes himself. Un- 
 derneath not only Memphis, but also great Thebes, 
 and all the principal nomes, stretched far and wide 
 the secret or subterranean passages; which, without 
 a movement being seen or known by the population 
 of Egypt, placed all her temples and her mighty 
 capitals under the access and control of those among 
 the priesthood to whom their winding mazes were 
 developed. The roots of all these thousand laby- 
 rinthine avenues to Egypt's mystic wonders termi-
 
 28 RAMESES. 
 
 nate in three points or centres, whence the radii 
 diverge, apparently to an endless inextricable maze, 
 but regulated (when the master key was known) by 
 the nicest geometric skill and wise precision. These 
 three important centres exist * in the Memnonian 
 plain the Thebaide temple of the mysteries ;' ' the 
 sacred lake of Moeris, and the labyrinth of the lower 
 districts ;' and ' mighty Memphis with her pyramids, 
 as the heart, occupying the middle and the important 
 central point.' With Phritiphanes ^^ as chief, Tarcos 
 and Smendis ruled these great and invisible regions 
 of the mysteries. Tarcos, an Ethiopian sage, con- 
 trolled the Theban nome ; Smendis, a Tanite, ruled 
 over the Sabannitic nome ^^ ; while Phritiphanes, 
 supreme by his superior wisdom and his enlightened 
 views, presided over all the sacred band. The 
 princes of Mizraim were numerous and greatly 
 distinguished ; but Sosis, the father of Sabacon and 
 Rameses, had acquired the same pre-eminence over 
 her armies which Phritiphanes possessed over her 
 councils ; looking up with reverence to his wisdom, 
 and submissive to the Osiric faith, one heart and 
 voice had long united them. From this harmony, 
 which adversity in former years had strengthened, 
 a mutual knowledge of each other had led to the 
 introduction of the sons of Sosis to these divine 
 privileges, rarely vouchsafed unto the warrior class. 
 Sabacon, impatient of constraint, averse to curb his 
 passions, in truth, had long thrown off the guidance
 
 RAMESES. 29 
 
 of the sage; but in Ramescs he found the ready 
 will and ardent mind : hence he had led his under- 
 standing through the train of symbols and of ima- 
 gery up to the bright immortal essence of all know- 
 ledge ; implanting principles of heavenly character, 
 fortitude unshaken, hope unquenchable, contempt 
 of pain and death, and trust in great Osiris ; he had 
 opened to him the book of wisdom undisguised, and 
 led his youthful mind through nature's secrets and 
 her awful laws ; nothing to him was prodigy, for all 
 was wonderful alike : nature establishing her claims 
 towonder, in the minutest atom. He taught that here 
 the essences and principles of things were not to be 
 completely known; some few of nature's marvellous 
 effects, some sacred observations, made in golden 
 years in the primreval ^* days of innocence and peace, 
 graven on the hermaic pillars, and shown to the 
 chosen few, Rameses eagerly acquired, and hence- 
 forth panted for the scenes of bright reality, when all 
 would be unveiled, — as life itself at times seemed 
 only as a prison hiding nature's wonders : with this 
 peculiar frame of thought, the sage so well had 
 mingled exhortations of the many claims of social 
 life, so well had tempered love of country and his 
 fellow man, he had so fully taught the great im- 
 portant lesson, ' man is not made to seek his good 
 alone, but to promote the good of all,' that ' a 
 prize so great as wisdom, her secrets shown without 
 a veil, her bright attainments secured, and without
 
 80 IIAMESES. 
 
 change, cannot be gained without a mighty conquest 
 of ourselves ;' that Rameses felt prepared to yield 
 himself to any lot, and think no toil or danger of the 
 smallest weight, so that it gained for him the suf- 
 frage of the guide, the revered counsellor of his 
 days. 
 
 Anienophis, his queen, and court, now held their 
 rejoicings in the temples and palaces of Thebes. 
 This monarch had passed his twenty years of reign 
 in varying his residences from imperial Thebes, to 
 Memphis, and to Sais, as the seasons, his inclina- 
 tions, or the disturbance of war impelled him. 
 Great part of its course had been agitated by the 
 constant enemies of his race and throne, the expelled 
 Palli, who formerly so tyrannized over Egypt ; for, 
 although they iiad been finally overcome, and 
 by his ancestors' energy had been expelled from 
 Auaris, they still lingered on the borders of the 
 northern Arabian desert ; and report for a long 
 time spoke of powerful states and auxiliaries strength- 
 ening their bands from these regions, hilly and 
 mountainous, strong by nature and by art, which, 
 taking their title of Palestine, formed a refuge for 
 their bands, and whence they had stretched on to the 
 mighty river Euphrates : here tiiey met with kindred 
 forces, and recent accounts from the borders declared 
 that their warlike race had spread even to Babylon. 
 Amenophis, indolent and supine, contented himself 
 with rea])ing the benefits of the peace arising from
 
 RAMESES. 31 
 
 driving forth their armies, and left the numerous 
 population of the cities untouched and vmexpelled. 
 Thus, although Egypt was cleared of the armies 
 of the Palli, her principal cities swarmed with ene- 
 mies, filled with hatred to the native Mizraim, from 
 their being conquerors and expellers of their bre- 
 thren ; and feeling contempt for their gods, as de- 
 grading associations of the sublime principle of the 
 great deity. Ready, therefore, instantly to join 
 any new attack by their countrymen, the seeds of a 
 future war, most bloody and obstinate, existed in 
 full force. Upon her southern frontier, towards 
 Ethiopia, Egypt felt secure, and free from danger. 
 Tirhakah, king of Ethiopia, and his ancestors, 
 though the descendants of the pastoral race, and 
 professing their faith, yet having been kindly asso- 
 ciated with the prosperity of Egypt by all the Miz- 
 raim sovereigns, had insensibly linked themselves 
 to the Pharaohs, becoming their firm and fixed ally ; 
 and a friendship, the growth of three centuries, 
 with the aid of mutual intercourse and friendly com- 
 mercial ties, ratified their union, influencing the king- 
 dom and the sovereign to cultivate a close alliance 
 with the Mizraim. Amenophis, stronger to bind the 
 tie, took to wife Saptha, of the Ethiopic race ; and an 
 important bond was formed in the perfect conformity 
 of the Ethiopian deity of Mercie with the great 
 Ammon worshipped at Thebes, whose shrine and 
 priests were yearly seen to move in sacred visit to
 
 S2 IIAMF.SES. 
 
 the Ethiopian temple with joy and great feastings. 
 These ties were strengthened by the birth of Mes- 
 senes, son of Amenophis and of Saptha, a blessing 
 which was viewed as the peculiar favour of the 
 mighty goddess of Elythias, to whom Amenophis 
 had just recently sacrificed some Paliic captives. 
 The tidings of this cruelty had been, however, in- 
 stantly conveyed by their brethren in the Thebaide 
 to the encampments on the borders, and latterly 
 their renewed movements and gathering forces had 
 excited a strong sensation throughout the kingdom ; 
 but Amenophis, easily reconciled to whatever ap- 
 peared distant, and intoxicated with joy at the pos- 
 session of an heir born to his throne, had solely en- 
 gaged his thoughts in passing the usual festivities in 
 splendor and rejoicing, and presenting his queen 
 and infant heir to his court. 
 
 Phritiphanes latterly had been much absent from 
 the monarch and from Memphis, but disguising his 
 journey under the colourof beingrequired to regulate 
 the marvellous and magnificent establishment of 
 the labyrinth ; he had, in fact, the arduous point in 
 view of fathoming the prospects and intentions of 
 his country's foes. It was in this period that the 
 Ethiopian llierarch Tarcos, whose bent of mind and 
 whole intentions breathed of blood, instigated the 
 weak and yielding Amenophis to the tremendous 
 human immolation, which Phritiphanes, from his 
 milder nature, would have prevented.
 
 RAMESES. 83 
 
 Saptha, although queen, had hitherto shown little 
 indication of the talents she in reality possessed : 
 kept in restrictions by the laws, and undistinguished 
 by never having borne issue to the throne, she cul- 
 tivated wisely those qualities which should in the 
 interior of his palace preserve her ascendency over 
 her weak partner; but now become a mother, and 
 about to leave the recesses of the palace to partake 
 of the royal feastings, her rising importance brought 
 daily into view mental qualities and claims of the 
 most decisive character. 
 
 Having acquired the information so essential for 
 Egypt, on returning to the court, Phritiphanes soon 
 saw the necessity of ascertaining the genuine views 
 and wishes of the queen, whose part in the eventful 
 crisis which he knew was drawing rapidly onward 
 might be most important; under the plea therefore 
 of honouring in the highest manner the approaching 
 solemnities, and the queen''s appearance to her sub- 
 jects, he opportunely introduced about her person a 
 being formed to engage her affections, and ascertain 
 and regulate her desires : this was his only child, 
 his daughter Nitocris. In thus brinijino; her for- 
 ward from his sacred roof, and placing her pure 
 and refined mind in contact with the splendor of 
 the court, he listened to the love of country in the 
 highest sense ; for if in this terrestrial scene of 
 change any allui'ements either of fear or joy could 
 move or sway the heart of Phritiphanes, through 
 
 VOL. I. D
 
 34 RAMESES. 
 
 Nitrocis alone they could approach him. Expanding 
 as the beauteous lotos flower, and equally pure and 
 radiant, she shone in every quality that decks the 
 feminine mind ; gracious, yet retiring, her gestures 
 and her air appeared to shrink even from the zephyr's 
 touch; but on the expressive ivory brow was marked 
 a firm decisiveness of energy that could control the 
 weaker qualities of sex ; her eyes that beamed with 
 intellectual fire were shaded by a modesty that tem- 
 pered their extreme brilliancy of character ; before 
 she spoke the varying shades and hues of thought 
 declared the sentiments and feelings of a mind re- 
 plete with every grace; her mouth, while it dis- 
 closed teeth of pearly whiteness, had also a charm 
 of interest that fixed the assenting will of every one 
 who heard her softened and harmonious accents: 
 thus highly adorned by nature, she owed no less to 
 the divine Isis her protectress, for her great bounty, 
 in the rich stores of intellectual qualities which im- 
 planted deeply within, and improved, directed, and 
 strengthened by her sagacious watchful parent, had 
 matured a blossom of human growth to bear the 
 fruits of heavenly culture ; fruits destined amid 
 scenes of trial, sorrow, calamity, and death, to show 
 how the well poised spirit compensates for softness 
 of sex, and how the tempered soul supports and sus- 
 tains, to the highest point of mental energy, even the 
 yielding gentleness of all lovely woman. Such were 
 the principal persons to whom Thebes opened her
 
 cix 
 
 RAMESES. 95 
 
 hundred gates, as the shining pomp of Amcnophis' 
 train passed from palace to palace ; her vast halls 
 and colonnades were crowded with his courtiers, for 
 the rites were on the eve of beginning ; Phritiphanes, 
 with his band of priests, joining the state of great 
 Ammon, incircled his altars daily in his superb tem- 
 ple; preparations were making for the great ap- 
 proaching festivities, while the Nile on its banks re- 
 sounded with preparations and exhibitions of joy. 
 These splendid scenes occupied all ; as the sons of 
 Sosis were approaching the royal city. 
 
 The silence of night closed upon the train of the 
 brothers as they sailed up the stream ; the heavy 
 dews of the Nile descended around them ; and, save 
 the occasional sound of a tambour from the shore, 
 an indication of prolonged feasting, or the straggling 
 lights and murmurs of a town on the bank settling 
 into repose, nothing interrupted their deep and so- 
 lemn silence. The agitation of their Father's sum- 
 mons, with the fatigue and excitement of prepara- 
 tion, had kept the brothers long awake ; and the sun 
 was high in the horizon ere they left their couches 
 and renewed their notice of the festive garlands, the 
 ornamented towers, and swarming population of the 
 cities and temples they passed ; these vast and solid 
 piles, supported on their granite brackets, the gay 
 and floating banners, inscribed and marked with 
 great Osiris and Ilorus, their chosen deities; the cat 
 Elurus'^; the Isis vulture; and the lion of the Thc- 
 
 1) ^
 
 36 RAMESES. 
 
 baide; and all the symbolic deities of the towns 
 which they passed. 
 
 The sun beamed with fervid heat, and they were 
 retiring to their couches from the gay exhilarating 
 scene, when a sound rushing from the sky, with a 
 gloom overspreading the face of day, although the 
 blue cerulean expanse had not a cloud, proclaimed 
 the dreadful progress of a locust band, black, num- 
 berless, and destructive, soaring high in air, they 
 threatened ruin to the fields and country where they 
 settled ; but after hovering a short time in sight, and 
 alarming all the inhabitants of the Thebaide, bold 
 and active on the wing, they passed onward to the 
 Arabian desert in their flight: but, ere they vanished 
 from the brothers' view, a portent was vouchsafed, 
 which showed them to be winged messengers of 
 Osiris''s will. Amid the lagging stragglers of the 
 band, a hawk, high in the heavens, pounced in his 
 airy flight, and seized a straggling locust, then kept 
 wheeling around the foremost barge in airy circles 
 with loud screams; the augurs became fixed and pe- 
 netrated with amazement as they viewed his portent- 
 ous signs; while no less the brothers and Athor 
 gazed upon the mystic bird. A little space he seemed 
 to pause ; when, for a moment suspending his airy 
 course, he dropped the struggling insect immediately 
 upon the vest of llameses ; so gently loosened from 
 his talons that unhurt the locust crawled upward, 
 and settled on his brow; meantime, the bird, bright
 
 RAMESES. 37 
 
 emblem of Osiris, having thus performed his em- 
 bassy, soared upward to his solar beams, and soon 
 was lost to sight. 
 
 Rameses stood motionless, until, approaching with 
 much awe, the augur took the insect, examining at- 
 tentively his veined frontlet and wings, as the shades 
 and hues thereon evidently varied, and the counte- 
 nance of the priest changed far more. When Sa- 
 bacon, whose visage darkened into its deepest hue of 
 angry emotion, demanded what the augur saw, and 
 what this portent meant. With still silence, the 
 priest proceeded with the locust to the Ammonian 
 shrine, erected in the stern of the galley ^^, where 
 the bending beak of Pthah, wearing the ram's head, 
 curved inward; here stood the shrine of the god as 
 in a sanctuary: it consisted of a pyramidal ascent of 
 seven stages, crowned on the top with the sitting 
 figure of the deity, while in an arch over it curved 
 the symbol of the vessel. Here, calling his fellow 
 priest, they commenced their offerings of milk and 
 fruits, the] emblems of Mizraim ; and placing the 
 insect near, watched from its movements what fur- 
 ther auguries the god vouchsafed : if the insect sym- 
 bol strengthened, and the signs betokened power, 
 then they foresaw the most sinister presages. As 
 the rites required secrecy and seclusion, they for- 
 bade the approach of the brothers ; but while they 
 communed apart, the sluggish insect expanded its 
 wings, and, with determined purpose, lighted a mo-
 
 38 llAMESES. 
 
 ment again on Ranieses; a moment only, ere spread- 
 ing its gauzy web, it soared in air, and sought its 
 kindred bands. 
 
 The fiery passions of Sabacon, all alive and 
 anxious, watched with stern gaze the insect's flight. 
 Tortured to know the results of its portent to Ra- 
 meses, impatiently did he bear the suspense ere the 
 augurs left the shrine; and reluctantly did they 
 avow that the consequences were important, but 
 obscure. The flight of locusts betokened the enemy 
 now hovering on the borders of the land ; the hawk, 
 the emblem of the Egyptian kingdom, of which 
 Osiris is the great protector and the deity : the re- 
 lease of the locust from his talons clearly indicated 
 the danger hanging over Egypt, in showing they 
 would in battle survive her attack ; by its fall on 
 Rameses, as well as its mystic indications and radiant 
 signs ^' displayed on its wings, it was clear that the 
 hopes and preservation of his country were bound 
 up in him ; for he was Osiris' choice. The locust 
 twice fixing on him, proclaimed the same portent 
 would mark again some great and striking moment 
 in his future fate, but doubt and obscurity hung 
 over his destinies. Yet as the locust took wing, and 
 swiftly followed after his native band, the glory of 
 Rameses was clearly manifested, whatever were the 
 ultimate results to Mizraim's threatened land. 
 
 While this unwelcome visitation and augury was 
 delivering, who can describe the deep and violent
 
 RAMESES. 39 
 
 emotions which shook the frame of Sabaeon ? Envy 
 at the god's distinguished choice, hatred and con- 
 tempt that him he looked down upon as the phant 
 pupil of the priesthood's tutelage should thus be 
 marked for glory and pre-eminence even in the rank 
 he chose, filled him with rage. ' Why in him invert 
 the order of supremacy and rule ?' he rapidly and 
 vehemently exclaimed. ' Was he not first born ? — 
 The heir of grandeur and of power! — Should future 
 time, which saw his name eclipsed in that of Ra- 
 meses, suppose that he became a recreant, and was 
 unworthy of his native rank ? — Was his frame less 
 hardy, — his soul less firm and bold, — his arm less 
 powerful? — It could not be the God! — Ah ! what 
 if the crafty priests, to exalt their favourite and 
 minion, palm these common signs upon us, and 
 deceive the world !' These and a thousand other 
 tumultuous thoughts rushed through his tortured 
 fiery mind, and made a deep indelible impression. 
 The conviction that Rameses was, either by design 
 or heavenly choice, a rival in the warlike career he 
 had planned for himself, stung him to the very 
 quick ; but fancying a snare and foe in every being, 
 he instantly resolved to bury his suspicions, and at- 
 tentively to watch the proceedings of the priests, 
 whom he deemed his settled foes. Toward his bro- 
 ther, whatever were their parts in the portents, he 
 imbibed the seeds of a deep and determined hatred. 
 During the few minutes of these vivid sensations,
 
 40 RAMESES. 
 
 Rameses, with acountenance in which beamed ardour 
 and sublime confidence, spoke of himself solely as 
 of a destined instrument in the hands of the supreme 
 Osiris, to work his country's good. He, without 
 presumption or self-confidence, resigned himself, his 
 life and powers, to follow whatsoever path might 
 open to his energies ; then to his brother lie turned 
 with the tenderest solicitude, expressing his full trust 
 that his first essays in arms would be made under 
 his protection. 
 
 ' Rather let me sue for yours, great favourite of 
 the powers on high,' Sabacon replied with a bitter 
 smile ; but mastering his emotions, he returned his 
 brother's embrace, and, with affected calmness, en- 
 tered into the prospects of the country, and the 
 lovely scenes they had before their eyes. The Nile's 
 bounteous stream swelled to the rising hillocks ; its 
 banks were crowned by noble towns, flourishing 
 cities, and majestic temples, shining in their co- 
 lumned porticos, now distinguished amid the waters 
 rapidly retiring within their banks. As they floated 
 along, above the distant horizon peeped up the 
 mighty portico and jxjnderous columns of the sa- 
 cred temple of Hermopolis^^, crowned with striking 
 majesty of sculpture. This, and other sacred build- 
 ings, as they caught the eye, in their lofty height 
 and massive proportions, unfolding their character 
 of eternal duration connected with their striking 
 appearance, communicated a dignity and tone of
 
 RAMESES. 41 
 
 thought suited to the supreme deities. But the 
 brothers derived, through the medium of their re- 
 flections, very different results from tliese subhrae 
 objects. To Rameses they infused a bright ex- 
 pansive confidence of soul, ready and prepared to 
 sustain any trial, and to make any sacrifice the gods 
 could place upon him ; and brought into deep me- 
 ditation by the late circumstance, he was more fully 
 determined to unite himself wholly to the high 
 duties of the full initiation. To Sabacon the con- 
 templation of these edifices was inward agony, in- 
 terested, as he now considered them, to advance a 
 brother's renown, and to obscure and overshadow 
 bis own prospects. Occupied with these respective 
 trains of thought, the brothers passed the remaining 
 hours of the day, until the shadows of niglit closed 
 around them, in anticipations of the termination of 
 their journey ; for their course, which was unvaried 
 by any further incident, now brought them nearer 
 to the imperial Thebes, announcing itself by the in- 
 creased number of barges and vessels on the stream, 
 the prolonged songs of joy, and sounds of increased 
 numbers on the shores. The brothers had retired 
 to their repose ; but long ere day opened the portals 
 of the east, each reclining on his seat with his at- 
 tendant slave, the faithful Athor standing by their 
 side, the augurs clothed, encircling the Ammonian 
 shrine, awaited eagerly the approach of the bright 
 god of day. Through the dim grayness of the sky
 
 42 RAMESES. 
 
 was heard the hum of multitudes, as in deep and 
 solemn silence the oars scarce moving, the vessels 
 floated on ; when, in one moment, with an effect 
 electric, bright, dazzling, and pouring a flood of 
 light around, almost instantaneously the glorious 
 sun fixed its orb upon the full horizon ! It seemed 
 the approach of a god ; and every heart paid its ho- 
 mage to his beams. On either side of the stream, 
 spreading beyond the reach of sight^^^ lay mighty 
 Thebes, circling round the full scope of all the eye 
 could range ; here towered superb temples and pa- 
 laces, with obelisks rearing their lofty points towards 
 the sun, in whose honour they were formed : the 
 jiir waved with banners and streamers of the most 
 gorgeous descriptions: the kingly palace, high above 
 all adjacent piles, shone forth resplendent with the 
 burnished metals, gold and bronze : already could 
 be seen its portals wide expanded, crowded with 
 passing trains of courtiers. The waters of the Nile 
 equally swarmed with barges, boats, and numberless 
 multitudes: all earth appeared awake, alive, ex- 
 pressing only joy ! and thus they entered the mighty 
 Thebes.
 
 HAMESES. 43 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Thebes described.— The brothers Sabacon and Rameses are 
 taken to court. — The obelisks^, statues, and magnificent 
 peristyles of Luxor described. — The pomp of the king 
 Amenophis ; liis gracious reception of the sons of Sosis, 
 and promotion of Sabacon to a command. — They are sum- 
 moned to a midnight banquet in the halls of Karnak. — 
 Sabacon attached to Bocchoris, Rameses to Myris ; their 
 respective characters. — Communications of Myris respect- 
 ing the alarms and disquietude of the king;, who is plunged 
 in pleasures. — His intended erection of an obelisk. — Their 
 communing on the proposed initiation of Rameses. — Tlie 
 grand avenue from Luxor to Karnak of twelve hundred 
 sphinxes. — The stupendous hall of one hundred and thirty- 
 four columns ; its sculptures and riches described. — Meet- 
 ing of Rameses and I'hritiphanes. — The appearance of 
 Saptha, queen of Egypt, and of Nitocris, daughter of the 
 high-priest. 
 
 HaIl, majestic 20 Thebes ! whose wonders spread 
 over the wide expanse of the plain, extending from 
 the Nile to the Arabian chain on the east, and to 
 the sands of Libya on the west, containing the po- 
 pulation of a kingdom within its vast circuit ; and 
 enriching the world with a magnificence of archi- 
 tecture and display of wonders, each apparently the 
 work of an age. In every quarter of the metropolis 
 shine the splendors of the monarch's power and
 
 44 RAMESES. 
 
 greatness; and around its immense extent spread 
 the embattled walls and gateways of her great cir- 
 cumference. Here where the Nile flowing from the 
 south-east to the north-west, by a sudden turn re- 
 traces again its line of mighty waters, and taking a 
 circuitous sweep, majestically divides the splendid 
 capital ; lingering in its serpentine course, as if en- 
 amoured of its rich magnificence, and spreading from 
 side to side, from the eastern Arabian mountains to 
 the western Libyan chain, the tutelary river bathes 
 the paved quays and noble palaces of this royal 
 city, fining the entire valley of great Egypt. Its 
 whole circumference encircled numerous edifices of 
 grandeur, in its various quarters of Kedime, Kar- 
 nak, Luxor, on the east; and Habu, the Memno- 
 nium, and Gournou, on the west : in each quarter 
 was a splendid palace, adorned with sculptured rich- 
 ness, surrounded by the nobles' stately piles, and 
 innumerable citizens' abodes, of four and five stories, 
 planned in streets ; stretching in each division in their 
 radii to an imposing square, containing a sculptured 
 obelisk or colossal deity ; thus covering, with her my- 
 riads, the circumference of twelve leagues, Thebes 
 spread her power and greatness far around; while 
 the Nile supplied the various wants of such a mul- 
 titude, and bore also a population of numberless 
 thousands on its waters. Amid the wide and far 
 distant ken of her lengthened streets and squares, 
 the eye perceived the lofty towers and high pillared
 
 RAMESES. 46 
 
 porticos of the gods, as the architectural beauties of 
 this splendid city clearly unfolded themselves to 
 view ; the gilded symbols crowning the palaces and 
 temples shone countless in the sun, while the gate- 
 ways of the great edifices of the Memnonium, the 
 grand approach of Luxor and Karnak, of ancient 
 Gournou, and princely Habu seated on a high 
 towering mound, were marked by lines of groves 
 and trees; the Ai-abian hills spread in soft range 
 their summits ; but the Libyan western chain were 
 broken, craggy, and stern,, and their ascending 
 heights bore a funereal aspect, marked with lines 
 of sepulchres and grandly symboled caves. What 
 could be more touching than a valley swarming with 
 life, the great metropolis of this ancient land shining 
 with riches infinite and splendors unmatched, the 
 noise of their crowded streets floating far and wide 
 upon the glowing firmament; while overhanging 
 this stately show stood the eternal mountain, pierced 
 and marked on every side with superb ranges of the 
 tombs — the last abode of man — far more permanent 
 and important than the residence of the crowded 
 halls beneath, which are the successive patrimony of 
 his short-lived fleeting race. Upon the Arabian 
 banks, as if to welcome from the east the rising of the 
 glorious sun, appear the royal palaces, distinguished 
 by the solar obelisks elevated to his praise; here 
 Karnak and Luxor greet him in these splendid co- 
 lumns : while on the western banks, associated with
 
 46 RAMESES. 
 
 his setting splendors, solemn as the scene, immutable 
 as nature, are seated the grand and impressive colossi 
 of the plain, the Memnonium forms, as guardians of 
 these awful sepulchres, and alike partaking of their 
 sacred and associated character. This quarter is 
 among the chief wonders of the capital ; the fane of 
 Memnon, in its porticos and courts, equalling the 
 labyrinth in size and splendor ; while adjoining its 
 blazing roofs, as if to contrast the greatness of the 
 divinities of Mizraim with the proper humility of 
 man, appears the ancient royal palace of Gournou, 
 with its pillared avenues, marked throughout its ex- 
 tent by a simple and austere severity even to plain- 
 ness, yet still imposing and majestic. 
 
 Such was the metropolis which for the first time 
 opened to the admiring eyes of the youths thus called 
 to its walls. Hitherto secluded in their father's pa- 
 lace under their respective tutors, and pursuing 
 the exercises and studies which were a necessary 
 qualification for their future stations, they had never 
 left its paternal roof, except a sojourn often claimed 
 by the imj)atient Bocchoris, which had formed a 
 strong bond betwixt himself and Sabacon, two truly 
 kindred, fiery spirits. Not the sons of Sosis only 
 now visited Thebes, but to her myriads were added 
 the numerous visitors from all the different parts of 
 Egypt, attracted by curiosity, as well as by the 
 necessary duties to her sovereign. 
 
 The a})proach of the sons of Sosis was soon an-
 
 RAMESES. 47 
 
 nounced, and various galleys rowed off to meet them, 
 and conduct them to the right bank of the Nile, 
 where the residence of their parent stood ; it was 
 with difficulty their vessels penetrated the assembled 
 groups of boats, prepared against the approaching 
 exhibition on its waters, combining with feastings, 
 also a great display of midnight pageants to be given 
 on the Nile. Approaching the bank, they entered 
 their palace, and were most kindly and tenderly re- 
 ceived by the aged Sosis. The grandeur of form 
 and bold courage of Sabacon excited all the parent's 
 pride; while the manifest elevation of sentiment, 
 and sublime cast of character of Rameses drew forth 
 his paternal praises. As the young men retired to 
 prepare for their introduction to their sovereign, 
 Sosis was closeted with Athor, who detailed the 
 augury of the locust, and gently touched upon the 
 deep impression made thereby on Sabacon. Sosis 
 predisposed from the claims of primogeniture and 
 long wrought habits of thought to respect Sabacon 
 as his eldest born, and the heir of his house and his 
 grandeur, decided to efface the germ of jealousy by 
 the presentation which awaited him to his sovereign; 
 and thus the youths were directed to prepare to enter 
 his presence immediately. 
 
 The monarch resided with his favourite officers 
 and court in the spacious halls of his jialace of 
 Luxor, on the right bank of the Nile : and this vast 
 building shone forth in its full splendor. It was 
 nearly mid-day ere Sabacon and his brother pro-
 
 48 RAMESES. 
 
 ceeded thither. They were richly clothed in fine 
 white byssiis ^^ garments, fringed with the emblems 
 of their rank ; their heads, close shaven according to 
 ancient Egyptian usage, were encircled with a band 
 of gold; their belts were studded with precious 
 stones, which also encircling their arms, sparkled 
 amid the pure simplicity of their robes ; they each 
 wore a sword, short, wide, and double edged, the 
 scabbard and hilt richly embossed with gems. As 
 they proceeded toward the palace, the eyes of all 
 the spectators were closely riveted on the brothers, 
 who both of majestic deportment, and in the flower 
 of youth, displayed those graces of character pecu- 
 liar to its attractive season. Sabacon, commanding 
 in form, majestic in carriage, his eyes flashing with 
 animation as they were thrown around on the mul- 
 titudes, and on the extraordinary objects of the 
 route to the palace, gained mostly the suffrages of 
 the spectators; while Rameses, self-collected and 
 benignant, moved onward as holding converse with 
 even higher objects than the splendors around him. 
 The palace, which they now approached, was one 
 of the edifices of Egyj^t, whereon was displayed all 
 that science and opulence could bestow, and was 
 a favourite residence of the monarch. Around the 
 gigantic gateway were arranged the royal guards, 
 and ushers waiting to announce the guests. Sosis, 
 by his duty, was already at the palace, as were 
 most of the nobles. Finely contrasted with the 
 sounds of mirth and joy around the environs,
 
 IIAMESES. 49 
 
 was the deep respectful silence of the attendant 
 crowds filling- the royal palace. Adjoining the va>.t 
 gateway, and on each side of its entrance, two 
 obelisks towered to the skies, wrought with hiero- 
 glyphics. In the quarries these enormous blocks 
 had, by an unfortunate accident, been formed of 
 unequal heights; a fault for which the wretched 
 sculptor forfeited his life : yet in other kingdoms, 
 in Babylon or Persia, they had been prized beyond 
 all valuation. Their shafts, of fifty cubits height, 
 formed of one single stone, stand elevated upon 
 bases, one of which, being rather higher, is made thus 
 to rectify the irregularity of the deficient obelisk ^-, 
 which to the eye is thereby rendered of precisely 
 similar height. These magnificent trophies to the 
 solar god are in front of four statues, which are 
 sculptured in the finest Syenite granite, one statue 
 on each side of two grand portals. These forms of 
 Horus -', twenty one cubits high, are seated on their 
 mystic cubes ; and the surface of the granite polished 
 to the highest lustre. Each statue wears the high 
 mitred cap as emblem of the sun : its fine byssus 
 garment beautifully sculptured and radiated on the 
 shining granite, and their colossal size, as if guarding 
 the beauteous obelisks, impress the mind with awe. 
 Entering this gateway, the brothers saw a mag- 
 nificent court, with galleries spacious and anijile 
 enough to contain the inferior attendants of the 
 Egyptian nobles; whence another gateway, simi- 
 
 VOL. 1. K
 
 50 llAMESES. 
 
 larly adorned, opened to a peristyle of noble dimen- 
 sions. Here, arranged in rows which nearly filled 
 its space, stood governors, strategists, royal regi- 
 strars, and all the dignified officers of trust, await- 
 ing the moment of their summons to the king. 
 
 Sosis being in personal attendance in the interior 
 of the palace from his elevated rank, the young 
 men advanced through this splendid throng, re- 
 cognising several of their peculiar associates and 
 friends, and receiving the congratulations of all. 
 Bocchoris, the attached and steady friend of Saba- 
 con, by a gentle pressure of his hand, welcomed 
 him as he passed ; and among the crowd Rameses 
 had the delight to recognise Myris, the son of the 
 Thebarchon, and a youth of the highest promise ; 
 goodness and mildness shone conspicuous in a face 
 and form of light and exquisite proportion, while 
 his case and grace distinguished him among the 
 throng of courtiers. 
 
 The pillars of this vast peristyle were sculptured 
 stalks of the lotos, adorned with capitals of its open- 
 ing buds, their architrave and entablature dis- 
 played the most elaborate hieroglyphical delinea- 
 tions: from hence a portico or hall, supported by 
 immense colossal columns, led to a second peristyle 
 of astonishing size, ninety cubits in length and 
 sixty-four in width, supported by a double range 
 of fifty-two columns; and in front of its vast space 
 ranged an august portico** of thirty-two columns
 
 R AMESES. 51 
 
 ranked in four rows, — the whole coup f/'fP/V filling the 
 eye with its surpassing grandeur and magnificence. 
 Their ceilings shone resplendent in azures and bright 
 gold; the massy pillars, numerous as a forest, 
 glowing with their sculptured symbols. This se- 
 cond peristyle was filled with the highest officers and 
 guards, the chosen chiefs of Egypt, among whom 
 presided the noble, aged Sosis; while in another 
 grand and elevated portico beyond were ranged 
 the sacred priests, in different rows, the venerable 
 Phritiphanes presiding among them as a superior 
 beinjT. Clouds of incense steamed from various 
 altars to the blazing roofs ; and from the spreading 
 terraces surroundins; this great court came softened 
 to the ear the sweetest melodies of harps and si- 
 strums, enriched with vocal sounds, as if replying 
 from the gods in favourable accents to the vows 
 thus offered up. 
 
 The fond delighted parent welcomed here his 
 blooming sons, presenting them hastily to the part- 
 ners of his toils and deeds in arms ; and the bold and 
 ardent bearing of the eldest principally attracted the 
 military veterans' attention. As for Ramescs, lie 
 hastened onward to the sacred band, and chiefly to 
 Phritiphanes, where arrayed in rich sacerdotal vest- 
 ments he performed the duties to the gods. Be- 
 yond this august assemblage, and these courts of 
 royal grandeur, were apartments exceeding in rich- 
 ness and costlv decoration even all that preceded
 
 52 RAMESES. 
 
 them, which were exclusively occupied by the J<ing 
 Amenophis, still closed by doors of bronze elabo- 
 rately chased. They were now guarded by twelve 
 Ethiopian guards, whose ears, and arms, and ankles 
 of jet black were sparkling with jewels. Four of 
 them held in their left hands a large and bur- 
 nished gong, with arms prepared to strike upon a 
 given signal ; the remaining eight held massive 
 staves tipped with gold. Soon the rolling sounds 
 of the deep gong spread over the whole assemblage 
 of the courts and halls; upon which well-known 
 signal the bronzed gates were instantly thrown 
 wide, and at the sound the valves which closed the 
 inner chambers turning back on their hinges, dis- 
 closed Egypt's sovereign seated on his throne, with 
 attendant priests encircling, and surrounded by his 
 slaves. He was in a chamber most exquisitely 
 finished -^, of red granite, polished so highly that 
 the shining brightness of the roof and the jeweled 
 slaves were reflected from its surface as from a 
 mirror. The ceiling shone with dazzling azures ; 
 and a deep cornice ran around it, formed of" the 
 sacred asp, the ubocus, each crowned with a golden 
 disk. On each side upon the walls was depicted a 
 victorious conqueror, the grandfather of Ameno- 
 phis, associated with the vulture form of Rhea-'', 
 tutelary goddess of Mizraim''s land. 
 
 Such were the splendors of the royal throne, 
 which now displayed its pomp before the brothers'
 
 RAMESES. 5S 
 
 eyes, whom fate and destiny had called forth to be 
 its trust and great support. Amenophis, with all 
 his indolence and faults, had a majestic port and 
 kingly carriage : he therefore, in his supreme state, 
 appeared deserving of the united homage of his 
 assembled nobles. As soon as his form was seen, 
 marked by the sparkling brightness of the gemmed 
 diadem that encircled his brow, the priests began a 
 hymn of praise, and incense from the altars rolled 
 around. The pillars of all the various courts, 
 constructed with much excellence of architectural 
 skill *^, diminished gradually in height, from the 
 front pylon to the most distant building ; so that 
 this vast range lay open symmetrically to the eye, 
 until it ended in the elaborately rich apartment 
 which was occupied by the throne of the monarch, 
 who, as from a commanding point, now looked down 
 at one view throughout the whole extent, and received 
 the homage of all his assembled subjects. In suc- 
 cession they passed before him, receiving those marks 
 of notice soardently sought for in all courts, but above 
 all in eastern kingdoms. The priesthood chiefly en- 
 circled the king. Soon Sosis beckoned to his sons, 
 who, approaching the steps rising on golden lions, 
 were honoured by the peculiar notice of Ameno- 
 phis, and were admitted to kiss his sacred hand '^^ ; 
 a favour usually granted only to the priests, and 
 now conceded to the youths in honour to their 
 highly valued parent. Chiefly Sabacon was no-
 
 54 RAMESES. 
 
 ticcd, for his bold form, dilating to the eye with in- 
 ward hope and joy, gave promise of valour and 
 talents highly important to the destinies of Egypt. 
 As the gay throng were passing onward from the 
 presence, the ushers, richly dressed, announced 
 the royal will for the attendance of Egypt's nobles, 
 at the approach of night, within the Royal Hall of 
 Karnak, where the monarch devoted the hours of 
 darkness to the kingly banquet and rejoicings. Ere 
 the great assemblage had dispersed, all having re- 
 ceived their summons and kingly notice, the thun- 
 dering gongs proclaimed the audience hour passed, 
 the doors closed upon the crowd, while trumpets, 
 tambours, and the cymbals' sounds re-echoed far 
 and wide from the terraces around these lofty courts 
 as the noble visitors dispersed. 
 
 The brothers, excited by the magnificent scene, 
 and each pondering its character according to their 
 inward tone of feeling, would gladly have disen- 
 gaged themselves from the congratulating throng, 
 to .arrange in solitude their thoughts. Sabacon, 
 elated in the favourable notice and approval of 
 Amenophis and his father's friends, saw fortune 
 crowning his wishes, and already had forgotten (or 
 only recalled to mind to excite a feeling of con- 
 tempt) the possibility of rivalry from Rameses in- 
 terfering with the gay dreams of his eager ambition. 
 These sensations were wound up to the highest 
 pitch, when in the grand peristyle, environed by
 
 RAMESES. 55 
 
 the brave of Egypt's land, a royal usher approached, 
 and presented him with an order from Amenophis 
 to the command of a numerous division of horse, in 
 which new dignity he was to approach the presence 
 at the evening feast. Although intoxicated with 
 joy, his native dignity of soul did not betray him 
 to the glad crowd around, to whom he wore his 
 honours as a trust to be deserved and merited by 
 future services. But while thus speciously he ruled 
 his actions, within his mind glowed with fierce de- 
 light : thus to have towered beyond his brother in 
 the very outset was transport to his galled feelings, 
 while he resolved no act of Rameses should equalise 
 him with the daring valour of his own achieve- 
 ments, if once called into the field. Thus re- 
 flecting, he resolved to apply himself to win the 
 suffrages of all the warriors of renown by docile 
 compliance, and attentions constant and assiduous. 
 Bocchoris, daring and bold, a noble of high pro- 
 mise, but turbulent and treacherous, attached him- 
 self entirely to his train, and left the palace with him. 
 Rameses, deeply engrossed by the few short 
 hints which Phritiphanes had afforded him in the 
 instant as he passed onward to the presence, sought 
 in vain a moment's pause to attract his notice. 
 While he watched the sacred band of priests, a 
 billet slipped into his hand acquainted him that Phri- 
 tiphanes, in the gigantic Hall of Karnak, wouul 
 find a means of conltounicating tidings of great
 
 5f) R AMESES. 
 
 import. Resolving immediately to retire to his palace, 
 the news of Sabacon's elevation, circlino- throu<rh 
 the halls, delighted his glad mind. Much grieving 
 at the manifest alienation of his brother since the 
 augury, he had forborne to notice it, hoping each 
 day would wear it from his thoughts : for himself, no 
 views or hopes of grandeur caused a moment's care, 
 or, in a heart so warm to all the ties of kindred, 
 could be deemed equal to a brother's love. The 
 grandeur he most coveted was the favour of the 
 gods: the rank he most prized were the gifts oi 
 knoM'ledge and of science: hence the bright pro- 
 spects of Sabacon were highly welcome to him, and 
 he trusted they might stifle in its bud their first 
 and only alienation. Seeking his brother, it was 
 with evident disappointment he found that he had 
 left the palace with Bocchoris; but the faithful 
 Athor waited with his attendants, and Myris soon 
 joining them, they agreed to pass the time until the 
 evening feast together in the palace of Sosis. 
 
 When the friends were alone, they reciprocally 
 communicated all their inmost thoughts, llameses, 
 with eyes filled with emotion and the soft tenderness 
 of youth, conjured the gods to strengthen him with 
 fortitude to do their will alone. ' Oh, that the 
 glory of his country might be gained without the 
 sad and sickening forfeiture of a brother's love ! 
 Still, Myris, let your confidence be mine, and, above 
 all, your heart. If you sec ambition sway me, or the
 
 IIAMESES. 57 
 
 evil passions which our nature dings to gain a foot- 
 ing, cease not to hold up the faithful mirror of 
 virtue to my eyes, to call back my erring steps, and 
 save me from myself.' 
 
 Myris, charmed by the animated accents of trust 
 in the gods, speaking through the tender age and 
 blooming youth of his loved associate, became wholly 
 devoted to his person, and pledged his eager asse- 
 verations never to disunite his heart from the most 
 intimate regiird, — to make one cause, one fortune. 
 Long they communed together, and Myris said, his 
 father, who, as the Archon, governed the vast city, 
 had latterly been much disturbed at various strangers 
 visiting and leaving Thebes mysteriously. Although 
 every vigilance had been exerted, and several of 
 them had been stopped and searched, no clue could 
 yet be gained : true he had preserved some papers, 
 fragments apparently unipiportant ; but yesterday 
 he had a summons and a conference with Phriti- 
 phanes, who also had notices of these persons, and 
 with whom he had deposited the hieroglyphic re- 
 cords. Whether they had developed to the sagacity 
 of the priests secrets which escaped his notice, Myris 
 said his father was ignorant ; but Phritiphancs had 
 been secluded from the public pomp until this morn- 
 ing, and wore an increased gloom, 
 
 * The monarch,' Myris proceeded to impart, 'was 
 wholly engrossed by feastings. The queen, bent 
 on some great project, lent her weight to encourage
 
 58 RAMESES. 
 
 his propensity to pleasure. She now looked forward 
 in a few months to show the heir to the Egyptian 
 sceptre openly to the people, and to-night, within the 
 gigantic hall, an entertainment was preparing, to 
 surpass in splendor any feast remembered. Some 
 quickly approaching day was set apart for the 
 exercises of the hippodrome, when chariot and horse 
 races were to amuse the public mind ; but espe- 
 cially a day was dedicated to a holy solemnity and 
 procession, whereon a mighty obelisk, recently con- 
 veyed with incredible pains from the quarries of 
 Syene, and which report blazoned as surpassing any 
 known in Egypt for grandeur, was to be erected 
 in the inmost court of the Karnak palace. The 
 immense stranger now floats on the Nile,' Myris ex- 
 claimed, ' ready for the wonderful process of erection, 
 in honour of the solar orb, the great Osiris; the 
 evening to conclude with nightly feastings and re- 
 joicings with fire-works, on the sacred river Nile. 
 What direful event may succeed we know not ; but 
 report says, Egypt's worst foes are gathered on her 
 frontier swarming from the north, and there hanging 
 as a tempest lowering over us. Thus we must rejoice 
 in fear and trembling ; and the public voice, even 
 while it shouts applause, often blames and disapproves 
 these profuse feastings in the very teetii of danger. 
 Report whispers indeed around, that even palace 
 walls cannot shut out uneasy thoughts and nightly 
 terrors •, that great Amenojihis often experiences a
 
 RAMESES. o9 
 
 visitation of more than mortal import — a warning that 
 awakens him to horror and dismay. This must be a 
 secret deeply guarded in your breast, as my father 
 knows it only through his intimate access and con- 
 fidential office : hence the queen, unable to control 
 or banish from the royal mind its gloomy presages, 
 now seeks by splendid pageants, and the voice of 
 pleasure, to efface these painful nightly scenes ; and 
 hence this night, unwonted among Egypt's spec- 
 tacles, she and her bright circle grace the mag- 
 nificent feast ; but while to the eye all shines in 
 riches and in unequalled lustre, care and fear, the 
 constant foes of men, will lurk within, and prove how 
 hollow is the worWs possession, when that spark 
 divine, which far outweighs a thousand worlds in 
 value, responds not in firm unison.' 
 
 Touched by his noble sentiments, Rameses now 
 confided to his friend the augury so connected with 
 his fate, his deep devotion to the fate of Mizraim, 
 and his resolve to bind himself by all the trying 
 bonds and ordeal of the strict full initiation. Myris 
 was deeply affected at the perils and dangers which 
 environed this awful trial, wherein so many had 
 perished, that of late years none had dared to make 
 the dangerous trial ; but grasping his extended hand, 
 he exhorted him to follow the true and sacred path 
 he had so favoural)ly entered upon. Communicating 
 thus the native breathings of theirsouls, knit infriend- 
 ship's bond, exalted by their true estimate of earthly
 
 60 RAMESES. 
 
 good, these youthful associates of bright and early 
 promise offered the pleasing spectacle unto the gods 
 of hearts refined from evil passions and of hopes 
 sublime ; and well it was that thus early friendship 
 formed a strong attachment, a reciprocity of feeling, 
 which hereafter helped to cheer them in the pelting 
 storm of adversity ""s dark hour ; but as yet all smiled 
 around, and every spot breathed joy and peace. The 
 evening soon drew on, when Sabacon leaving his 
 apartments, and exulting in his opening prospects, re- 
 joined his brother. Much Bocchoris had dwelt upon 
 intelligence of courtly character, the preference of the 
 priests, and future rivalry of Rameses ; but the de- 
 cisive step taken by Amenophis, in advancing Sa- 
 bacon so immediately, relieved them both of every 
 fear : his brow erect and open, shining in the habili- 
 ments of his new order, Sabacon prepared to quit the 
 palace; while Rameses, clothed in the finest robes 
 of byssus with an embroidered tunic, his wrists en- 
 circled by the bracelets of the nobles, accompanied his 
 brother. The night was clear and serene ; the moon 
 with shining crescent floated in the ebon sky ; the 
 shores of the sacred Nile blazed with ten thousand 
 torches emulating day ; the principal avenue -^ ex- 
 tending from the entrance of Luxor, the scene of 
 the morning display, and reaciiing from its gateway 
 to the grand entrance of Karnak, is bordered by a 
 numerous range of sphinxes on each side, six hun- 
 dred in number. Nothing in imagination can be
 
 RAMESES. 61 
 
 conceived more strikinc; than this continuous row 
 of the sacred symbol of the great Ammon, dis- 
 played in its junction of the lion with the ram's 
 head, each symbolic figure reposing upon a grand 
 pedestal. The road between their forms is paved 
 and flagged throughout the whole extent, and its 
 borders planted with trees and interspersed with 
 ficus Indicus, sycamores, and other verdant shades. 
 The mighty palace of Karnak, the proud boast of 
 Egypt's monarchs, possesses around its walls eight 
 chief approaches, each lined by avenues of sphinx 
 emblems; the lion, ram, and virgin, wearing the 
 serene and tranquil aspect of repose, and decorating 
 all their various branching routes, thus marked with 
 princely splendor ; but the principal one, reaching to 
 Luxor, becomes incomparably the grandest, from 
 these six hundred statues; which at this auspicious 
 season formed the route prescribed for the approach 
 to this night's festive scene. Passing thus from 
 Luxor to Karnak, through their long range in 
 front of the palace, a suite of four towering gate- 
 ways present themselves, between two of which is 
 a great rectangular^^ basin, flanked with granite. 
 The fourth gateway, of imposing dimensions, con- 
 structed all of polished granite, is covered within 
 and without with splendid pictorial sculptures, in- 
 finitely rich and admirable ; their hieroglyphic cha- 
 racters cut with a boldness, in such lasting memo- 
 rials, as to defy the attacks of time. Within this
 
 62 EAMESES. 
 
 palace, and on its walls, are displayed the know- 
 ledge, wisdom, and power of this ancient land. At 
 present pleasure here held her court; and mag- 
 nificence reigned in every part, each space between 
 the sphinxes being occupied by Ethiopian slaves, 
 robed with ample tunics and armlets of gold, 
 each holding a blazing; torch. The avenue was 
 crowded by the cars and coursers, decked with 
 gorgeous trappings, passing countless to the palace. 
 Each gateway was marked out with lights, and 
 floating to the air shining in symbolized designs, 
 appeared the stately standards and banners; and 
 minstrels' hands sent forth melodious sounds, filling 
 the midnight air with harmony. Beyond this vast 
 enclosure the palace blazed with radiant beams, 
 illuminating all the sky around with brightness; 
 and the whole city, in their quarters, divisions, and 
 companies, through the bounty of their sovereign, 
 partook the general joy. ]iut who can paint the 
 grandeur which burst upon the sight of Sabacon 
 and Rameses, when, passing this gateway through 
 the range of guards, they entered the vast hall ^' which 
 now enclosed the whole of Egypt''s court! One hun- 
 dred and thirty-four columns of twenty cubits cir- 
 cumference, and fifty cubits height (a size startling 
 to the imagination), supported the ceiling of this most 
 wonderful building. These pillars, sculptured with 
 mystic triangles, bear in air the massive architrave 
 and rich entablature, around which shine the mitred
 
 RAMESES. 63 
 
 liawk, the crux ansata, sacred asps, and disks en- 
 closed witliin their hieroglyphic frames; the checkered 
 triangle crossing and recrossing each, wrought with 
 gold, purple, scarlet, and every splendid colour. The 
 vast roof, towering aloft, appeared as a celestial sky 
 spangled with glittering stars ; and around the gi- 
 gantic columns are seen the sacred forms of Eg}^pt's 
 gods. The hall, enormous in its size, was refulgent with 
 golden lamps, pendent from each column, fed with 
 naptha^-, pure from the Babylonian pits; blazing, 
 they shot their rays around, illuminating every part 
 with radiance bright as day . How grandly shone these 
 enormous pillars spreading in thirteen rows along the 
 hall, exceeding one hundred cubits in length, and two 
 hundred cubits in breadth, andhiding by theirmighty 
 bulk the puny forms of man's feeble race, as thus amid 
 their spaces stood, ranged in numerous rows, the 
 throng of Egypt's nobles, adorned with gems and 
 gold. The court adjoining presented two superb 
 colossi, sculptured in the finest granite; near which 
 the spaces were now prepared for the obelisks ready 
 on the Nile, to be erected as monuments to the sun, 
 fair ApoUonean trophies, — destined to proclaim to 
 future ages the superior magnificence of Ameno- 
 phis's reign. Within this court was displayed the 
 gorgeous banquet, the tables flowing with nectarcd 
 juices, the produce of palms and the xythus, Egypt's 
 general beverage, with the vine's inspiriting and 
 sparkling liquors. Here crowds of slaves aAvaited
 
 G4 RAMKSES. 
 
 to obey the guests' commands. The ponderous 
 gateway from the hall of pillars, twenty cubits in 
 width and sixty in height, towered in majestic ele- 
 vation, through whose portals the crowding company 
 appeared as pigmies, while again a peristyle beyond 
 opened to grandeur glittering as the scene around, 
 wlicrein Egypt's monarch sat in state, and, amid the 
 music's flow, the zest of eager pleasure and enjoy- 
 ment, and the crowded court's low homage, now for- 
 got the cares and anxious solicitudes which strewed 
 his throne with rankling thorns. A large jasper ''■' 
 table, bright as glass, before him, was covered with 
 golden vessels : a vase of ample dimensions, riclily 
 chased, displayed in its figured workmanship a lofty 
 tower, surrounded by warlike cars and coursers, 
 and quadrupeds unknown in Mizraim ; a second 
 embossed vase was mounted with the sacred hawk, 
 crowned with the solar disk, and hovering over its 
 brink with wide-extended wings ; also bright goblets, 
 all of the most precious metals, and of the rarest and 
 most delicate devices, — the lotos leaves and buds, and 
 masques unique, and one ponderous goblet for its 
 supporters had the human form, worked with such 
 art as if animated with life and breath. Around the 
 immense pillared hall were golden censers set with 
 pearls, and breathing fragrant odours. Here all the 
 elevated counsellors of Amenophis's throne received 
 a boon of golden collars set in pearls and edged in 
 sparkling radii, marking the sacred symbol of wis-
 
 HAIMKSES. ()0 
 
 doni, as Egypt's sages say, ' Knowledge comes i'ronx 
 above, as drops of heavenly dew.' 
 
 While the feast and song, with shouts of joy and 
 pleasure, harmony and dancing, filled the halls, 
 Sabacon and Rameses, surrounded by their friends, 
 viewed this brilliant spectacle with different eyes. 
 Sabacon, attentive, interesting, and watchful of the 
 least movement of his sovereign''s eye, seemed intent 
 only on the pleasures of the scene : brilliant in dress, 
 buoyant in spirits, wherever youthful ardor could 
 give a zest to the overflowing cup of bright en- 
 joyment, there he shone conspicuous ; and Sosis felt 
 the father's pride in beholding the grace of his move- 
 ments. While thus Sabacon became plunged in 
 the court's delights, Rameses felt his arm gently 
 pulled by an usher, who beckoning, led him to the 
 superb cabinet of granite on the left hand, which 
 divides the gigantic hall from the peristyle wliere 
 Amenophis feasted. Tiie riches of these elaborate 
 apartments, formed of polished granite, transcend 
 all language 2^: doors of bronze, wrought with 
 hieroglyphic symbols, surmounted by the agatho- 
 daemon,'* or the winged globe and entwining ser- 
 pents, the orb of burnished gold projecting boldly 
 from the cornice which adorns the sculptured hall. 
 The bronze portals gently opening, Rameses beheld 
 his patron Phritiphanes, and knelt to receive his 
 sacred blessing. This given, ' Arise,' the priest be- 
 gan, ' let us not waste the precious instants in vain 
 
 VOL. 1. F
 
 6() RAMESES. 
 
 words or forms. Rameses ! Egypt's dearest hope ! 
 if yet she may be saved, so says the will declared of 
 dread Osiris, learn that even now the cloud so long 
 ready to burst on Egypt has begun its threatened 
 storm : even now despatches from the Sirbonic^^ 
 nome declare the war begun, — that war which ends 
 but in the utter annihilation or ruin of one or both 
 of the opponents. Your father, warm for Sabacon, 
 has brought him to our councils, and Amenophis's 
 partial eye will grace him with connnand : how or 
 where the danger first may roll, where or with what 
 means the gods provide for you the means of our de- 
 liverance, I cannot as yet see ; but be thou faithful 
 and true ; rely upon their promise ; do no evil that 
 good may come, and trust the skies. As far as duty, 
 paramount duty to your country will allow, avoid 
 your brother's path, nor irritate his proud and jealous 
 passions to revenge : depend upon my watchful eye 
 and care, — to-morrow, perhaps, may call you into 
 action. Let us part. Even now your brother seeks 
 you, and explores the halls in jealous dread."* Lowly 
 Rameses assured him of his counsel's being deeply 
 treasured, duly honoured; and softly but firmly 
 whispered his resolve to receive the holy rites of 
 initiation, and on the m.orrow's dawn, before the 
 assembled court, declare his fixed determination. 
 Some encouraging hope to bear him up through 
 their appalling perils, he would gladly have been 
 cheered with in reply, but the loud clangor of the
 
 BAMESES. 67 
 
 heralds proclaimed tlie kingly feast l)Cf]fun, and 
 Rameses, with a mind strongly wrought upon by 
 various calls of high emprise, mixed among the 
 throng. 
 
 But if the tidings heard awakened deep sensa- 
 tions, — if the perils hanging over the unknown dan- 
 gers of the initiation rested on his mind, — his father's 
 love and Sabacon's estrangement all vanished from 
 his thought, as, returning to the gorgeous scene, he 
 beheld the spectacle awaiting him. In front of the 
 high platform which Amenophis had occupied, witli 
 all his train, a raised space appeared, marked off by 
 golden trellises, within which, arising by two steps, 
 were the fair attendants of the queen of Egypt's 
 court : seated on a throne of ivory, curiously carved, 
 adorned with jewels, sat Saptha, wearing a diadem 
 of precious stones : — around her shone a beauteous 
 train. One female, dressed in the extreme of ex- 
 quisite simplicity, with grace and softness and fea- 
 tures wherein bright intellect and sparkling intelli- 
 gence were luminousl}' pourtrayed, was whispering 
 something pleasing to her willing ear. A dress of 
 soft and gossamer fineness, of the purest white, fell 
 in ample folds around her tall and graceful form, 
 its border of purple and gold ; a collar of pearls, 
 intermixed with the stellar rays and crosslets in 
 brightest azure, circled her tl-.roat ; her armlets and 
 zone of pearls: the whole contour and expressive 
 deportment spoke feminine delicacy and dignity. 
 
 I- ^Z
 
 68 RAMESES. 
 
 Rameses, on his return, found that the court and 
 Sabacon had nearly all concluded their lioniage to 
 their queen, and he hesitated whether to advance — 
 or retire among the nobles in the outer hall ; 
 abashed, confused, and assailed by a thousand 
 thoughts of delight and joy, but wholly lost in sur- 
 prise. Phritiphanes, who had watched narrowly his 
 movements — from his high station near the queen, 
 now beckoned his near approach, and graciously pre- 
 sented him by name, as well to her as to his darling 
 Nitocris, the bright object of his admiration. If she 
 was thus the object of his gaze, not less did his 
 blooming, modest, manly features prepossess her 
 mind. His countenance proclaimed the noble dic- 
 tates of his soul, and breathed the hue of elevated 
 character. More could not pass, as, lowly bowing, 
 they were parted by the courtier throng ; but deep 
 emotion, suffusing each, had not passed unobserved ; 
 nor least by Sabacon, who, towering in exulting 
 hopes, elated by his sovereign's partial favour shown 
 through the feast, had just returned to witness this 
 unlooked-for scene. 
 
 The night consumed in pleasures, Amenophis 
 became wearied and overpowered, and, satiate 
 with enjoyment, gave the signal for retreat. The 
 crowds dispersed, and the courts of Karnak^^ closed 
 their wide portals on the scene, whicli had resem- 
 bled a brilliant palace of enchantment.
 
 KAMESES. 69 
 
 BOOK IV. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Raraeses is despatched to Memphis, to bear from the temple 
 of Phthah the regal sacerdotal habiliments, in which the 
 king will solemnize the erection of the obelisk. — He enters 
 the palace of his fathers at midnight. — The stillness of 
 the city, which is soon distm-bed by a revolt of the Pallic 
 inhabitants, encouraged by the political state of Egypt 
 and the absence of their rulers at Thebes. — The bravery 
 and wisdom of Rameses equally successful in putting down 
 the rebellion. — The leaders, taken by surprise through 
 his unexpected appearance, are defeated. — He returns in 
 triumph to Thebes. 
 
 Rameses had retired to his father's palace, his 
 mind agitated by the various events of the day, 
 and was about resigning himself to rest, when the 
 deep repose of its halls was interrupted by a mes- 
 senger from the court, announcing to him the will 
 of Amenophis, directing him to repair to ]\Iemphis 
 with all speed, and to bear from thence, with every 
 honoured observance, the sacerdotal habiliments and 
 jewels, the peculiar insignia of the monarch when- 
 ever assuming his sacred character in the priest- 
 hood ; which rank he had decided on associating 
 with the intended erection of tiic obelisk, tlu> 
 brightest trophy of his reign.
 
 70 RAMESES. 
 
 The national importance attached to the gems and 
 garb consecrated to, and preserved in the temple 
 of, Vulcan ^' at Memphis, rendered the selection of 
 Rameses for this office a mark of peculiar favour, 
 and indeed was so intended by the monarch, as ex- 
 hibiting a proof of his estimation of their parent 
 Sosis, in the present instance, as well as in the pro- 
 motion of Sabacon to a high command in the morn- 
 ing interview. 
 
 Rameses was soon ready to embark, accompanied 
 by the faithful Athor ; and as the solenuiity of the 
 obelisk was near at hand, the swiftest royal barge 
 fully manned was selected to bear them to Mem- 
 phis. The sun was above the horizon ere they parted 
 from the quays of Thebes ; and so rapid was their 
 progress, aided by the stream of the Nile, that they 
 glided along the waters as a bird skims its surface, 
 and on the second night drew near the vicinity of 
 the city. The usual crowded parties of boats and 
 barges were not on the river, the festivities of 
 Thebes having called all the superior population to 
 her walls. Rameses therefore, in the darkness of the 
 night, unnoticed and unannounced, anchored close 
 to the stone steps leading to his father's palace, 
 which he entered with Athor and his train. The 
 city lay still and silent as a cemetery before them, 
 buried in a death-like repose ; and after despatch- 
 ing a trusty slave to the magnificent temple of 
 Vulcan, whicli formed part oi' tlic great square of*
 
 jiamesp:s. 71 
 
 Memphis, to announce his intended approach, Ra- 
 meses was about to issue forth into the streets, when 
 the sudden and unusual glare of torches, the deep 
 tones of numerous clarions and warlike instruments, 
 with shouts and wild dissonance of uproar, astonished 
 and confounded both Rameses and Athor. Ascend- 
 ing the heights of the palace, from its commanding 
 elevation, to notice the cause of such unexpected 
 tumults, only added to their amazement as they 
 gazed upon the immensely spreading conflagrations 
 and heard the alarms arising from every quarter, 
 while the cause and origin of the sudden disturbance 
 was unknown. 
 
 As they consulted in hurried accents toward 
 what quarter to bend their steps, a loud knocking 
 at the gate claimed their attention. Cautiously 
 opening a closed grating in an aperture, they found 
 it was the slave despatched to the temple, whom 
 they instantly admitted, and brought to the pre- 
 sence of his lord. He informed them that Mem- 
 phis was in arms, and menaced with the most dread- 
 ful misfortunes ; that in his way to the temple he 
 had met some flying citizens, who communicated the 
 intelligence that the numerous Pallic strangers, re- 
 sident amid the population of the city, animated 
 by the news of their brethren's armies and prepara- 
 tions on the frontiers, had arranged a simultaneous 
 rising throughout Egypt, in which they expected 
 instant supjwrt from their kindred bands. Elated
 
 72 R AMESES. 
 
 at the prospect of a revolution in Mizi-aim, they 
 had recently been inflamed by rumours of its having 
 been decided, in private councils in Thebes,"''* to 
 proceed to their extermination or expulsion. They 
 therefore hastened to avail themselves of the favour- 
 able moment presented by the absence of the chief 
 governor and president, with the captains, at the 
 festivities at Thebes; and so great were their 
 forces, combined with the advantage of the siir- 
 prise, that not a hope remained of elfcctual resist- 
 ance. Indeed, the alarmed and panic-stricken citi- 
 zens knew not where to fly, or around whom to 
 rally in a combat for their homes, their families, 
 and their lives. 
 
 To consider and to decide was the work only of 
 a moment. The whole of the household of Sosis, 
 reinforced by the mariners and court attendants 
 from the barge, were instantly assembled, and the 
 palace gates strongly barred : its marble halls tower- 
 ing over the external inclosurc, opened and bril- 
 liantly illuminated, shone forth in stately magni- 
 tude, a beacon of safety. Rameses, commanding 
 the warlike instruments to sound, and the standard 
 of his house to be unfurled as a signal for the city, 
 instantl}"^ by the river despatched trusty slaves to 
 the commander of the royal garrison of Padma 
 Mandir, acquainting him with the revolt, and 
 urging the advance of all the force that he could 
 spare by water to the j)alace of Sosis, wlicnce they
 
 RAMESES. 73 
 
 would act as circumstances might direct. To the 
 royal palace and to the temple of Vulcan he also 
 despatched slaves, urging a determined resistance, 
 and assuring them of speedy relief. 
 
 These measures adopted, and the tumults still in- 
 creasing on every side, while bands of flying Mem- 
 phians accumulated around the palace for protection, 
 drawn thither by its grand and splendid appear- 
 ance, Rameses resolved to arranne his strength in 
 different bands and advance into the citv, having 
 provided for the security of the palace as a place of 
 retreat. Throwing open the gates, the noble youth 
 presented himself to the crowds, and was welcomed 
 by acclamations of joy. His appearance among 
 them at the critical moment when this splendid city 
 hung on the very verge of destruction, and himself 
 was believed to be at Thebes, was esteemed scarce 
 less than a prodigy wrought by the great Phthah 
 for the preservation of his fane. By the orders of 
 Rameses they quickly formed four bands ; the 
 foremost headed by himself, the second by Athor, 
 while trusty INIemphians led the other two par- 
 ties. In this moment of fate Rameses, uplifting 
 his eyes to the dark heavens, now lurid by the 
 rising flames, conjured the gods to crown his arm 
 with victory, or to give him death. The glowing, 
 ardent flush of countenance, the animated features 
 of his youthful form, as he grasped his gleaming fal- 
 chion, ins})ired all around him with the fullest con-
 
 74 RAMESES. 
 
 fidence. Rapidly advancing into the heart of the 
 city, their numbers increased at every step with the 
 flying citizens, and the party led by Rameses soon 
 came in sight of a large and confused concourse of 
 the enemy, spreading in disorderly crowds, antici- 
 pating an easy triumph. Rameses charging them 
 with intrepid valour, they were, after a desperate re- 
 sistance, hewn in pieces or put to flight, most of 
 them falling by the sword in the suddenness of 
 their reverse ; but the rapid advance of a deep 
 dense phalanx brought the contest to a more 
 equal description, as hitherto the columns of the 
 Egyptians had little more to do than to slay the 
 dispersed and disorderly plunderers. The combat 
 proved most fierce and bloody. The numbers on the 
 side of Rameses were greatly inferior ; but this was 
 compensated for by the shelter of darkness, which 
 prevented their real strength being discovered, as 
 also by the surprise of their adversaries, who, being 
 aware of the absence of all the leading Egyptian 
 commanders, were on their part confused and pa- 
 ralysed by such an unexpected occurrence as the 
 appearance of the son of Sosis leading an armed 
 force. Although they had chiefly calculated upon 
 taking the city unawares, yet gathering courage 
 from despair, they made a desperate charge upon 
 the front of the detachment headed by Rameses; 
 while the youthful hero, dealing death with every 
 blow, so animated his followers that they beat back
 
 IIAMESES. 75 
 
 their opponents, uttering loud shouts of Anienophis 
 and Egypt. The sounds also of warlike instru- 
 ments resounded from the palace and the temple, 
 both edifices of great external strength, from whence 
 a fierce i-esistance was kept up. The flames flew 
 from street to street, and fragments of falling 
 l)uildings choked up the passages. At this mo- 
 ment a ponderous stone struck Rameses on the 
 temple, and felled him to the ground ; and their as- 
 sailants, advantaging themselves of the confusion, 
 broke the ranks of his troops, and, pouring onward 
 like a torrent, the Palli had nearly completed their 
 ruin, when, recovering from the stunning effects of 
 his hurt, Rameses, calling aloud upon his fainting 
 followers, threw himself amid the thickest of the 
 foe, and succeeded in beating them back. At this 
 moment, Athor, on his side encountering similar 
 difficulties, had also fought his way to the great 
 square, which extensive area, capacious enough to 
 contain a numerous army, was crowded by the re- 
 tiring enemies, who, alarmed at their losses, and un- 
 certain with what forces they had to contend, had 
 retreated upon the great square to rally their troops 
 and renew their means of continuing their dreadful 
 and devastating attack. On all sides the city bore 
 the ruinous evidence of their havock : fire and flames 
 ascended from every quarter; blazing sparkles rushed 
 upwards to the sky ; when Rameses, aware how much 
 he was indebted for his success to the surprise of the 
 moment and the covert of darkness, judged it most
 
 76 llAMESES. 
 
 prudent to suspend any further attack upon the 
 square. Flying therefore from post to post, he so 
 actively improved the precious moments, that when 
 day slowly dawned he had strongly blockaded all 
 the leading avenues, and secured his troops within 
 shelter for the present. Aware that he had suc- 
 ceeded with a force comparatively insignificant, it 
 was. with delight he now heard the sounds, which 
 filling the distant air, in the direction of his palace, 
 announced the arrival of th.e important reinforce- 
 ment of the royal troops from Padma Mandir. 
 Sensible that the fate of Egypt was dependent on 
 the decision of this most unexpected contest at 
 Memphis, llameses would not listen to any en- 
 treaties of his faithful followers to retire for a few 
 hours' repose. Even while they thus solicited him, 
 the clangour of arms and shouts of multitudes 
 announced a fierce assault made upon the Temple 
 of Vulcan at this eventful crisis. With a visage 
 of the brightest animation, he exclaimed, ' Can 
 any Egyptian think of repose while the gods are 
 threatened ? Conquer, conquer their enemies, and 
 sweet be your reward ! or sweeter that repose in the 
 grave which is crowned with their favour!' En- 
 circled by the citizens of Memphis, the residue 
 of his slaves, and the reinforcement from Padma 
 Mandir, their admiration and glory, this youth 
 of tender years, but mighty soul, despising fatigue 
 and death, seizing an axe, began to beat down the 
 barriers, interj)osing as a fence toward the square,
 
 IIAMESES. 77 
 
 which sunk with a tremendous crash, and their 
 united numbers poured into the extended space. 
 The space which thus contained the conflicting ene- 
 mies was adorned on each side by the most mag- 
 nificent structures of Memphis : from this immense 
 area the various quarters and divisions spread in 
 regular architectural line, adorned by statues of the 
 gods and stately temples. One quarter yet re- 
 mained wholly in the possession of the Palli, beside 
 the occupation of the great square. Within its space, 
 on one side spread the palace, with its porticoes and 
 magnificent courts ; on another side the Temple of 
 Vulcan displayed its colossal grandeur and imposing 
 front. Here stood a statue of the god, above sixty 
 cubits in height, ranked among the wonders of 
 Egypt, and tlie work of Sesostris^^. It was here 
 that the alarmed and discomfited enemies had re- 
 treated from the check and charge of Rameses ; and 
 Avhen day revived their courage by a review of their 
 numbers, and they found the avenues into the city 
 barricadoed, after a short consultation they had re- 
 solved to attempt the reduction of the palace and 
 temple before they proceeded to revenge themselves 
 upon the city. Desperately advancing with ladders, 
 torches, catapults, and all the horrid engines of war, 
 hurling flames and burning rafters into the air, 
 they had begun the attempt; when, as a storm, 
 they received the attack of the Egyptians. Death 
 followed each blow, and neither party gained or
 
 78 RAMESES. 
 
 receded an inch. Blood flowed in torrents, and the 
 vast square was heaped with dead. Then Ranieses, 
 steeped in gore, his arm uplifted, gave a signal 
 whereon, as agreed, his men for a moment's space 
 knelt on one knee through the wide extended line, 
 and a flight of well directed javelins, ready and 
 winged by rage, which the close contact of the 
 chosen detachment in the rear made more sure, 
 caused a dreadful slaughter in the van of the enemy ; 
 Rameses and his followers instantly making a charge, 
 the Palli on every side began to waver. At this 
 moment a javelin tore the shoulder of Rameses, 
 having transpierced the folds of his thick byssus 
 cuirass, while the flowing blood stained all his 
 vest. Without shrinking from pain, the sanguine 
 current running down his side, he undauntedly 
 drew it forth ; and, seeing a faithful Memphian be- 
 fore him sinking under the arm of a Pallic leader, 
 who was preparing to plunge his sword in his bosom, 
 Rameses at a spring sent the spear with such an 
 impetus as transfixed him to the earth ere the up- 
 lifted sword could descend to smite his prostrate 
 foe. This heroic action, witnessed by all his fol- 
 lowers, so animated them, that, sending up a dread- 
 ful shout, they threw themselves on the enemy ; while 
 the palace and temj^le gates were instantaneously 
 thrown open, and their defenders joined in this bold 
 movement, which, after great slaughter, wholly dis- 
 persed the Palli and rescued the city. The contest
 
 RAMESES. 79 
 
 lasted with horrid energy for a few moments; but re- 
 sistance being vain, the survivors retreated into the 
 Messene quarter. Here, deprived of leaders, and 
 dreading the revenge of the Memphians, they sued 
 for pardon ; and their deputies being conducted to 
 Rameses, could not forbear testifying their ardent 
 admiration of his valour. Rameses, v.^illing to spare 
 the effusion of blood, having demanded their arms, 
 ordered them on pain of death to confine them- 
 selves to their quarter, while upon every avenue of 
 its streets he planted guards. Effective measures 
 also were instantly adopted to stop the progress 
 of the conflagration ; and, encircled by the brave 
 citizens, his father's slaves, and his brave troops, 
 Rameses proceeded to the sacred fane of Vulcan, 
 where he presented his vows, and was welcomed 
 by the immense multitudes, terming him their 
 deliverer, and their good genius. Presenting to them 
 Athor, he commanded their faithful allegiance to 
 his orders until the king directed their further pro- 
 ceedings. Expresses were forwarded throughout 
 thekiniidom of the insurrection, and the ringleaders' 
 signal punishment; which duties done, and the 
 habiliments and jewels borne on board his galley, 
 Rameses took leave of Athor with grateful emotion, 
 and without any delay embarked on board the 
 royal galley loaded with the blessings of the rescued 
 citizens, who crowded the shores to see him depart. 
 Ten of the principal leaders were carried on board to
 
 80 HAMESES. 
 
 be conveyed to Thebes ; and Rameses, aware of the 
 immense importance of putting down all disposition 
 to similar revolts in the land, consented for his 
 barge being decorated, and displaying the banners 
 of victory. Illuminated, therefore, with the greatest 
 splendour, the galley rowed swiftly up the Nile; 
 and Rameses, now first released from the all-ab- 
 sorbing control of such a powerful call, consented 
 to retire and consult his own safety. His- wound 
 dressed, his limbs bathed and purified from blood, 
 he sunk into that rest so necessary to recruit his 
 worn and exhausted frame. The contrast between 
 the mao-nlficence of the decorated vessel and the 
 profound stillness and silence respectfully preserved 
 on board, while the youthful hero lay in death-like 
 repose, was most striking; and the oars scarcely 
 sounded as they impelled the proud vessel swiftly 
 on her course, hoping by their exertions to reach 
 Thebes ere the news could throw its vast popula- 
 tion into dismay. But while they thus tasted the 
 exultation of the projiltlous news they conveyed, — 
 of a formidable revolt broken out and subdued, and 
 of a capital saved, in the short revolving space of a 
 few hours, — mighty Thebes and the court of Ame- 
 nophls were a prey to the deepest disquietudes. 
 Despatches in quick succession had thrown the mon- 
 arch and his nobles into the greatest consternation. 
 A revolt so critically timed, and in the metropohs 
 of I^ower Egypt, connected with the threatening
 
 liAMKSES. 81 
 
 armies on the northern borders, endangered the 
 whole kingdom. Accounts in rapid succession 
 liourly arriving from the commander of Padma 
 Mandir, spread the intelligence of Memphis in 
 flames and sacked. The knowledge that no com- 
 mander of dignity was on the spot added to the 
 perils; and the whole court, who had felt interest in 
 the noble carriage, modest demeanour, and bloom- 
 ing person of Rameses, became alarmed for his immi- 
 nent danger ; esjiecially when succeeding despatches 
 blazoned his judicious and magnanimous conduct, 
 followed by the report spread of his death, con- 
 veyed upon the instant of his fall and wound by 
 the stone ; and for some hours, not only his father 
 and intimate friends, but all Thebes, were in 
 mournino- ; it was therefore with an intoxication of 
 joy that the city learned the whole tidings of his 
 extraordinary valour and success, and that he might 
 be hourly expected in the metropolis, having com- 
 pletely put down the revolt, and bearing the ring- 
 leaders in chains. These despatches, written by 
 the commander of the Mount and fortress of 
 Padma Mandir, enlarged upon the arrangements 
 and achievements of llameses in unbounded praise, 
 ascribing the whole success to his valour and judg- 
 ment ; adding that the Mcmphians addressed their 
 vows to the gods for his safety and prosperity as 
 their deliverer. 
 
 While Thebes thus awaited his approach, the 
 vol,, I. o
 
 S2 RAMESES. 
 
 vessel was hourly hailed by reinforcements of troops 
 and officers of trust repairing to Memphis, and or- 
 dered thither upon the first notice of the revolt. 
 Night closed around them, and was already far 
 spent, when Rameses awoke, re-invigorated and 
 strengthened. His pallid countenance, and the mark 
 on his brow and shoulder, announced however the 
 severe conflict he had undergone ; but his calm and 
 firm demeanour, his mild and benign aspect, with 
 the sparkling intelligence of his eyes, evidenced that 
 the tumult of excitement was passed, the work of de- 
 liverance he was called unto performed, and his soul 
 had re-entered into that settled state of trust and true 
 devotion, wliicl^ equally holds on its even virtuous 
 course, unmoved by the blandishments (far more 
 difficult to endure) as by the frowns of fortune. 
 
 After a favourable course, and strenuous labour 
 of the rowers, amid a night of extreme darkness, 
 their attention was arrested by distant coruscations 
 and gleams, as of a vast conflagration, whicli by 
 degrees spread all around the horizon, and ex- 
 cited their attentive gaze ; until, approaching nearer 
 Thebes, the city of a hundred gates appeared be- 
 girt with a rampart of fire, blazing with lights and 
 decked with streamers ; the river shining in dazzling 
 lustre to welcome the eagerly expected conqueror. 
 Soon as the illuminated vessel became visible to 
 the crowded banks, shouts from ten thousand voices 
 announced along the shores, and prolonged even
 
 ItAMK.SKS. Hl'i 
 
 to tlie royal palace, the arrival of the youthful 
 Rameses; and while ascending the stream, as the 
 gay vessel rowed along, the assembled crowds of 
 barges fell into her course as a grand triumphal 
 train. Rameses landed with his precious charge, the 
 sacerdotal habiliments and jewels, and was met by 
 the chief nobles and courtiers ready to escort him to 
 the royal presence. Amenophis, in his joy, having 
 declared the young warrior shoidd instantly ap- 
 proach his presence, a warm but momentary em- 
 brace from his exulting father was all that the time 
 allowed ; an embrace enhanced by the warm drops 
 of joy which fell on his face as his father strained 
 him to his heart. ' Ah ! where is the reward on 
 earth that equals a parent's love ? Sweet flowers of 
 Hesperian growth, that still blossom in this terrestrial 
 stormy sphere, and yet survive the golden age, ye 
 root yourselves within the fibres of the parent's heart 
 and in domestic bliss ; — there alone ye yet preserve 
 the odour and celestial sweetness of your blossoms ! ' 
 Myris, wild with delight, gazing upon his frienel, 
 knit himself unto him by still stronger vows, and 
 felt a grandeur in his destiny by thus identifying 
 his fortunes with his friend. He followed the chariot 
 wherein Rameses, clad in robes of pure white 
 byssus, the band of gold around his brow, his arm- 
 lets gemmed, as when he last passed through the . 
 streets, exhibited no change of character, but re- 
 ceived the homage of the crowd with the same placid 
 
 ,, C) 
 
 if 4-^
 
 84 IIAMESES. 
 
 modesty of youth and gentle dignity. The monarch 
 seated on his throne of gold within the stately pe- 
 ristyle, the pomp was much increased by having 
 also the ivory throne and queen, who at her own 
 express request honoured the triumph of Rameses. 
 The mighty hall of pillars, vast as is its size, could 
 scarcely contain the multitudes, who crowded to 
 the reception, gleaming with arms. Already the 
 palace, as precautionary fearing the contagion of 
 revolt, was closely guarded, and its courts lined with 
 numerous guards. The youthful hero, kneeling to 
 his sovereign, resigned the sacred trust of robes and 
 precious jewels ; when Amenophis, placing a collar 
 of splendid pearls around his neck, saluted him as 
 deliverer and governor of Memphis, the royal city. 
 Presenting him to Saphta, he loudly declared the 
 obligations of the kino-dom to his valour. 
 
 While Rameses, blushing with modest grace and 
 mild composure, thus received his sovereign's ho- 
 nours, soon raising his eyes, he sees the lovely Ni- 
 tocris regarding his form with fixed gaze ; and, in- 
 stantly recognising their interest in each other, both 
 became deeply agitated. Approaching her, Rameses 
 acquired courage to testify his interest in her appear- 
 ance, and anxiously inquired for Phritiphanes, whom 
 he missed at court. He learned that deep alarm, ex- 
 cited by the various rumours of his fate, had worked 
 upon his age and frame, and caused anxiety too 
 strong and overpowering for his venerable years.
 
 RAMESES. 85 
 
 At length relieved fnnii state attendance, while 
 yet his father was engaged in council, he returned 
 to the palace, eager for one who yet had neither met 
 nor welcomed him — his brother Sabacon. Dear as 
 was Myris, dearer still the instructor and parent of 
 his soul, the venerable Phritiphanes, yet his heart 
 now 3'earned to meet a brother''s love, — alas ! a 
 blessing; fast fading from his view. Honours, am- 
 bilious aim, vain-glory, — what are such illusive 
 phantoms to a brother's heart ! 
 
 But who can paint the anguish and rancorous 
 jealousy which stung the heart of haughty Sabacon, 
 as fame rumoured abroad the achievements of his 
 despised younger brother ! Unable to control its 
 workings when the triumphant shouts proclaimed 
 his arrival, Sabacon hastened to bury himself in the 
 inmost recesses of their palace, where he surrendered 
 his mind to the tumultuous suggestions of his stormy 
 passions. The paroxysm passed, he saw the deep 
 necessity of masking closely his sensations; and as 
 his absence at such a moment might excite remark, 
 orders were strictly given to conceal his presence 
 thus closely adjoining to the scene of joy and tri- 
 umph, which still kept him a prey to anguish within 
 the palace walls : and it was not long ere Rameses, 
 leaving the splendid halls, hastened to his couch. 
 Sabacon had so carefully mastered his resolves, and 
 schooled his passions brooding over projects of san-
 
 SC) llAMtSES. 
 
 guinary hate, that to the observer iiotliing could be 
 detected wrons, or wanthig of the hveliest fraternal 
 love and joy. 
 
 While these extraordinaiy events at jMemphis 
 were preparing the dangers and alarming changes 
 wliich called forth and rendered the shining qua- 
 lities of Rameses so conspicuous, scarcely less ad- 
 vantageous had been the impressions wrought in 
 the monarch and his counsellors by the bold bearing 
 and marked talents of Sabacon. It had been re- 
 solved, in the event of a war breaking out, to bestow 
 upon him an important command, under the con- 
 trol and councils of his father ; thus tempering the 
 valor of youth with the experience of age. Seeing, 
 therefore, the bright prize ready for his grasp, the 
 hidden springs of his heart were nearly made mani- 
 fest, as well as his hatred of his brother, by the un- 
 expected events of Memphis. Circumstances also 
 had transpired during the absence of Rameses, which 
 placed his character in a new and most advantageous 
 light; from the lustre thrown around him by the 
 public official notice^", made at the altar by Phriti- 
 phanes, of his resolve to offer himself to the terrible 
 trial of the full initiation. So carefully were the 
 mystic secrets guarded, so severe the tests, that of late 
 years no Egyptian had dared to present himself for 
 the ordeal. In proportion therefore to the public ani- 
 madversion on the degeneracy ofthc present Egyptian
 
 RAMESES. 87 
 
 race of nobles, were the acclamations wherewith the 
 multitude hailed this public pledge of the merit and 
 aspirings of Rameses. 
 
 One witness of the proclamation felt and evi- 
 denced her sense of its danger — this was Nitocris. 
 This lovely being, pure and chaste of mind, firm and 
 collected of purpose, had long given an attentive car 
 to her father's fond presages of his youthful pupil's 
 excellencies. Scarcely aware of the strengthening par- 
 tiality of her heart, being deeply struck by the noble 
 character and lofty and ingenuous countenance of 
 Rameses when they accidentally met in the presence 
 chamber, every succeeding day had given fresh proofs 
 of his virtues, as well as evidenced that the inestima- 
 ble jewel of a great and noble mind was also attract- 
 ively blended with personal qualities most engaging. 
 They were neither of them slow in recognising 
 each other's merits ; and fate brought together two 
 hearts formed for each other, to delight them with a 
 semblance of happiness, which she was preparing to 
 dash from their grasp with cruel precipitancy. But 
 the miseries and trials of time evolve the soul's test 
 for the awards of eternity ; and these storms of fate, 
 under which weaker spirits succumb and sink, are 
 only to draw forth and sublime the pure and well 
 poised patience of the truly wise and good, — as gold 
 loses not in the furnace, but comes forth purified, 
 and its brightness refined. 
 The morning saw Rameses busy at Sabacon's couch,
 
 88 ' R AMESES. 
 
 with a heart cahn and unagitated, even by the pro- 
 spect of a day of triumph. Their tender parent joined 
 his sons, and wept tears of joy, to see the bright and 
 splendid path of glory thus worthily begun ; Saba- 
 con exalted to a commander's rank; Rameses clothed 
 in the gorgeous robes of supreme power as governor ; 
 he, their parent, holding the exalted station of the 
 head of Egypt's armies. Thus as their lengthened 
 pomp spread along the streets of Thebes, liailed by 
 its joyful throngs, where could a prospect again be 
 found of such a profusion of the fickle goddess 
 Fortune's favours as in this single family .-' But a 
 worm was in the bud, not only of their prosperity, 
 but of the country and kingdom from whence their 
 state was given, hurling it and them from the pin- 
 nacle of greatness into an abyss of misfortune. 
 
 Alarmed by the insurrection of Memphis, and the 
 acquired knowledge of similar plots throughout the 
 kingdom, which had been averted solely by the in- 
 stantaneous clieck given to the Memphian revolt, it 
 had been resolved in council, that the governors and 
 forces should instantly, after the next day''s so- 
 lemnities, and the erection of the obelisk, proceed 
 to their respective governments, and exert every 
 means to crush the bud of rebellion, by the ex- 
 pulsion of the hostile resident Palli. Sabacon also, 
 now invested with a command in the army in the 
 Delta, was directed instatitly to repair to the camp; 
 and the king, to be near the scene of action, an-
 
 UAMESES. 89 
 
 nounced his resolve of immediately returning to 
 Memphis with his court, taking Medinct Hab{i in 
 his way. Such were the morning councils, at which 
 the new members, Sabacon and Ramescs, attended, 
 called hither by their rank. 
 
 The captives brought in chains from Memphis, 
 chiefs of the adverse race, were also condemned to 
 suffer death, as an example of severity. From a 
 deep horror of shedding blood, the voice of Rameses 
 would have preserved their forfeit lives; but this 
 was held inadmissible in the present posture of af- 
 fairs, the safety of Egypt calling for rigorous venge- 
 ance. Thus, to the thoughtful mind that watched 
 events, every incident betokened bloody estrange- 
 ment and inextinguishable hatred between the op- 
 posed powers, who, as dark clouds impelled by dif- 
 ferent currents of air, thus lowered and threatened 
 all around. 
 
 The king commanded the hostile standards 
 brought to court to be displayed. The nobles, 
 splendidly attired, awaited round his throne the de- 
 stined hour, for the arrival of which attendant au- 
 gurs watched the creeping moments as they passed. 
 The wonderful machines were in readiness to move 
 the mighty granite mass ; the priests began their rich 
 and lengthened march, bearing all the shrines and 
 sacred Amnion's image, to consecrate the elevation 
 of the towering symbol, which was formed of a single 
 shaft of purest granite, and polished as the brightest
 
 90 llAMESES. 
 
 mirrors: Mizraira, amid her matchless treasures, 
 never yet had seen so large or faultless a shaft. 
 Exulting in the combined auspicious auguries, the 
 recent victories, and trophies of success, the rejoicing 
 race of Egypt, and their king, prepared to raise aloft 
 the majestic symbol^^ of their solar god.
 
 IIAMESES. 91 
 
 BOOK V. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The hymn chanted to Osiris as the obelisk is elevated, 
 which is afterward graven in hieroglyphic symbols on its 
 surface. — The king's dress as one of the sacred band. — 
 The great court of Karnak, in which the king receives 
 RameseS;, who enters in triumph as the obelisk is erected. 
 — The gratitude of Phares, the jMemphian preserved by 
 his valour. — After the sacrifices Rameses makes a public 
 declaration of his undertaking the profession of the Isiac 
 rites ; and in pursuance of his vow enters the sanctuary 
 upon his probationary preparation. — The rejoicings re- 
 commenced of the court, repairing to the palace of Me- 
 dinet Habu. — The night is passed in exhibitions of splen- 
 dor on the Nile. — The accounts from the frontiers put a 
 sudden stop to the festivities, and the court withdraw to 
 Habu. — Nitocris is oppressed with grief at the dangers 
 awaiting Rameses. 
 
 'O 
 
 ' Hail, mighty Sun!*" To thee belongs the empire 
 of the world ! — Thou, O Osiris and Horus, bestow 
 it on thy beloved ! May the great Amenophis, be- 
 gotten of the valiant and martial king Rameses, be 
 thy choice, founder of the universe ! Tiiou, whom 
 the Sun hath elected, may thou, by thy strength and 
 fortitude, subject all the earth to thy empire, even 
 thou the king ! Immortal son of the Sun !' 
 
 Such were the strains which arose from a thousand
 
 92 llAMESES. 
 
 voices arranged on the terraces of the vast peristyle 
 of Karnak, as the king, clad in the nebris robe*^ of 
 a magnificent panther's skin, and his head encircled 
 by the aspic diadem, appeared from the granite 
 apartments. These robes were the royal habiliments 
 worn in the grand sacred ceremonies, when the 
 monarch appeared in the sacerdotal dress. The skin 
 was ample and flowing, of the spotted panther of 
 the East: it was lined with the brightest glossy silk 
 of pure white. The panther's head, richly chased and 
 graven in silver, exactly imitative of the animal, 
 hung over the right shoulder, and was met by a paw 
 of the precious metal which clasped it : the second 
 paw, richly chased, fell down to the monarclfs leg, 
 and the long spotted panther's tail hung in its full 
 length behind. Around the waist was a belt richly 
 ornamented with gems, and bearing as a signet the 
 phylactery of Amenophis ; while an aspic beautifully 
 enamelled, the eye formed by a blazing gem, added 
 the emblem of eternity to its character. A fillet of 
 gold, with the same eternal symbol, termed the aspic 
 diadem, encircled the brows of Amenophis. He 
 wore the rabid, or necklace,** of the initiati, thus de- 
 scribed in the mystic doctrine of the priesthood ; its 
 precious gems were ranged in three rows, the guttae, 
 embleming the drops of heavenly dew; the stellar 
 or radiated circle, the symbol of the elements; and 
 the azure crosslets, the emblem of immobility, in- 
 termixed with roses, and the emerald persea, whose
 
 R AMESES. 93 
 
 heart-shape is the emblem of Mizraim. Thus in one 
 mystic ornament the priesthood declare by symbols 
 the qualities of heavenly u isdom ; that its gift is the 
 control and knowledge of the elements, and its es- 
 sence immutability and eternity ; its delightfulness, 
 by the sweet odours of the rose ; and in the persea, 
 venerable Mizraim. The bracelets were of similar 
 splendor and significancy ; and his feet had sandals 
 of thin gold and azure, fastened widi metalHc rivets. 
 Close to the body was a vest of fine purple, outvying 
 the hues of nature's fairest hyacinthine flowers. 
 
 Clad in these sacred robes, Amenophis appeared 
 in the inmost peristyle, and seated himself on his 
 throne on the right, in front of tlie grand row of 
 pillars: the whole space opposite of the left was 
 similarly occupied by the queen Saptha and her court, 
 clad, in honour of the ceremony, in white, adorned 
 with pearls. The staves of office were ivory tipped 
 with gold : the queen's seat was the ivory throne ; its 
 pure and chastened hues acquired additional softness 
 and attraction from the contrast of the splendid dyes 
 of all the columns, cornices, and surrounding walls. 
 The front of this vast square was filled with the 
 priesthood, clad in rich vestments : the centre was 
 occupied with the sacred altar, on four steps of pure 
 ivory, on which the flame w^as burning : before it lay 
 prostrate the sealed bull,^^ covered in a nebris robe ; 
 and numerous assistants around, in ornamented 
 habiliments, prepared, upon a signal from Phriti- 
 phanes, to immediately dissever the limbs, and
 
 94 IIAMESES. 
 
 bear the libation of wine to be plentifully sprinkled 
 over the ivory altar : the high priest stood in 
 front, directing the whole. Stationed at the im- 
 mensely wide portals, which were thrown open, were 
 Ethiopian guards with ivory staves. The outer 
 court formed the great attraction, to the ponderous 
 mighty obelisk, borne up by potent machines and 
 engines of astonishing mechanic power, worked by 
 a thousand men, skilled in this art, and of the most 
 athletic make,— thus they held it in slings ready by 
 their enormous engines to have it poised in equili- 
 brium on its socket upon the given signal. The 
 immense outer halls and courts contained the whole 
 of Egypt's nobles of different orders, arranged in 
 just gradation, wearing their splendid marks of rank 
 to grace the sight. The spreading terraces and all 
 the gateways were opened to the clustering multi- 
 tudes of Thebes, who covered them countless as 
 swarming bees filling the lands of the Nile's sacred 
 streams, ci'owding to witness the solemn rites. 
 
 When all was thus prepared, the triumphal pre- 
 cession of Rameses^*^ was heard to approach. His 
 chariot, taken from the royal stables, shone with the 
 precious metals, drawn by two horses of great beauty 
 and spirit, their heads adorned with towering plumes, 
 their proud forms covered by flowing robes, ihc 
 traces richly chased, and the bands around their 
 bodies magnificently embroidered, and fastening 
 with rich knobs of gold ; the reins passing through 
 o-olden rings, and attaching to the bits with golden
 
 RAMESES. 95 
 
 buckles. The chariot was cast in metal, and richly 
 wrought; the body displayed in front a ramping lion, 
 the proud emblem of victory, and was fixed firmly 
 on the axle, its solidity strengthened by a band 
 across, fastened by golden links to the sides, and 
 adorned with the revered lotos flower ; the axle was 
 at the back of the car, and as well as the wheels 
 richly embossed in bronze ; the body itself, wherein 
 stood the hero, was principally of gold, and metals 
 tinged in azures. Four attendants soothed and 
 conducted the impatient horses. Rameses, clothed 
 in a full flowing robe, a triumphal aspic crown on 
 his forehead, his buckler inscribed with his phy- 
 lactery, with his bow and quiver, was environed by 
 guards armed with bows, with the standards and 
 military ensigns of renown, and thus triumphantly 
 proceeded to the palace. His father, Sosis, to do 
 him the highest honour, followed in his train ; also 
 Sabacon, and Myris enraptured with his glory. 
 The captives swelled the procession ; and as they 
 entered the royal palace halls, thronged with the ex- 
 pectant priests and court, shouts of assembled mul- 
 titudes announced the auspicious instant as the deep 
 and solemn sounds of tambours declared the hiirh 
 hour of noon. The instant that the bright god of day 
 attained the meridian, his point of heavenly height, 
 the conqueror, alighted from his car, had taken his 
 stand near Amenophis, who joined Phritiphancs at 
 the altar. Innnediately the altar, touched by a torch
 
 90 EAMESES. 
 
 borne by the king, blazed up in brigl^t radiance, ef- 
 fulgent and dazzling as the solar beams darting from 
 their meridian height on the jjlad scenes around. 
 At this instant the numerous pulleys and chains 
 creaked, and majestically slow with the creeping 
 pace of moments, almost imperceptible to sight, the 
 mighty obelisk uphfted its huge mass, and, with- 
 out obstacle or fatal intervention of an accident, 
 settled firm and exquisitely even in its destined 
 place — thenceforward to the latest hour of time, 
 to show the world how far pre-eminent in arts, in 
 power of science, and in wisdonfs secrets, shone 
 great Egypt's sons. That instant also saw the blow 
 struck *^, which despatched the devoted bull ; and 
 his streaming blood caught in golden vessels, in- 
 stantaneously borne by sacred hands, was poured 
 upon the prepared base, beneath the approaching 
 mass of the already settling obelisk. The rites 
 began most happily, flowed onward with the same 
 propitious signs. The auguries declared the gods 
 looked on with favour on the consecrated symbol: 
 the air resounded with nuisic's harmony, and the 
 whole assembled court breathed only joy. 
 
 At this moment a movement announced the ar- 
 rival of a band of Memphians, to pay their homage 
 to the king, and to express their joyful gratitude 
 for his goodness, in bestowing on them their de- 
 liverer to be their governor. One chief among them 
 was loudest in his praises. It was the Memphian,
 
 RAMESES. 97 
 
 who, fallen beneath the Pallic foe, expecthig instant 
 death, was rescued by the heroic firmness and 
 valour of Rameses. After their homage to the king, 
 he offered to his deliverer his thanks in the eloquent 
 language nature confers when her pure impulses are 
 followed. He was one of the sacred embalmers 
 of Memphis, chief of the Taricheutes ^'^j and repre- 
 sented now his company, by his especial request, 
 eager to acknowledo-e his brave deliverer. Phares, 
 the grateful Memphian thus pouring forth his 
 thanks, possessed the first of blessings, a heart of 
 pure and fervent gratitude, and in every futui-e trial 
 proved his devotedness to his preserver. 
 
 So transient had been the time elapsed, so brief 
 and modest the account delivered by Rameses, his 
 head and form enveloped in a richly flowing robe 
 and victorious wreath, that neither his severe wounds 
 nor his brave actions were fully known : but now 
 before the grand assemblage of the land, — his king 
 and royal consort, priesthood, commanders, go- 
 vernors, and nobles, — all was made known, and the 
 wisdom and courage of his plans the more exalted. 
 Rameses felt, however, that the suffrage of one gentle 
 being in the circle was dearer to his heart, — if she 
 joined her soft approval to the public voice, — far 
 dearer than all the glory gained. Softly fluttered in 
 his bosom the sensations of hope and expectation, as 
 he witnessed her admiring and approving smile; 
 but instantly reailling all his pledge of initiate vow, 
 
 VOL. 1. H
 
 98 RAMESES. 
 
 exerting his firmest resolution, he endeavoured to 
 maintain the wonted ascendency over his heart, and 
 to guard against the tenderness so rapidly strength- 
 ening within it ; and as he meditated on his settled 
 purpose, — to suppress every thrilling wish of suing 
 for the love of Nitocris, and turning his face from 
 the rich intoxicating cup of pleasure, power, and 
 glory, offered to his grasp, to utter in this very 
 moment the awful vow which bound him to undergo 
 the dangers of the initiatory ti'ials. To Rameses, 
 although his heart glowed with the warmest feelings 
 of admiration, although he prized the blessings 
 of the soul's intercourse, and the endearments of 
 life in the society of her he loved beyond every 
 earthly blessing, and acquirement of glory or re- 
 nown, — so tempered were the springs of firm, high, 
 and heroic purpose, that a few instants sufficed to 
 pass before him all these seducing allurements, and 
 to see them bow before his fixed and virtuous re- 
 solve : the struggle within could not be traced either 
 in the diminished sparkle of the eye, the firm com- 
 posed demeanour of the brow and form ; but a 
 paleness on his features spoke its force. 
 
 Kindly noticing the grateful Phares, who was 
 welcomed and embraced by Rameses, the deputation 
 retired behind the stately portico ; at which solemn 
 moment Jiameses, advancing to the altar, took his 
 stand between the king and Phritiphancs, attract- 
 ing the instant gaze of all. Every sound ceased
 
 KAMESES. 99 
 
 lliroughout the halls, while he proceeded in firm 
 and solemn accents to declare his resolve instantly to 
 submit himself to the priests commands, in prepara- 
 tion for the awful tests of his initiation ; and ere 
 the assembly could recover from the sensation of the 
 communication made at this impressive instant, 
 signing to two of the priests, Rameses entered the 
 shrine which closed the portico, and within which 
 he must divest himself of his triumphal robings. 
 
 The sacred rules of this most solenm rite re- 
 quire that the chosen persons who enter on this 
 trial, alone, apart from all friends and relatives, 
 stripped of all external splendour, should present 
 themselves standing before the great deity of nature 
 their body defenceless and unarmed, their soul 
 strengthened and supported only by their own na- 
 tive fortitude and sacred vows. These preparatory- 
 exercises teach that Nature, the great mother of all, 
 grants her children certain essences and incorporeal 
 qualities, which are her choicest gifts; and these, 
 although invisible to sense, are the innate emana- 
 tions of the deity, eternal and immortal. — Such are 
 man's desires for happiness, the powers of ima- 
 gination and of thought sublime, and all those 
 infinite wondrous and mysterious links which 
 breathe of life to come, — those germs of excellence, 
 which, bound and fettered within their fleshly pri- 
 son, will in future scenes expand and manifest them- 
 selves, with never-ending growth and bright frui- 
 
 ■ I o
 
 100 RAMESES. 
 
 lion ! The human form, faultless and perfect, its 
 mechanism matchless, as the sacred mysteries de- 
 clare, is only hid and deformed by the richest 
 vesture : thus the daring explorer of the mysteries 
 of the goddess Isis, the bright meed of him who 
 rises superior to the fears of darkness, terrors, and 
 death, must receive the golden crown of her award 
 amid the dread scenes of her awful secrets ; he ap- 
 pears before her, as he entered on this scene of life, 
 — naked, unarmed, and unadorned, — his denuded 
 state of bodily appearance denotes his reliance upon 
 the goddess Nature, from whom he derives all his 
 blessings; and in the awful tests (which thus un- 
 supported he must endure the utmost severity of, 
 during three days ,)*y if he falls or falters, he meets 
 certain death. Meantime as soon as the solemn vow 
 is made, all external robes or clothing are taken off, 
 and the spotted panther's skin solely envelopes the 
 body, until the very moment of entering into the 
 gloomy abyss. Thus then was Rameses in a few in- 
 stants — from the rich and glorious conqueror, shin- 
 ing In embroidered vestments, all the brilliant or- 
 naments withdrawn — clothed as the initiati in the 
 panther robe prepared to bid farewell to all his friends. 
 The contrast afforded by this change added fresh in- 
 terest to his character : his form marked the flower 
 and beauty of his youth, even more strikingly than 
 when clothed in rich robes : inclining to be slender, 
 its symmetry and just proportion gave grace and dig-
 
 RAMESES. 101 
 
 nity to his noble carriage ; his forehead firm and 
 commanding, his bright eyes sliaded with somewhat 
 of a soft and melting character (at thus bidding per- 
 haps an everlasting farewell to those he loved best 
 on earth), threw around him an interest which 
 rendered his dignity and courage peculiarly im- 
 pressive; evidenced also as the latter quality became 
 from his late wounds, which appeared visible from 
 the openings of his initiatory robe. The whole 
 court, forgetting the respectful silence observed 
 hitherto in the royal presence, melted into tender 
 sympathy on thus contemplating the youthful hero 
 whom they might no more behold, and felt the 
 contrast of the change. He alone collected, and 
 not daring; to trust himself longer in a scene so 
 trying, waving a farewell with tender sympathy to 
 his father, brother, friends, signed to Phritiphanes, 
 who taking his right hand, and the king his left, 
 followed by all the priests, they, with Rameses, in 
 silence entered the sacred portals, which imme- 
 diately closing upon him, Rameses and the train 
 disappeared from public view. 
 
 Such was the time marked by these great events : 
 Egypt's priesdiood, and her holy rites, long time 
 neglected by her luxurious sons, acquired lustre 
 from the elevated soul which thus in native dignity 
 stood forward to brave the severity of the tests, to 
 obtain the privilege of admission into the sacred band. 
 What these trials were, no one dared to speak of; and
 
 102 RAMESES. 
 
 their deep obscurity added to their sanctity. That 
 they consisted of perils imminent, of dangers great, 
 of sufferings corporeal and mental in every circum- 
 stance most severe, all the evidences, historic and 
 traditionary, declare, and also the disappearance 
 of many, who entering the gloomy portals as ini- 
 tiati, never returned to the light of day, perishing 
 in the trial, how or where ever unknown. 
 
 Wrapt up in mystery, so greatly dangerous 
 appeared the issue, that in this moment of the 
 public situation of Egypt, menaced by the Palli, it 
 had been tacitly admittetl of by Amenophis in coun- 
 cil, to postpone, by a royal mandate, the intention 
 of Rameses. His late important services at Mem- 
 phis evincing his great talents, if the threatening 
 war took place, in the present crisis of public 
 events, it was deemed too great an injury to Egypt 
 to risk the loss of a warrior of such opening pro- 
 mise. But these and other plans came all too late ; 
 the firm purpose of Rameses, acted upon at so 
 striking an instant, left no power of interference or 
 of remonstrance, without a seeming negligence to, 
 nay, a manifest defrauding of the secret inexorable 
 gods presiding over the mysteries. The whole event 
 seemed woven by fate into an indissoluble bond, 
 which left the king and people in admiration for 
 the virtuous youthful aspirant, offering united vows 
 for his protection and support under Iiis tremendous 
 trial.
 
 RAMESES. 103 
 
 Several days the aspirant resides in the sanctuary, 
 deriving sacred communications and truths from the 
 priesthood : his nights are passed on the temple's 
 height under the canopy of heaven ; his food, sim- 
 ple and scanty, is of rice, pulse, and water, that 
 his frame, light and sublimed by thought and hea- 
 venly meditation, may be prepared and disciplined 
 against the hour, when, on the appointed morning, he 
 enters the mystic chasm. What passes within its ter- 
 rible and darkling sides, — the type of Hades ! — no 
 mortal dare disclose. If life and success attend the 
 aspirant, and he fulfils his vow, the third morning, 
 reckoning the first of his entrance into the chasm, he 
 is produced in the grand temple, crowned and en- 
 rolled : if a failure, and death follows, as too often 
 is the result, his name is never again spoken of or 
 repeated ; blotted out alike from life and memory, 
 consigned to deep oblivion. 
 
 Shortly after this scene, Amenophis, robed as 
 king, and divested of his sacerdotal pomp, en- 
 vironed by his guards, re-entered the peristyle, and 
 assuming the monarch, saw the pensive feeling for 
 the absent hero shading still his whole court. Adopt- 
 ing therefore an expedient connected with the name 
 and achievements of Rameses, which, in remem- 
 brance of his exploits, might take off the impression 
 of the late striking scene, the king ordered the 
 military music to proclaim the fete, and also to 
 bring forward the ten i-ebcls, the captives of valiant
 
 104 RAMESES. 
 
 Ramescs. Tliese, already condemned by the coun- 
 cil, glutted the public eye (strange to say, a sight 
 it ever crowds to witness) with a public execution ; 
 their streaming blood adding thus victorious liba- 
 tions, which were sprinkled on the great solar 
 trophy, already consecrated by the offering of the 
 bull. Numberless sacrifices, feastings, and rejoicing 
 followed this scene. The royal banquet, spread 
 with prompt order, celerity, and shining with kingly 
 pomp, prolonged the ceremonies. These ended, 
 the king, his consort, and his numerous train of 
 courtiers, proceeded in their chariots along the 
 sphinx avenue to Luxor, this palace being more 
 favourably placed for the nightly rejoicings on tlie 
 river. Magnificent as were the horses' trappings, 
 the guards, and splendour of the monarch, nothing 
 attracted the eager gaze and impassioned feelings of 
 the Thebans like the empty chariot of Rameses, 
 liis buckler, quiver, and bow, fastened against the 
 void circle of its front; the fiery horses led by his at- 
 tendants, the guards and standards following, glitter- 
 ing and bright as when the morning shone on their 
 progress: now deprived of their noble owner, they 
 formed an affecting contrast to the pageant, Myris in 
 his car followed its wheels, his countenance wan and 
 j)ale, but marked by struggling exultation to be the 
 declared friend of worth as that of Rameses. Sosis 
 leaning on Sabacon, as if he sought for support 
 under the privation he saw closing the bright day
 
 RAMESES. 105 
 
 of triumph; while even Sabacon himself could not 
 steel his heart against the scene he had witnessed, and 
 felt his temper touched by his brother's gentleness 
 and noble demeanour : his heart also felt the ex- 
 cellence of his thus withdrawing from his glories to 
 encounter unknown perils ; and lurking thought that 
 death might in these mysterious trials end all future 
 rivalry, called forth that tone of solemn feeling 
 suited to the events, and drew the public eyes and 
 interest on him : his heart, indeed, was also occupied 
 by his approaching duties, as in the morn, ere light 
 should streak the east, himself and Bocchoris with 
 their trains were to join the army in the north. 
 The king upon the morrow also repaired to Me- 
 dinet Habu, there to await the solemn issue of his 
 warrior's trial, prior to his return to Memphis. 
 
 Amid the shining court, thus suddenly and unex- 
 pectedly leaving a capital whose great temples and 
 vast spreading palaces transcend the proudest cities 
 of the East; — amid the crowds thus floating upon 
 the stream of chance and change ; — one heart deeply 
 touched by all the events of the day, riveted in ad- 
 miration of the intellectual excellence and bright- 
 ness of the adventurous Ilamcses, sighed as she 
 gazed around, and thought how great were the 
 trials which he thus voluntarily dared. How dif- 
 ferent, she mournfully reflected, might be his 
 crisis of suffering from those luxuries which en- 
 grossed the court ! Oh that she could know
 
 106 RAMESES. 
 
 the nature of the fierce and terror-shaking tests 
 hnpending over hhn ! that she could interpose and 
 mehorate their sharpness ! Unseen, almost unknown 
 to herself, her first prepossessions had been fed by 
 daily and hourly details of his virtues from her 
 father's lips. 
 
 Nitocris had long known Sabacon's impetuous 
 mind, and long felt the liveliest interest in the 
 future fortunes of Rameses, ere she knew the 
 strong passion he was formed to cause, she heard 
 the augury which was swiftly reported to Phriti- 
 phanes with intense delight. Dwelling on his elevated 
 sentiments, his highly wrought resolves, his pa- 
 triotic views, his daring purpose of enrolling himself 
 among the initiati, she had pictured some tall, re- 
 served, and stately figure, with eyes of fire, a brow 
 of stern command, with majesty and grandeur, that 
 looked down on all the softer feelings. While she 
 portrayed the warrior of her imagination, and was 
 thus touched with interest, she was seized with the 
 deepest emotions of tenderness, when the fresh lively 
 aspect of Rameses, yet so mild, benign, and attractive, 
 appeared like a genial spirit to her view, evincing the 
 union of great and elevated feelings, with those softer 
 (jualities which confer blessings on all within their 
 sphere. 
 
 These sentiments she had scarcely recognised, 
 nor knew how strongly and deeply rooted they 
 already were become, until at the morning spec-
 
 R AMESES. 107 
 
 tacle in the temple ; vvhen Rameses, wounded, some- 
 what pallid, and unarmed, yet calm, dignified, and 
 fearless, surrendered himself voluntarily to certain 
 dangers, and, perhaps, death. Then the veil was 
 rent from the hidden secrets of her heart's dearest 
 ties, and she felt that the future was without hope, 
 if Rameses sunk under his threatening destiny. She 
 dared not look towards his interesting, affecting figure, 
 as at length he disappeared within the closing gates; 
 and as they shut, she felt a chasm and void, as if 
 death had already swallowed up all her hopes. But 
 although a 6trano;e web of circumstances had thus 
 combined to mature and knit together an affection 
 and love, which could not feel change or diminu- 
 tion by aught that time could offer to two hearts 
 thus formed to render life most blissful, yet Ni- 
 tocris, beneath a frame of delicate texture, and of 
 feminine softness, had a soul imbued with qualities 
 most sublime, and sources of high desert; these 
 rendered her a fitting object of respect and admira- 
 tion, even to the gifted Rameses. In this most 
 trying moment, by a great effort, she recovered her 
 drooping, wandering thoughts, and fixing them 
 upon the queen and the moving scene assembled 
 before her, she gave no sign or evidence of the 
 stormy feelings which thus agitated her frame. To 
 grace the evening''s festivities, the queen, Nitocris, 
 and female train accompanied the king ; and from 
 the terraces of Luxor saw the novel and transcendent
 
 108 llAMESES. 
 
 pageant wliicli the Nile presented. The vast ter- 
 races of the peristyle halls, unequalled even in 
 great Karnak, accommodated the powerful nobles 
 and train of Amenophis, who, seated on his throne 
 placed in an elevated station, looked down upon the 
 scene. The enormous gateway ''° now had the stand- 
 ards of triumph unfurled, and waving to the air, and 
 all its massive summit crowded with minstrelsy, with 
 tambours, gongs, and martial instruments, which re- 
 sounded from the elevation as they came thunder- 
 ing on the ear. Spread along the Nile appeared a 
 flotilla, formed as a deep crescent : in front some spa- 
 cious platforms floated on rafts, covered with sand 
 and filled with preparations for the pageant prepared 
 by chemic art, with magic skill to astonish and 
 amaze. Touched with flame, the stars and serpents 
 burnt with a brightness inextinguishable even by 
 the opposing water's quenching power, as immersed 
 beneath the waves the wonderful combustibles still 
 blazed on, and rising to the surface sparkled, and 
 furiously threw forth their fiery stream until their sub- 
 stance was consumed. Upon a signal given, all the 
 barks appeared in liquid flames, from the prepared 
 naptha, which ignited rushing into the boiling flood, 
 and curling in the waters, rose and sank, tinging it 
 with strange radiance ; other fires, impelled into the 
 air, streamed there as meteors and rushing stars 
 that shed a brightness, shooting upwards and dim- 
 ming the heavenly canoj)y above, as they soared to
 
 RAMESES. 109 
 
 an immense height; and then their lustre broke 
 silently upon the night, illumining the myriads of 
 faces of the admiring crowds. 
 
 The extent of the horizon was glowing with fires ; 
 no eye could reach their limits, as they spread all 
 around the boundary of Thebes. Upon the raft ap- 
 peared a pageant, displaying the favourite traditions 
 of the bright goddess Isis. The mystic form of Isis, as 
 the Queen of Night, marked out by a pale lambent 
 flame, wearing her lunette crescent, mild and beam- 
 ing, rose on the raft : she wandered as in search of 
 the lost, lamented, dead Osiris. Soon another pro- 
 digy, the red and fiery form of Typhon, arose, and 
 persecuted with his threatening gestures the be- 
 moaning queen. His dark and flaming form thrilled 
 horror through the crowd. Then the varied hues of 
 rising fires, produced by skill, by the Mizraim ma- 
 gicians at their monarch's call, displayed their chemic 
 art, mimicking gay nature's dyes, presenting gra- 
 dually as they opened, leaf by leaf, the shining- 
 golden lotos^', with its eight mysterious petals; 
 and from its capsule and calyx, with sweetness on 
 his brow and his monitory finger pressed on his lip, 
 the godlike infant form of Horus rose. At this 
 most exquisite device of science^", exhibited by 
 Egypt's practised enchanters in the costly show, the 
 thousands of Thebes made her walls ring with loud 
 redoubled plaudits. The scene next showed the god- 
 dess with the infant deity in her arms, who fled
 
 110 RAMESES. 
 
 from threatening Typhon's rage. The monster 
 followed with the various mystic wanderings which 
 the learned sculptures of the Egyptian obelisks dis- 
 played. Here they were all portrayed with every 
 turn of threatening danger and wondrous escape, 
 until oppressed with weariness, and nearly in the 
 monster's power, the goddess placed herself, dis- 
 consolate, with Horus in her lap, upon the margin 
 of the Nile, as if beseeching Nature's aid to save 
 them. Showing the legend of the goddess, now 
 the vast raft, floated apart, self-divided. The 
 part which bore the giant form of Typhon wafted 
 swiftly off, and a lengthened space of waters formed 
 a belt around the weeping goddess. As if putting 
 forth his terrible powers, now the phantom''s fiery 
 form swelled up immense, his towering head reach- 
 ing to the sky ; when, at this anxious moment, the 
 raft, as if immersed by nature's arm, began to sink, 
 and merged the evil demon god beneath the waters. 
 While, upon the float bearing the form of radiant fsis 
 and her infant Horns, what seemed a golden temple 
 rose, containing the semblance of a throne of wrought 
 and burnished gold : from whence the goddess, in 
 full radiance, saw the destruction of her deadly foe. 
 Hyperion alighted on its summit, hokling a canopy 
 over Horus; while Buto with a fan, Mnevis king of 
 serpents, and the four tutelary deities of the four cor- 
 ners of the universe, attended to render the goddess 
 their homage. Amid this beautiful and mystic dis-
 
 KAMESES. 1 1 1 
 
 play, the whole flotilla illumined the sacred river by 
 their vivid lights, which, blazing round, displayed 
 the raft and all its striking forms : all then in- 
 volved in darkness, the Theban multitudes beheld 
 where, single and alone, majestically towering in 
 the air, and in the darkness of the night forming 
 a brilliant column of light, an obelisk of flame 
 arose, the type of the splendid granite trophy which 
 the morning saw erected in the halls of great 
 Karnak. In these and other general demonstra- 
 tions of the feast and brilliant exhibitions of the 
 grandeur of great Thebes the midnight hours 
 past, until the morning dawn shining forth, the 
 bright sun shot up its beams above the horizon; 
 then the crowds slowly dispersed, the palace gates 
 were closed, and the echoing voices of her thousand 
 streets died gradually away as the spectators left 
 the river's stately banks hastening to their repose ; 
 and the so lately crowded palace sunk into profound 
 silence. 
 
 The day which dawned on Thebes now saw her 
 gates and squares in dull and cheerless gloom : the 
 king had retired to Medinet Habu^^; the com- 
 manders and governors instantly had embarked 
 in their vessels, and with the first light of day floated 
 down the stream unto their various posts; chiefly 
 Sabacon and Bocchoris, with numerous commanders 
 and a large train of officers, repaired with rapid 
 haste to join the army. Meantime the king, accom-
 
 112 RAMESES. 
 
 panied by Saptha and Nitocris, witli Sosis and the 
 eminent counsellors of the Egyptian state, crossed 
 the Nile to his pavilion of Mcdinet Habu. It was a 
 kingly abode and residence ; and had the cares and 
 pressing anxieties and clouds which hung over Egypt 
 threatened less heavily, gladly would Amenophis 
 here have fixed his princely seat. Placed on the left 
 bank of the Nile, a mound reaches to the very 
 Libyan chain of mountains, from which elevation, 
 the palace commands the whole plain ; its battle- 
 ments crown the walls towards the Nile ; and ap- 
 proaching it from royal Thebes appears a gateway, 
 of colossal proportions, its cornice and facia sloping 
 outward. A small gallery in front has its deities 
 adorned with entwining leaves of vines and the ap- 
 propriate ornaments of great Bacchus, highly revered 
 in Egypt as in India, and the countries of the East. 
 An immense gateway, 80 cubits in length, displays 
 its front portal sculptured with the winged globe 
 and serpents, shining in brightest colours. Stand- 
 ing by it is the small and solemn temple, its walls 
 marked with the initiatory rites and sacred my- 
 steries : also fronting it is a rectangular basin, typi- 
 cal of the lake of the mysteries, containing the 
 limpid waters — a type of renewed purity, and 
 having at each corner the lion-headed statues of 
 black basalt. These superb buildings all precede 
 the magnificent pavilion of the king, which, rising 
 on two stages, crowns the immense elevation, while
 
 11 AMESES. 113 
 
 two gateways, sculptured within and without, corre- 
 spond with two pyramidal towers; and all alike 
 shine in hieroglyphic symbols, boldly etched, and 
 strikingly graven on these ponderous walls. The 
 blank windows have console frames, supported on 
 two human figures pressed down and prostrate as 
 captives, while the vacant space or niche above 
 them displays warlike trophies of bronze and gold. 
 In one compartment is portrayed a brilliant youth- 
 ful form, as a winged genius, led by a conducting 
 star to glory. The halls adjacent have their ceil- 
 ings of the lozenge form, enriched with every dye 
 of colour. An enormous gateway leads to a truly 
 royal court, surrounded by colonnades, each pillar 
 distinguished with the statue of Horus the solar 
 god. His countenance so austere, yet mild, graven 
 upon the caryatide forms, exhibits an impressive and 
 monumental character, rendering this court most 
 striking and sublime. The dress and vestments of 
 the sculptured figui'es, bearing on their heads the 
 ceilings of the lengthened porticos, are singularly 
 rich. The architrave is highly elevated, and shows 
 a series of basso relievos most admirable, dee})ly 
 cut in stone, indelible and unhurt by time: above 
 which is a noble cornice of the sacred scarabeus. 
 Such was the entrance hall. Beyond it, through 
 a gateway, a peristyle spread its lengthening })illars 
 in dimensions so extensive and spacious, as to ex- 
 ceed any single feature of the great proportions 
 
 VOL. 1. 1
 
 IH- K AMESES. 
 
 even of Thebes. It had been from times remote, 
 vmder the royal Pharoahs, the great audience court 
 ot" Egypt's sovereigns. Even in this land of won- 
 ders its vastness and its grandeur must surprise. 
 Caryatide columns of stupendous size, with ceilings 
 representing the celestial firmament of a deep blue 
 tinge and studded with stars; soffits of the hawk 
 with wide extended wings ; the walls covered with 
 sculptured paintings, displaying the initiatory pomp, 
 numerous offerings to the gods, and victorious 
 triumphs adorned with captives, chariots, and at- 
 tendants ; all shine in wondrous sculptures, deeply 
 graven on the walls. The lower walls display a 
 row of gigantic deities, forming a scene altogether 
 splendid and magnificent. Ninnerous apartments, 
 closed in imperviously and appropriated to the 
 monarch's private residence, concluded the line of 
 building. Nothing can exceed the view which from 
 these walls presents itself on every side. On the 
 east, the mountains of Arabia bound the horizon ; 
 on the north-west, the Libyan chain of hills, 
 wherein are excavated, witli incredible labour, the 
 royal tombs and caverns of the Thebaide ; to the 
 east spreads a wide plain, enamelled with the 
 brightest verdure, green and refreshing to the eye ; 
 and the glittering spires and obelisks of Luxor and 
 Karnak appear within its range. If the scenery 
 without combines such interesting features, all within 
 the courts is solemn, striking, and of singular gran-
 
 RAMESES. 115 
 
 deur, impressing admiration, from the magnificen'' 
 scale on which the whole is planned. 
 
 Within the august walls of this fine pile, Ame- 
 nophis with his court reposed : its various beauties 
 and its wonders always excited the courtiers'* praise 
 and admiration. But at present Nitocris could 
 neither taste its splendour nor see its charms. 
 She, engrossed in heart upon the trials and the 
 scenes which therein might await the hero Rameses, 
 heard his voice in every breeze which whispered in 
 the vast and solemn pile. Her imagination dwelt 
 upon his form as, pale and wounded, it was last seen 
 by her ; and in the future traced a portraiture of 
 sad and ominous presage. 
 
 1 /v
 
 116 K AMESES. 
 
 BOOK VI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The awful nature of the trials and tests awaiting the aspirant 
 for the initiate crown. — The solemn feelings of Rameses 
 strengthened by the mysterious doctrine upon the nature 
 of the soul, its emanation from ether, and future absorp- 
 tion into the divine principle, as inculcated by Phritiphanes 
 and Smendis, the supreme priests of Egypt. — The cere- 
 mony of the entrance into the central cavern of the myste- 
 ries by Rameses — his perils — the nature of the trials he 
 undergoes — their change to Elysian scenery — and his ap- 
 pearance Avithin the sanctuary of the god Amnion of 
 Thebes. 
 
 While the pavilion of Habu was thus the abode 
 of solicitude and anxiety, not less so was the inner 
 sanctuary of the temple, which received the firm 
 and virtuous Rameses. Much tried by his mental 
 struggles, Nature ever and anon reasserting her 
 rights, and looking forward with sharp and ardent 
 ken at the approaching trial, still his heart bore 
 up, and his will held onward with firm trust, steady 
 to his purposed high resolves. His days were 
 ardently appropriated to his thirst for knowledge, 
 wherein he could exercise his thoughts. Encircled 
 by the sacerdotal band, principally by Phriti- 
 phanes, Tarcos, and Smendis, the then chief hiero- 
 phants, resorting to the temple to witness the event,
 
 RAMESES. 117 
 
 he passed the hours of the day in converse most 
 alhinng to his mind, wherein proofs of divine 
 truths, and principles of mighty power, infused 
 their seeds into his heart, to strengthen and support 
 him. The doctrines thus conveyed he mused upon 
 throughout the night, and meditated on while on 
 the temple terraces, as he gazed upon the glittering 
 host of heaven. At their view his soul rose up- 
 ward on the wings of contemplation, and he sighed 
 to break Its fetters, to consult their signs, and walk 
 amid their spangled glories ; for there he hoped to 
 converse with pure and high intelligences without 
 the veil of flesh. While thus engaged, and wrapt 
 in busy thought, his soul abstracted from the out- 
 ward frame of material objects, Phritiphanes, whose 
 whole heart yearned with tender care and warm 
 solicitude for the youth so pure, so finely minded, 
 tempered to virtue and to goodness, sought by 
 philosophy and wisdom's ancient stores to infuse 
 the so much needed mental strength : and, while 
 the fleeting hours rapidly brought on the important 
 instant, to disperse the anxieties of crowding and 
 tumultuous sensations, which, in great trials, will 
 roll in upon and seek to overwhelm the soul. 
 
 * My son!* he mildly thus began, ' reflect upon 
 the mental force of thought, which works within 
 itself, guiding, absorbing the whole soul — a world 
 unseen, but one of deep and hidden potency, re- 
 vealing to the pure and chastened heart truths of
 
 118 RAMESFS. 
 
 primaeval origin — truths which have their tran- 
 script on its tablets graved by a hand divine. Hence 
 we feel a thirst for something more than is re- 
 vealed ; desires more high and lofty than the mind 
 can shadow forth, or soul conceive ; but clouds and 
 darkness hang upon our view, and dim the mental 
 vision. To open then this secret scene, to furnish 
 forth fresh motives to adore the ffods and trace 
 their ways, is the high prize among the precepts 
 given to all who enter on the mysteries. Their 
 secrets are too sublime for the mortal scope of 
 common minds ; the truths revealed too pure and 
 abstract for us to show the origin of things to the 
 uncultured spirit. That the great Power of all, 
 even Nature, the womb whence all essences and 
 things material issued, was from all eternity ^^; that 
 this one great mystic being forms, creates all, and 
 is herself the source whence all come forth ; that 
 she combines within herself the mysterious union 
 of the great creative energy with the dormant prin- 
 ciple of animation, perfect in one, yet leading to 
 the formation and sustentation of all the various 
 forms and beings of this habitable globe — of man 
 and woman, animal and feathered race, and all that 
 stock the earth, down to the smallest atom, — nay 
 even of the universe : that the gods who rule over 
 all. Mysterious Eicthon ^^ ; Cneph, the Great Pre- 
 server; Mighty demiurgic Pthah, Architect Di- 
 vine ; the great Osiris, Sun of the World ; bright
 
 RAMESES. 119 
 
 Isis, Queen of Night ; Horus, dread deity of 
 Hades; with Apis, Mnevis, and Anubis, appel- 
 latives most sacred to the Egyptian land ; — that 
 these, each in their essence, melt into each other, 
 and all take root and finally resolve themselves 
 into the one grand prototype. These important 
 truths the sacred priests derive not less from know- 
 ledge orally transmitted, but they also read them 
 where they are graven on the immortal pillars of 
 Hermes^*^, the transcripts of our fathers' wisdom in 
 the golden age, ere this world arose above the flood 
 of waters, when they drank from wisdom's stream, 
 pure and unpolluted, and in science conversed with 
 the gods. The sculptured pillars show forth this 
 most profound knowledge ; and on them the search 
 for God is opened to the priesthood and the ini- 
 tiati. He resides within, above, around us, and 
 breathes in all. The knowledge of him, through 
 the mysteries, forms the great attainment of all 
 good ; but this doctrine, displaying the estimate 
 of all our sacred rites and mystic deities, and the 
 various meanings of great Mizraims hieroglyphic 
 symbols, cannot be opened to the imenlightened 
 minds of vulgar men but with reserve. Hence the 
 symbol of nature's regenerative^' powers is visible 
 to few, and to these only in the mysteries, who, 
 drinking of the stream of knowledge as it flows 
 through their secrets, learn its great import. 
 To others these great truths become corruptions
 
 ] 20 RAMESES. 
 
 leading to deatli, and therefore are they fenced 
 with tests most terrible, with trials hard to be en- 
 dured, with liorrors ahiiost above nature ; that he 
 who bears them all (or virtue's sake may reap liis 
 full reward, his courage known, his constancy most 
 proved, his perseverance and his truth unshaken. 
 He will henceforth know the gods, wih thence- 
 forward share the full plenitude of the priesthood's 
 privileges without their tie of caste ; distinguished 
 among men, will rank among the enlightened of 
 the earth, and be the chosen of the nation's rulers 
 and their counsellors. Such are the fruits of this 
 most important step, when success shall mark the 
 initiate with her crown of gold.' 
 
 Seasoning his mind with sacred truths, fortifying 
 his courage with the powerful motives thus incul- 
 cated, Rameses acquired fresh ardour for the object 
 of his eager hope; and sought, while now the rules 
 of initiation admitted him to converse and to 
 question the priests, to draw their wisdom forth, 
 and to satisfy his yearning thirst for hidden truths ; 
 in pursuit of which his fleeting hours were spent 
 within the sanctuary, chiefly with Phritiphanes, who 
 watched his fine and open brow, now clouded, and 
 now animate with a tone of high emprise. The 
 benign ])riest, meantime, by gentle monitory ac- 
 cents, sought to fortify and sustain his intellectual 
 strength ; for souls, however daring in the scene of 
 action, or energetic and intrepid while surrounded
 
 RAMESES. 121 
 
 by the daily scenes of life, in contact thus with so- 
 litude and silence, will fail, and feel affright ; but 
 not so Rameses, although there was a being whose 
 thoughts and love he sighed to gain; a father, 
 whose deeds and weal he ardently revered ; yet he 
 had made his choice, and, with such prize in view, 
 would suffer nothing earthly to intrude. 
 
 The very evening ere the rites commenced, he 
 sat upon the loftiest terrace. The distant view dis- 
 closed the Vale of Tombs — the tombs of Egypt's 
 kings; above them glowed the firmament with 
 evening's fading hues; the moon threw a line of 
 silvery radiance on the river, and lighted the crags 
 and rocks around these awful caves, these sepul- 
 chres magnificent. He thought upon the future ; 
 and rapt in meditation gazed upon the scene. At 
 length he ventured thus to question Smendis, the 
 priest of Moeris's Labyrinth, whose office and func- 
 tions made him more deeply conversant with ma- 
 terial things, and whose zeal led him to pass the 
 niffht in converse with the hero. 
 
 ' Say, Smendis, whence flow forth these cankers 
 to the universal good, these thick and gloomy 
 shadows, which in tlie mind and acts of man de- 
 form his glory, and obscure the world material in 
 her storms and whirlwinds? Why is evil thus 
 permitted to distuib and invert the order of fair 
 Nature's works, and perplex the heart of man .'*' 
 
 ' These are, Rameses,' Smendis replied, ' thoughts
 
 V2'2 RxVMESKS, 
 
 that flow not from yourself. They deal in points 
 you cannot see, for language will not teach them. 
 Partial evil works forth general good. Evil ! what 
 is it as a thing ? If willed by the great Power, it 
 ceases to be evil. Cruelty is evil : yet the striped 
 hyaena, in his cruelty mangling his prey, becomes 
 not evil : he was so cast in Nature's scheme. Thus 
 all thino's have their essential character in the orand 
 plan of all ; but who can see its scope throughout ? 
 Where God has given reason, he has made man 
 free, and he may choose amiss. AVicked men 
 love evil, and deserve to meet with it. Accursed 
 Typhon once may have been a refined spirit of ex- 
 cellence and piu'ity, such as by perseverance in the 
 right might become for ever habitually good. He 
 ventured to array himself against the great Osiris. 
 Impious Typhon rebelled ; he shed his comeliness 
 and beauty^'', and hates that brightness which can 
 upbraid him with his glory lost, his present execra- 
 ble lot, expelled that presence which gladdens all the 
 universe: all know then the dieadful change from 
 life to death ! Thus we are informed whence evil 
 flows, — even a separation of ourselves from the glo- 
 rious fountain ; not a warring struggle of two equal 
 powers, but partial evil permitted thus to cloud and 
 plague itself, yet acting under a supreme power, to 
 try and prove the worth and faithful service of the 
 universt. Amid our sacred sages the sentiment 
 sublinu- of our absorption in the Deity is enwrapt.
 
 llAMf:SES. 123 
 
 and bodied forth in allegory and in symbol. Hear 
 our truths revealed in fabled lore, Avhich leads the 
 mind to see its native blindness, in doctrines as 
 clear as if they wore a form and shape. 
 
 * ' A frog took up her dwelling on the borders of 
 the sea, the place where first she came into exist- 
 ence. Day and night she ceased not to sing the 
 praises of the ocean : to her it was the ocean to 
 which she owed the brightness of her faculties, and 
 the growth of her bodv. ' On whatever side I 
 turn, my sight, my view,' says she, ' has nought 
 before it but the immensity of the ocean ; every 
 part to which I turn my steps I find only the 
 ocean.' This language, incessantly repeated, was 
 heard by some little fishes, who conceived an ardent 
 desire to know what was this ocean, and resolved 
 instantly to set out on their travels, and not to stop 
 on their route before they found the object of their 
 research. They accordingly put their intention in 
 force, but had not proceeded far before they fell 
 into the nets of a fisherman, and were quickly 
 dragged to land, and were taken out of tlie sea ; 
 when, by the force of their beatings and struggles, 
 the little fishes escaped through the meshes and 
 returned into the ocean ; then practically they un- 
 derstood, for the first time, what the ocean was 
 which they sought for.' 
 
 ' Thus, when separate in desire from the great 
 Deity, we cease to will his will, then is it evil ; and
 
 124 RAMESES. 
 
 as the simple fishes gasped to float again in that 
 life-giving element, which, although within, about 
 them, yet before they had their sad experience they 
 knew not, — so should man, estranged from good, 
 pant and desire to be again with God, from whence 
 he emanates. The domicile of man, for peace, is in 
 the tomb. This is his certain permanent^^ abode, 
 not the passing dream of life. There then em- 
 bellish your everlasting mansions ; not in the city's 
 transitory, short-lived dwellings (changing as oft 
 their tenants as your caravanserais) is your true 
 abode, but in the immutable state of Hades • for in 
 the irreversible judgment (of which initiation is a 
 type) Hades conducts to the shining stars. That 
 we may see, yet know not the truo substance, is 
 proved by a bright point of fire which the eye sees 
 rapidly turned ; it describes a brilliant circlet of 
 light, yet it is but a point in form and quality, 
 revolving swiftly on its centre. The illusion alters 
 not its form and essence; it is still a point. Thus 
 the reflected powers of the deities are beheld by us 
 in different forms ; but they are not changed, they 
 are not evil, they are still the same bright point 
 divine. The ancient Chaldee oracle declares that 
 * Nature or Rhea is the fountain and the river^ 
 of all the blessed intellectual gods ; for, first re- 
 ceiving all things in her ineffable bosom, she pours 
 runninir generations into all thinffs.' Herein we see 
 a figurative display of Nature as the fountain of all ;
 
 RAMESES. 125 
 
 while she is again tlie receptacle of all in her uni- 
 versal bosom, the opening tombs of mother earth 
 gradually absorbing all her children ; yet not to be 
 for ever dormant, but again iiow forth in generations 
 of all-existent sentient beings, from man, sublime 
 and powerful, to the minute insect which gems the 
 floweret ! The productive power inherent in this 
 great goddess is figuratively conveyed by the image 
 of a spider, which draws from its own bosom the 
 thread that forms its web, sits in the midst of its 
 work, communicates movement to it, and at plea- 
 sure draws back what it had sent forth from its 
 body. 
 
 * How beautifully does this imagery embody 
 the eternal youth of Nature ! To search this power, 
 to undertake the unravelling of it, demanding, 
 AVhat is evil ? What is good ? — is trying what 
 is unattainable to man. Nature cannot be fa- 
 thomed; she has nothing to be compared with. 
 Thus the great goddess, Neith, proclaims herself 
 upon the portico of her Saite temple : ' I am all that 
 hath been, that is, that shall be; and my veil no 
 mortal hath ever lifted up.' Useless the search if 
 followed to decide upon her laws and call their 
 operations good, or evil, according to the dim and 
 narrow glimpse of man; but highly beneficial to 
 observe her infinite operations, and seize a ray of 
 wisdom from her beamino^ lioht. All material forms 
 are fleeting and perishable, and vanish from our
 
 126 llAMESES. 
 
 eyes ; but the truths of the soul, — ' worship to the 
 god,^' love to parents, tenderness and mercy ,' — these 
 are your vovv when you enter the holy cavern, and 
 these are manifest and imperishable !' 
 
 With eager joy Rameses assured him of his de- 
 sire to meet the tests; that his heart sought for 
 knowledge, and to love the gods, as his chief good ; 
 it was not glory or ambition's meed, for they al- 
 ready were within his grasp ; but life itself was a 
 mere point compared with his desires. 
 
 ' Look,' said the priest, * look at these spreading 
 tombs. Many a form rests there, who, when on 
 earth, deemed all its space too small: they lived 
 for earth and with it, — courting life, forgetting, 
 as our sentence says, ' The reward of a man who 
 wishes for long life is to outlive all his friends ;' 
 and they are gone down to their splendid sepulchres 
 and lasting homes unknown and unlamented. 
 From these encouraging and high thoughts retire, 
 and seek the rest so necessary. To-morrow sees 
 your fate decided. It is not allowable to say what 
 then you meet ; but if fate inexorable may be pro- 
 pitiated by human vows, your heart will not quail, 
 your eye falter, whatsoever it meets. Rest o» this 
 night with sweet repose and confidence.' 
 
 Thus Rameses was led from thought to thought, 
 and, chiefly in communing with himself, to seek 
 for principles of action adequate to the approaching 
 strong emergency. ' Ah, my revered preceptor,'
 
 11 AMESES. 127 
 
 Ramcses replied, * how deeply sinks your rich and 
 varied store of doctrine in a heart alive to gratitude 
 and thanks ! The night now wears away ; my last, 
 perhaps, on earth: for who can say they will, 
 through every trial, overcome the powers of destiny ? 
 I wish then to while away those moments yet allotted 
 to my course in tracing, with your wisdom's higher 
 guidance, some of the sublimest allegories of our 
 mysteries. Dark is the sentence of the goddess 
 Neith, but not its import. Nature, indeed, in all 
 her ways, is hidden ; the veil, indeed, is on her, and 
 her secret paths no being can find out ; but her un- 
 ceasing ^^ bounty and goodness are expressively por- 
 trayed as the magna mater, the mother of all, 
 adored in Isis ^^ as the cow with numerous teats, 
 from whence the streams of lacteal nourishment 
 flow out to nourish all mankind, — thus feeding and 
 sustaining all from her prolific stores !' 
 
 ' Right !' replied Smendis, ' those who thus read 
 nature, leaving her secret substances and essences of 
 things unscrutinized, as impervious to our sight, *^^ 
 under the shadow of her mystic veil, and study 
 solely to learn her characters most bright, of bounty 
 to the human race in all her gifts, and use them, 
 without sounding in her deep profound with mor- 
 tals' scanty line and plummet, — to such she is in- 
 deed the goddess Neith, goddess of wisdom, justly, 
 truly wise. — Behold, the same holy temple bears 
 an hieroglyphic sculpture of gracious import, also
 
 1^^8 RAMESES, 
 
 wrapping up in mystery the justice of the deity. 
 A child, an aged man, a hawk, a fish, an hippopo- 
 tamus, are on the arcliitrave. The first is entrance 
 into hfe ; the second, departure from it ; the third 
 is god Osiris ; the fourth, hatred ; the fifth, in- 
 justice: thus declaring forth these truths, — 'Learn 
 ye who just are entering in the world, and ye who 
 are nigh leaving it, the supreme God abhors in- 
 justice.' Viewing his universal power as ' all na- 
 ture materialised within his sphere,' Hermes also 
 declares, that ' God is a circle, ^^ whose centre is 
 every where, but whose circumference can nowhere 
 be found.' 
 
 ' Thus the phoenix ^% bright visitant of tiie Sun's 
 great temple, shows the truths of knowledge, reckon- 
 ing time throughout its mighty circle. Thus Osiris 
 and Cneph as Creator have the azure or black 
 countenance, this indicating the goddess night and 
 primeval darkness, the womb of creative energy, 
 before the worlds w^ere formed ; thus Osiris is him 
 from whom all things proceed, into whom all things 
 are resolved ; and when the energy of creation is 
 past, he acts as the preserving power. When a 
 world approaches its final catastrophe, he appears 
 the genius of destruction ; and having resolved it 
 into its original chaos, he floats in deep repose on 
 the turbid stream until the time of creative energy 
 asrain recalls him into action. 
 
 ' How glorious is the symbol of the bright Sun
 
 RAMESES. 129 
 
 emerging from the abyss to run his race in glory, 
 which is depicted as a child sleeping within the 
 calyx of a lotos ; displaying the great regenerating 
 Father awakening from his slumber, when the world 
 starts forth. 
 
 ' The aspic snake, who fronts our diadem, is also 
 the type of this solar god, — this creative Father, aw- 
 ful Cneph/whose name he bears : and as he casts his 
 skin, renewing thus his youth, he shines our em- 
 blem of eternity. And the beauteous lotos, fair 
 plant of holy Nile, ever rising to the surface of the 
 water, and never sinking underneath it, becomes 
 the emblem of the earth : its calyx is this world, 
 which is as a boat floating in circumambient ether ; 
 its four larger leaves are the four large continents 
 or lands it is divided into; the eight smaller leaves 
 are the eight islands intervening in the ocean ; the 
 petal springing from its centre is the sacred mount, 
 from whence flowed forth four streams, — our boun- 
 teous Nile, Ganges revered, the dread Euphrates, 
 and the rapid Tigris. See the butterfly, breaking 
 from its silken cocoon, beauteously mealed, in wings 
 of azure dropped with gold and crimson, the last 
 and most perfect type of lost Osiris — enclosed in his 
 mystic baris, until, the circled time elajsed, he issues 
 forth to light and life. Sweet are the lines which 
 thus portray this mystic glorious change : 
 
 VOL. I. K
 
 130 RAMESES. 
 
 ' Child of the Sun ! pursue thy rapturous flight/" 
 Mingling with her thou lov'st in fields of light ; - 
 And, where the flowering lotos does unfold, 
 QuafF fragrant nectar from its cups of gold. 
 There shall thy wings, rich as an evening sky, 
 Expand and shut with silent ecstasy. 
 Yet wert thou once a worm, a thing that crept 
 On the bare earth, then wrought a tomb and slept ! 
 And such is man ! soon from his cell of clay 
 To shine resplendent in the blaze of day.' 
 
 Seizing the hand of Smendis, Rameses exclaimed : 
 ' my full soul heaves beneath the thoughts sublime, 
 awakened by these glorious scenes. Something says 
 within, ' These climes, this happy being is for thee;* 
 its voice responds as from an abyss; it promises 
 assurance of my hopes ! Can I fear the darkling 
 gloom, the terrors of the cave.? Come then, ye 
 trials, fated to prove my soul ; Rameses knows 
 little of Umself^ if his heart fails, even let the 
 elements combine their awful powers. Farewell, 
 farewell. Nature repose ^ while, a little while in 
 rest.' 
 
 The awful day dawned on which the eager de- 
 sires of Rameses were now to acquire this new at- 
 tainment, conferring the- privileges of the mysteries 
 unveiled. All Thebes filled the temple, and the 
 ardent gaze of her multitudes was for the youthful 
 hero : he, clothed in the panther robe, over it an 
 outer vest, his brow encircled with a crown of
 
 RAMESES. 131 
 
 myrtle, soon was ^ led forth as the evening hour 
 drew on, preceded by few, but important assistants : 
 first, the torch-bearers, with the reversed and the 
 upright lighted torch ; then the herald bearing the 
 mystic lituus, or fan ; and, lastl}', the presider and 
 heralds : — these formed the whole of the persons who 
 attended on the initiati, and these are all purely 
 emblematic. The reversed torch typifies extin- 
 guished life ; the upright torch, life restored ; the 
 herald's fan, to purge the flour or corn ; the torch, 
 to burn the chaff". Two pillars stood near the sa- 
 cred place, whence the tremendous opening ap- 
 peared, which led downward to the central cavity : 
 near these stood the attendant priests ; and, emblema- 
 tical of human nature, a fallen capital and broken 
 shaft were near. The Hermaic pillars here typify 
 the immutability of the Deity, and form the ear- 
 liest symbol of the divine nature/^ 
 
 The mysterious ceremonies instantly commenced, 
 as Rameses, led by these bearers to the gates, took 
 off" the outer robe, metaphorically betokening he 
 laid down his mortal life. The priest then took a 
 golden serpent, placing it within Ilameses' bosom : 
 the serpent, in the act of renewing his skin, betokens 
 thus his life restored. The fallen capital and shaft 
 spoke of nature, fallen and broken. Thus Isis''s 
 wanderings and Osiris's loss symbolically are the 
 soul's loss of mental light, which from earliest ages 
 she bewails ; it was the decree of death, and man's 
 
 K 2
 
 13^2 RAMESES. 
 
 niiseral)lc passage in life through fleshly oarcs. The 
 gates are the last sign, and are the gates of" death, 
 whieh must be passed before the consummation. 
 It was near these that Rameses now stood in rea- 
 diness, in ardent promptitude to enter within them, 
 when a priest presented a golden vase, wherein he 
 washed his hands, betokening purification, and 
 the priest admonished him that outward purity 
 availed nought, unless attained inwardly. The 
 hierophant, then standing before the altar, dressed 
 in robes of various hues, portraying all the elements,, 
 read, out of two sacred tablets, formed of stone 
 and fitly joined, words of deep import ; and then 
 pronounced the formula, in which the aspirant now 
 joined — ' Honour parents, offer sacrifice to the gods, 
 and injure not animals.'' This was no sooner 
 spoken, than, rolling deeply and solemnly from the 
 abyss, thunders resounded : as they waxed louder, 
 silence fell on all around — their souls were thrilled 
 with horror ; and the massive gate, with a jarring 
 noise, flew open, showing the entrance dark and 
 terrible. The thunders ceased, not a breathing 
 was heard of all the assembled people ; while the 
 herald proclaimed — ' Away, profane ! far hence all 
 uninitiati ! Away, profane ! none here remain con- 
 scious of crime !"" The awful warning loudly thrice 
 repeated, with noise and eager haste, with trem- 
 bhng hearts, the multitude fled from the scene swiftly 
 and dispersed, first hearing mighty thunderings
 
 RAMESES. 1'33 
 
 and awful noises ; amid which, lifting his eyes to 
 the starry firmament emblazoned in the zodiacal 
 roof, and then turning them with impressive ges- 
 ture of ' Farewell to all/ Rameses, with his features 
 glowing with delight, and gleams of brightness 
 flashing from his eyes, more and more ardent as the 
 horrors deepened, with firm collected step entered 
 within the pillars. It seemed as if the approach of 
 trial touched the celestial nerve, which having, in 
 the long contemplation of its coming, drooped and 
 languished, now flashed forth bright at this im- 
 portant hour. The encircling priesdiood present, 
 wliile struck with his fordtude, with shuddering 
 heard the massy iron gateway, of weight most pon- 
 derous, instantly close with a tremendous noise. 
 
 The recoil of the door jarred in prolonged'" echoes 
 as Rameses entered the gloomy darkness before him, 
 amid thunderings and noises terrible and frightful. 
 Instantly flashed before him, with an intense blaze, 
 an inscription in letters of flame, surmounting what 
 appeared a stately gateway, the valves of which 
 opened inward ; 
 
 Through me you pass unto the destiiied goal; 
 Through me may pass into eternal pain. 
 To rear me, was the task of power divine ! 
 Supremest wisdom, and primaeval love ! 
 Seek me in Nature's type, and persevere — 
 Or hope abandon when you enter here ! 
 
 Dantjs.
 
 134 RAMESES. 
 
 This formed a threatening warning of there being 
 no return through its dread portal. But suddenly, 
 as his eye gazed upon these mystic lines, the dark- 
 ness thickened ; the way became more darkling and 
 uncertain; the thunderings roared and noises re- 
 doubled ; sobs and stifled groans, with threatening 
 movements, crowding on and around, as of increasing 
 and invisible foes. With firm, unaltered step Ra- 
 meses, however, passed beneath the arch ; and a 
 strong light soon shining brightly, displayed the 
 Magna Mater, richly dressed, or bright Ceres, with 
 the insignia of Nature, which immediately disap- 
 pearing, the ground rocked as with an earthquake, 
 and two clay-cold hands seized him, bearing him 
 swiftly onward. His heart recoiled at the grasp ; 
 but shaking off its sensations, it gathered, however, 
 the import of the first presage, that * However 
 things threaten, or storms and thunders affright, 
 Nature preserves her unerring, irreversible course 
 unaltered;' and revolving its import supported 
 him in his dark and trying situation ; for soon the 
 hayings and barkings of canine phantoms were 
 added to the noises, and resounded as if ffuarding 
 these awful secrets, and ready to devour liim : phan- 
 toms of hideous aspect gleamed in the darkness, 
 v.'ilh gorgons and dire chimeras passing before him, 
 and hideous groans of anguish, deep sufferings, 
 moanings, and screams of misery, such as thrill the
 
 RAMESES. 185 
 
 mind with horror. These dreadful terrors, much 
 as they would have moved his heart to tremble, were 
 dismissed with fortitude unshaken. His mind thus 
 reasoned : — ' These are not mine, but Nature's calls ; 
 they are die plaints of guilt, of hardened tres- 
 passers, now suffering here their doom deserved.' 
 Alas ! that anguish thus becomes the portion of our 
 kindred race, he felt most sad to witness ; never- 
 theless, onward still he passed a long and dreary 
 space, and heard the clank of chains ; when there 
 flashed athwart his gloomy course — horrible vision ! 
 a danger no mortal could essay and live. Dropped 
 pendent over his path, completely enwrapping it, 
 swung across, was an inextricable net of glowing 
 iron, intensely hot with blazing fires, rendering 
 his passage on impossible : — to approach it, instant 
 death, — to turn back was also death. Although 
 his heart still kept its firm resolve, his nerves in- 
 vohmtarily shrunk and recoiled at this most dread- 
 ful barrier, and his nature scarcely knew how to 
 grapple with this terror. At length, fortifying his 
 mind most desj^erately to dare the burning metal 
 rather than pause, dooming his unprotected form to 
 meet its tortures, he silently addressed his vows, 
 when a keen gust, piercing as the chill Azreel blast 
 of death, bellowed throughout the dismal vault, 
 overtook, and nearly overthrew him. Shrinking 
 from its sharp, icy coldness, he felt the inmost torture 
 to his heart, w liich was pierced through with cold ;
 
 136 llAMESES. ^ 
 
 yet, while he quivered with its impetuous strength, 
 he saw, with rapturous, thankful joy, its violence had 
 partly, and for a moment only, swayed aside the 
 burning iron net of fire. Instantly darting through 
 the slender aperture, he cleared its pass, a moment 
 only ere its firm collapse, with intense burnings, 
 had brought him certain death ! The strangeness 
 of the fiery trial smote on his heart ; but he pre- 
 served his calm devotedness, even amid the deep 
 uncertainty around. The prolonged hours, the bay- 
 ing noises, and the thundering sounds, made all the 
 midnight hours pass by in weariness of lengthened 
 time and space, as it spreading into centuries ; and 
 his frame instinctively felt the deep pressure and 
 strong struggles, which the highest fortitude only 
 could control; for as he remained enwrapped in 
 darkness, hunger and fatigue added their portion 
 to the sufferings thus to be endured, — and still the 
 trial lasts. ' If this portrays the fleshly cares of 
 man, — if all his passage through this earthly toil is 
 to the way-worn race of man as sad a scene as this, 
 compared with the celestial shining spots of hea- 
 venly bliss, — how great the price, how worthy all 
 my struggles !' Thus even amid the horrors of the 
 place, and imminent trials, of perils thickening, of 
 hunger and fatigue, did Rameses draw forth the 
 dictates of unquenchable trust, and of hope still 
 unsubdued ! 
 
 As if to try his nature by a contrast, and to
 
 RAMESES. 137 
 
 throw him off his guard, the elements restrained 
 their noise, the thunderings ceased, the darkness 
 wore away, and Proserpine, queen of the shades, 
 revealed in robes of heavenly light, now wooed him 
 to adore her power supreme. With reverence 
 and submissive awe he passed her form majestic ; 
 for to pause, even to yield to her sombre invita- 
 tion the least relaxation of his progress, involved 
 the hazard of his important trial ; and therefore, 
 determinate of purpose, he pursued the darkling 
 })ath. And now the terrors renewed their vio- 
 lence, and other elements were added to the test. 
 The noise of mighty waters roared louder than the 
 sea in all its wrath ; and full before his venturous 
 path a cataract with thundering force blocked up 
 his passage ! Not a moment's pause, at this fearful 
 sight, gave Rameses : ' it was,' he deemed, ' the 
 type of fear, which blocks our path to trample on 
 the dragon's head and grasp the immortal fruit ; its 
 strength denoted by the noise; its force, by the 
 vast spreading torrent ; but its impassive power to 
 control the ardent soul, by the thin fluid of the ele- 
 ment !' As he revolved the symbol thus, he dashed 
 instantly amid the flood and braved its fury, and 
 without stop or pause gained the opposite brink, 
 where darkness again surrounded him, and sounds 
 unearthly and tremendous pealed around ! Still 
 his resolve to dare and meet whatever threatened 
 supports his weakened frame amid its long ex-
 
 138 HAMESES. 
 
 haustion and gigantic efforts. Suddenly in a fiery 
 scroll appeared above him — * The Furies'' are the 
 bonds of men.' Pointing to its flashing blaze, — 
 ' They are,' he thought (for sounds had never 
 passed his lips since he had entered the fatal portal), 
 ' they are ; they bind tlie good to bliss supernal, 
 for they show the horrors of the fatal crimes from 
 which they shrink ; but unto the bad they form the 
 indissoluble bond that binds them to their fate. 
 Adieu, ye omens sad ! ye daunt not me !' 
 
 As if the awful beings thus spurned from his 
 bosom's thoughts, holding no converse with his 
 virtuous course, had lieard the same in language, 
 when the characters faded into darkness, all the 
 horrors burst forth in one terrific crisis, which en- 
 vironed Rameses in tenfold dread. Then his 
 friends might tremble had they known how fierce 
 the trial ; for with a flash of lightning a mighty 
 cave spread far and wide around its rocky dome, 
 rugged with horrid glooms. The thunders were 
 no longer rolling, but awfully crashed over head as 
 if the earth itself would dissolve away ; the light- 
 nings darted their intensest blaze, and suddenly the 
 cave gushed out with fire ; from its sides the hissing 
 snakes darted their forky tongues, gliding round in 
 trailing fire ; curling flames ran on its roof, ascend- 
 ing upward with a surge of fire ; and, most terrible 
 of all, dread Typhon, awful dragon, trailing his 
 monstrous length, was seen descending from the
 
 RAMESES. 139 
 
 roof, with form most dreadful, and in horrid coil 
 prepared to bar the way. Still more to stop all 
 pass, and make the attempt certain, inevitable de- 
 struction, at the further end, where still the path 
 led onward, which must be trodden, with roaring- 
 sound of one mighty flame and horrid rush came 
 blazing Phlegethon, — river abhorred ! — a torrent of 
 overwhelming fire ! 
 
 Thus viewing his progress awfully threatened, 
 and apparent death, yet Rameses balanced not one 
 instant, though his ears were stunned by thunders 
 pealing loud and louder. ' Thou dread Supreme 
 Osiris !' he silently breathed — ' thou knowest what 
 my will would do, and what the mortal frame can 
 bear : do with me what thou wilt ;"* and instantly un- 
 appalled entered the cave, which on all sides was 
 spouting forth the fierce element of fire, and his eyes 
 flashed forth an intenser beam than even the lioht- 
 
 o 
 
 nings' play. He fixed his look full on the dragon's 
 eye-ball as it glared, and met its red and flaming 
 sight. Although from Rameses the beam divine had 
 passed, it was the emanation of the great Osiris, 
 and it scaled the last great test of trial ; it proclaimed 
 his faith and trust triumphant and the combat won. 
 The prize obtained, most truly due to the he- 
 roic fortitude and intellectual strength of this re- 
 signed, devoted aspirant, in one moment's space 
 the terrors of the scene swiftly passed away. Be- 
 neatli his feet arose the fairest verdure ; the fiery
 
 110 iiamesp:s. 
 
 torrent changed its awful waves for purling brooks, 
 which murmured musically as they flowed o'er 
 golden sands, amid which brightly arose the yellow 
 mystic lotos ; the towering palm, the fragrant 
 trees of heavenly growth, shot up their odo- 
 riferous and bloomino- bouohs and fruits; and 
 strains of heavenly melcxly stole on the ear. The 
 enraptured heart of Rameses, which terrors could 
 not daunt, had nearly sunk beneath the glorious 
 change, ^^ and paused to weigh if this was not de- 
 lusion, a fatal snare of specious enticement. While 
 he gazed in silent wonder, a shining form ap])eared, 
 radiant in youthful beauty, bearing the bough with 
 golden leaves — the pledge of fruit celestial, in this 
 mysterious solemn rite thus sought and found. It 
 was the lost fruit which human nature sought in 
 vain, and only found in death, or in this its solemn 
 type. The form Avas that the lovely Cupid '^ wore 
 when, seated on an emerald rainbow, and marked 
 by his beautiful wings, the clouds around him shot 
 with rays of circumambient gold and purple. He, 
 approaching the entranced and wondering Rameses, 
 j)resentcd to him the golden bough, from which a 
 crown by Cupid's hands was wreathed the sign of 
 his great victory. A golden snake again was olaced 
 within his bosom ; and the thunders rolled, but not 
 as once in fury and in pealing terrors, but softly, 
 solemnly announcing that his trials all were passed 
 away ; and thus was sweetly and melodiously sung :
 
 RAMESES. 141 
 
 Cansha,74 Ora, Pacsha, 
 Object of our most ardent desires. 
 Divine being, — 
 Peace be with you ! 
 
 Various initiate priests, crowned also as himself, 
 now hailed the happy conqueror, and embracing lla- 
 meses, whose throbbing pulse had stilled its tumults 
 during these delicious moments, they hailed him 
 brother, worthy of the crown and glories of the 
 triumph. jMelodious airs softened his hiehlv- 
 wrought feelings, and his soul wore off the deep 
 horror which had depressed, but not dismayed him, 
 during the trouble and endurance of his trial. His 
 frame, so worn and pallid, now again renewed its 
 youthful freshness, and acquired new vigour under 
 the balmy healing of the gales, and the nectar of 
 the goblet offered to his lips; while pleasing ac- 
 cents, thrilling him with joy, declared the privi- 
 leges known and flowing from his heroic courage. 
 These consisted in his thereby ranking with the 
 sacred college; in his being a partaker of their 
 full immunities and privileges; in having to his 
 eyes the true sublimity and nature of the gods re- 
 vealed, without the blind and shade of figure ; man's 
 state and hopes of future life, with the primaeval 
 knowledge in their sacred books, containing truths 
 too grand and perfect to be unveiled to any but the 
 few who also ranked supreme, — those who w ith him- 
 self had gained the prize, and had shown the worth
 
 142 R AMESES. 
 
 and lustre of a soul oii wisdom bent, — who sought 
 it beyond pearls, or gold, or life. In closest union 
 and firm bond henceforth they rank conjoined. 
 Embracing Rameses, they said — ' Our brother and 
 our friend, now we seek together knowledge and 
 heavenly things : receive your great reward.' 
 
 Such were the joyful, soothing accents which these 
 forms in radiant robes, and other sacred epoptJE, 
 now addressed to him. ' Victorious Rameses, here 
 break we off our present happy intercourse ; the 
 rolling: thunder thrills throug-h hearts assembled 
 now to greet you, awaiting anxiously, and listening- 
 in deep suspense to know its import. Now attune 
 your mind to bliss — bliss gained by your own virtue. 
 Receive the pledge of friendship ever during, and 
 most justly your reward.' As they embraced him 
 successively, his heart bounded with joy as he thus 
 received the congratulations of the good and wise. 
 Elate with glory thus acquired, each nerve and 
 muscle throbbing by the sudden transition from 
 severe agony and mental torture to the tide of 
 rapturous delight, every sense strung to the full 
 pulse of high enjoyment, his form dilated to a 
 grandeur beyond its natural powers, his eyes and 
 features glowing with radiance. Instantly the 
 surrounding beings began to deck him with the 
 splendid ^^ garments. First, upon his head they 
 placed a crown with aspic diadem ; the mystic 
 band of gold entwined with myrtle still wreathed
 
 RAMESES. 143 
 
 it round. His throat received the splendid collar 
 formed of pearls in two rows : a row of azure 
 points ; a golden chain wrought in the emblem 
 squares of immutability, intermixed with golden 
 hearts on a bright azure ground ; another stellar 
 azure row completes the splendid necklace. On 
 the shoulders and over his whole form flowed white 
 linen, pure and transparent, of gossamer fineness; a 
 belt with sacred aspics bound it round the waist, 
 descending to the ankles. His arms were clasped 
 with tzamid bracelets, and his feet were shod with 
 azure and golden sandals. Thus splendidly arrayed 
 he shone bright and dazzling as if in the presence of 
 great Osiris. His features wore the lineaments of 
 joy — settled, encouraged, abiding joy, as with a peal 
 of thunder, full and melodious, a form personifying 
 Isis**^ appeared to his eyes ; her robe of heavenly 
 dyes flowing around her, her head crowned with the 
 solar disk, her vest bound by a zone, engraven with 
 a mystic name, henceforth given to Ramescs : she 
 then applied the alithea necklace, touching only 
 lips regenerate, to his eager mouth. The very in- 
 stant that he received this rite, amid sounds har- 
 monious and sweet strains of melody, the r'vers, 
 verdant meadows, blooming trees, and spicy gi'oves, 
 the goddess Isis, and all around melted into air. 
 The assistant beings led Ilameses a few paces on- 
 ward, and, touching a spring, the doors flew open : 
 he entered, and Ramescs beheld before him the
 
 144 R AMESES. 
 
 great temple of Thebes, filled to its very roof with 
 admiring spectators. He found himself before the 
 high altar of great Ammon, the flame of sacrifice 
 ascending brightly, while around it stood Ame- 
 nophis, the queen, and Nitocris ; Phritiphanes and 
 the priesthood band, the nobles, warriors, and com- 
 manders of the Egyptian land ; the sacred shrines 
 and deities awaiting his appearance, which was an- 
 nounced to their rejoicing hearts by awful thunder's 
 solemn voice.
 
 11 AMESES. 145 
 
 BOOK VII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 During the suspense for the safety of Raraeses, Araenophis 
 is beset with care and perplexity in his palace of Medinet 
 Habu, from the demonstrations of the Pallic forces. — 
 The third morning arrived, after the descent of Rameses 
 into the central cave — all the Thebans are collected in 
 the temple, in great anxiety, hearing the thunder — 
 they are awaiting the confirmation of their hope or fear 
 for the enterprise of Raraeses, -who appears clad iu 
 the splendid robes of an initiati — hymn of praise to Isis, 
 queen of the skies — the mutual joy of Rameses and Nilo- 
 cris — Rameses, invested with a portion of Amnion's sanc- 
 tity, is borne in triumphal pomp, preceded and followed 
 by the shrines of the deities, the priesthood, court, and 
 population of Thebes, to his father's palace.— The war on 
 the eve of breaking out. — The king repairs to iMeraphis, 
 of which Rameses is made governor — his exertions and 
 great quahties. — The fortress and sacred tower of I'adma 
 Mandir.— The growing affection betwixt Rameses and 
 Nitocris. — Alarming hints of Phritiphanes. 
 
 While this dreadful trial was thus nobly sup- 
 ported by Rameses, the palace of Habu had in- 
 deed been the scene of great solicitude antl distress : 
 horror and uncertainty hung over him, in whose 
 fate and success so many individuals were con- 
 cerned. The monarch and the beings surrounding 
 him were alike tlie prey of their own anxieties, ac- 
 
 VOL. I. L
 
 146 11 AMESES. 
 
 cordins: to the vicissitudes and cares which acted 
 upon their different states. To Amenophis nothing 
 could well be more formidable and distressing than 
 the war which apparently hung over his kingdom ; 
 a struggle about to be renewed with warriors whose 
 prowess had once before subjugated Egypt ; and 
 whose armieshad received great accessionsof strength 
 in the vast districts bordering on Arabia, which they 
 now occupied. Large bodies were daily arriving 
 from tlie peculiar'^ land stretching by the sea, ap- 
 propriated to an unknown race by a divine oracle ; 
 also various bands, gathered from Babylonia and 
 countries eastward, were attracted by the hopes 
 of plunder. Little as Amenophis was disposed 
 to engage himself with the provident prevention of 
 evil by present exertion, he could not but observe 
 the signs of the times, and also notice the danger 
 of the large number of these hostile strangers, 
 which were commixed with the native Mizraim 
 through all the cities of Egypt. The late revolt at 
 Memphis threw him into dreadful alarms, which the 
 brilliant actions of Rameses as rapidly dispersed ; 
 but the clouds and darkness which the dangers of 
 the mysteries instantly hung over his fate infused 
 anxiety and disquietude into his thoughts, and by 
 his dejection threw a cloud over a court that saw its 
 guidance in his wishes. Saptha, high minded and 
 ambitious, dreaded the weakness of her partner at 
 a time likely to demand the greatest energies ; and
 
 RAMESES. 147 
 
 while she exulted in her child, she trembled at the 
 dangers of Egypt's throne, as she looked forward 
 with dismay to the prospect of her child being born 
 to tumults and blood. Phritiphanes knew more 
 than either what truly was the scene now opening 
 upon Egypt : his age and consummate sagacity had 
 weighed the present in its chances with the future, 
 and trembled for the destinies of Egypt committed 
 to such feeble hands. The only measure he had 
 strenuously advocated — the entire expulsion of the 
 Pallic race from their fields and cities — had so long 
 been neutralized by the indolence of Amenophis, 
 that it now could only be effected by bloody wars, 
 too dangerous at this crisis to undertake ; while such 
 an arm of strength had this intrusive class of citizens 
 acquired by the approach of the Pallic forces from 
 the deserts of Arabia, as greatly paralyzed the Egyp- 
 tian means of opposing their hostile invasion. With 
 Athor, who by his accurate comprehensive judg- 
 ment had furnished the most valuable information, 
 Phritiphanes had been in constant connexion, for he 
 knew the warlike character of the Eastern bands ; 
 and therefore, by command of Amenophis, he had 
 been furnished with powers, and directed to ex- 
 amine the whole frontier of Egypt. From his minute 
 investigation, the Egyptian council found how un- 
 protected the country was in reality become from 
 the wasteful progress of the late wars, wherein the 
 defence and capture of the strong holds and forti- 
 
 r "
 
 148 RAMESES. 
 
 fied places had ruined these bulwarks of the king- 
 dom, which no pains had been taken to restore, and 
 therefore they were still mostly ruinous heaps. The 
 open field therefore, and the fate of battles, if it 
 came to extremities, must decide the lot of the land 
 of Mizraim. 
 
 To these cares for his country, edged more 
 keenly to the benign heart of the chief priest 
 from the melancholy conviction of the savage and 
 rancorous hatred borne to INIizraim's gods, was 
 added his anxiety for Nitocris, the hope and delight 
 of his age: latterly he had noticed, with infinite 
 satisfaction, the growingattachment between herself 
 and Rameses, whose noble mind and actions made 
 him scarcely less dear to him than his daughter. 
 Highly as he reckoned upon the fortitude and 
 heroic bearing of Rameses, no one had more cause 
 to tremble than himself for the issue of the initiatory 
 tests, as no one could so fully understand the na- 
 ture of the trial, and the danger and terror at- 
 tending it : to him, therefore, the suspense of the 
 last four days became intense. By Nitocris, every 
 feeling j)artaken by the three preceding individuals 
 severally, were all acutely experienced. She sighed 
 for Egypt and for the queen, for her father and his 
 bending age; and his unwonted anxiety enthralled 
 with public cares, all carried her thoughts to Ra- 
 meses, whom she viewed as engulfed in that ter- 
 rible abvss into which she saw him descend. On
 
 11 AMESES. 149 
 
 his courage and valour, guided by wisdom, not- 
 withstanding his extreme youth, (such ascendency 
 had circumstances and omens conferred on him) 
 she viewed the kingdom as dependent ; in his good- 
 ness and sweetness of character, her own individual 
 happiness she beheld intimately involved. On the 
 immediate issue, therefore, of the perilous enter- 
 prise of Rameses hinged the hopes and prospects 
 of all these individuals. 
 
 Time, however slowly it moves, whether to meet 
 our joys or our sorrows, still flows on regardless of 
 the impatience and eager anticipations of man ; and 
 in this, as in all cases, it brought round, at its re- 
 gular period, the eventful morn. All Thebes was 
 in motion. The royal ^^ stables, one hundred in 
 number, which lay along the Libyan side from 
 Thebes to Memphis, each within their spacious 
 stalls contained two hundred horses, now ready for 
 the service of the state, and the quick despatch of 
 couriers: these were directed to prepare and for- 
 ward, to every corner of Egypt, the result of the 
 bright initiatory success of the youth so dear to the 
 interests of his country and its monarch. As the 
 sun rose high in the horizon, from the temples the 
 robed priests appeared bearing their shrines and 
 symbol gods : these, in various bands, made their 
 separate progress to the great temple, in which, at 
 Icno'th, were assembled too-cther every sacred deity 
 of the capita], the whole priesthood, and the nobles,
 
 150 llAMESES. 
 
 with Amenophis, to offer sacrifices to the august 
 Isis : the loud clanging cymbals and instruments 
 were mute ; for countless as were the throng, silence 
 held them all in still suspense, while the animals were 
 sacrificed, and the blood streamed in deep solem- 
 nity. The flame ascended in a bright auspicious 
 column, when loud and repeated peals of thunder 
 thrilled every spectator with awe, and Rameses, as 
 described, stood before them. 
 
 The assembled court, the sages, the priesthood, 
 with the inhabitants of Thebes, beheld with ardent 
 joy the splendour and majestic air with which suc- 
 cess enlightened and crowned the hero, whose fea- 
 tures usually expressed intellectual thought and 
 benignity of mind. The scene was most magnifi- 
 cent, as the vast area of the immense temple was 
 filled by the Theban deities and their golden shrines, 
 encircled with their banners and various attendants ; 
 and while its space shone with the rich and brilliant 
 pomp around, a hymn'*', in strains of soft melodious 
 voices, flowed forth : — 
 
 Hail, primal blossom ! hail, empyreal gem ! 
 
 Isis, or Nepthes, or whate'er high name: 
 
 Wrapt in eternal solitary shade. 
 
 The impenetrable gloom of light intense, 
 
 Impervious, inaccessible, immense. 
 
 Ere spirits were infused, or forms display 'd, 
 
 Eicthon, his own mind survey 'd. 
 
 As mortal eyes (thus finite we compare 
 
 With infinite) in smoothest mirrors gaze:
 
 RAMESES. 151 
 
 Swift, at his look, a shape supremely fair 
 Leap'd into being with a boundless blaze ! 
 Chorus — In air, in floods, in caverns, woods, and plains. 
 
 Our goddess governs all, our goddess Isis reigns ! 
 
 Great Pthah, the architect so nam'd. 
 By whom this gorgeous universe he fram'd ; 
 He rose, and rising heard 
 The unknown, all-knowing word, — 
 ' Great Pthah, all search for me thou must forego : 
 My veil thou canst not move, — go, bid all worlds exist.' 
 Cho?-us — In air, &c. 
 
 First, an all-potent, all-pervading sound. 
 Bade flow the waters, and the waters flow'd, 
 E'.ulting in their measureless abode. 
 Diffusive, multitudinous, profound. 
 Above, beneath, around : 
 Then o'er the vast expanse, primordial wind 
 Breath'd gently, till a lucid bubble rose. 
 Which grew in perfect shape an egg™ refin'd : 
 Created substance no such lustre shows. 
 Earth no such beauty knows. 
 Above the warring waves it danced elate. 
 Till from its bursting shell, with lovely state, 
 A form cerulean flutter'd o'er the deep : 
 Brightest of Beings, greatest of the great. 
 Chorus— In air, &c. 
 
 Our souls absorb'd, one only Being knows. 
 
 Of all perceptions one abundant source, 
 
 Wlience every object, every moment flows : 
 
 Suns hence derive their force. 
 
 Hence planets learn their course : 
 
 But suns and fading worlds we view no more,— 
 
 Great Isis we perceive— great Isis wc adore !
 
 152 llAMESES. 
 
 This offering of gratitude took place to the gods 
 amid the dehght and emotions of all present : suffice 
 it to pass them all by, but one, and that one bear- 
 ing in its tone the shades and hues of all. Happy 
 Rameses, thrice happy! if the softest love, un- 
 bounded confidence, and devoted trust of Nature''s 
 fairest flower, can make thee blest. The trials past, 
 the developement of innate fortitude shown, the 
 meed of glory, as a warrior, thus crowned with the 
 inward qualities of the soul ; these all concentering 
 in one so youthful and so mild, formed the link of 
 strong indissoluble love, which wound around two 
 hearts for ever, through every scene of change and 
 care. Rameses, kneeling to his sovereign, was 
 warmly embraced by him, and presented to all his 
 court as the hero who reflected lustre on his throne ; 
 but on beholding Phritiphanes and fair Nitocris, 
 his joy beamed forth almost too great for utterance. 
 Still the loud peals of harmony proclaimed the rites 
 continued in honour of his praise, who tlius had 
 given cause of highest gratulation to the whole 
 land. The sacrifices and the offerings duly made, 
 a numerous crowd came forth, of youths, the sons 
 of the nobles, wearing festal garments, their heads 
 adorned widi wreaths, to honour the triumphant 
 hero ; and at the signal given, every gateway, with 
 its standards floating, resounded with minstrelsy 
 and shouts of joy, heard through the distant streets 
 and utmost bounds of imperial Thebes.
 
 R AMESES. 153 
 
 As the majestic pomp, now forming in one grand 
 procession, issued from the portals of the temple ; 
 first advanced ^^ the palm-bearers with the verdant 
 palms, clothed in long garments ; then soldiers bear- 
 ing lances, with their bucklers slung, and their left 
 hands grasping a club; then came the pioneers 
 with axes, followed by a band of attendants, wear- 
 ing the plumes of victory ; to these were joined two 
 nobles, richly dressed, one bearing a quiver, talk- 
 ing arm-in-arm with his companion, holding a 
 flowering lotos. These typified the union in Ra- 
 meses, of the prize of valour and the religious pre- 
 eminence of the mysteries : the royal ushers closed 
 this column of the pomp ; then eight persons came 
 bearing a set of golden steps to ascend and descend 
 the triumphal throne: these were followed by 
 nobles with plumes of victory, clad in bright robes, 
 with sacrificial axes; some also held standards of 
 the sacred lotos, adorned with floating plumes: 
 these bearers walked on, turning and bending with 
 reverence, presenting the symbolic flower toward 
 the hero. 
 
 Rameses sat on his triumphant throne, pre- 
 ceded by priests with golden censers, sprinkling 
 incense round, who often turning to the hero, pro- 
 claimed his mvstic name and honours. Golden 
 standards, borne aloft, were inscribed with the ini- 
 tiati hieroglyphic title, which they read, repeating 
 it aloud : — tlie throne, on which sat Rameses, was
 
 154 lUMESES. 
 
 placed in a royal palanquin, borne on the shoulders 
 of twelve nobles of the military caste, ranged two 
 and two, clothed richly with long robes and plumes. 
 Around him shone the various standards of the god 
 Osiris, chiefly attracting all eyes on him. Rameses, 
 in majestic state, was holding the sacred **- sceptre 
 and crux ansata, divine types: behind him, in the 
 litter, were two Genii leaning toward him with 
 their cowering wings ; at his side were the emblem 
 forms; the lion, of his courage; the hawk, of liis 
 sharp-sightedness ; the serpent, of his extended 
 power; the sphinx, of his initiation into all mystic 
 secrets: around the palanquin were supporters, all 
 of elevated rank, in rich dresses, each one the bearer 
 separately of his sword, his lance, his shield, his 
 arrows, and his quiver. The upper edge of the 
 palanquin was adorned by a magnificent bordering 
 of fourteen crowned asps or ubaeus, wearing their 
 golden disks ; tlie upright pillars terminating in 
 lotos flowers, some in full blow, others in bud. 
 In front marched learned scribes, or thoths, bearing 
 the portfeuille, and proclaiming with loud voice his 
 worth and high achievements; then followed the 
 military in long robes and plumes, each bearing a 
 lotos staff" surmounted with feathers, — in their left 
 hand the mihtary hatchet; others of the military 
 follow, bearing the augural staff", emblem of the 
 power of Osiris, and liolding hatchets. 
 
 Tlic sacred deities added sanctity to the splendid
 
 RAMESES. 155 
 
 pomp: first came the shrine of Harpocrates ^^ pre- 
 ceded l)y six priests : his form, in the hermaic em- 
 blem of indivisible union and stability, holding the 
 lithaeus, was seated in a golden alcove adorned with 
 lotos and the vine leaves ; he bore a bouquet of the 
 lotos in flower and bud, and his altar held a vase of 
 the same flowers. This shrine, carried by twenty- 
 four priests, was surrounded with the greatest 
 pomp, all bearing stalks of lotos, plumes and stand- 
 ards ; a rich drapery, sown with flowers, enveloped 
 all their persons, leaving their feet and head bare : 
 — two white divinities bend toward the god, making 
 offerings : two priests bear hieroglyphical tablets, and 
 are followed by others crowned with rich plumes, 
 supporting the camscha ^^, or chest of the my- 
 steries, followed by palm-bearers, waving branches 
 of palms : next stalked the revered bull IVInevis, his 
 brawny neck adorned with glittering bands — upon 
 his head shone the solar disk, surmounted with two 
 plumes; a priest preceded him, burning incense 
 in his honour. Immediately follov/ing the Tauric 
 deity, walked a priest, an initiati of high rank, 
 clothed in long garments, with his hands clasped, 
 in show and token of profound and deepest self ab- 
 straction : then a herald came, proclaiming Rameses, 
 his deeds, and glory ; next came the priestess of 
 great Isis, with her lunette, and eighteen priests 
 around, of most elevated rank, each bearing the 
 crook, the sceptre, the scourge, the crux ansata,
 
 156 HAMESES. 
 
 the lunette, and all her divine attributes of power ; 
 then standards, borne aloft, of burnished gold, sur- 
 mounted with the forms of the sacred animals, — 
 the hawk, the bull, the jackall, the ichneumon, 
 the ibis, and all Mizraim's animal deities, attended 
 by vases filled with sacrificial flowers; then fol- 
 lowed priests with a sacred litter, bearing the coffer 
 of great Isis ; also again vases ^ of flowers. These 
 intercessory emblems bend toward and precede a 
 throne of the three great deities Osiris, Isis, Horus, 
 borne by priests, preceded by the herald proclaim- 
 ing their titles: two aspirants follow offering on 
 two altars : these, smoking with incense, are borne by 
 priests ; stalks of half-blown lotos are lain as offer- 
 ings on the altars : — the herald, proclaiming aloud 
 the solemn rites, calls on all to worship the great 
 gods, as is shown by following personages in various 
 groups pouring forth libations : lastly succeeded 
 the military pomp, the standards, and the armed 
 array of Egypt's nobles, the shining chariots of 
 i\menophis, of Saptha, and Nitocris ; and amid the 
 group of governors, foremost in precedency, the 
 empty car of Kameses, his warlike arms attached, 
 with every pomp and grand display of guards and 
 standards. 
 
 The troops closed the long magnificent pro- 
 cession, Avhich passed from the temple to the royal 
 quays of Luxor, whence superb barges conveyed 
 them across the stream to the pavilion of Mcdinct
 
 RAMESES. 157 
 
 Habu, whose peristyles and extensive courts re- 
 ceived the glorious train : two beings were missed 
 from this splendid scene, necessary to complete the 
 happiness of the heart of Ranieses ; these were his 
 father and Sabacon ; but the former, however tor- 
 tured by suspense for the eventful trial, yet felt the 
 imperative duty to repair instantly to INIemphis, so 
 recently agitated by sedition ; and Sabacon already 
 was with the army, where he held an important, 
 although subordinate command. Expresses, with 
 all imaginable despatch, winged their way to their 
 respective stations, and every day saw Rameses 
 rising higher in influence and power with his mon- 
 arch, through the operation of his excellent qua- 
 lities. Free of access to the inmost secrets and 
 recesses of the temples, taught by the priesthood 
 in all their knowledge, the idol of the people, from 
 his mild graciousness, as well as his bright qualities ; 
 to his sovereign and the queen he was not less Avel- 
 come. The days of repose, succeeding his terrible 
 and perilous trial, flew by on wings as soft as cyg- 
 net down ; but chiefly Rameses and Nitocris, meet- 
 ing hourly in the royal presence, perceived in each 
 those generous transcripts of the fine affections of 
 the soul — those attractive charms grafted on their 
 high mental qualities — that harmonious perception 
 of the frame of things — of all the realities Avhich 
 fill the circle and amenities of human life — that each 
 day, as it passed by, added some fresh link, some
 
 158 RAMF.SES. 
 
 further strength, to the indissoluble bond which 
 knit together their affection. Their love was in- 
 deed sustained in bright and blooming sentiments; 
 lionour, nobility, generous feelings, fortitude, and 
 virtue; — these, displayed accordant to their sex, 
 grew stronger and stronger, as their noble germs 
 expanded under circumstances; but Rameses, in 
 secret, saw the storm becoming darker and more 
 threatening, ready to burst in woe on Egypt. 
 
 The pause now made by the enemy was not to 
 be accounted for; and instead of seizing every 
 fleeting moment of the precious opportunities af- 
 forded to his roach, and acting with vigour, Ameno- 
 phis drew fresh principles of delay, vainly surmising 
 that the attractions of other lands might draw them 
 off from the tempting spoils of Egypt : their armies 
 were reported, by the despatches constantly arriving 
 to the council, as daily increasing and becoming im- 
 mense, and every day fresh accessions swelled their 
 numbers. These formidable warriors were com- 
 manded by the cruel and tyrannical Salatis, re- 
 nowned for his prowess and valour; and well ac- 
 quainted with the indecision and timidity inherent 
 in the character of Amenophis. 
 
 It was proposed, without any further delay, to 
 demand of him, by an embassy, the motives of his 
 thus threatening the peace of Mizraim, proffering 
 friendship if he instantly retired to the Euphrates. 
 Too well Rameses knew the answer would be a bold
 
 RAMESES. 159 
 
 defiance and instant aggression — an evil he preferred 
 to the present destructive pause, whereby Sabatis 
 daily strengthened and concentrated his forces for 
 a future blow. This measure, however, Amenophis 
 termed provoking the combat, and calling down 
 the storm which might otherwise roll away; and 
 finally, by his royal interposition, it was resolved 
 for the court to descend to Memphis, leaving the 
 question undetermined, excepting the adoption of 
 the most active measures, to prepare the kingdom 
 for eidier alternative of peace or war, — a fatal de- 
 cision, as most half measures become. Had Ameno- 
 phis adopted the energetic counsels of Rameses, he 
 might have driven back triumphantly the bands of 
 Salatis ; for although most numerous and warlike, 
 they were drawn from distant and often hostile lands, 
 and were as yet unknown to, and suspicious of each 
 other. Exercised incessantly by the active zeal 
 of Salatis, their prejudices soothed, each day their 
 strength became more matured and consolidated, and 
 their physical power united and amalgamated into 
 one body. The delay also re-acted most adversely 
 upon the armies of Egypt, who became discouraged 
 by a defensive position, which evidenced the preva- 
 lence and existence of fearful and timid counsels ; 
 but the heroism of Rameses, and his advice, were 
 too decisive for the temper of the king : yet as he 
 could not whollv blind his understanding to its real 
 utility, he treated Rameses M'ith the highest favour
 
 IGO RAMESES. 
 
 and predilection : he travelled therefore in the 
 royal procession with which he entered Memphis, 
 and they were welcomed, long before they reached 
 its banks, by the crowds of its joyous and delighted 
 population. The magnificent temple, sacred ^^ to 
 Vulcan, and its western portico, were now repaired, 
 and the destructive violence of the rebels effaced ; so 
 that its original impressive beauty added dignity to 
 the two prodigious colossi, twenty-five cubits high, 
 which towered in front: near these statues was the 
 sacred abode of Apis. The square bore no marks 
 of its late devastations, and the old palace, built by 
 Hermes, fronting the stately northern portico of 
 Vulcan's temple, preserved all the grandeur and 
 freshness of its first formation : behind this palace, 
 picturesquely ranged the beautiful groves, com- 
 manding a prospect of the reservoir lake, through 
 which the views open to the river : here now Ame- 
 nophis, finding it uninjured, resided in regal state. 
 The first attention of Rameses, as its governor, 
 was the regulation of the city, subjecting it to the 
 most rigorous police, thereby to ascertain the views 
 of the residing Palli, and also to avert any dangers 
 from their enmity to the monarch and his court. 
 The government of Memphis was the most im- 
 portant one of the kingdom, and might be said to 
 embrace the cares of all, it being at this critical 
 moment the residence of the king, and also the 
 central point connecting the lower and higher pro-
 
 RAMESES. 161 
 
 vinces. Rameses therefore immediately repaired 
 the battlements and towers of the city, and renewed 
 those immense mounds and piles, to protect it from 
 the Nile ; which astonish the mind by their con- 
 struction equally with the vaunted pyramids. While 
 with incessant labour and care, aided by the fire and 
 enterprise of Myris, the troops were rapidly im- 
 proving in discipline and valour, the justly cele- 
 brated fortress of Padma Mandir, in the vicinity, 
 next occupied his full attention. Within its vast 
 extent was the great tower which arose pyramidally 
 in the midst of a square and walled enclosure, that 
 contained gardens, fountains, the dwellings of the 
 priests, and stores of arms. A gentle ascent from 
 the ground wound upward to the summit of the py- 
 ramid, and on its platform were two towers, one of 
 them containing a golden colossal statue of the solar 
 god. Here the priests kept up the sacred fire, and 
 the sacrifices offered were beheld at a great distance; 
 within its sacred interior was the burial-place of the 
 priests : its appearance resembled the tower of Ba- 
 bylon, consisting of four stories, all of equal height, 
 the apex applied to the celestial observations : its 
 base was founded and framed, through the wisdom 
 of the priests, towards the four cardinal points of 
 the earth, and its space occupied an immense square 
 of ground enclosed within its walls of unburnt 
 brick. The structure wore a perfect conformity to 
 its great model on the Euphrates ; possessing nu- 
 
 VOL. I. M
 
 162 R AMESES. 
 
 nierous chambers, accessible by passages knowrt 
 only to the priests, its successive stages or platforms 
 ascended to the summit by one hundred and twenty 
 steps ; and the whole edifice, in colossal grandeur 
 and extent, formed a tower of great strength as 
 well as a temple. In the sacred books it is called 
 Padma Mandir, or ' Temple of the Lotos.' Here, 
 when the divine sons of Sharma^^ arrived on the 
 banks of Nile, Isis appeared, and commanded their 
 leader to erect a pyramid for her on the very spot 
 before them : his associates immediately began the 
 work; and on this the goddess took up her re- 
 sidence. This immense and sacred pile was pro- 
 tected by a fortress with seven walls, forming seven 
 concentric rings. Within the different walls the 
 houses of the priests stood ; and in the last ring 
 was enclosed this sacred mound or high place, and 
 also a royal palace ; and these walls, according to the 
 mystic rites appropriating them to the protection 
 of respective deities, were tinged with various co- 
 lours as sacred — white, black, purple, blue, and 
 yellow; it also contained a sacred lake, magnifi- 
 cently paved, and having lion statues of basalt. This 
 important fortress Rameses studied to adorn and 
 strengthen ; and garrisoned it with his bravest of- 
 ficers, as well as with tried and faithful followers. 
 
 Amid these cares, wherein he acquired day by day 
 the increased confidence and high respect of all,- he 
 likewise sought to blend with the active cheerful
 
 RAMESES. 163 
 
 exercises, horse and chariot races, trials of strength, 
 and martial skill. He deeply thought upon the phy- 
 sical despondency and gloom of all the native race of 
 Mizraim : while its fertile soil received from nature's 
 bounty her exhaustless stores of corn and fruits, 
 which multiplied and fed her race in plenty, yet 
 the unvarying and uniform aspect of all nature left 
 the springs of mental energy unstimulated ; and m.an 
 became heavy and sluggish, and lost his high tem- 
 perament. The gods of the plains and caverns 
 shed a gloom and melancholy ^^ which debilitate 
 the soul, if Rameses questioned why with despond- 
 ence they sunk under their enemies, nor, when re- 
 verses visited their arms, with high exalted pa- 
 triotism struggled for their kingdom against their 
 enemies ? Despair struck down their weapons, and 
 Mizraim, with a superiority of numbers, yielded to 
 the warlike few. Hence the aim of Rameses, and 
 his eager desire, was to lay the grounds of bright 
 excitement, and to infuse a spirit bold and lively, 
 adequate to the approaching dangers. Therefore he 
 encouraged games and sports, and lively exercises. 
 
 One evenino;, when he invited forth the court to 
 partake with him his faithful followers' enjoyments, 
 Amenophis, ascending to the platform with the 
 priests, his mind sombre and bent on auguries, left 
 happy Rameses surrounded by the grateful citi- 
 zens and troops. He was soon seated near Nitocris, 
 who regarded with the deepest rapture all the evi- 
 
 m2
 
 164 KAMESES. 
 
 dences of refined affection shown her, as well as his 
 benignant plans for his followers, and Memphian 
 race, exhibited in his actions to the humblest citi- 
 zens : himself warmed with the glow of pleasure 
 flowing from happiness dispensed, and thus com- 
 muning with the object of his heart's delight, 
 poured forth with fervent eloquence the glowing 
 conceptions of a mind exquisitely tuned to joy. 
 
 The hour was evening, tinged with the splen- 
 dour of a setting sun, the view spreading over the 
 whole extent of Memphis. The flowing Nile, and 
 banks even to the Arabian chain — the time, the 
 view, the objects all around, — all conspired to place 
 the heart in peace — in that still rapture wherein 
 flow forth the liiddcn tones and feelings, which 
 respond to instants such as these ; when we appear 
 communing with some god above us, and expe- 
 rience an expansive grasp of thought and ecstasy 
 which outweighs years of ordinary life. It was at 
 this moment that Uameses well ])leaded with his 
 willing auditor the ardent love, the devotion of his 
 soul, and met in Nitocris with no weak dissembling; 
 mind : she frankly answered to his eager question- 
 ings, how long her heart had warmed with know- 
 ledge of his worth and growing virtues ; her plea- 
 sure and surprise at the meeting in the courts of 
 Great Karnak, and ho>v her heart revealed its in- 
 most secrets of iicr love when the rites of initiation 
 liung as a suspended sword ready to destroy him.
 
 RAMESES. 165 
 
 Thus jointly disclosing their inmost thoughts, 
 they spoke of bliss, such as perfect union of heart 
 and mind confers — views not bounded by this scene 
 of mortal life, but permanent, eternal. If his bright 
 and sparkling crest spoke all the radiance of his joy 
 confirmed, yet were his softened step and gentle 
 demeanour full of the tenderness on which lovely 
 woman seeks to found her trust : while amid the 
 dove-like modesty and grace of Nitocris shone 
 traits of intellectual strength, showing the mind 
 imbued with energy and firmness, such as the hero 
 of an elevated soul delights to call his own. Thus 
 interchanging vows — she bright and sparkling as 
 the star of love, and Rameses with soul wrapt in 
 obhvion of aught else but bliss — they plighted to 
 each the solemn vow, by Osiris in Phila?, to be 
 henceforth bound for ever to the object of their 
 hearts' most sacred tie, until the marriage bond 
 united them. It was pledged upon the rising plat- 
 form of Fadma Mandir, and instantly was ratified 
 by ascending to the lofty top. Isis, bright queen 
 of night, was rising in the east; her beams sparkled 
 on the altar, near which the king and Phrltiphancs 
 Avith the priests had stood. The sacred fire was on 
 it. In silence they joined their hands over the 
 altar, and there, looking to the queen of the ebon 
 sky, they felt their choicest hopes fulfilled. The 
 immense city of Mem]ihis shone out in its nightly
 
 166 RAMESES. 
 
 splendours as they descended, and Amenophis with 
 his train retired to his palace. 
 
 His soul affianced thus to her he loved, Rameses 
 applied himself ardently to those noble deeds and 
 plans of purpose useful to great Memphis, and in- 
 fusing that strength and reformation into the state, 
 called for by the wise and the good. But Egypt, 
 luxurious and opulent, was cankered beyond the 
 regenerating influence of the few who struggled 
 against the spreading disease ; and while Rameses 
 imitated the divine traits of justice and mercy, 
 which recommended him to the favour of the deities 
 who watch over virtue, the profligate and vicious 
 finding no obscurity a veil from his vigilance, 
 no craft a blind for his sagacity, formed various 
 plots against his peace. Highly elevated on the 
 pinnacle of favour and of splendid reputation, his 
 renown filled the wide extended districts of Egypt ; 
 it flowed downwai'd to the ocean, and the limits of 
 the kingdom : and in the bright ascendant of his 
 younger and despised brother, both Sabacon and 
 Bocchoris nurtured the most deadly hatred, for not 
 a step advanced the younger brother, but the elder 
 viewed himself so much degraded and defrauded. 
 Neither malice nor revenge could touch the name 
 of Rameses with their envenomed teeth ; but with 
 the idle vicious swarms whom his rigid execution 
 of the laws expelled from tiie capital ; numbers.
 
 R AMESES. 1G7 
 
 in hopes of an exemption from labour, and of 
 future lawless plunder, flocked to the camp, and 
 swelled the bands of Sabacon : these persons had 
 sulHed the industrious fame of Egypt's race, defy- 
 ing her salutary laws, and magnifying, according 
 to their rancour, the views and conduct of Rameses, 
 they added fresh stings to the jealousy with which 
 Sabacon viewed his brother. The aged Sosis in- 
 deed had been truly blest in receiving again under 
 his paternal roof a son who had reaped, in his first 
 early essays, a harvest of glory ; and who was adding 
 to the brilliancy of his Memphian combat, and suc- 
 cessful initiation, the more solid and not less ar- 
 duous labours of the duties of civil and social life. 
 Glorying in his virtues and self-devotion, Sosis 
 acquired a second youth ; and while his paternal 
 heart exulted with unutterable delight over Rame- 
 ses, to his absent eldest born his feelings flowed forth 
 in admonitory advice and cautions, interspersed with 
 encomiums on his brother, which were gall and 
 wormwood to Sabacon's haughty and fiery nature. 
 
 Day by day the friendship of the fathers bro ight 
 the youthful pair together, and led to increased 
 intercourse between Rameses and the daughter of 
 Phritiphanes : and their mutual dependence on each 
 other for future happiness being thus augmented, 
 Rameses eagerly sought to have revealed his hopes 
 to Phritiphanes immediately after the pledge he had 
 received; but the constant and close attendance
 
 168 RAMESES. 
 
 at court left him no opportunity for an explicit 
 disclosure, and the increasing dejection of Phriti- 
 phanes spell-bound his ingenuous and feeling heart, 
 and rendered him dumb, even when glowing to 
 open all its secrets to his eyes. Once only he ven- 
 tured to touch the string of his union, Avhen Phriti- 
 phanes, impressively placing his hand on his heart, 
 shook his head with a gloom and smile of striking 
 care : ' May the patriot's awful duty teach Ra- 
 meses the most arduous of all lessons, how to di- 
 rect the impulses of the heart during the dark days 
 and bloody scenes now opening ! Ah, avert the 
 formation of avenues to misery by the creation of 
 stronger ties in social life ! The claims of your 
 country, the struggles of her resistance, and the 
 eminent part you are marked out for, are duties 
 of paramount importance, and amply sufficient for 
 mortal strength. Not of chance, or mere worldly 
 wish of glory, was your decided and auspicious 
 passage through the initiation. It came from the 
 great Osiris, influencing your will, to show you 
 the radiant path of virtue, which consists more in 
 conquering our passions, even those wherein our 
 happiness is bound up, and offering them on 
 the altar of Obedience, than in following their 
 headstrong dictates. Thus must you voluntarily 
 forego all hope of the hand of Nitocris while the 
 clouds of fate obscure and threaten Egypt. Faith- 
 iul Athor is at present in my palace, rctmncd but
 
 RAMESES. 169 
 
 yesternight from his arduous commission. Ere 
 this the blow is struck, which pours forth the first 
 libation of blood upon the parched sands of Ara- 
 bia. Torrents will flow ere the conclusion comes. 
 I hasten to summon the council, and communicate 
 his tidings and intelligence. Be present,** and, 
 lowering his voice, ' be firm — steel your heart to 
 bear the fiercest jealousy and envy inherent on a 
 brother's hate.^ So saying, Phritiphanes parted, 
 leaving Rameses desolate and stunned at the pro- 
 spect he opened to his consideration.
 
 170 llAMESES. 
 
 BOOK VIII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Further characteristics of the Palli, who, now assembled in 
 Aouara, are met by an Egyptian army, under the com- 
 mand of Souchis. — Sabacon distinguishes himself in the 
 first action, and by his bravery and enterprise entirely 
 destroys the portion of the Pallic forces engaged.— The 
 council of Amenophis persuade him to prosecute the war 
 with redoubled vigour. — Rameses, elated at his brother's 
 success, is involved in a dangerous adventure by Betis, a 
 Phrygian slave, who destroys a cat, the deity of a Mem- 
 phian. — Betis, to appease the Memphians, is despatched 
 to the army with the reinforcements under the command 
 of ]\lyris. — Sabacon, rash and impetuous from his former 
 success, is drawn into a snare by the superior talents of 
 Salatis, the leader of the Pallic forces; and in conse- 
 quence of his imprudence the Egyptian army is nearly 
 destroyed, and their general Souchis is killed. — No sooner 
 is the misfortune known at jSIemphis, than Sosis hastens 
 with the remaining forces to the relics of the Egyptian 
 array ; and the king in dismay retires to Thebes. 
 
 Egypt indeed now drew near the i-ealization of 
 the fears of her enlightened Hierophant, and was 
 on the eve of the most overwhehning visitation. On 
 its north-eastern frontier had appeared vast swarms 
 of warriors of the great Scythian family, who, de- 
 scending from tlie Caucasian range, from those 
 liigh and mountainous regions, the stony girdle
 
 RAMESES. ni 
 
 of the globe, had swept away before them the 
 thrones and people which lay in their progress. 
 Part of the great empire of Iran soon fell a prey 
 to their arms, whence they descended to the Ery- 
 thraean or Arabian Sea, whose shores they occu- 
 pied: turning westward, they spread to the Eu- 
 phrates, occupying the unfinished intended metro- 
 polis of the great Ninus, and the mighty tower 
 of Belus ; the lofty and appalling tower, smitten 
 from Heaven and lio-htnino-stricken. Fresh swarms 
 of warriors, courted by their precursors' success, 
 followed, and found a large number of their kin- 
 dred bands, who had some centuries before pre- 
 ceded them, and occupied the rich and fertile 
 kingdom of Egypt, but being driven out from 
 thence, and fugitives ; a large and armed force of 
 their retreating army had dared to occupy the 
 chosen land, in defiance of the sacred oracle de- 
 claring it the property of a deity, even in the age 
 of Babel's rise. Here these Scythian warriors set- 
 tled, and from their own name termed it Palestine ; 
 and here, as from a resting-point, beheld with envy 
 Egypt"'s fertile valley, her numerous and splendid 
 cities ; filled with contempt for jVIizraim's race, and 
 Mizraim gods, they hailed with eager joy the ap- 
 proach of various accumulative hosts, under whose 
 banners they might again despoil and rule the land 
 of Egypt. 
 
 On the Arabian border of the kingdom lay a
 
 172 RAMESES. 
 
 large tract of country skirting the fertile Delta, 
 from whence it is divided by the Pelusiac brartch 
 of the .Nile, which falls into the sea. On the south, 
 the canal of the kings, branching off from the Nile 
 at Poubastis, stretched to the Arabian sea, which 
 formerly advanced far higlier in this quarter, leav- 
 ing, as traces of its ancient bed, vast lakes of salt 
 water: hence emerging from Arabia, these fierce 
 and hostile strangers had taken possession of this 
 important tract "y. As yet they merely hovered on 
 its frontiers, and a large Egyptian army occupied 
 the capital of Aouara, guarding the country to the 
 Pelusiac arm of the Nile. In this army Sabacon 
 held an important rank, and burning to engage 
 the foe, felt every passing week defrauding him of 
 glory. Souchis, an aged and experienced general, 
 saw his army much inferior to the great forces of 
 his enemy ; but superior in their arms and disci- 
 pline, and strongly entrenched, he endeavoured 
 therefore to remedy the difference of numbers by 
 his sagacious measures. The enemy, seeking the 
 destruction of Egypt by every stratagem and wile, 
 had endeavoured to lull them into false security, 
 abstaining from every hostile demonstration ; so 
 that the Egyptian troops scarcely felt themselves in 
 presence of a foe. The hour however came on 
 fraught with imminent danger, for it was on the 
 morning of a treacherous design, which nearly had 
 involved them in one general ruin, that Sabacon,
 
 RAMESES. 173 
 
 eager and alert, had lain on his couch at night 
 sleepless, and revolving over all the eventful cir- 
 cumstances of his brother"'s sudden rise and eleva- 
 tion, contrasting bitterly his Memphian glory, and 
 reo;rettin2: that he was the blind but willing instru- 
 nient of sendins: Rameses on what he deemed a 
 silken female's errand. Stung wnth the boiling pas- 
 sions which his envenomed thoughts thus conjured 
 up, he arose and looked abroad. The air was still 
 — nought moved upon the night, and darkness 
 brooded over all : he paused, and thought that on 
 the rising breeze some hum and stir of preparation 
 came to his ear, but softened down : it might be 
 the moanings of the desert blast. Yet his mind, 
 sharpened and excited, so intently lent its mortal 
 senses, that he was certain something breathed of 
 arms. Among his train were several faithful slaves, 
 Ethiopian natives ; their organs and eyes acute, 
 and of feet most swift, trained to deeds of dark- 
 ness — men used to play with death in ambuscades, 
 and watchful stratagems ; these he despatched 
 throughout the borders of the hostile foe to watch 
 their movements. This done, Sabacon repaired di- 
 rectly to the tent of Souchis. The guards and 
 standards marked its ample range; within no lamps 
 were burning, nor any preparations; all was still, 
 and buried in deep repose. To Sabacon's commu- 
 nication he added earnest entreaties of no demon- 
 strations being ordered, whereby the Pallic enemy
 
 174- R AMESES. 
 
 might deem theli* plot discovered ; but to await his 
 scouts' reports, and guide themselves by circum- 
 stances. Silently arraying all their forces at an early 
 hour, long ere the morning dawned, Sabacon had 
 certain intelligence of the enemy having detached 
 off a large body to a neighbouring ridge of sand ; 
 and this fact, when known, revealed clearly to his 
 quick and rapid mind their purposed snare. Adja- 
 cent to this ridge, spread wide upon the south a 
 lake of briny water : by therefore yielding on the 
 north to Egypfs forces they hoped to entice them 
 into a defile between the ridge and lake ; where, 
 overwhelming them with multitudes in front, and 
 surprised by the horse behind, the Egyptian forces 
 would have been precipitated into the lake. 
 
 The clear and luminous development of Saba- 
 con gained for him the confidence of Souchis, who, 
 regulating all his plans by Sabacon^'s advice, pre- 
 pared to resist the hostile army now descried ad- 
 vancing on the plain. They met midway between 
 the lake and ridge, and intrepid valour kept the 
 success in equal scales. The warriors^" from the 
 East were armed with spears and bucklers, their 
 curved scimetars glittering on their long and flow- 
 ing dresses. Expert in the long and powerful javelin, 
 they strove with fierce and desperate violence ; but 
 as their king had ordered, at length they seemingly 
 gave way, and fled, to lead the Egyptian forces on- 
 ward to meet their ambuscade. Souchis supported
 
 RAMESES. 175 
 
 well his character and counsels, and the furious Boc- 
 choris, to whom the line was subject, fighting with 
 most desperate valour, made such havoc on their 
 squares, and urged their advance upon the Palli so 
 rapidly, as to convert a feigned into a real flight. 
 
 Meantime a chosen band of Egyptian horsemen, 
 by a circuitous route, fell on the ambuscade with a 
 superior force, so as to utterly annihilate the corps. 
 Dashing his horse among the foremost, Sabacon 
 rode daringly against the chief, and clove him down. 
 Thus taken themselves by surprise, they perished 
 beneath the swords of Sabacon and his band, who, 
 flushed with success and blood, awaited behind the 
 shelter of the sand-hills for the signal. The noise 
 and tumult of the battle drowned every other sense, 
 and Sabacon employed his trusty scouts to com- 
 municate tidings how the chance and peril of it 
 turned upon the stream of circumstances. He 
 anxiously watched for accounts, when the loud ex- 
 clamations of joy throughout the host announced 
 that the Palli fled ; then rapidly as a cloud passes 
 in its shadow over the rising mountain, when it flits 
 along the stormy sky ; so did his troop sweep over 
 the hill, and pour upon the already discomfited and 
 routed host. The sword and javelin had gleaned 
 to the last man, had not Salatis, their king and 
 leader, apprised by scouts of their danger, ap- 
 peared with an immense column, spreading along 
 the range of battle, which opening to receive tlie
 
 17G RAMESES. 
 
 fugitives, checked the pursuers' ardour. Souchis 
 risked not his important advantage, but recalling his 
 troops, to which wise order Sabacon reluctantly 
 yielded, he secured his spoils and trophies in his 
 camp, which resounded with the praises of Sabacon, 
 under whom the Egyptians, elated, now deemed 
 themselves invincible, such impression had his gal- 
 lant bearing made on them. 
 
 The loss of the Palli was severely felt, as well as 
 its discouragement ; but notwithstanding, however, 
 the thousands who thus strewed the deserts, Salatis, 
 by the concentration of all his wandering parties on 
 the Arabian borders, had still a great superiority 
 over the Egyptian forces; and exasperated by the 
 defeat, he therefore lay in wait for an liour more 
 auspicious, to stake all upon a general engagement, 
 and avenge himself for the disorace. 
 
 Meantime at Memphis the council had assembled 
 in the palace of Amenophis, at the instance of Phri- 
 tiphanes, whereat attended all the counsellors of 
 the throne. In this assemblage, without openly 
 stating the sources of the Pallic intelligence, he laid 
 open the strength and designs of Salatis, who, 
 strengthened by all the forces of the kingdoms of 
 Arabia and Babylonia, was resolved to repossess 
 himself of l^'^gypt. Throughout the kingdom also 
 were great numbers of the race, who had prepared 
 themselves to support his enterprise. The details 
 were exact, the perils imminent ; nevertheless the
 
 RAMESES. 177 
 
 high enterprise, the admirable judgment and courage 
 of Rameses, had given a due spirit and animation 
 to their counsels. But in this moment of suspense, 
 so deeply important for his kingdom, during the 
 debates no opinion whatever was offered by the king, 
 who, evidently depressed by the statements offered of 
 the Pallic force, declared his resolution of consulting 
 the holy oracle of Latona at Buto. In junction with 
 this resolve, were also orders to strain every en- 
 deavour, on the part of Egypt's governors, to oppose 
 the invaders; but these were unsupported by pro- 
 mises of his royal presence. Phritiphanes strove 
 to infuse an energy into the monarch by the very 
 peril itself, assuring Amenophis that nothing would 
 deter Salatis from attempting the conquest of Egypt; 
 and Phritiphanes trembled at the thought, that ere 
 this moment the battle was fought that decided the 
 great question of Egypt's existence. 
 
 Rameses was about proceeding to the fortress, eager 
 to expedite the succours ready for the field, when 
 Phritiphanes, taking him into a cabinet, brought 
 Athor into his presence. Great was his rapture at 
 thus meeting his faithful friend and companion, 
 formerly his director, and mutual their delight. 
 Athor, devoted to his virtues, remarked with sur- 
 prise the improved port and majestic carriage of 
 Rameses, who joyfully related all his late trials, and 
 the supporting beams of Osiris which preserved hlni 
 through them. Athor, turning pale, warned him, 
 VOL. 1. N
 
 178 RAMESES. 
 
 if events should draw him to the army, against trust- 
 ing to the honour or friendship of his brother, or of 
 Bocchoris, who, filled with rage, envy, and malice, 
 and surrounded by his enemies, the mixed multitude 
 of the army, infatuated with Sabacon's dazzling de- 
 meanour, would revenge themselves by any crime, 
 ' Sabacon, if himself by nature noble-minded,*' Athor 
 said, ' is here entirely warped and destroyed by the 
 basest of passions, envy ; and imagines that in your 
 rise, and glorious successes, every point has been 
 obtained by priestcraft ; hence, unless he succeeds 
 in establishing a name equal in renown, by some 
 splendid achievement, I tremble for the result to 
 you, to Egypt, and to himself.' 
 
 Whilst they were thus conversing, the acclama- 
 tions of the crowded streets of Memphis communi- 
 cated tidings of importance ; and it was with eager 
 joy they received the particulars of Sabacon's suc- 
 cess, which was not less owing to his courage than 
 to his watchfulness and prudence. All hailed the 
 augury, and wished that the appeal to Latona's 
 oracle had not been made ; but the word so given 
 was held sacred to the deity, and the deputed train 
 already were preparing to leave Memphis. The 
 noble city throughout its vast extent was filled with 
 joy and gladness, and Amenophis received the tidings 
 with exultation equal to his previous anxiety; while 
 Rameses appeared far more elated at his brother's 
 renown and success tlian at any glorious moment
 
 RAMESES. 179 
 
 of his own fortune's rise. Earnestly did he implore 
 the propitious favour of the gods to eradicate from 
 his brother's mind the baleful passions that thus 
 disfigured it ; and while success thus smiled on the 
 arms of his country, he pressed the march imme- 
 diately of those reinforcements which were so im- 
 portant to the war. Repairing to his palace near 
 the White Quarter, he was doomed this day to have 
 other causes of trouble than his brother's jealousy. 
 He found all this part of Memphis in uproar, and 
 the citizens crowding the streets with arms, and 
 making doleful outcries, demanding the death of 
 a high criminal against the gods. With infinite 
 trouble, so great was the crowd, a way was made 
 to his residence; Avhen, to his great sorrow, he 
 learned the cause of the tumult arose from the un- 
 guarded conduct of a favourite slave of his father's, 
 named Betis. Betis was of eastern birth, a Phry- 
 gian 91, and in temper, habits, and feelings, wholly 
 opposed to the sombre and the melancholy Egyptian 
 character, which, notwithstanding its national bless- 
 ings and government, always preserved among an- 
 cient nations its tone of gravity. Lively, shrewd, 
 and ciiecrful, his whole days were passed in exciting 
 mirth in himself and others. Residing; among- a 
 peoj^le not only constitutionally sombre, but severely 
 vindictive on the score of their customs, it was his 
 fortunate lot to belong to a master in Sosis, wlio, 
 although an Egyptian in name, was in heart a friend 
 
 N 2
 
 180 RAMESES. 
 
 to the happiness of all. Sabacon, however, E>etis 
 dreaded and abhorred ; but Rameses was truly the 
 promoter of enjoyment. Torn from his abode near 
 Jda''s sacred mount, Betis, through the circling years 
 of his slavery, saw nothing in his imagination equal 
 to the mountainous sylvan rites of Cybele on his 
 own Gargarus ; and Rameses, whose expansive 
 mind and clear intellect had in part unfettered 
 itself from its bias to animal gods, encouraged the 
 lively genius of the slave, and saved him many a 
 correcting stripe, which otherwise his unlucky turn 
 for satire would have brought on him. Once he 
 was on the point of being put to death for impiety 
 to the great god Pan 9*, one of the revered eight of 
 Egypt's gods, and the oldest. This deity being 
 revered at Mendes under his symbol of the goat, 
 the unhappy Phrygian, without reflection, had in- 
 sulted, by teaching a favourite goat from a kid to 
 practise various sleights ; among others that of ba- 
 lancing himself upon a small point of a staff, sup- 
 ported laterally by props, while he himself danced 
 and piped before him. The gesturesof himself, and 
 the simplicity ofthe bearded animal, never failed draw- 
 ing peals of laughter from the beholders; while the 
 mystic dance and music afforded too much grounds 
 for the Mendesians' accusation, when unluckily 
 practised in their very vicinity ; and it w as only by 
 withdrawing him from the district, by the death of 
 his favourite, and a large sum paid to the informers,
 
 RAMESES. 181 
 
 that his life was spared, and his escape into a neigh- 
 bouring district, inimical to Mendes, was effected. 
 
 His present scrape wore a more serious hue; and 
 while its examination was in process, Rameses, to 
 preserve his life from any sudden popular excite- 
 ment, conveyed him in a covered litter, by water, 
 to the division of troops marching under Myris to 
 the district of Auoara. Poor Betis was deeply 
 grieved by his folly to have thus thrown himself 
 into the contact of danger and of Sabacon. He was 
 now nearly forty years of age. Short in stature 
 and deformed, he halted of the left leg, and was 
 mean and homely; his face was old and wrinkled; 
 but in despite of all these natural disadvantages, a 
 certain cast of shrewdness and intelligence, his eyes 
 of bright gray, particularly quick and shining, a 
 range of teeth of even and pearly whiteness, and an 
 air of easy cheerfulness and humour, more than 
 counterbalanced them all. To Rameses he was of 
 late become more than usually welcome, and got 
 noticed from the attentive pliancy whereby he had 
 possessed himself of tiie deep attachment which now 
 was wound around his heart, and the adroit and 
 peculiar manner whereby he recommended himself 
 and his talents to his master's wants. His misfor- 
 tune and mischievous folly, now calling forth the 
 fury of the Quarter Memnoncs, and one of the com- 
 pany of leather-sellers, was impiety to the goddess 
 Bubastis in her divine feline image the cat. The
 
 18i3 llAMESES. 
 
 adoration paid to them is nowhere more deeply felt 
 than at Memphis. They are revered, cherished, 
 and served with every delicacy ; if sick they are 
 tended with the greatest care ; and when dead, the 
 members of the whole family shave their heads, wear 
 mourning, and suffer the most extreme grief; em- 
 balming the sacred animal, and burying it at Pou- 
 bastis, the chosen temple of the shame-faced 9» god- 
 dess, oftentimes with most extravagant luxury. 
 What then was the horror and rage of Theutres^^, 
 a leather-seller of the Quarter Memnones, adjoining 
 the range of the White Quarter, returning to his 
 home, to find his goddess^^ Bubastis writhing upon 
 a pike, and the unhappy shape of Betis retreating 
 swiftly away to the adjoining palace, the residence 
 of Rameses. Furious at the sight, the wretched 
 Memphian would scarcely believe his eyes ; but too 
 true was the fact, and the infuriate votary Theutres 
 knew not which first to attend to, his dying deity, 
 or the vile impious assassin. Fortunately for Betis, 
 the increasing struggles of the expiring animal de- 
 tained for a few minutes the agonized Theutres till 
 life was extinct ; when, seizing the javelin, with the 
 transfixed cat on its barb, he rushed through the 
 streets, calling on the citizens to revenge the insult 
 on their gods, perpetrated by an outcast and a fo- 
 reign slave. Too soon the act itself, heightened by 
 an association in idea with their detested enemies, 
 with a race so deservedly odious at Memphis, ex-
 
 RAMESES. 183 
 
 cited a tumult beyond even Rameses' power to quell. 
 What could not be put down he wisely set himself 
 to allay ; the parties were patiently heard, their ac- 
 cusations recorded, their officers and themselves left 
 at liberty to explore Memphis for the criminal, the 
 palace being first previously searched. In fact, Ra- 
 meses was sufficiently provoked to have insured 
 Betis a severe correction, had not chance thus hurried 
 him from the scene of his disgrace : yet the incident 
 itself, stripped of the loaded depositions and exag- 
 gerated statements of the Memphians, was not so 
 aggravated, and might be construed into an effort 
 to save the animal; for it was thus it occurred. 
 Unlucky Betis, strolling through the street, full of 
 frolic and mischief, perceived the moon-eyed animal 
 at an open casement of the dwelling of Theutres. 
 Fed to the height of luxury, and fretful by in- 
 dulgence, the animal was spreading her large eyes 
 to their full size, which appearance attracting the 
 reverential notice of her votary a soldier, fixed his 
 devotional feelings as he was passing by, who, with 
 repeated genuflexions, was honouring his symbol 
 deity. Betis, standing behind him as he passed, 
 caught the eye of the cat, at the moment of the ex- 
 pansion and contraction^^ of its pupil, and was so 
 disposed to ridicule the scene, that, holding up a 
 small shrew mouse he had in his charge to bear to 
 a friend, a worshipper of that class of animal, Bu- 
 bastis instantly roused herself for a spring. Aware
 
 184 R AMESES. 
 
 of his imprudence and his danger, from one class of 
 votary or the other, in the fatal issue to either deity, 
 he seized the lance of the kneeling worshipper, when 
 the divine cat, far too heavy to draw back from her 
 intended spring, and too intent to catch her fa- 
 vourite food, leaped off to be received upon the point 
 of the spear, which was in fact warningly extended 
 to prevent her movement. To place the spear, so 
 garnished, into the humble suppliant's hands, and 
 liasten off, was the prudent intention and effort of 
 Betis ; but the adorer of the goddess Jiubastis, 
 however devoted to the cat, thought also his life 
 worth preserving, and that being thus found would 
 ensure his death ; and being by far the nimblest of 
 the two, he had effectually got out of sight and 
 distance ere the bereaved Theutres returned in 
 time to see and ascertain the culprit. All Memphis 
 rung with this daring act, and indeed was as much 
 moved as at the seditious attempt of the Palli. 
 The youthful governor allayed the heat by a ju- 
 dicious promise of condign punishment after the 
 whole case was examined, if such was merited, by 
 the next day. The city was somewhat appeased, 
 however, to learn that the atrocious criminal was 
 marched against the Palli as a true Egyptian, in- 
 stead of being one of that hated race. Another day 
 passed over witli its assuaging delay, and another 
 saw the irritation subsiding among the highly in- 
 flamed citizens, as a statement averred, upon the
 
 RAMESES. 185 
 
 indivlduars sacred oath by the dread Osiris of Philas, 
 that the spear was extended as a guard to the great 
 goddess Athribis, in her shrew inouse, when Typlion 
 must have wrought the dreadful catastrophe. The 
 timely application to Theutres of a compounding 
 sum, and a favourite cat from a royal race, further 
 softened matters. Still Betis had a heavy responsi- 
 bility hanging over him ; and so great was the 
 public exasperation, that nothing but the universal 
 favour and esteem for Rameses, and the high splen- 
 dour of his character, could have sustained him 
 throuQ-h so eventful a crisis. 
 
 To Nitocris, as well as to the hero, the hours of 
 suspense, for the fate of a faithful adherent, had 
 been extremely anxious. Aware of the devotion and 
 national fondness for the sacred animals, they felt 
 the indiscretion of Betis the more strongly, as their 
 innate humanity and tenderness of heart would not 
 for a moment allow of the surrender of an aged 
 slave to tortures and to certain death, so surely 
 awaiting his offence against the feline deity. Betis, 
 however, was preserved by his absence, and with the 
 reinforcements under Myris reached the Egyptian 
 camp just as appearances betokened a battle of 
 greater importance, to which the last engagement 
 was but an angry prelude. Sabacon, impetuous 
 and elated, ])roud of his influence among the troops, 
 was with great difficulty reined in by the experience 
 of Souchis, while the arrival of Myris liad communi-
 
 186 RAMESES. 
 
 cated no small joy to the army, as betokening a 
 prudence and vic^^our unusual in Amenophis. 
 
 It was therefore evidently impossible much longer 
 for Souchis to delay a combat, which was the de- 
 sire of the whole army, urged onward by Bocchoris 
 and Sabacon. The reinforcement of troops being 
 led by a tried friend of the family of Sosis, they 
 were attached to the quarters of Sabacon; and 
 Betis, notwithstanchng his earnest entreaties, as well 
 as solemn promises of caution, if he might be per- 
 mitted to become an attendant on Myris, was, by 
 the express orders of Rameses, placed under the 
 command and near the person of his brother, and 
 the motive of this order was the suspicion otherwise 
 implied in a slave of his family being engaged out 
 of his patron's service, as well as the necessity of 
 checking the levity of Betis. It was highly pro- 
 pitious indeed for him that Sabacon's engagements 
 precluded him, however, the leisure to think on Betis, 
 whose well known partiality to his brother would 
 otherwise have rendered him an object of ^-ere sus- 
 picion. Whatever were Betis's faults, wjm$»of dis- 
 cernment formed not one of them, and he soon saw 
 cause for the keenest observation and watchfulness 
 into the conduct and plans of Sabacon and his ad- 
 herents, who made no secret of their hatred of the 
 silken court favourite, as Rameses was termed, or of 
 their resolves against his person and safety, should 
 he ever join the army.
 
 RAMESES. 187 
 
 Never having himself known any trait of Rameses 
 but those of perfection and of excellence, he with 
 difficulty controlled his feelings, and listened to those 
 schemes which were discussed, without caution, in 
 the presence of apparently a contemptible old slave. 
 Proud, and confident of success, aware of his father's 
 great age, it was the chief view and aim of Sabacon 
 to get the command of Egypt''s armies, ere court 
 favour, as he conceived, might bring Rameses for- 
 ward as his rival. Thus he was prepared to effect 
 any object against his brother, and to dare any peril 
 against the enemy, under the full confidence which 
 his youthful ardour and boldness gave him. How- 
 ever dangerous the experiment, Betis found an op- 
 portunity to communicate to Myris his observations 
 and knowledge of the feelings entertained toward 
 his patron and preserver, which deeply wounded 
 his generous heart, so devoted to Rameses. At this 
 moment, however, all matters revolved around the 
 great event drawing onward, which might decide 
 the fate of Egypt. 
 
 Salatis and his generals were all persons of deep 
 experience, and fertile in stratagems of war. Salatis, 
 bloody and fierce, had held his Egyptian foes too 
 cheap, and hence the late severe check he expe- 
 rienced. With a commander's eye he now exa- 
 mined the plain before them : from the Nile the 
 Pelusiac branch flowed in a north-western course, 
 the canal of the kings in a south-west course, form-
 
 188 RAMESES. 
 
 ing a triangle, the base of which was occupied by 
 his widely-spreading encampment. If therefore he 
 could by his measures gain a decisive advantage, 
 the Egyptian army, having the Nile in its rear, 
 were placed in a perilous situation. The ground 
 before them was a smooth and naked plain, occa- 
 sionally near the Salt Lake Interspersed with shrubs 
 and bushes. This suggested an idea which he con- 
 cealed until the eve of battle. Knowing that as in 
 the sand ridge ambuscades may be suspected, yet 
 in a plain, open apparently to the eye, dangers are 
 rarely anticipated; the night preceding the morn on 
 which he determined to bring on a battle, he selected 
 a thousand horse and foot, in dark skin cuirass and 
 caps, and strictly charging them to lie concealed, 
 distributed them throughout the plain, on the skirts 
 of which the contest would take place. As soon as 
 the day dawned, large bodies of horse were seen pro- 
 voking the Egyptians to the combat, which, urged 
 on by Sabacon, they did not decline. Their army, 
 consisting mainly of foot, armed with long bucklers 
 and javelins, had on their wings the horse and war- 
 chariots, under the command of Sabacon. The left 
 was supported by Myris. Salatis had drawn up 
 his army in masses, with alternate bands of spear- 
 men, in which skill the Palli eminently excelled 
 and were superior. The battle, begun with ardour, 
 was evidently against the Egyptians, from the flights- 
 of javelins which poured destruction on their ranks.
 
 RAMESES. 189 
 
 and from which their bucklers could not protect 
 them, transfixed through the arms, or any open 
 part, with unerring aim. Desperate at their loss, 
 Sabacon made so impetuous a charge, as completely 
 routed the wing opposed to his chariots ; his track 
 truly traced itself in blood. Invincible from his 
 courage and strength, hand to hand he struck a 
 terror through the whole line ; and had prudence 
 directed his returning steps upon the centre, wherein 
 Salatis and his guards were conspicuous, Egypt 
 might have triumphed ; but led on by his natural 
 ardour, he chased his flying foes too far from the 
 field. No sooner, however, was the storm passed 
 onward, than Salatis, too wise to suffer such an op- 
 portunity to pass, closed with his whole force on 
 the Egyptians, weakened by the want of Sabacon's 
 chariots and horse. Oppressed on all sides, they 
 sustained a most unequal fight ; when his numerous 
 bands massed in a large body, penetrating the Egyp- 
 tian centre, the noble Souchis fell under their swords. 
 An instant rout would have followed, had not the 
 daring of Myris, in spite of every disaster, kept up 
 for a time the flagging spirits of his army. Seeing 
 Bocchoris on the point of being transfixed with a 
 spear, by one blow he severed the hand grasping 
 the weapon, and cutting his way to the very centre, 
 was near the spot where Souchis fell ; when the 
 sudden appearance and hostile charge of the con-
 
 190 RAMESES. 
 
 cealed troops, from the bushes skirting the scene of 
 action, added a terror and panic no efforts could 
 qheck. The field became a scene of slaughter ; and 
 the remnant of the Egyptian forces, flying to the 
 Nile, would have been immediately destroyed, but 
 for the return of the hitherto victorious and im- 
 prudent Sabacon. He, returning too late from his 
 pursuit, saw his fatal error. To plunge instantly 
 into the thickest of his foes was his instantaneous 
 act, and Salatis narrowly escaped the impetuous 
 charge. With a great loss he cut his way through, 
 and joined the routed flying Egyptians, who, 
 strengthened by his presence, were too formidable 
 to be incautiously pursued further. Satisfied with 
 the glories of his decisive victory, Salatis took pos- 
 session of the Egyptian camp, and proceeded to ar- 
 range and prepare his troops to consummate in the 
 morning's dawn the destruction of the discomfited 
 remains of the once flourishing Egyptian army. 
 
 How agonized was the mind of Sabacon, fallen 
 from his proud height, and seeing the ruin and 
 danger impending over his country ! Knowing, 
 however, that nothing but the darkness of night 
 saved their disorganised ranks from instant destruc- 
 tion, he urged onward each moment the formation 
 of rafts, which might assist their escape across the 
 Nile. Their fires were kept burning around, to 
 conceal their purpose ; and as morning saw Salatis
 
 RAMESEvS, 191 
 
 advance, thirsting to destroy them, the remains of 
 the Egyptian force appeared ranged on the opposite 
 shore, prepared to dispute his passage. 
 
 Well miwht the fatal district of Aouara be deemed 
 in Egypt's annals the residence of Typhon, the au- 
 thor of evil and doer of evil, as it had been the re- 
 fuge and abode of her first enemies of the Pallic 
 race, and was now the spot whence they reappeared, 
 as from the Arabian desert, and spread themselves 
 over her fertile lands. The city of Aouara, rich in 
 ornaments of sculpture and curious monolithic 9^ 
 shrines (one of the grandest of which was sculptured 
 with the divine forms of Osiris, Isis, and Horus, in 
 peculiar beauty), was immediately occupied by the 
 Palli, who, by this victory, opened themselves a way 
 to the Nile and the richest provinces of Egypt. 
 
 While Sabacon, in his mind a prey to every 
 passion of rage and revenge, watched the opposite 
 banks, instant expresses communicated the disastrous 
 and adverse news to Amenophis, who, alarmed and 
 imbecile, was for immediately retreating from the 
 Thebaide, without considering on the safety or 
 welfare of his kingdom. The next morning saw 
 him precipitately ascend the Nile, directing Sosis to 
 act as the emergency best required : Rameses he 
 commanded not to leave Memphis, but in great 
 extremity. In this posture of affairs, collecting all 
 the troops that could be brought together, the ve- 
 nerable Sosis, with his heart torn with anxiety, but
 
 192 RAMESES. 
 
 his demeanour and port in public firm and serene, 
 proceeded to Poubasti, the most important city 
 of Lower Egypt, whence he might assist his son, 
 and protect the kingdom. The meeting between 
 Sabacon and his father was far different from that 
 which Rameses had ever experienced, and the con- 
 trast of his brother's undimmed renown was a canker 
 deeper than all his other sufferings. The army, re- 
 duced to a third of its strength, was deprived also 
 of its bravest and oldest commanders : these evils 
 the troops brought by Sosis somewhat remedied. 
 Two attempts to pass ihe Nile had been prevented 
 by the vigilance and furious valour of Sabacon; 
 and Sosis yet trusted, by a timely mixture of pru- 
 dence and valour, and concentrating the strength 
 of Lower Egypt, that he might avert from his loved 
 country the horrors of captivity. The city of Pou- 
 basti, or Boubastis, was the residence of Sosis. The 
 principal temple is remarkable for its purity of ele- 
 gance, and the fine proportions of its architecture. 
 A canal flowed entirely round it, bordered by um- 
 brageous palms and trees: and walls sculptured with 
 hieroglyphics enclosed this sacred place. Crossing 
 a bridge in front, a long row of trees, to the east, led 
 to the temple of Thoth. At the great festival ^^ of 
 Boubastis in this capital yearly, more than seven 
 hundred thousand persons are often present; and 
 the canals and the river Nile become covered with 
 barks, decorated, and resounding with music. The
 
 IJAMESES. 193 
 
 deity here worsMppcd is llie onddess Artemis, or 
 Bubastis, under her symbol of the cat, which were 
 liere especially held sacred, and when dead, were 
 embalmed and deposited with funereal pomp. This 
 vast city was thronged with troops, to whom its ex- 
 tended accommodations for the sacred festivals be- 
 came highly useful; and here evidently now was 
 contained the flower of the Egyptian armies, the 
 last hope of her state. 
 
 While the reverses in Lower Egypt thus carried 
 sorrow and dismay to the heart of Rameses, the de- 
 parture of Amenophis, and the approaching se- 
 paration from Nitocris, were calculated to aggravate 
 liis trials. Phritiphanes, who hoped, through the 
 counsels and energy of Saptha, to impart some gleam 
 of resolution and firmness into her royal consort, 
 lU'ged her departure for Thebes, to which capital 
 lie also would repair in her train : thus the two 
 beings most indissolubly formed for eacli other, and 
 every day more united in heart and feeling, saw 
 themselves again on the point of being separated 
 under circumstances of peculiar trial, and of most 
 uncertain duration. 
 
 VOL. I. o
 
 194 R AMESES. 
 
 BOOK IX. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 PhritiphaneSj hoping to influence the mind of Amenophis 
 to bolder councils, summons the queen and Rameses to 
 Thebes. — Their converse. — The king, naturally imbecile, 
 is inclined to relinquish Egypt to his enemies, without a 
 blow, influenced by an ancient oracle; but, urged by the 
 queen, he consents to await the issue of another battle, 
 privately, however, preparing for his flight. — He sends an 
 embassy to the oracle of Buto ; also despatches Rameses 
 upon the like business to the Hermaic Pillars. — The Co- 
 lossi of Memnon apostrophized. — The recesses of the Me- 
 mnonian pile and mystic caves of Hermes described. — 
 Their auguries, and the catastrophe threatened by the ap- 
 pearance of a raven lighting on the Memnon. — Rameses 
 appeases the growing commotion of the Memnones ; and 
 apprized of the critical situation of his father Sosis and 
 the Egyptian army, he hastens to return to Thebes. 
 
 How finely blended are the lights and shades of 
 human life ! and how strikingly are we led onward, 
 by their varied hues, to pursue the chase of hope; 
 supporting ourselves against the future by some 
 fancied present object, which, even in the very in- 
 stant we cling to it, we know to be a species of self- 
 delusion. Thus Rameses and Nitocris, both fully 
 taught to know each other's worth, and prizing no
 
 R AMESES. 195 
 
 earthly object so dearly as the charm of their power 
 of joint communion, when on the eve of being torn 
 asunder, by each having paramount duties to per- 
 form, when the distressing events under which these 
 duties controlled their destiny were fully appreciated 
 by them, yet in an unexpected and accidental event 
 which kept them together for a few fleeting days, 
 each mutually derived as exquisite a gratification as 
 if this propitious assimilation of duty was immutable. 
 It had, however, unexpectedly arisen from despatches 
 fromSosis; whose experience of his sovereign's weak- 
 ness was grounded on his intimate knowledge of his 
 character, and Avho felt the immense importance of 
 his miUtary position, and his array of troops, being 
 fully supported and supplied at a crisis when, placed 
 in front of a powerful and victorious enemy, he 
 needed all the physical strength and power of the 
 kingdom. Sosis, therefore, directed Rameses to see 
 the queen, and with a splendid escort to accompany 
 her to Thebes. Phritiphanes, with Nitoci'is, had 
 unavailingly employed every effort to assuage the 
 uneasiness and distress felt by Saptha, at a de- 
 sertion so ominous as that ado}>ted by the fears of 
 her consort, at a period most critical : somewhat 
 reanimated at length from his exhortations, and 
 placing her hopes in their united influence, she em- 
 barked on board a royal barge, attended with vessels 
 manned with guards, and escorted by Rameses, to 
 ascend the Nile. The liours of the passage were 
 
 o 2
 
 196 RAMESES. 
 
 given by the queen and priest to these considera- 
 tions, growing out of impending danger ; while -the 
 attached and anxious lovers felt painfully alive to 
 their own pecuhar situation. Rameses fully ac- 
 quainted her he most loved with the hatred of Saba- 
 con, and the cause of its rise; with the augury, and 
 the bond which events placed him under, of devoting 
 himself, and all his hopes, to Egypt's cause. Mourn- 
 fully taking her hand, as she reclined on the carved 
 stern, he said, ' Although my heart bleeds as I 
 make the resolve, and speak the words, yet who 
 would so shrink from an union attained by the de- 
 sertion of duty as Nitocris ? Called to the post of 
 danger, I must overcome it, or perish : until, there- 
 fore, Egypt has vanquished her foes, I am en- 
 thralled in bonds more firm than adamant ; yet, 
 amid the presence of storms, of public dangers, and 
 the bitterness of brothei'ly estrangement, withhold 
 not from my sinking heart the healing balm of your 
 sympathy and love. Methinks the knowledge that 
 I participate in your thoughts would convert the 
 camp and sandy plains into scenes of beauty.' 
 
 With eyes of melting softness, as if rejecting the 
 powers of her self-renunciation, Nitocris whispered, 
 ' Why, Rameses, droop, wlien the prize presents 
 itself to you, and is no less than the acquisition of 
 immortal renown ? What is tlie pride of life, the 
 state of man, in prosperous fortune, firm as he deems 
 himself.'' A shadow passing by throws to the ground
 
 11 AMESES. 197 
 
 joy's baseless fabric ! In adversity comes Malice 
 with a sponge moistened in gall, and, however bright 
 his conduct, wipes each beauteous character away. 
 To few the gods vouchsafe the glorious privilege of 
 securing all the attributes of fame, without an earthly 
 stain or tarnish. Why then regret the bright re- 
 finer"'s fire, the test of difficulty and of danger, 
 whereby true solid worth alone is known ? Let in- 
 ferior minds sink down at failure of their earth-born 
 hopes ; but let us rest our trust in that far brighter 
 part, that burns most radiantly when skies most 
 lour; as the medicinal balms exude their fragrance 
 most when they are most bruised.' 
 
 Delighted, Rameses listened with rapture to tlie 
 sweet admonitory words which flowed from coral 
 lips, that rendered their pure counsel dearer than 
 rubies or the finest gold. He hinted to her, how- 
 ever, with saddened tone, of the possible occurrence 
 of the kingdom's overthrow, and of his fall ; for too 
 firmly he resolved never to endure his country's ruin; 
 although the state so hollow seemed (a monarch 
 abandoning his throne; a people rich, luxurious, 
 and disunited; the enemy warlike and formidable); 
 he felt the destinies were forging heavy fetters 
 for the land. ' One part of Wisdom's task, my 
 Rameses,'' she said, ' is not to open any page of 
 Nature's book Vvhich she herself involves in dark- 
 ness. As yet Egypt is safe, and Sosis and his sons, 
 my father, and the worthiest of the land, support
 
 198 RAMESES. 
 
 her destinies. Why then perplex ourselves with 
 characters not framed in earthly mould, nor ac- 
 cessible to earthly spirits? For -.iiyself, linked to 
 Saptha's fate, because in her is Egypt's hope, I 
 shall abide the chances of life or death ; and only 
 pray that Rameses may never, never sink beneath 
 his high renown. Success or danger, failure or 
 conquest, comes not by our decree ; but the willing 
 mind, the heart ductile to follow only truth and 
 virtue, clings to the votary of the gods ; to him who, 
 as my noble, generous, and devoted initiati, has 
 tasted of the secret springs of mysteries, and 
 triumphed in them.' 
 
 Thus the night, serene and calm, passed by in 
 eager converse: the gleaming crescent of bright Isis, 
 and her spangled train, faded beneath the spreading 
 glories of the sun, which, arising in his might, found 
 them still conversing, saddened at the gloom of 
 Egypt's destinies, but composed and grateful to the 
 great Author of those resplendent glories which the 
 bright luminary displayed around. Refreshed by 
 short repose, a conference was joined by all ; and 
 they were preparing plans and counsels for the new 
 posture of affairs, when they found Amenophis in 
 solitude at the palace of Habu. They found the 
 king dejected, for the oracle at Buto had given an 
 obscure response, that ' Amenophis only could to 
 Amenophis give reply.' This obscure and perplex- 
 ing answer awakening all his doubts and terrors, re-
 
 RAMESES. 199 
 
 ference had been made by Tarcos to the sacred an- 
 nals, wherein was a recorded prophecy of a ^9 prede- 
 cessor, an ancient monarch of the Pharaohs, named 
 Amenophis, Avho had ruled in Egypt, and by his 
 courage had expelled the spoilers of the land; 
 which tradition in the annals declared, that at a 
 future time these Pallic enemies would advance'^'' 
 and conquer Egypt for a term of years. This re- 
 cord, which, ambiguously couched, was now drawn 
 forth to add its weight to present dangers, had 
 hitherto neglected lain among the kingdom's annals ; 
 it however spell-bound Amenophis, who seemed dis- 
 posed, without awaiting the various prospects of suc- 
 cess, to fly into Ethiopia, taking with him his army, 
 the sacred animals, and priests. 
 
 Such was the frame of mind under which his 
 queen and chief advisers found him. To Amenophis 
 it was all in vain to urge the uncertain tenour of 
 such vague expressions, perhaps placed by treachery 
 among; the kingdom's laws. Their counsels were too 
 little conjjenial to the king's mind to admit of his 
 favourably receiving the interpretations suggested by 
 courage and sound judgment, although manifestly 
 those which honour and true spirit should have sup- 
 plied to a monarch whereon to found a glorious and 
 magnanimous decision. The queen at this crisis, 
 shaking off her yielding habits and retiring views, 
 declared she could not leave the noble land which 
 struggled for its liberty, while one man was found
 
 200 K AMESES. 
 
 to draw the sword. Supported by Phritiphanes, 
 Rameses, and others, in vain was every effort made 
 to awaken an interest to his throne and state by ap- 
 peals of his child's welfare : all failed to excite in the 
 royal mind one congenial spark. Urged on by 
 highly heated sentiments and feelings, by conviction 
 of the utter ruin following timid pusillanimous coun- 
 cils, the queen vowed "^' ' by the tomb of dead Osiris 
 of Philae,'' great god of Egypt, as slie was Egvpt's 
 queen, to knit her life and safety to its fortunes, 
 and never forsake the state while hope remained. 
 
 The solemn adjuration made, the unhappy queen 
 found she had added yet another link to the stern 
 chain of destiny which fate was winding around her ; 
 for the monarch still appeared unmoved to all but 
 what he had gathered from the oracle. At length, 
 as a last concession, he condescended to await the 
 tidings of the next approaching engagement, and 
 to suspend until that crisis all mention of his pro- 
 ject ; commanding, however, Phritiphanes to collect 
 without delay the sacred animals and the deities at 
 Thebes, as if in honour of a high important fes- 
 tival ; and also to provide for future exigency. To 
 Rameses he delegated powers uncontrolled and ab- 
 solute over the realm by his sacred signet, to draw 
 together all the strength of the Theban monarchy, 
 and encamp them on the famed i\Iemnonian plain : 
 there, before the majestic statues of the great pair, 
 the statues revered of isacrcd mystic power, the
 
 IIAMESES. 201 
 
 troops would encamp ready and in attendance, wait- 
 ing liis personal command. To Rameses, in private 
 conference, he further delegated a special mission 
 to the high priest Tarcos, resident in Memnon's 
 fane; directing him to search the magical and sa- 
 cred books *^'- of Hermes, if haply they referred in 
 prophecy to those most awful times. 
 
 Scarcely had Rameses with anguish bowed sub- 
 mission to an order which, when dangers threatened, 
 and his heart burned to fly to battle, thus further 
 occupied his precious moments, and carried him 
 away from the scene of war; he had just retired 
 within the chamber of the noble gateway of the pa- 
 vilion, when, unannounced, old Betis stood before 
 him. The despatches which he brought spoke of 
 preparations, of threatening demonstrations of the 
 foe, of the increasing need of reinforcements, also 
 of the king supporting the public energy by great 
 example ; and urged Rameses to strain every nerve 
 for troops to be ready to descend the Nile u})on a 
 sudden message. On Myris it commented in eager 
 eulogium; Sabacon also had shone in desperate 
 valour; but no meed of regulated wisdom or ex- 
 perience accompanied his name, as Betis, the hasty 
 despatches expressed, ' would supply what time 
 could not be found to write.' The part supplied 
 was Indeed important. Sabacon, supported by Boc- 
 choris, and other fiery spirits, had greatly curtailed
 
 202 RAMESES. 
 
 his parent's authority and rule, and disorganized 
 all the army : but for the wise and dignified sup- 
 port of Myris, his influence would have ceased. 
 Dreading the consequence of his rash designs, Sosis 
 urged the arrival of Rameses as soon as he could 
 leave the court, with whatever aid was ready. Mean- 
 time he should strive to avoid a battle. 
 
 Betis had not much trouble in reacquiring the 
 favour and forgiveness of a soul, placable and tuned 
 as that of Rameses, who eagerly inquired of his 
 faithful adherent all the truth, — truth which was 
 deeply fraught with danger. Its details ended, Ra- 
 meses acquainted the grateful servant of his house 
 with his design of instantly repairing to great Me- 
 mnon's fane, to search the Hermaic books. ' De- 
 pend that you will find what there you seek,' was 
 Betis's sharp reply. ' What is your meaning? 
 what can you know of things holy as these.'*' — 
 ' Holy or vuiholy, it needs no oracle to tell a king 
 what he wishes ; nor Hermes, god of craft, to direct 
 him, who, to his own mind, has a refuge in front 
 and a sword behind. To be short, Amenophis is 
 already resolved to fly to quieter lands than Egypt 
 is likely to be; and the books may be consulted, 
 but none will be believed contrary to his own wishes. 
 If Hermes, however, cannot enlighten the king with 
 his wisdom, he has, I trust, not laid aside his charm- 
 ing wand for the fairest pair in Egypt. He is wiser
 
 RAMESES. 203 
 
 in my eyes than the general race of Egypt's deities, 
 for thus bringing together, by his wisdom and skill, 
 two hearts so formed to honour his assiduities.' 
 
 To the old man's hints of the privilege he had 
 enjoyed of the fair Nitocris's society, Rameses turned 
 a silent but not ungratilied attention, and com- 
 manded his attendance in the excursion to the 
 Memnonian plain. He left Habu while darkness 
 yet covered the earth, that he might pay his vows 
 at the colossal Memnon^"^ statue as the sun arose; 
 and if auspicious, receive the vocal testimony of the 
 god. They travelled rapidly thither, and traversed 
 the thick wood of Acanthus, which on the approach 
 from Medinet Habu encircled these striking won- 
 ders; and emerging from which, Rameses stood 
 gazing with profound attention on those prodigious 
 statues, speaking, in their august character, of times 
 of the most remote hoary antiquity. Whoever 
 framed these vast'°^ statues, perfectly knew the key 
 to the heart; and instead of creating attitude or 
 action, which would convey human ideas and associa- 
 tion to the figure, he has achieved simply an austere 
 monumental character, suited to a divinity, eternal 
 and impassive. Seated upon a cube, in its square 
 containing a symbol of high mystery, its position 
 is repose — it is power — it is pause — it is reflection 
 — it wins more and more upon the soul, in unison 
 with its prodigious bulk ; until bringing ourselves 
 to its base, and comparing our pigmy form with its
 
 204 RAMESES. 
 
 immense proportions, we exclaim, ' It is Nature."" 
 Tliese vast colossal deities are the types of eternal 
 Nature, and partakers of its sublimity. Nature, 
 at first, neither strikes us, nor dazzles — we exclaim 
 against its dulness, its vacuity, when from the 
 puerile turmoils of life we are suddenly placed alone, 
 and in her presence ; but when we arrange our 
 thoughts, and light up our conceptions with the 
 pure fire from her altar, then we perceive her 
 mighty arm creating ^"^^ the sun, and the moon, and 
 the planets, all moving in their spheres in harmony ; 
 we trace the great plastic artificer, bringing forth 
 each moment, in the air, in the earth, the waters, 
 even under our feet, millions of bursting germs of 
 life and vital breath, all that exists. Can this be so- 
 litude, be silence ? ' No, great Power,' the lips of 
 Rameses were uttering loud, as speech came to aid 
 his labouring thoughts thus flowing forth before 
 the vast colossus; when at this moment, bright, 
 majestic, and burning, the sun uplifted his orb 
 above the Arabian chain, and poured his flood of 
 radiance on the images he loved; which instan- 
 taneously with vibrating tones and chords of re- 
 sponse resounding to the enraptured ears and pal- 
 pitating heart of Rameses, gave propitious greeting 
 from the Memnonian deity. The scene and the 
 impression made were alike exhilarating and grate- 
 ful, and gladly Rameses welcomed the augury ; it 
 was therefore with impatience that he awaited the 

 
 K AMESES. 205 
 
 notice from the superb fane of Mcmnon adjoining, 
 that the priests would accompany him to the ce- 
 lebrated Hermaic pillars ; whereon, sculptured in 
 sacred hieroglyphic characters, are preserved those 
 genuine records of primeval wisdom, which under 
 the names of Hermes, Trismegistus, and of Thoth, 
 condense the science and acquirements of the first 
 ancestors of the human race; — so excellent that 
 every language and country have preserved the 
 traditions and record of their existence. 
 
 The Memnonian temple is, perhaps, the most 
 splendid of all the wonders of Egypt; but gladly as 
 Rameses would have examined all its wonders and 
 vast labyrinthine passages, his heart was too full to 
 suffer any intruding thought but that of the religious 
 ceremony awaiting him, and for which the priests 
 attended him in the grand hypostyle hall, whence 
 they proceeded to the mystic caves underneath the 
 vaults of the building, which contained the celebrated 
 pillars. Two priests with incense censers preceding 
 the hero to the fane, they entered a gateway deco- 
 rated with sculptures and a colossus that astonished 
 the wondering gaze of the hero as he contemplated 
 its figure of mightier ^^'^ proportions even than the 
 impressive figures of the plain. Hence another 
 gateway opened to a peristyle court, adorned with 
 two statues of surprising grandeur, but, in fact, 
 only half the size of the Memnoni. 
 
 These splendid statues quitted, behold another
 
 206 BAMESES. 
 
 peristyle, wholly surrounded in all its ranges with 
 double rows of caryatide pillars, wherein were seated 
 two other colossi : all tliese wear the same austere, 
 yet settled smile, which approaches so closely to men- 
 tal conception, that the rapt votary interprets their 
 intellectual expression precisely in the train of ima- 
 gination wherein his own feelings run ; so genuinely 
 has the sculptor preserved the dignity of abstract 
 thought. — Gateways of black granite give a deep 
 and awful character to the approach which they pre- 
 sent, through portals twenty cubits ^"'' in height, into 
 a hall of mighty columns, wherein in solemn silence 
 were ranged the sacred priests. They motioned to 
 Rameses to repose on a vacant cubic seat, and in- 
 stantly riveted their attention upon various mystic 
 circles and figures displayed before them. 
 
 After a considerable lapse of time, a priest in- 
 timated to llameses that the signs betokened the 
 hour of consultation to have arrived, and the holy 
 cavern was open to his appeal, as a being sacred and 
 honoured by the gods, from his initiation in the 
 mysteries ; and he was requested to retire and pre- 
 pare for the entrance to the cave, by robing himself 
 in the splendid and initiatory habiliments, as nothing 
 unconsecratc dares to penetrate the most sacred 
 adytum. Thus adorned, Rameses, preceded by 
 the priests, was led through a black gateway, along 
 a vast succession of slanting corridors, and passages, 
 and halls, displaying the most refined symboliza-
 
 RAMESES. 207 
 
 tions and paintings of marvellous freshness. The 
 first series betokened the stage of man putting 
 down his life — mere mortal animal life — and en- 
 tering again the womb of all — the grave, or earth. 
 Other chambers typified in scarabees, lotos, and the 
 mystic snake, the reproduction of the fleshly form 
 and life revived, — the torch inverted, and torch 
 erect of flame, with ablutions and sacrificial rites, 
 were depicted on the walls and chambers of pure 
 white around, in these various signs, speaking of 
 privileges sacred, and a purified mind acquired. 
 Lastly, the starry zodiacs and deities announced 
 the sacred progress perfect and complete; then 
 followed the deep and daunting horrors of the 
 caverns, of mystic caves unhewn, and shrouded in 
 darkness; wandering among them, they kept deepest 
 silence, and in awe passed a sepulchral chamber 
 lighted by a lamp, displaying the embalmed and 
 tauric forms of Apis and great Mnevis. The 
 forms revealed were still shrouded in deep ob- 
 scurity, seen by the glimmering of a sepulchral 
 lamp. Stopping, at length, before a chasm ; a priest 
 struck on a plate of bronze with golden rod, and 
 echoes as thunder deep and solemn rolled along 
 these dusky terrible abodes of powers superhuman ! 
 After a moment's pause, two doors slowly recoiled, 
 and a vault, splendidly and brilliantly shining, daz- 
 zled their aching sight. Pillars far as the eye 
 could stretcii tapered to the rocky roof, decked out
 
 208 RABIESES. 
 
 with lamps, and on each side leading to distant 
 caves, their sides buried in thick darkness. In the 
 centre of these blazing columns was a vast space, 
 wherein arose four mysterious ^"^ columns, graven in 
 characters of primeval time, containing wisdom's 
 choicest secrets — a perennial fount of knowledge, 
 known only to the priesthood, and by them dis- 
 pensed in scanty rills unto the eminently sage and 
 grave inquirer. Here stand recorded those grand 
 astronomic truths, which declare the catastrophes 
 and history of nature, — not the short-lived tenure 
 of a single kingdom's fate, but of worlds entire ! 
 and these pillars, stretching downward to the firm 
 rock, are on a base of adamant so indestructible, 
 that they have withstood the strongest shocks of 
 ruin; — the earthquake's violence — the elements'" most 
 furious commotions — the horrors of dissolving na- 
 ture, even when an universal deluge overspread 
 this great terraqueous globe. Here sate four sacred 
 thoths, or scribes, prepared to make a transcript 
 of those truths which might in favour to mankind 
 be vouchsafed as a boon to issue forth from these 
 enlightened sculptures. 
 
 After a solemn pause, their attention riveted on 
 the extraordinary sight of a stranger's presence, 
 Rameses declared, * Great Amenophis is oppressed 
 with sad forebodings. A prophecy proclaims his 
 kingdom's ruin! Has great Hermes, in his uni- 
 versal knowledge, aught revealed ?' Instantly, the
 
 RAMESES, , ^09 
 
 priests referred to certain papyri and signs, tlien, 
 turning to the pillars, marked a mystic line of 
 hieroglyphics. These being traced by the fourth 
 scribe, whose province is the inferior range of sub- 
 lunary things, their kingdoms, turmoils, wars, and 
 horrors, he with a golden rod struck on a ring; at 
 the slight touch, most thrilling sounds rang round the 
 cave, and an appearance shone for a moment only, seen 
 in the darkness of a cave which fronted Rameses. 
 
 This sudden vision distinctly depicted to his eager 
 eyes the Memnonian plain and great colossi he 
 had left without ; and a distant voice declared in 
 harmonious accents to his startled ear, ' Seek 
 there, and learn great Memnon's will,' This most 
 ambiguous reference considerably agitated Rameses, 
 who would joyfully have hailed any augury which 
 tended to revive the already drooping nerves of 
 Amenophis ; but this further obscurity, also in- 
 volving his existence with that of some mysterious 
 appearance on the statue, greatly distressed him, 
 inasmuch as he felt the present crisis to be in the 
 highest degree important to his country. 
 
 Dui'ing the ceremonies practised in thecaverns,and 
 the delays arising from the extremely reluctant man- 
 ner in which any response was made, the hours ol' 
 the day had rapidly flown by, bringing on the season 
 of twilight; when Rameses, accompanied by Betis 
 and his train, again issued on the plain and drew 
 near the awful colossi. Around them, and in front 
 
 vor,. 1. r
 
 aiO HAMESES. 
 
 of the magnificent Memnonium, were scattered nu- 
 merous parties and groupes of Egyptians, attracted 
 not less by the sanctity of the revered statues than 
 by the notice of the embassy, and also the highly 
 important character and interest which Rameses 
 had universally associated with his person. Re- 
 gardless of the assemblage and all external cir- 
 cumstances, Rameses drew near the figures, which 
 began now to be somewhat enveloped in shade, and 
 it was with great awe that his mind testified to an 
 extraordinary change which apparently had taken 
 place since the morning : then they uttered music, and 
 smiled apparently with propitious and genial regards, 
 — they were radiant with sun and light : now, wrapt 
 in the duskiness of night, their vast bulk threw a deep 
 shadow around them, and tlieir whole contour and 
 expression were liighly frowning and terrific, im- 
 pressing a supernatural horror upon the whole scene. 
 Rameses felt an involuntary shiver over his 
 frame as he contemplated these venerable forms, 
 types of great Nature, formed in the earth's youth, 
 and embodying the sublime allegory of its symbol 
 of the deity. Standing before them and con- 
 templating their figure, awaiting some event; Ra- 
 meses thought how many ages have passed by since 
 these were called into being, and erected here, the 
 astonishment and wonder of the universe; and so 
 indestructible their forms, that thousands of years, 
 while they chip and eat away the sliarp angles of their
 
 RAMESES. 211 
 
 forms, leave, however, the truly solid and cxjiressive 
 images the same in character and awful grandeur. 
 
 ' It has been said, and currently testified by the 
 priests, what now my eyes can evidence and witness, 
 that these great images of the solar deity, grieving 
 to lose his beams, assume the sombre tints of gloom 
 and reffret, as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.' 
 Thus musing, and receiving additional feehngs of 
 sadness ; the impressions of their forms and the con- 
 templation of them which Rameses persevered in, aug- 
 mented his suspense as he watched for the augury ; 
 when the rushing of wings in the air called forth 
 the wonder and amazement of all around, and espe- 
 cially of Rameses; and a cold tremor crept over 
 him, as he beheld wheeling in circles around, an omi- 
 nous raven, which fixed on the head of the Memnon 
 directly fronting him, and began its death-portend- 
 ing croak. His mind depressed by the cavernous 
 darkness, and foreseeing the effect of the portent on 
 the pusillanimous king, Rameses gazed upon the 
 unpropitious bird, and the crowds who with awe 
 gathered instantly around, proclaimed that some 
 great event was on the eve of completion — that 
 the raven of Memnon iiad reappeared ; for many 
 years had passed since the annual appearance of 
 the ravens ^^ said to cleanse the space of ground 
 around his tomb alway at a stated day, suffering 
 neither shrubs nor weeds to grow there, and af- 
 terward watciing it with thoir wings, Avhich they 
 
 p2
 
 212 llAMESES. 
 
 dipped in the river Nile, to honour Memnon ! Now 
 this mysterious appearance filled every spectator with 
 wonder ; the sacred scribe was instantly summoned 
 to pay divine honours to the symbolized god ; and 
 as he approached, the moon, emerging from the 
 Libyan chain, shot a ray directly on that part of the 
 base of the sculptured cube whereon the colossus was 
 seated, so distinctly, as to call forth every eager 
 attention and gaze on the symbols thus lighted up. 
 After a profound prostration, the scribe comparing 
 the hieroglyphic characters, read distinctly re- 
 vealed the monogram of ' Amenophis' on its po- 
 lished surface. What could these signs betoken, 
 but that the raven of great INIemnon brought to 
 Amenophis that fate and message of death on 
 which they yearly visited this awful spot? Thus 
 then was every sinister presage made most alarming 
 and complete. The declaration was inscribed on 
 the papyrus tablet, and delivered to Rameses. As 
 he received the fatal scroll he turned with a deep 
 sigh to Betis, who had stood behind him during the 
 whole event, which had passed with the rapidity of 
 a dream. By the expression of his countenance, 
 wherein terror and a certain tinoe of humour strusr- 
 gled together, he saw that something lurked within 
 his mind beyond the mere ordinary play of his 
 imaginative faculties ; but deeply dreading what it 
 might lead to, if incautiously it were opposed to 
 the highly wrought feelings of the crowds around,
 
 RAMESES, 213 
 
 he gave the signal for Betis and his train to follow, 
 when, to his amazement and horror, he beheld Betis 
 as if by an effort rousing himself to place his all, 
 his existence upon a die, and muttering, ' it must be 
 so,' calmly draw near the cube and whistle a note, 
 at which the raven instantly putting on the saga- 
 cious look with which these birds recognise a well 
 known voice, uttered a long gratulatory croak, de- 
 scended on his arm, and returned his caresses. The 
 recognition evinced was quite lost on the astonished 
 and enraged multitude, through the exasperation 
 and horror which they felt at this familiarity. But it 
 is time to explain the cause of this bold step of the 
 unlucky Betis. Fond to an extreme of animals, and 
 highly sagacious in attracting their regards and cul- 
 tivating their dormant powers, during the long 
 residence of his patron, the noble Sosis, at Thebes, 
 Betis had most usually amused his caustic and lively 
 humour in watching the votaries to the statues, and 
 their devoted adoration. The account of the at- ^ 
 tcntive ravens yearly visiting the tomb of Memnon 
 had excited his derision ; which, while he dared not 
 to express openly, he had contrived a way of effect- 
 ing, through a mode uniting together his natural 
 vein of humour and his love of animals. Strolhng 
 one morning very early through the acanthus grove, 
 he saw something fluttering before him, which he 
 perceived to be a very young raven, whose wing 
 was materially injured: taking the bird in his
 
 214 11 AMESES. 
 
 bosom, he bore it to the palace, where, by his at- 
 tention, he healed the wing, and attached the bird 
 most closely to him. His next step was to accustom 
 it to fly and carry at his will, carefully suiting his 
 times so as not to offend the highly vindictive feel- 
 ings of the Memnones. So apt was his scholar the 
 raven in assuming the attitudes taught by Betis, 
 from the hieroglyphic symbols, that in the mock 
 obeisance of the master and the assumed dignity and 
 port of the bird, no one could fail to trace the 
 satiric vein which the slave indulged, in thus co- 
 pying a practice his tone of mind and habits of 
 thought ridiculed and despised. By degrees he 
 had brought the bird so perfect, that whenever he 
 repaired to his favourite haunt in the Memnonian 
 grove the bird would resort thither, and as soon 
 as his quick and piercing sight recognised Betis, he 
 would alight and welcome him. 
 
 Upon their departure from Thebes, his favourite 
 was left in charge of a domestic of the house ac- 
 quainted with its qualities and its master's lessons. 
 It happened that, during the absence of Rameses at 
 the Memnonium, an express arrived at the palace 
 from the Delta; and the messenger's progress to its 
 distant walls being a journey of considerable delay, 
 he had commissioned a domestic of Sosis, who was 
 on the margin of the Nile, instantly to forward, by 
 the most expeditious and prompt mode, the billet he 
 delivered, intimating also that he had a similar one
 
 RAMESES. 215 
 
 for tlie paJ.ice, where he expected to meet Rameses. 
 The domestic considering that Betis's messenger, 
 who daily had borne messages to him without a 
 single failure, would accomplish the flight with his 
 rapid wing in as many minutes as a messenger 
 would require hours to perform it, from the im- 
 mense circuit of Thebes in her walls and streets; 
 he enwrapt the note, as usual, under the wing, and 
 despatched the feathered messenger, who in most 
 eventful time skirting the grove, and finding it de- 
 serted, and instantly espying the great assemblage in 
 the plain, came unobserved over the crowd, wherein 
 directly recognising his favourite master fronting 
 the image, he thus perched on the only possible 
 spot to attract his regard. But how describe the 
 horrors of Betis, when, by the movements and tones 
 of his raven, he saw the tremendous peril of their 
 acquaintance, their raimickry, and imitative tricks, 
 likely to be laid open ; when, from the state of his 
 mastery's feelings and heart, he perceived the most 
 unexpected and paramount as well as indelible im- 
 portance likely to result from his ill-fated association. 
 A thousand curses he inwardly vented upon the poor 
 raven and his own folly ; but taken by surprise, 
 every moment increasing the accidental results, he 
 was unable to decide what to do, and was bereft 
 of all his judgment and usual presence of mind: 
 in real truth, any portion of either would have little 
 availed ; for the bystanders would have felt ac-
 
 21G RAMESES. 
 
 tuated only by their full stream of mythological 
 auguries and dreadful predictions, and the raven ^"^ 
 would on no account or by any signal have sus- 
 pended his attitudes, so dexterously taught and 
 lavishly praised upon other occasions. As if to 
 drive him to frenzy, the pleased bird uttered more 
 than his usual quantity of tones of delight ; and 
 to what point this exhibition might have endured 
 cannot be surmised, had not Betis, whose mind, 
 somewhat recovering, began to ponder how the bird 
 could reach the scene, or by what misadventure it 
 was led hither, surmised some part of the truth. 
 By the same moon which accidentally but fatally 
 illumined the speck of the seat of the god inscribed 
 to Amenophis, the raven also, in one of his flutter- 
 ings, showed to the keen eye of Betis something 
 light coloured on the sable wing of his messenger. 
 Thrown off all guard, and urged on to desperation 
 by the agitation of the surprise, he instinctively 
 took the only way to end his suspense, by summon- 
 ing his companion in the usual call ; for which act 
 he narrowly escaped being stoned to death. The 
 shouts and clamours of the crowd, their fierce at- 
 tack and desperate bowlings, were all unheeded by 
 llamcses, when Betis, bending on one knee, pre- 
 sented to his gaze a short scroll couched in these 
 words : ' May the gods protect Egypt in the hour 
 now come, which decides her fate ! Leave Thebes in- 
 stantly ; stop only to lake your guards from Mem-
 
 RAMESES. 21 
 
 "t 
 
 phis, and be at Poubasti with the most rapid de- 
 spatch : and may the god of light give speed and 
 safety, as his beams spread radiance and happiness 
 on the earth ? 
 
 Incensed at the new broil, yet unaware how it 
 was connected with this all-important scroll, Ra- 
 meses, for an instant, revolved by what means to 
 extricate his offending slave and perhaps even him- 
 self, in the hour of rage for their insulted deity, 
 from the infuriate Memnones. His retinue was 
 slender, and evidently unable to cope with them ; 
 nor indeed, had it been more numerous, would 
 he have admitted of opposing force and causing 
 bloodshed. In one instant he commanded the litter 
 borne as a mark of his rank to be set down ; a 
 scarlet cloak was thrown over it:. — quickly springing 
 on its elevation, he threw his arms open, claiming, 
 by voice and gesture, silence and attention. Even 
 the savage animals, whose instinct revels in blood, 
 would have obeyed the charmed accents that spoke 
 from a form the most interesting and noble. The 
 moon, now high in heaven, shed from her bright 
 face a flood of radiance ; it streamed around Ra- 
 meses, as he stood conspicuous to the whole plain. 
 His form, elegant and dignified, was clotiied by the 
 simple robe of white byssus which flowed around 
 him, the border the richest purple, embossed with 
 hieroglyphic symbols in jewels; a belt graven 
 with the sacred hierogly[)hic monogram in jewels ;
 
 218 R AMESES. 
 
 the band with sacred aspic diadem ; and tlie full 
 necklace and tzamid bracelets, shone and dazzled 
 by their lustre ; while to the youthful grace and 
 bold figure of the hero, his firm collected mind 
 shining in a brow elevated and firm — eyes that 
 sparkled with intelligence, and lips and voice gra- 
 ciousness and melody, Avere thus added the sanctity 
 attached to the holy emblems of his initiate cha- 
 racter — the splendour of his appearance, and the 
 impressive melancholy of his gestures, suspended 
 every angry passion, every infuriate purpose; and 
 the whole crowd around, forgetting their rage, low- 
 ered their weapons and menacing clubs, and waited 
 his addressing them ; seeming suspended on his ac- 
 cents, as Orpheus has been depicted surrounded by 
 wild beasts and monsters, holding them enchained 
 in rapture by the wonders of his voice and lyre. 
 Perhaps neither Orpheus nor any elder favourite of 
 the gods shone forth in brighter splendour of fair 
 virtue's beams, than did this youthful patriot and 
 hero : — * My friends,"* he mournfully spoke, * sent 
 by the king in honour to your great deity and 
 shrine, I sought responses; and the gods have in 
 their wonted manner, by obscure but striking pre- 
 sages, evolved what is their will I — The holy Her- 
 maic pillars, seen by none but those most privileged 
 eyes who read the hieroglyphics without veils, re- 
 ferred us to this awful form, and vouchsafed us no 
 reply ! — Sec how brightly now the groat protectress
 
 IIAMESES. 219 
 
 of our land, Isis divine, sheds her heavenly radiance 
 on this form majestic : I came before it bending in 
 deep awe and sorrow for my country's fate, when 
 the sacred raven symbol came and rested on its 
 head, and a beam from yon queen of night shot 
 to that mystic cube ; then horror fell on me, de- 
 ducing plainly tliat evil — alas ! death itself, even as 
 the sable raven perched on the head, the crown 
 of dignity of Memnon, hovered also over the 
 liead of our great monarch Amenophis — too clearly 
 manifested in the succeeding moment, by the hea- 
 venly beam shining on the hieroglyphic name of 
 Amenophis. Thus was my heart bowed down by 
 grief, when my slave, not actuated by self-will, but 
 doubtless prompted by an impulse of the god, al- 
 lures this evil unpropitious messenger into his arms, 
 and underneath his wing finds, mysteriously con- 
 veyed, this striking billet : (here Rameses read his 
 father's note.) What then do 1 gather hence ? but 
 that these enemies, which threaten Amenophis, 
 threaten, as the raven signified, also the gods — that 
 as the slave takes off the evil symbol, so he designs 
 and typifies my calling, declared forthwith within this 
 billet, to step forth and save the gods and the king 
 from evil and misfortune; and as my father was 
 unconscious, when he wrote his note, of where and 
 in whose awful presence I should read it ; so I accept 
 his solemn invocation to the solar god — whose im- 
 pressive form is now before us, to shine and prosper all
 
 220 RAMESES. 
 
 my toils and efforts for your safety ! Keep th^se 
 angry feelings and these weapons for our enemies ; 
 and know, Egyptian countrymen, Memnones ! ere 
 the sun, even dread Osiris, circles thrice tliese 
 holy deities in his diurnal course, I will have per- 
 formed, achieved this augury ; I will have poured 
 forth the fierce invaders' blood in streams of libation 
 to these our injured, and now frowning gods ; or my 
 own, now rushing through my heart, shall flow in 
 your defence on Egypt's soil !' 
 
 Soft as the music of the race of bees, when in the 
 summer's heat their swarms fly forth ; murmuring 
 deep applause, the multitude stood awe-struck 
 round, until the priests, clad in their robes, their 
 lamps burning odorous gums, and attendants bear- 
 ing two holy shrines, advanced before the great co- 
 lossi of the plain. Then the multitude, whose arms 
 were brandished in fierce vengeance, quickly lowered 
 tliem in still silence and mute submission, ex[)ressing 
 only devotion. Arranging themselves around the 
 statues and in front of Rameses, who still stood on 
 the scarlet litter as on a throne, the priests en- 
 circled him, and softly then commenced a sacred 
 hymn, imploring on the warrior and on their coun- 
 try their gods' protection. While the crowd all 
 bowed in awe around, the radiant moon spread her 
 mild beams, silvering every grove and tree, and all 
 the mighty porticos and pillars of the fane, and the 
 dread forms. A few minutes held their rites, when,
 
 RAMESES. 221 
 
 amid their solemn vows and lowly homage, Rameses 
 and suite withdrew to greet the monarch, anxiously 
 awaiting his return ; while glad yet humbled Betis 
 more than ever felt in his inmost feelings most 
 deeply grateful to his great and wise deliverer.
 
 222 RAMESES. 
 
 BOOK X. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Rameses separates from Phritiplianes and Athor. — His part- 
 ing with Nitocris, and assuming the warrior's garb. — He de- 
 scends in haste to his father's assistance at Poubastis. — 
 He arrives with the flotilla at the moment that the Nile 
 is covered Avith the forces of Salatis crossing the river : he 
 overwhelms them with his galleys, and saves the Egyptian 
 forces. — The anger and envy of Sabacon at the brilliant 
 success of his brother, and the machinations of himself 
 and Bocchoris against his person.— Rameses, while me- 
 ditating a brilliant exploit for his brother, is entrapped, 
 and plunged into a sepulchral cave. — Salatis, attacking the 
 Egyptian army when in confusion from their loss of Ra- 
 meses, attains a decisive victory, and Sosis falls in the 
 combat. 
 
 FuoM the Memnonian plain, with a mind torn by 
 anxiety, Rameses hastened to the palace at Habii, 
 which was in great agitation at the despatches re- 
 ceived. Phritiphanes alone, amid the Egyptian 
 counsellors, preserved his mind unmoved. Aware 
 of the approaching storm, and through the faithful 
 Athor fully informed of all the intentions and vievs 
 of the Palli leaders, he never disguised the danger ; 
 and now his predictions were on the eve of realiza- 
 tion, he calmly looked on upon the storm, and met
 
 RAIMESES. 223 
 
 its results with unshaken fortitude. Aware of the 
 pre-eminent importance of full and accurate in- 
 formation, Athor during the whole of the late 
 events had fixed himself at Poubasti, or at Athribis, 
 and other towns of the Sebennetic name, carefully 
 detaching himself from jMizraim acquaintance, and 
 resuming his eastern characteristic garb, whereby 
 he had gained the most useful intelligence, Miz- 
 raim and Sosis being the great object of his heart : 
 for to Sosis he owed more than life; it was tenderness, 
 and judgment to value his native worth, and mag- 
 nanimity to acknowledge it, although inherent in a 
 captive, and of a race usually exciting the most un- 
 relenting hatred. Many concurring circumstances 
 had rendered all Athor's term of years a species 
 of servitude to the will of others. Athor felt him- 
 self in fact as well as heart Egyptian, his mother 
 being a Mizraim woman : but in his tender youth, 
 his father resuming habits of war and plunder on 
 his mother's death, attached himself unto a band 
 which from the Arabian Desert hung on the pro- 
 vinces, which they ravaged and devastated. Living 
 only by the sword, and conducting a predatory 
 war on the confines of Egypt, he had never known 
 the ties of country; for his father perished early 
 in battle, and he, a tender youth, was transferred to 
 a patron, harsh and tyrannical, yet brave and blood- 
 thirsty — a person little adapted to win on the re- 
 flective and noble-minded Athor, who united to
 
 2:24 RAMESES. 
 
 a heart warm with every tide of human benevolence, 
 great love toward his species, and intellectual tones 
 of thought deeply tinged with future views. These 
 principles had been early implanted within him by 
 a venerable priest, who noticing with the keenness 
 of his sacred practice the incidents revolving, had 
 perceived a germ of character capable of high de- 
 velopement. He also imagined, that the scarabic 
 auguries led to portents of a destiny of importance. 
 Revolving his mixed claims, the priest the more 
 ardently desired to lay a groundwork of Mizraim 
 faith, that might detach him from his father's 
 friends, should adverse circimistances again bring 
 them upon the lands of Egypt. Hence he en- 
 grafted, unknown to the parents, almost to the 
 youth himself, the roots of the hieralphic symbols and 
 sacerdotal character, with prepossessions of esteem 
 toward the peculiar qualities of Egypt's race and 
 deities. In a character less powerfully constructed 
 than his, these first traces of mental growth, these 
 tender lineaments of future strength, would have 
 faded away before the rude shock and change which 
 followed on his mother's death, and his own sojourn 
 amid a rough and lawless yet brave and daring 
 band, for the trials he here endured were, to a mind 
 like his, dreadful, and the period from boyhood to 
 the man, a series of suffering. Brave and much en- 
 during in habit, he saw these qualities enlisted only 
 for rapine. Every sword was against him and liis
 
 RAMESES. 225 
 
 followei's; misery followed their steps and curses 
 their course. Always in motion, — now on the sum- 
 mit of successful plunder, now entrapped by the 
 wiles of revenge, — such were the scenes of the dis- 
 turbed times which hung over Arabia and Egypt 
 through the dawn of Athor's life. The great 
 vicissitudes he had experienced made him look on 
 life as a mere game : who wins or loses, must in the 
 Egyptian doctrine of the grave suffer an award at 
 last ; and so ends the play, as far as concerns suc- 
 cess, but not as to future estimation. To follow 
 therefore the impulses within, as he felt their 
 mighty and glowing conceptions come over his soul, 
 was Athor"'s first desire ; but how was such desire 
 bruised and wounded by a series of robber's deeds, 
 wherein the defenceless and unarmed citizens were 
 the principal sufferers ! While his ardent mind 
 hung thus suspended between the remorse of such 
 evil deeds, and a desire of something better, an effort 
 made by Sosis to protect his province from their 
 ruinous incursions put into his power the chief per- 
 sons of the band, who, in pursuance to the rigid laws 
 against the desolating bands of border robbers, suf- 
 fered death ; but the noble and fearless aspect of 
 Athor pleaded for him, and he was exempted from 
 his apparently inevitable fate to enter the family of 
 Sosis, wherein he saw the precepts practised which 
 his busy throbbing heart had always idolized, and 
 henceforth he devoted his whole faculties to his 
 VOL. I. U
 
 226 BAMESES. 
 
 noble patron; and his fortunes now involving also 
 those of Egypt, became on every account most 
 dear to and revered by him. 
 
 In this most dreadful crisis, to keep aloof from 
 all Egyptian eyes, and, mixing with the numerous 
 Pallic population left by the indiscretion of Ame- 
 nophis mingled in the towns and cities of Egypt, 
 to trace the dangers, and turn them aside from po- 
 pular explosion, was Athor's chief endeavour; and 
 having acquired the favour of Phritiphanes, and 
 the key and cypher of the Hieralpha^", or sacred 
 hieroglyphic characters, from his previous education 
 in childhood, he was thus enabled in short sentences 
 to embody any leading intelligence without the least 
 chance of detection, and the priests instantly posted 
 it to the desired end with the utmost celerity. 
 Thus Sosis had been enabled to conduct many 
 hazardous enterprises to success, and thus to acquire 
 the information upon which his last despatch was 
 grounded. Sosis, experienced and sagacious, having 
 collected a very respectable force, and strictly 
 guarded the Nile from the attempts of Salatis, would 
 gladly have influenced events so as to protract 
 the war and avoid a great battle, wherein he feared 
 the superior prowess and tactics of his enemy. 
 Having, through Athor and his other emissaries, 
 secret means of fathoming their plans, he by a variety 
 of wiles defeated their attempts, circumvented their 
 stratagems, and prepared his troops for more ar-
 
 RAMESES. 227 
 
 duous enterprises. Salatis, sanguine and impetuous, 
 saw his host rapidly mouldering ^way under the 
 judicious plan of Sosis; but as the hidden springs 
 were unknown to the fiery Sabacon, so was the 
 caution and prudence of his parent despised and 
 derided. Early formed for excellence and pre- 
 eminence, had he only practised the high lesson of 
 self-government, by the violence of his passions, 
 those qualities which would have made him great 
 and saved his country, became the fatal means of 
 plunging Egypt and himself into an abyss of mis- 
 fortunes. 
 
 During the eve of these plans, all leading to de- 
 cisive results, Rameses, on his appearance before 
 the king, found that the unfavourable auguries 
 had already been communicated to his ears. Evil 
 tidings fly swiftly, and when the tumult had com- 
 menced, some idle Thebans hastened into Thebes, 
 communicating that Memnon the god, as a raven, 
 had marked the speedy death of Amenophis, and 
 also that a sudden furious sedition of the Mem- 
 nones had destroyed Rameses and his retinue. 
 The alarms had scarcely rung through the palace, 
 and those most interested in the intelligence had 
 scarcely gathered round the monarch, thus every 
 way distressed, when the gateways, opening, en- 
 circled with loud sounds of joy, — with a port ma- 
 jestic and commanding, flowing from a heart di- 
 lating to fulfil its marked and most important 
 
 q2
 
 228 31a:mes!:s 
 
 destiny, resplendent in the successful dress of the 
 initiation, Rameses entered the presence. Accus- 
 tomed as Amenophis, Saptha, the sacred priests 
 and sajies around, were to earthly jjrandeur in its 
 highest brilliancy, they all involuntarily were struck 
 with admiration at the impressive character which 
 shone around him. Animated with the high feel- 
 ings his heart had glowed with as he addressed the 
 Memnones, taking up his pledge, ready to fulfil 
 it to the last drop of his blood, his spirit found 
 within itself a recoil and sublime spring of action 
 equal to any trial ; and the time elapsed in the 
 short progress to the palace had so wholly diffused 
 these inspiriting sensations upon his countenance, 
 that he appeared more as if empowered to direct 
 destiny, than as the resigned and passive agent of 
 great Osiris's will. To the monarch he communi- 
 cated every turn the auguries had taken, and com- 
 })letely overcame the sinister feelings already in 
 possession of his heart. 
 
 So admirably did he delineate, and with such a 
 tide and flow of eloquence pour forth the claims of 
 Mizraim's warriors for energetic aid, that Phriti- 
 phanes and the aged counsellors listened in silent 
 admiration ; and Amenophis, gathering a spark 
 from the flame of iiis bright patriotic devotion, 
 gave iiim anew the power to command the co- 
 operation of all the lower Egypt to his purpose. 
 
 The war galleys were instantly manned, and a few
 
 RAMESKS. 229 
 
 hours saw the ardent Rameses on the Nile. But 
 how passed the few preceding moments with Nito- 
 cris, whom he found in an apartment adjoining 
 Saptha's? Here rechnlng, dressed in a white and 
 elegant robe fringed with purple, a purple bandeau 
 round her ivory brow, and purple cincture round 
 her waist, herself paler than the robe siie wore, 
 disbelieving yet fearing the sad rumour from the 
 Meranonium, — the appearance of Rameses, and 
 the grandeur of his dress, and animated gestures, 
 strikingly contrasted themselves with the drooping 
 form of Nitocris, as the sacred lily of the Nile, 
 bendino; its beauteous head surchai"e;ed with dew. 
 One tender embrace fate vouchsafed them, mingling 
 their hearts in transport, pure and unalloyed from 
 every thought of care, before she dashed their cup 
 of bliss with the bitterest gall. Gazino- with de- 
 light upon his brilliant form, ' My noble initiate ! 
 welcome to my heart,' she exclaimed, ' bright and 
 perfect as the god whose symbols adorn your per- 
 son. Whence the danger which these Thebans 
 brought to frighten Thebes ?' — then in a lower and 
 impressive accent added, * and desolate my heart !' 
 Rameses then succinctly related the adventure of 
 Eetis and the raven, and the welcome augury his 
 mind had been impelled by some god to draw from 
 it : ' But Jet us not waste these most important in- 
 stants,' he said, ' from imaginary dangers of such 
 rabble as the jSIcninones. 1 feel that I go to great
 
 230 RAMESES., 
 
 and imminent dangers ; but, my Nitocris, your fa- 
 ther,, my king, country, and gods, are calls that 
 banish from me every care, save only the thought 
 of you ! This mystic ring, given in sight of Typhon 
 in the dreadful cave, inscribed with sacred charac- 
 ters, of azure metal, tempered in the holy streams 
 that flow from founts of sacred Nile, possessing a 
 high and charmed virtue, wear on your finger"^ 
 whence the warm blood leads to the heart ; there 
 let its gentle pressure answer to its throbs for the 
 faith, the perfect pledge of never ending love ; the 
 whole surrender of the heart it typifies, which lives 
 in Rameses. In every care, and every woe, in 
 every triumph, in all my joys, the form and virtues 
 of my Nitocris will come like the joyful and re- 
 freshing gales, which brought sweet ease and peace 
 to my tried and fainting soul, beset in Typhon's 
 cave !"■ 
 
 He paused ibr Nitocris (who, bending on his 
 arm, could only answer by a pressure thrilling 
 through his heart) ; her eye spoke agony, while 
 her features wore a settled fixed impression, as of 
 an alabaster form. ' If success should crown my 
 arm,' he continued, ' we soon shall meet again; if 
 not, then let us nobly bear what fate decrees. In 
 Athor you may fully confide ; and if Egypt does 
 not wholly perisli, we through the priests may still 
 communicate our plans. Yours I dare not ask : 
 I know they lead to danger. There alone my heart
 
 RAMESES. ^231 
 
 is vulnerable ; there it bleeds, and would rebel : but 
 great Osiris has so filled it with hope, that I can 
 put even thee into his hands !' 
 
 The reference to herself gave the noble mind 
 of Nitocris powers of re-action, means of utter- 
 ance, which, while Rameses alone was present to 
 her mind, were utterly denied her tongue. Nitocris 
 cast her full and melting eyes upon him — ' Noble 
 Rameses,' she softly sighed, ' true emanation of those 
 beinss who have immortal essence, and are bounteous 
 unto all, — how easy, nay delightful were my task, 
 if by the laying down this little boon of life I had 
 the power to win the safety and the peace of yours j 
 It is the war, the enemy, a brother's hate, which 
 rings in my ears, and saddens my heart with fore- 
 bodings of evil : but let me not distress my hero, 
 whose lofty mind ever gives a ray of its own bright- 
 ness to my poor cowering energies. For me, my 
 Rameses, fear nought: a father''s eye and hand 
 will guard me, and armed with no mean powers. 
 The queen, high-minded, trusts to influence her 
 lord to nobler deeds, and I support her. That 
 fate cannot be hard for Egypt's subject, which is 
 partaken also by great Egypt's queen. Amenophis's 
 indecision, leaving all to be directed by the stream 
 of circumstance, gives great uneasiness; but my 
 father has convened the priests, commanding them 
 to be active and alert in all their nomes. The 
 secret passages are rendered more impervious ; and
 
 232 RAMKSES. 
 
 Smendls at the Labyrinth, and Tarcos in tlie Mem- 
 nonium, wait his orders. All the southern govern- 
 ments to Ethiopia are in movement, despatching 
 their troops and barges to the Memnonian plain ; 
 so that in either case the court will be fully pre- 
 pared. Fear not for me. In you alone I brighten and 
 expand, and look up to Egypt's safety ; and thus 
 plight my faith to Egypt"'s future great deliverer!' 
 
 As these words passed the lips of Nitocris, the 
 inspiriting sounds of martial instruments gave an 
 auspicious omen, and also that the troops were em- 
 barking, and the barges ready. ' My Nitocris,* 
 said Rameses, with a deep blush suffusing all his 
 countenance, *you must take charge of these most 
 precious and most cherished gems, types of suc- 
 cess; they came not dearer to my heart than the 
 charmed accents of my loved Nitocris' glad welcome 
 from the darksome caves ! I go to change them 
 for the warrior''s garb."* Passing into his chambers, 
 he had a brief but highly important interview with 
 Phritiphanes, who warned him again to keep apart 
 his tent and guards from Sabacon, and arranged a 
 system of their secret correspondence, then clasped 
 him in his arms, and with deep solemnity bestowed 
 his blessing on him. 
 
 His youthful form was now clothed in the tight 
 vestments of the coloured dyes — crimson, yellow, 
 and white, which sat close on his figure. His cuirass, 
 quilted strong, and embossed with splendid rivets,
 
 RAMESES. 233 
 
 enclosed within its coverture a texture of bronze 
 net finer than hairs, so close and strong, as gave 
 security against the arrow's force. A casque of 
 bronze, covered with a sheet of brilliant azure, had 
 in its front a sun emerging from a purple cloud, 
 the emblem of Egypt's hope : a buckler, wide and 
 long, covered his manly form : a baldrich, stiff with 
 embroideries, displayed his mystic hieroglyphic mo- 
 nogram, encircled Avith the emblem of eternity 
 fronted by two sacred aspics, blazing with gems, 
 the bright prize and emblem of initiation : a sword 
 broad and sharp was also keen and dazzling bright 
 as it hung in its golden scabbard ; and a power- 
 ful dagger, the hilt displaying a bear fretting in 
 gold"^, and threatening with his claws, symbols of 
 Paprimis Mars, the god of war. A bow of massy 
 size and power he walked with, and casqued quiver 
 of bright arrows sounding at his back, completed 
 his array ; and as he strode into the hall, where 
 Nitocris awaited for her last farewell, his form and 
 port had even acquired fresh dignity by the ex- 
 change of dress. The glittering robes he lately 
 wore were placed beside her, and seemed already 
 to divide her thouohts with him. Both great of 
 purpose, dignified in mind, their inmost thoughts 
 already freely exchanged, trifled not the precious 
 moments; but in one strained embrace they took 
 their final parting, nor trusted either to the voice 
 to say * Heaven speed !' The melting lustre of
 
 234" RAMESES. 
 
 their eyes bent on each other, as Rameses in deep 
 silence slowly withdrew, kept to the utmost point 
 of distance the full and exquisite participation of 
 their refined and noble spirits in one long, ex- 
 pressive, soul-absorbing gaze. 
 
 Passing fi-om the portals amid the clang of cym- 
 bals and loud music, Rameses embarked, and swiftly 
 floated down the stream. For many a mile on 
 either bank, stretched far along the nightly gleam 
 of lights, illumining the halls and palaces of Thebes. 
 As long as eye could catch the slightest glimmer 
 of her quivering fires, his eager regards were riveted 
 upon her site ; and long after darkness usurped 
 the part of the horizon where her lustre shone, his 
 eye, gazing on the dark gloom, tried in the shoot- 
 ing stars to image out great Thebes, — for there 
 was Nitocris ! 
 
 Resting upon the gilded prow of the war galley, 
 he gazed upon the azure vault, now gemmed with 
 stars, and as bright Sirius shone, he thought, ' how 
 wonderful this texture grand of Earth and Heaven, 
 wherein these mighty orbs are hung! how ages 
 after ages have they rolled along, presenting to the 
 rapt and care-worn heart the trust that they are 
 portals to some rest divine ; some mighty temple, 
 built by Phthah, the demiurgic ""* architect, wherein 
 this busy throbbing inmate now within me may 
 find repose ! How strangely opposite to man's vi- 
 cissitudes, and daily chance and cliange, flows forth
 
 RAMESES. 235 
 
 the heavenly scheme — vast and immutable, dis- 
 played in these most wondrous orbs ! They make 
 no pause, they meet no alterations ; silent and slow 
 but stedfast and everlasting, they roll in their 
 mystic round ; sure pledges, that man, however 
 now the sport of fickle fortune, changeful muta- 
 tions, and transient sunshine, shall, if his spirit 
 quail not, soar, "^ with the intellect which scans 
 these luminous orbs, into their heavenly sphere, 
 partake their eternal course, and shine in all their 
 radiance.' Thus finding in the pure prescriptive 
 law of moral good written within, some shining- 
 sparks of brightness not all lost or tarnished by 
 man's fatal fall, Rameses deduced the vein of 
 solemn consolation, which every endeavour, how- 
 ever humble, to approach the source divine will 
 always find. 
 
 The night, solemn and dark and still, at length 
 wore away, and day, such as breaks in the morning 
 skies of eastern lands, burst forth around. They 
 met no pause or circumstance, till great Memphis, 
 seated on the waters, received them, whose vast 
 population lined the shores, attracted there by the 
 sounding instruments of the troops and vessels of 
 JR,ameses their governor. All the guards were in- 
 stantly embarked; a faithful officer also was de- 
 spatched to guard most strictly the important for- 
 tress of Padma IMahdir. The city regulated by 
 the strictest orders, all arranged with skilful cir-
 
 936 RAMESES. 
 
 cumspection, and witli steady speed ; Rameses, 
 strengthened by a powerful flotilla from the Mem^ 
 phian ports and islands, impressed with presages 
 of something important impending over Egypt, re- 
 solved to make no further delay, but hasten every 
 means to reach Poubastis. The day, which wore 
 along its weary hours, allowed not a moment's rest; 
 his anxious lieart revolved within its pause a thou- 
 sand fearful things; even Betis saw the moment 
 was not now to urge his usual modes of cheerful 
 principle of action : for feelings too deep and im- 
 minent for any lesser quality than the stern pur- 
 pose of great deeds and actions to control hung 
 over Rameses, and evidenced how busy was the 
 world of thoughts within. The only pause of rest- 
 lessness and care was when the clashing cymbals 
 and loud pealing instruments bade the evening 
 farewell to the setting sun : then Rameses, with a 
 look and eye of fire gazing upon his sinking beams, 
 breathed forth ' Farewell ! farewell, great orb ! 
 and ere thy burning course again comes on us, and 
 thy morning beams salute my eyes, these arms, 
 and this my sword will, I hope, begin their work !' 
 Onward they descend, and all tlie silent night by 
 imperative command the soldiers rested ; but as the 
 quickening air revealed the hour of midnight past, 
 and nature from her heaving bosom breathed forth 
 the gales of freshness and of morn, Rameses, full 
 armed, had them arrayed : then, strict silence or- 
 
 '^^.
 
 RAxMESES. 237 
 
 dered, he adjured them to comport themselves Hke 
 men, as Egyptians, for their country's sake. His 
 appeal was answered by a hand from all uplifted to 
 the sky, as in solemn adjuration ; and in a moment 
 came upon the air a clash of pealing arms— then 
 sunk away in sombre silence. The troops in awe 
 grasped instantly their swords, and soon with noises, 
 and murmurs deep, and floating distant sounds, the 
 air was loaded. They approached the city of Pou- 
 bastis, and some great event most manifestly was 
 preparing its development. 
 
 Rameses, pacing the deck with rapid steps, 
 gave every order — ' if they found the river thick 
 of floats and troops, without one moment's pause 
 to dash among them;' and his bright gleaming 
 sword whirling aloft to aid the order, it caught as it 
 beat the air the morning beams, Avhich gave it all the 
 lightning's blaze. Onward impetuously the rowers 
 urge the vessels' rapid flight; the clamours and 
 clangors redouble ; the sun comes forth arrayed in 
 strength to run his course, as if to view the con- 
 test, and shining out in heavenly brightness rolled 
 the gray mists away just as the armament of Ra- 
 meses, with Egypt's banners streaming from his 
 manned vessels, entered the confluence'"^ of the 
 waters of the Nile. Before their eyes the city of 
 Poubastis, on a vast range of shore, spread ample 
 and wide before them ; showing the temples of 
 its great goddess and of Vulcan, with their pon-
 
 2S8 llAMESES. 
 
 derous porticos and obelisks. On the left flowed on 
 rapidly the Tanitique branch of the Nile. On the 
 right, the vast Pelusiac branch, and in th^ rich 
 province between these streams were Egypt's troops 
 headed by Sabacon and Bocchoris, controlled by 
 Sosis"* councils. Below the city and its district, a 
 most important post, the wise and valiant Myris 
 guarded the shores. But along the immense dis- 
 trict of Aouara swarmed the myriads of the Pallic 
 host: numerous as locusts in their destructive 
 swarms, their armed bands glittered farther than 
 the eye could reach. The river already was as a 
 field of battle, so thickly sown with floats, and 
 rafts, and glittering arms, in numerous lines, striving 
 to cross the Pelusiac brancii ; another body bent 
 their course toward Poubasti, so that neither Sosis 
 nor Myris knew each other's situation, or could 
 send succours from their much threatened post. 
 Shouts and mingled noises of triumph and of death 
 arose, as thousands strove to gain and to defend 
 the banks. Salatis and all the chiefs were on the 
 borders urging on their troops, many of whom had 
 gained the opposite shores, and were momentarily 
 increasing and contending with the Egyptians led 
 on by Sabacon. 
 
 The battle raged with deadly fuiy, and the 
 thousands on the stream advanced to join their 
 comrades. Salatis, Avith Rhapses, Sisiris, Chcbres, 
 and a numerous train, was on the eve of step-
 
 RAMESESu 239 
 
 ping on a decorated raft, when the sounds of war- 
 hke instruments and shouts heard amid the battle's 
 rage directed their attention and that of both the 
 armies to the impetuous approach of Rameses. He 
 leading his vessels stood conspicuous, and dashed 
 so violently among the throng of troops, with the 
 impetus of the rowers' utmost strength, aided by 
 the current, that, ere the smallest effort could be 
 made, he sunk the foremost raft crowded with 
 troops, who appeared for a moment struggling on 
 the waters, and imploring help, then, encumbered 
 with their arms, for ever sunk : the next raft re- 
 ceived the shock, which merged a number of its 
 warlike load, and the next galley's force bore her 
 down also ; and the fleet forcing a way even into 
 the midst of the hostile craft, the loaded Nile was 
 choked with carcasses of the dead and dying, and 
 their floating arms and fragments of the war. The 
 unequal contest was kept up for some time with the 
 rafts nearest the Sebennetic shore ; but unprepared 
 for this attack, they all perished or fled. Those rafts 
 nearest the shore drew up within the cover of the 
 troops, and speedily relanded all their forces. Sa- 
 latis foamed with rage, thus to witness his troops' 
 overthrow and slaughter, and a signal victory ra- 
 vished from his grasp ; while cries and groans an- 
 nounced the total ruin of those bands, who, having 
 gained the opposite banks, were left thus defence- 
 less by their comrades' retreat, and soon fell under
 
 240 RAMESES. 
 
 the merciless and exterminating arm of Sabacon. 
 Rameses, pointing his sword stained and crimson, 
 directed his soldiers' strenuous endeavours to where 
 resistance yet languislied, until the last spark was 
 quenciied and all was subdued. He was at this 
 moment contemplating the dismal wrecks of poor 
 mortal nature, as the dead and mangled forms 
 floated around the vessel's sides, or near the banks ; 
 when a trait of Betis, evincing his humanity, inter- 
 twined his rugged yet benevolent character closer to 
 his kindly regards. A warrior ' ''^ of the Palli, one 
 who was plunged into the Nile by the shock of the 
 vessel of Rameses, on emerging grasped a splinter 
 of the broken float, and thus supported himself on 
 the waters nearing the shore. He escaped the con- 
 tact of tlie battle's rage ; but now at length seen by 
 all the hostile vessel's crew, he formed a certain 
 point for the arrow's barb, and soon was destined to 
 be made their mark. Bendinfif their bows, two arrows 
 whistled past him : a third, directed more imerr- 
 ingly from an archer close to Betis, would have 
 sped its mark; but, calling forth his notice, he in- 
 stantly struck down with rapid blow the shaft just 
 parting from the string. He then with shouts ex- 
 horted them to spare a human being thus without 
 resource, thus dreadlully at bay. Seizing the in- 
 stant afforded by the astonishment and pause such 
 interposition created, he flung himself into a skiff, 
 and reaching the forlorn, despairing wretch, with his
 
 RAMESES. 241 
 
 own arms, he lifted him from his perilous position 
 and preserved his life. ' Oh godhke pity ! how art 
 thou allied to all the fine, the truly noble tones that 
 sound within our unknown selves, as with a voice 
 divine ! No savage roams the earth but knows 
 thy touch sublime — even when he knows not thee 
 by name ; and shows thy power in protecting, 
 serving, saving some being lower in the scale than 
 he is, and, invested with thy sacred privilege, taught 
 to look up to him for benefits derived. Thou art"^ 
 indeed the form of God, and light is but his 
 shadow.' Such were the thoughts of Rameses, while 
 even of the rugged soldiers looking on, those ap- 
 plauded who least were likely to have felt as Betis. 
 Benignly smiling, Rameses beckoned his happy 
 adherent to approach, and briefly said, ' You have 
 repaid the debt of gratitude of Memnon's fane, 
 and offered to the gods a tribute more ju'ecious far 
 than richest incense.' 
 
 The strussle now was over. The Nile flowed 
 onward in its wide and ample bosom again clear 
 and free, save only some few wrecks and vestiges 
 of havoc drifting by. The banks were closely lined 
 on every side with glittering arms. The Palli, 
 fierce and gloomy, mourned their comrades slain ; 
 while the Egyptian hosts crowding to the banks, 
 and rushing part way in the Nile, eagerly welcomed 
 the triumphant barks of Rameses as they ap- 
 proached the shore ; and soon the exulting haj)py 
 
 VOL. 1. R
 
 242 RAMESES. 
 
 parent, aged Sosis, folded his blooming and vic- 
 torious warrior in his arms. The meeting was 
 truly affecting from the deep emotion shown by 
 Sosis, who could so truly appreciate the value and 
 importance of his son's timely rescue, without which 
 himself and forces would certainly have been over- 
 whelmed. Although deeply wounded at the en- 
 thusiastic joy of the troops, and the marks of 
 respect for his brother, Sabacon had sufficient self- 
 control to affect a participation in the universal 
 feeling ; and at a moment, when he meditated the 
 most hostile and treacherous proceeding, he wore 
 the semblance of affectionate and fraternal delight. 
 Approaching his brother, he with seeming cordiality 
 welcomed him, and joined in the praises of his 
 valour. Whoever now had compared the brothers, 
 as they stood side by side, would easily have read 
 the deep and distinctive lines of character, marking 
 their aims and progress In Sabacon's knit and 
 angry brow, the ascendency of fierce and hateful 
 passions : in the open, gracious, and ingenuous front 
 of Rameses, a form that knew not guile or fear. 
 This one had blossomed into a hero, and had sub- 
 limed his faculties to high intellectual endowment : 
 the first to a robust and strengthened frame had 
 annexed a hardened and exasperated heart. 
 
 Rameses, with his father, brother, and guards, 
 proceeded to examine every line of defence, direct- 
 ing and arranging the position with such additional
 
 RAMESES. 243 
 
 improvements as this timely reinforcement and re- 
 vived spirits emboldened the Egyptian forces now 
 to complete. 
 
 Approaching to Poubastis, Myris hastened to 
 congratulate him with the fervour of the warmest 
 regard. How had his heart leaped with joy as he 
 witnessed the noble actions and gallant bearing of 
 his friend ! Embracing each other, it was some mi- 
 nutes ere they found words to communicate their 
 mutual joy. Rameses, in conformity with the 
 hints of Phritiphanes (although himself entirely 
 freed from suspicion by the frank and open bearing 
 of Sabacon), yet pitched his tents on the left of 
 Sosis, while his brother and Bocchoris occupied the 
 right. 
 
 Some days had passed away, and as yet Salatis 
 and his troops had made no demonstration to renew 
 their hostile attacks : Sosis, delegating all authority 
 and trust to Rameses, tasted that repose of mind 
 and body which his advanced years demanded ; 
 when Sabacon and Bocchoris, inflamed to the highest 
 pitch of malice, ventured to strike a blow that re- 
 sounded from the cataracts of Sycne to the seven 
 mouths of the Nile. Summoning Bocchoris at mid- 
 night to his tent, Sabacon gave full vent to the 
 rage and jealousy boiling within him. ' Whence, 
 Bocchoris, arises this infatuation, which, not con- 
 tent with crossing my patii at court, and tii row- 
 ing me into shade — shadow no less hateful than 
 
 R 2
 
 244 RAMESF.S. 
 
 unjust — thus seizes all the kingdom's strength to 
 dare me in the very centre of my narrowed sphere ? 
 Is it not enough to blight my hopes — destroy my 
 rights of birth and fame — but now the presuming 
 stripling comes to enjoy his triumph, and see if 
 he may also trample on his fallen elder brother? 
 But he shall learn the expiring asp has still a sting !* 
 Clenching his extended hand, he paced the tent 
 in agony; while Bocchoris, admitting to the full 
 the exasperated colouring of Sabacon's false views 
 of his brother, joined with him in resolving to 
 clear their path of such an overpowering adversary. 
 Bocchoris, desperate in council as in purpose, as- 
 sured Sabacon, he had an expedient combining 
 his just punishment, yet stopping short of his de- 
 struction ; a consummation even Sabacon felt some 
 relenting of nature against effecting. ' As Ramcses 
 was wont on signs of danger to pervade the camp, 
 and in silence and darkness watch the appearance 
 of the hostile banks,' Bocchoris detailed, ' that 
 four subtle Ethiopians, trained as slow hounds to 
 their prey, should lurk upon his path, and in 
 silence bearing him .off, immure him in a cave, 
 where solitude soon would correct those overween- 
 ing strides which he now ventured.' 
 
 While Sabacon in bitterness assented to the full 
 suggestion, full well he knew the cave led but 
 to death : deluding however his judgment, and 
 smothering that remorse he never more appeased.
 
 RAMESES. 245 
 
 he calmly lent himself to counsels and suggestions 
 -which could not fail to lacerate his aged parent's 
 heart, to destroy a brother, and convulse his 
 country, — all for the vain and fruitless hope, that, 
 Rameses withdrawn, he himself should rise. Mis- 
 taken and infatuate man ! thus to suppose the 
 downward path to evil can be changed, or gi-eat- 
 ness wait on treacherous hands, or the favour of 
 the sods on the hater of his brother— the rewards 
 of Providence on the rebel to paternal rule. Yet 
 all these guilty crimes, so skilled is self-love to gild 
 the false and deceptive picture we scan over of 
 ourselves, — all these crimes had Sabacon rushed 
 into, without a consciousness of his sad fall, and 
 now his heart hastened to complete their catalogue 
 with murder. 
 
 On the same niMit which witnessed this dark 
 resolve of the conspiring pair, Sosis also had con- 
 ferred to a very late hour with Rameses. Far 
 different were their councils, which concerted with 
 anxious desire some field, whereon Sabacon might 
 reap his share of glory, and Egypt of advantage. 
 The penetrating eye of Rameses had noticed on 
 the opposite shores an island of some size, which 
 Salatis had made a depot for his rafts and stores 
 of ai'ms. This post was most important, and was 
 powerfully guarded. Their camp extended in front 
 about a mile from the margin of the river; but 
 although the attempt was fraught with danger, 
 Rameses considered that it might be carried by
 
 246 RAMESKS. 
 
 surprise, and by cover of his galleys maintained 
 against all the forces which Salatis could bring, 
 while all the stores and rafts therein could be given 
 a prey to flames : a blow which would check and 
 injure the fame and resources of Salatis more than 
 the loss of a battle. The difficulty lay in framing 
 preparations to approach the banks without ex- 
 citing notice ; and soon Rameses, eager to promote 
 a brother's fame, arranged a plan. The galleys 
 were to stay unmoved ; but all the troops on board 
 were fully prepared, and ready to reach a spot upon 
 a signal. Meantime, he had the captured rafts 
 arranged along the banks, apparently in readiness 
 to repel any hostile attempt to cross. He also se- 
 lected, as for water games of skill, the Tentyrites ^^^ 
 throughout his army, offering rewards for the most 
 expert and active divers, and they were constantly 
 employed in moving to and fro the rafts. These 
 preparations all completed, which formed the ri- 
 dicule of the opposite host, the third evening was 
 fixed on for the attempt; and Sabacon was then 
 to be summoned to his father's tent to have the 
 plan developed, and the means of great and certain 
 victory put in his grasp. It was hitherto agreed 
 upon between the venerable father and the noble 
 Rameses to keep the plan most secret, even from 
 impetuous Sabacon, lest his eager and unreined 
 temper might compromise the almost certain success. 
 Fatal precaution ! how does fate weave thus the 
 texture of our lives ! and leaving us to mix some
 
 IIAMESES. 247 
 
 shining threads, to mark the pattern nicely formed 
 wherein we joy, instant her busy fingers twist the 
 continuing Hnes, and work upon it every care 
 and every woe ! While Raraeses and his father, 
 thus unobserved as they fancied, prepared their 
 bold and well directed enterprise, Sabacon and 
 Bocchoris, more deeply angered by a scheme pro- 
 jected and undivulged, conceived it was some new 
 device to elevate the fame of llameses, and felt them- 
 selves most injured, and more strongly they re- 
 solved to strike the blow they meditated. 
 
 Two nights had passed dark and opportune ; 
 and on the last, Rameses, whose mind was goaded 
 by the deepest anxiety to effect his meditated pur- 
 pose, narrowly escaped the fate prepared for him. 
 He had left his tent, and on the margin of the Nile 
 watched the opposite islands and its banks, if any 
 hghts or indications of unusual stir might show 
 their alarm or suspicion of his purpose. Wrapt in a 
 sable bear-skin, and a casque of brown, he kept 
 himself unknown, that his eyes might view, thus 
 free from observation, all the shores. The pass- 
 word kept the sentinels in quiet ignorance ; but as 
 he crossed a clump of sedgy papyrus, the emissaries 
 of his guilty brother, watching close behind their 
 covert, collected themselves to spring upon him un- 
 expectedly. Already they had moved, — the rustling 
 of the sedges turned Rameses' attention to the spot, 
 — when several lights, issuing from his pavilion in
 
 248 RAMESES, 
 
 the distance, alarmed the villains, who retreated 
 into their covert ; and Rameses, unconscious, passed 
 by them onward to his tent. 
 
 Meantime, although to all appearance Salatis and 
 the Pallic warriors lay silent and unsuspicious, the 
 disappointment and disgrace of his bold attempt to 
 cross the Nile rankled most deeply at his heart. 
 Aware that Rameses and Sosis, and the inspirited 
 Egyptian army, would need far other efforts than 
 the plans and measures which would successfully 
 have coped with the brave but impetuous Sabacon, 
 Salatis had passed the days since his defeat in pre- 
 paring all liis enormous forces for a vast and over- 
 whelming effort. The floats collected and arranged, 
 he had employed the island in which Rameses me- 
 ditated his attack as a blind to mask their numbers. 
 With rapid energy he had prepared means which 
 he deemed ample to attain a sure revenge, when 
 the games on the river withheld his arm until they 
 had ended, as he felt the risk too great to make his 
 passage in face of the instant force which would 
 await his first movements. Salatis, therefore, crouch- 
 ing as a leopard, was preparing to spring upon his 
 foe the moment any dormant hour arrived which 
 should relax their present vigilant position. All 
 these parties worked as they thought their indi- 
 vidual and secret will, while all alike evolved the 
 purposes of a higher power, proving all, refining by 
 the trial those who deserved the boon.
 
 IIAMESES. 249 
 
 The expected night drew on, and Rameses, most 
 anxious as the time was come, having prepared the 
 chosen bands, despatched the messengers to summon 
 Bocchoris and Sabacon ; while Sosis, taking an early 
 rest, refreshed his aged frame for all the scenes of 
 victory he joyfully anticipated. One short hour 
 was all the time the summons left, before both Sa- 
 bacon and Bocchoris were required to meet within 
 the commander's tent. Alarmed at the unusual 
 summons — a midnight summons — Bocchoris re- 
 solved to give fresh vigour to the ambushed Ethio- 
 pian slaves, and hastened to the spot, when his eye, 
 sharpened by hate, saw distinctly in the gloom the 
 form of Rameses approaching in his sable garb. 
 He came to pass away the anxious instants, and for 
 the last time to mark the foe's appearance; thus 
 cheating time, and allaying the anxious and fore- 
 boding thoughts which crowded on his mind. Ap- 
 proaching the banks, he found them wear the solemn 
 stillness and the deep repose of night ; Nature her- 
 self seemed sunk into an awful pause, as if conscious 
 of the meditated horrors of the approaching day. 
 ' How soon,' thought Rameses, ' will these de- 
 serted banks, this tranquil stream, become ' 
 
 More he might have thought, but the instant grasp 
 of ruffian strength pinioned his arms, and a thick 
 quilted cloak thrown over his head, and bound 
 round him, prevented every sound. In a moment 
 his liands and feet were closely bound, so that with-
 
 250 llAMESES. 
 
 out a struggle, or a word, he fell into their power. 
 For some instants the surprise, the horror, the over- 
 whelming thought of the prepared enterprise thus 
 frustrated, produced an inward shivering and con- 
 vulsive heavings so strong, that the dark and ob- 
 durate assassins thought his life was gone, as they 
 swiftly bore him to a neighbouring bank. Imme- 
 diately a common litter, such as is used for wounded 
 soldiers, received his mute and defenceless frame 
 therein : instantly they covered him with a mantle, 
 and by his signet, which they carefully purloined, 
 in a few fleeting minutes they were without a 
 hinderance beyond the outskirts of the camp. In 
 rapid haste they travelled some miles, a time which 
 seemed to the agonized heart of Rameses an age. 
 What thoughts revolved, what dreadful whisperings 
 within of horrors, unallayed by a single solace ! 
 Who thus tore him from his father, friends, and 
 army, when his arm v/as lifted up, even in the mo- 
 ment he fondly deemed of sealing the deliverance 
 of his country ? The Pallic foes it could not be ; 
 for they bore him inland, in the Egyptian provinces. 
 Could it be his brother ? The horror of the thought 
 suspended even his respiration. For what late ? 
 Thus he tortured his aching mind, until the litter 
 rested, and soon, by the chill, he felt it entered a 
 subterranean passage. A jar of creeking hinges 
 announced an opening door ; he was borne swiftly 
 within. The mantle was withdrawn which envc-
 
 RAMESES. 251 
 
 loped him, and he beheld a chamber of death, and 
 four fierce and gloomy Ethiopian slaves before him. 
 The chamber was sepulchral, and its walls displayed 
 the triumphs of Typhon over the human frame ; it 
 shone in every varied symbol, and was singularly 
 beautiful, softened as its brilliant tones became by 
 the light of a sepulchral lamp pendant from the 
 roof. The embalmed tenants of this last abode were 
 ranged around. Such was the appearance which 
 an instant glimpse gave to Rameses ; but he turned 
 the melancholy fulness of his eyes from these ex- 
 traneous things upon the savage bearers of his per- 
 son. They were tall and bony Ethiopians, of a deep 
 and glossy black ; large iron rings around their arms 
 and legs declared them slaves; and the inscribed 
 monograms to his quick eye appeared those of Boc- 
 choris. More he was not permitted to know ; for 
 placing their fingers on their lips, and three of them 
 drawing forth daggers, they menaced him with in- 
 stant death if he spoke or stirred. Ere they un- 
 bound him, they diligently searched and took from 
 him every weapon ; and the fourth, casting a mo- 
 mentary glance, wherein was seen a look of deep 
 compassion, placed a jug of water and basket of 
 dates. In a moment's time they withdrew the band- 
 age on his arms, and in the same instant swiftly 
 vanished through the immense marble portal, which 
 closed as if hermetically fast upon its granite pivots ; 
 and Rameses was left alone, immured beyond all
 
 252 RAMESES. 
 
 power of call or help, buried among the dead. Who 
 shall speak the heart-rending reflections that for 
 some hours agitated his noble virtuous soul, aware 
 how vain were struggles or endeavours to deliver 
 himself from the enormous marble sepulchre that 
 thus inhumed him living ! 
 
 From suffering Rameses, who, bowing beneath 
 a blow that levelled to the earth his hopes, expe- 
 rienced still deeper than all other woe the horrors of 
 brother's hate, — who yet derived even still a feeling, 
 a consciousness within of virtue, which preserved 
 him in this first overwhelming moment from de- 
 spair, — let us turn to the successful Sabacon. A 
 fleeting hour scarcely passed ere he would have 
 given worlds to have retraced his steps, to have 
 withdrawn the blow, but that, his pride and stubborn 
 nature repelled. A slave had scarcely intimated 
 that the snare was successful, and his brother was 
 in Bocchoris's power, and borne beyond the camp, 
 when he was summoned to his father's tent. The 
 absence of Karaeses at first excited no surprise, ac- 
 quainted as Sosis was become with his nightly walks 
 and vigilant and constant toils. The delighted parent, 
 therefore, proceeded eagerly to unfold to Sabacon the 
 noble scheme ofllameses; the plan prepared to give 
 him ample scope for glory, and the tender delicate 
 device by which its perfect honour would redound 
 on him alone. The whole arrangement, step by step, 
 the sanguine heart of Sosis developed, with such
 
 RAMESES. 253 
 
 appeals to brotherly affection, such encomiums on 
 his noble-hearted brother, as he conceived would 
 best rekindle Sabacon's extinguished love; and 
 more he might have still continued to declare, for 
 Sabacon, tortured to despair, bereft of speech, al- 
 most of sense, knowing the horrid plot that very 
 moment perpetrated by his orders, felt his ears ring 
 with sounds unearthly, his hair erect itself, and every 
 presage of approaching furies. The very goal within 
 his reach, — success again hisown, — renown, — glory, 
 — a father's and a brother's love, — the contrast of 
 what would have been, with the ideal murmur of that 
 brother's sighs, defenceless, even now in Bocchoris's 
 bloody hands, — rushed on his soul with such over- 
 whelming power, that, uttering a deep groan, he fell 
 senseless at his father's feet. 
 
 Sosis, ignorant of every thing that so soon would 
 reduce himself to as pitiable a situation, astonished 
 and alarmed, made signals for instant help, and de- 
 spatched fresh messengers for Bocchoris. They re- 
 turned without success, for Bocchoris could not be 
 found : in fact, he, anxious and alarmed lest the re- 
 splendent virtues of brave Rameses might move the 
 stony hearts of his assassins, had left the camp to 
 hover at a distance on their route, and watch them 
 to the cave. The messengers for Rameses were 
 also unsuccessful : he could not be found ; and to 
 the now equally alarmed and terror-struck parent 
 every moment seemed to come fraught with fi*esh
 
 254< KAMESES. 
 
 horrors on its wing; for Betis, rushing to his pre- 
 sence on the appalUng rumours through the camp 
 of Rameses missing, gave free vent to his dread and 
 deep suspicions of the savage Bocchoris. More he 
 would have uttered, for the name of Sabacon hung 
 on his hps ; but the sharpened fears of Sosis needed 
 not the sound to guide this arrow also to his heart. 
 Distracted with the scene, Sabacon borne senseless 
 to his tent, himself alone, he was alarmed by sounds 
 of murmurs and dissatisfaction among the Memphian 
 guards and mariners, who, adoring Rameses, and 
 now, from gathering crowds and whispers, suspect- 
 ing treachery, withdrew from the Egyptian camp, 
 denouncing vengeance against Sabacon. 
 
 Sosis, appalled at the accumulation of such hor- 
 rors, seeing the opportunity lost for ever, so skilfully 
 prepared, matured, and ripe for execution, himself 
 bereft of every arm he placed his earnest trust in, his 
 army disunited, and in confusion, was yet to taste the 
 dregs of misery''s cup, ere he saw a moment^s respite 
 in a bright gleam of glory, with which he sunk as 
 warriors long to die, into the arms of everlasting 
 rest : for now the scouts and sentinels came run- 
 ning with the tidings, that far and near the horizon 
 blazed with arms around, and the island opposite 
 had sent out unnumbered floats: already the Nile 
 was thickening with the multitudes, eager for the 
 battle. Having fully ascertained the loss of Ra- 
 meses, also the bitter conviction, in his silence, that
 
 RAMESES. 255 
 
 the blow was given by Sabacon, the aged Sosis wel- 
 comed the coming storm. Calling around his old 
 and valiant warriors, he exhorted them to fight for 
 Egypt, to bear testimony to his end, to bear his 
 form inanimate, if power was given them, to the 
 sepulchres of his fathers: then, taking a cup, he 
 sprinkled it in full libations on the sands, an offer- 
 ing to the god of armies, uttering oft the name of 
 Rameses ! His own forces drawn out, alone ap- 
 peared arranged to meet the darkening storm ; for 
 Sabacon's division clustered around their stern com- 
 mander's tent, whence neither sound nor sign was 
 seen : while the division of Rameses, his galleys 
 and the soldiers, raging -with fury at his loss, clash- 
 ing their weapons, kept aloof, and threatened even 
 their friends. 
 
 Flying from rank to rank of his troops, exhorting 
 and animating all, the fierce and furious Salatis ap- 
 peared, surrounded by his guards. Unable to ex- 
 plain the cause of such a free and harmless passage 
 of the river, his undaunted heart leaped at the sound 
 of battle, and disregarded every thought of strata- 
 gem and danger. Rapidly condensing all his swarm- 
 ing troops, he poured impetuously upon the bands 
 of Sosis. The battle raged with fury; for the deep 
 and solid squares of the aged veteran received the 
 shock with firmness, and by their fixed javelins car- 
 ried death through their opposers' ranks. ]\Ian 
 fought to man, the earth grew slippery with their
 
 256 llAMESES. 
 
 gore, and neither party moved or receded, till Sosis, 
 clashing his buckler, charged with such vigour, that 
 their Pallic foes retreated even to the banks. Salatis, 
 inflamed with ire, urged them again onward, point- 
 ing to the Nile, that there was their grave, if unsuc- 
 cessful. Driving his horse into the throng, he ani- 
 mated all ; and the vast numbers pressing onward 
 enabled him nearly to surround the aged Sosis, who, 
 fighting most valiantly, was soon surrounded by the 
 pressing Pallic troops. At this time the division of 
 Rameses sought to mingle in the battle, forgetting 
 even their loss in the presence of his foes, and feel- 
 ing only that tliey were Egyptians ; but the time lost 
 had passed irretrievably away ; and such divisions 
 were already mustered around their position as 
 isolated them from affording the least relief. Salatis, 
 perceiving that the whole vigour of the enemy flowed 
 from the daring and unexampled efforts of their 
 aged general, hastened to plunge amid the battling 
 throng. His brother Chabres was preparing to 
 pierce Sosis with his javelin, when the veteran by a 
 stroke on his shoulder felled him to the earth ; and 
 stepping on his body, lifted the dropping crimsoned 
 weapon to the sky, defying the haughty king. 
 Crowned with glory, having achieved wonders of 
 valour, and piled the field with dead, in tliis moment 
 of his career a random shaft transfixed his throat, 
 and mingled him with the heaps around. 
 
 The increasing tumults even broke on Sabacon's
 
 RAMESES. S5T 
 
 dark and gloomy horrors. Looking from his tent, lie 
 caught the instant when his father's arm and sword 
 were uplifted above the throng : his scattered senses 
 recovered from the shock to see his father's fall. He 
 uttered a savage yell, seized his sword and buckler, 
 and rushed upon the foes. His troops, without 
 order, followed, hacking their way through all op- 
 posing enemies, until Sabacon had reached the spot 
 where Sosis lay, his followers with gigantic efforts 
 clearing a little space around ; he then, taking the 
 prostrate arm, gazed upon the venerable and sub- 
 lime countenance of the expiring hero, who for a 
 moment opening those eyes already dimmed with 
 death's approach, recognised his son — his offending 
 son. One bright ray relighted up their fading orbs, 
 assuring him of a father's love, stronger even than 
 death ; one pressure thrilled forgiveness through 
 Sabacoh's desolate and despairing heart, and Sosis 
 sunk to rest. Exchanging instantly his sword for 
 that in his dead father's grasp, Sabacon commanded 
 all around to save and bear away his father's body. 
 Plunging into the thickly crowding masses of the 
 foe, they fought for revenge, until breaking through 
 their lines, Sabacon showing resistless force, with 
 his thinned and weakened bands, bearing his father's 
 body, cleared their path, and repaired a few paces 
 from the spot where the Egyptian squares still 
 struggled against the overwhelming foes. Salatis, 
 afraid to hazard his certain victory, restrained his 
 VOL. I. s
 
 258 RAMESES. 
 
 ardent followers from following Sabacon until their 
 triumph over the troops of Sosls was complete. 
 
 While this deadly struggle lasted, the unwonted 
 sounds alarmed and hastened the steps of Bocchoris, 
 now flying on the wings of speed, returning from 
 the desert, to gladden Sabacon with the sweet tidings 
 of his brother's capture. Ascending the rocky ridge 
 which overlooked the Nile, he saw the bloody spec- 
 tacle, and was witness to an army's ruin, and a 
 kingdom's overthrow, both effected by his treachery. 
 Recognising Sabacon's banner, he plunged into the 
 fight with his black slaves, and soon fell with them 
 under the swords of the clustering Palli. Death 
 won a bloody harvest of all the flower and strength 
 of Egypt's armies, which perished with Sosis ; and 
 the survivors were lost to her defence ; for, stung 
 with madness at his barbarity to such a brother, 
 and with agony at his fame for ever lost, with ten- 
 fold despair at the death of such a parent, Sabacon, 
 with his surviving bands, fled to a crowd of ships 
 which lay near to the banks, and hastily embarking 
 the relics of his forces, they descended thePhathme- 
 netic^^'^ branch, whence, crossing the Delta, he 
 buried for a time himself and his bitter unavailing 
 remorse in the fastnesses of the great fens of the 
 northern branch of the Nile. 
 
 Betis, in agony, flying to the amazed distracted 
 Memphians, urged them to save their vessels from 
 the savage Pallic foes ; on which they quickly em-
 
 RAMESES. 259 
 
 barking, sailed to the opposite shore of Poubasti, 
 now lined with spectators, watching the issue of this 
 dreadful contest. Here he communicated to the 
 sad distracted Myris the eventful horrors of the 
 night, the disappearance of his master, Sabacon's 
 remorse, the death of Sosis, and the total ruin and 
 defeat of Egypt's armies. By his urgent counsels, 
 while messengers were instantly despatched to 
 Thebes, to say the ruin rolling on Egypt, Myris, 
 collecting the few surviving fugitives, and preparing 
 to defend the passes of the Nile, resolved to devote 
 himself for the honourable end of procuring to his 
 king a short and brief delay. But Betis, over- 
 whelmed with deepest grief for Rameses, soon as 
 the terrors of the sudden change abated, resolved 
 upon returning under the covert of the approaching 
 night, and hovering over the field of battle, to seek 
 if any link might yet be traced, leading to the dis- 
 astrous and sudden disappearance of his master. 
 Eagerly he watched the setting sun, which, as in 
 emblem of the awful day past by, set in dense 
 clouds, crimsoned with blood. He watched eagerly 
 for night ere he prepared for an exploit fraught 
 with such danger. With tears he visited and fed 
 his sable favourite, and much caressed and stroked 
 his glossy wings, then gave him liberty. 
 
 While yet this faithful being mourned and wept, 
 with horror on his features, Athor appeared, excited 
 l)y the distressing tidings of the loss of Rameses to 
 
 c o
 
 260 RAMESES. 
 
 throw off all caution and disguise. The intoxication 
 of success prevailed through all the PalHc hosts, 
 who now boasted of overwhelmine; the lands and 
 fortresses of Egypt, and set no limits to their hopes, 
 especially as they learnt that Rameses, him whom 
 they chiefly feared, was gone. At this saddening 
 rumour, Athor, heart-struck, hastened to Poubasti, 
 where he found Myris, Betis, and the surviving 
 few of Egypt's armies, a prey to deepest grief. 
 Questioning closely how and when Rameses disap- 
 peared, comparing also his detail of Rameses^ plans 
 of inspecting under covert of the night the hostile 
 camps, coupling it with the disappearance of Boc- 
 choris, and Sabacon's sudden and mysterious ill- 
 ness, Athor could not but augur that he might 
 yet svu'vive, ensnared by treacherous hands ; but 
 how or where to find the clue, appeared impervious 
 and unsearchable. One thing he resolved upon, to 
 venture forth when night should throw her mantle 
 of darkness on the earth, and search the bloody 
 field. As night drew on, Athor made Betis ex- 
 change his garments for a mute's plain dress ; and 
 charged him strictly, whatsoever straits encompassed 
 them, to make no noise, nor use his voice. With a 
 heart steeped in bitterness, yet could not Betis sup- 
 press his native bias, while he made answer only by 
 the shrug and nod of the mute''s passive obedience. 
 Athor himself, in the dress of a Pallic warrior, was 
 versed in every pass ; and they soon committed
 
 RAMESES. 261 
 
 themselves to the humble catamaran •^^ of reeds, 
 and paddled across the stream ; there, challenged 
 by the sentinels, they both had perished, but for 
 Athor's quickness with the watch-word, and as- 
 sertion that he had brought secret intelligence from 
 Myris's camp. From Athor's detail they learnt 
 that Myris was resolved to dispute their passage, 
 and felt himself in strength to check their progress. 
 Such well arranged details flowed from the lips of 
 Athor, that a predatory band prepared at early dawn 
 to pass the Nile were ordered to suspend their pur- 
 pose, until the victorious monarch, by his personal 
 observation, saw the nature of Myris's defence. 
 Meanwhile Athor and his mute obtained free leave 
 to search the field, and seek the body, as Athor 
 stated, of a friend revered, lost in the battle. Soon 
 the thickening heaps and soil ensanguined, covered 
 with naked lacerated forms, proclaimed the horrid 
 strife. The dead lay piled in heaps, and towered 
 as if a vast mound, where Sosis had so long strug- 
 gled with his foes, and kept the scale of battle du- 
 bious ; but not to seek these mangled victims, the 
 prey of death ; but to trace out the last track of 
 Rameses, through the clue afforded by Betis's nar- 
 rative, and seek to what point it led, was Athor''s 
 search. Their torch flared on the night, amid ten 
 thousand others, stripping the dead, and adding 
 horrors to the dreadful plain. With trouble in- 
 finite, old Bctis tracked the line toward the ridge,
 
 262 RAMESES. 
 
 and dubiously was moving to and fro to catch some 
 glimmering trait, when a deep groan issuing from a 
 vast pile of slain, upon his right, attracted all his 
 notice : soon another followed ; it was of such still 
 anguish as thrilled his inmost soul. He held his 
 torch over a form extended by him, whose cloven 
 skull declared how fearfully death had dealt with 
 him : most clearly thence it came not. Underneath 
 a warrior lay, richly dressed, but rudely mangled, 
 twenty wounds appearing, each of which were singly 
 mortal. His visage, fierce in death, struck him as 
 if known, and known in horror; for looking closer 
 with his blazing torch, he fully traced the stern re- 
 lentless brow of Bocchoris, for ever fixed in death, 
 and his convulsed muscles spoke how horridly the 
 tyrant seized his victim. Calling hastily to Athor, 
 they wondered how and whence he could have 
 joined the battle; and lifting with difficulty his 
 gashed form, which by the action still oozed with 
 blood, another deep and sullen groan close at their 
 feet attracted both, and made them hastily drop the 
 lifeless Bocchoris, when they perceived, heaving with 
 torture, an Ethiopian, extended by his side. ' Lift 
 him, gently raise his head,! the prudent Atlior 
 whispered ; which done, he took a flask, ready pre- 
 pared (knowing the scenes he visited), and poured 
 a part into his throat. The wretched being groaned, 
 became convulsed, and, after a deep sigh, slowly 
 opening his white and ghastly eyes, fixed them on
 
 IIAMESES. 263 
 
 Athor, but knew him not, for he was by garb a 
 Palllc foe, and slowly reclosed their lids. Placing 
 him against a heap of dead, Betis rejoined Athor, 
 when the Ethiop reopening his eyes, gazed on his 
 features, uttered a piercing shriek, and murmured, 
 to the astonished wondering Betis, the name of 
 Rameses. Both were appalled and amazed : it 
 evidently was a chord of union ; and when they 
 thought on Bocchoris lying near him, they resolved, 
 at every risk, to try and save the slave, and bear 
 him to the camp of Myris. Making a litter of the 
 sedges near, they bore him to the banks, still un- 
 molested, each marauder prowling only for his mid- 
 night prey. Some came near them, suspecting gold 
 or jewels ; but seeing only a wounded and apparently 
 a dying slave, with jeers and laughter quickly left 
 them. Bandaging two catamarans together, they 
 placed thereon the groaning slave, and committing 
 themselves, with him, to the stream, they by arduous 
 struggles sped their course, and safely landed on the 
 shores of the city of Poubasti. Hastening to the 
 sorrowing Myris, they communicated their hopes, 
 who instantly had the aid of skilful surgeons. Every 
 effort was exerted to revive the almost expiring suf- 
 ferer. His wounds were deep and dangerous, nor 
 could they answer for the event ; and, as if spent in 
 the effort of removal, he lay in deep insensibility, 
 with eyes closed, and every symptom of a crisis. 
 Three days, long and tedious to be borne, it lasted ;
 
 264 RAMESES. 
 
 ftn the fourth night sense revived, and he saw him- 
 self extended on a couch with Myris, Betis, and 
 Athor watching near him. Instantly he feebly 
 clasped his hands, exclaiming, * Oh, where is Ra- 
 meses, our noble victim ?"" And seeing by their 
 gestures he was lost to them, he wrung his hands in 
 wild despair. At length, ' Fly !' he wildly shrieked, 
 
 * fly to the caverns south of Sahrasht ''^- ! there he 
 lies immured in a sepulchral cave and starves : his 
 food was only for two days ? Recovering himself, 
 he gave more ample details ; and in few moments, 
 under the shade of darkness, Athor, faithful Athor, 
 with Betis, vanished with the lightning's speed. 
 
 * In vain,' he groaned, ' in vain ye fly ; he is de- 
 stroyed, and I, wretched for ever, am his murderer ! 
 Never since the door closed with thundering sound 
 has the melting fulness of his speaking eye departed 
 from my vision. Gladly I followed a savage master 
 to the field, and plunged amid the fight, where, 
 giving and receiving death, the sword soon punished 
 the treachery of Bocchoris, and smote us all !'
 
 RAMESES. 265 
 
 BOOK XI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Sabacon, acquainted with the intended plans of Rameses, 
 and overwhelmed with horror and remorse, retires with 
 the remnant of his troops towards the mouths of the Nile. 
 — The peculiar district of the Fens, the haunt of outlaws 
 and robbers, described. — The wild banditti, struck with 
 the bravery of Sabacon, offer him a refuge in their fast- 
 nesses, which he accepts. — His despair assuaged by soli- 
 tude; and the character of the inhabitants. — He resorts 
 for consolation to the celebrated oracle of Buto. — An en- 
 gagement between the banditti and a detachment of PaUi, 
 ■who are conquered and destroyed. — Sabacon chosen the 
 ruler of the Fens. 
 
 Sabacon felt the deepest agony and despair as 
 he recovered his recollection of the past, while his 
 vessels descended rapidly the Phathmenetic mouth 
 of the Nile, Plunged in gloom and horror, his 
 father's corpse lying on a couch beside him, it was 
 with difficulty any of those most intimate and ad- 
 mitted to his confidence could intrude on his srief. 
 The wretched condition of his feeble band, and the 
 desperate state of public affairs, added to the ex- 
 asperated tone of mind he experienced, decided Sa- 
 bacon to bury himself and his late aspiring hopes
 
 266 RAMESES. 
 
 and alms in the Bucolic marshes ; where, apart from 
 the world, and separated from all its habits and 
 pursuits, he might indulge that depth of alienation 
 from his kindred men which the crimes his con- 
 science accused him of made most congenial to his 
 feelings. The asylum which he thus chose for his 
 abode, and toward which he hastened as if its vast 
 and dreary fastnesses would have shut out his re- 
 morse as well as all his enemies, was one of singular 
 strength and wildness. It comprised the important 
 province^-^ contained between the Phathmenetic and 
 Sebennetic branches of the Nile, stretching to the 
 ocean; a most important district, containing the 
 widely extensive and beautiful pasturage for oxen 
 and cattle, whence it derived its name of Bu- 
 colica^-^. In the line and limit of its control it 
 contained also the celebrated and famous oracle of 
 Latona, in the island of Buto, which, as well as the 
 floating island of Chemmis, were considered the 
 most sacred in Egypt, as having been the refuge of 
 Isis, and where she hid and nurtured Horus from 
 the piu'suit of Typhon. This inmiense district was 
 reverenced as arising solely from the all bounteous 
 Nile, similarly as the Ethiopians declare Egypt was 
 formerly no part of the continent, but a sea at the 
 beginning of the world ; but that afterwards it was 
 made land by the river Nile^-^ bringing down slime 
 and mud out of Ethiopia. 
 
 Whatever may be the i)rctensions of these two
 
 RAMESES. 267 
 
 ancient nations ; the district now made the retreat 
 and hiding-place of Sabacon was manifestly so 
 created, and, from natural causes of strength and 
 concealment, had long been the asylum and defence 
 of impervious security. The entire district was 
 covered with marshes, extending even to the Bol- 
 bitine mouth. These vast pasturages were always 
 the covert of the criminal and the robber, who, in- 
 habiting them as a sure refuge against the pursuit 
 of justice, became here a systematic defier of the 
 laws. Alternately exercising the pursuit of shep- 
 herds and robbers, they became the most turbulent 
 and warlike of the Egyptian race; and this spot 
 was resorted to by refugees and slaves from all parts 
 of Libya and Ethiopia. Their physiognomy and 
 character separated them in a great degree from 
 the Mizraim race, and resembled more the mixed 
 Ethiopians. This district spread around a region 
 all sloping into an immense natural basin or hollow, 
 wherein the waters of the Nile soon, during the in- 
 undation, formed an immense and magnificent lake, 
 of profound depth in the centre, shallowing gra- 
 dually toward its slimy banks and borders, diversi- 
 fied with tufts and knolls of papyri and rushes. 
 Amid these eminences the refugees and inhabitants 
 have their cabins on little elevations, just maintain- 
 ing their existence above the level of the inundating 
 waters, where the vast space resembles the ocean 
 spotted with islets. Others of the residents of this
 
 268 RAMESES. 
 
 singular district tenant their barks, which entirely be- 
 come their abode, as well as their means of transport 
 from place to place : devoted to aquatic habits, they 
 pass their whole lives in large floating vessels as 
 fishermen, devolving to their wives only the maternal 
 duties and care of their infant children. 
 
 Every feature of this district wore an untamed 
 and unrestrained character, analogous to the wild 
 grandeur of its natural scenery. Such was the spot 
 towards which Sabacon directed his vessels, now 
 containing the wreck of his troops. Himself buried 
 in despair, and reckless of the future, he had gained 
 the confines of the marshy lands; while, absorbed 
 in grief, he left all their guidance to the direction 
 of Sethon, who, next to Bocchoris, had ever 
 ranked highest in his confidence. It was the in- 
 tention of Sethon to remain a sufficient period of 
 time at Busiris to refresh their men, as well as to 
 provide for their hospitable reception in the savage 
 asylum they were seeking. The royal residence of 
 Sais was also before them, and the temple and 
 oracle of Neith, which Sethon would fain have con- 
 sulted upon the present overwhelming crisis; but 
 the unexpected appearance of the pursuing foe 
 threatened them vvith total ruin. For Salatis and 
 his oflScers, seeing the daring valour Sabacon had 
 displayed, as well as the considerable forces which 
 he carried toward the north, had determined upon 
 an instant and most vigorous pursuit, that they
 
 RAMESES. 269 
 
 might leave no enemy behind tliem. Seizing every- 
 where the vessels abandoned and neglected in their 
 first panic, a great number of the bravest Pallic 
 troops ardently and closely followed Sabacon, and 
 now approached his station. But although despair 
 had marked him for her own, the very depth and 
 severity of his inward reproaches made him far more 
 terrible as an enemy. Thus at bay with his pur- 
 suers, drawing his vessels across the stream, and 
 manning them with his archers, himself foremost 
 in the fight, he displayed such an heroic valour 
 as more than counterbalanced the daily increasing 
 numbers of his enemies. 
 
 After two days' fierce resistance, worn out by 
 fatigue and exertion, Sabacon was catching a dis- 
 turbed and agitated repose, when some skiffs, filled 
 with a wild and savage crew, approached from the 
 north. They were received with welcome eager- 
 ness by Sethon, and expressed themselves as de- 
 puted from Nichochis to offer to the troops and 
 person of Sabacon the shelter of their marshes. 
 They were instantly brought to his presence ; and, 
 aware of his inability much longer to maintain the 
 combat, and grateful for the timely aid, he gladly 
 received the proffered welcome of these rude and 
 hardy outlaws. In silent haste, ere morning dawned, 
 he had descended the Nile, led onward and guided 
 by these strangers. Even in this wild district the 
 dreadful news had resounded which placed Egypt
 
 270 RAMESES. 
 
 at the mercy of her invaders ; and although often 
 engaged in hostile enterprises against their monarch''s 
 authority, these predatory bands felt that their exist- 
 ence might also be endangered by the event which 
 brought Egypt under the tyranny of the Palli. It 
 was therefore with great anxiety that they heard 
 of the struggle approaching their haunts ; and the 
 matchlessdaring and bravery of Sabacon were scarcely 
 known ere they resolved to solicit his taking refuge 
 among them, whereby they acquired a general, and 
 strengthened their means of defence. Guided by 
 their knowledge of the stream and its channels, 
 they soon arrived at the point where it became ne- 
 cessary to abandon the vessels, and embark on board 
 their light canoes of papyrus. The passes, difficult 
 in their nature, and impervious to any but them- 
 selves, become an impassable rampart ; and the 
 immense quantity of reeds which cover the marshes, 
 as well as the closely winding banks, are an im- 
 penetrable intrenchraent, most artfully improved 
 by infinite labour, so as to form a countless variety 
 of obliquely winding and labyrinthine passages, 
 known perfectly to themselves, but dangerous and 
 inaccessible to the hostile invader. Covered by these 
 difficult ways, which are vigilantly watched, they 
 are exempted from all dread of surprise ; and the 
 avenues in some parts communicating with the 
 waters of the lake, being extremely shallow, they 
 are only navigable by the light and buoyant vessels
 
 RAMESES. 271 
 
 which they use ; their make so extremely slender, 
 that in the various parts of the stream where the 
 land is firm, they take them instantly on their 
 shoulders, and transport them to another and deeper 
 channel, in which they again may launch, and float 
 on the waters. 
 
 How mournful did the procession appear which 
 arranged itself on the banks of these formidable 
 marshes ! The troops of Sabacon, reduced to a scanty 
 band, and of these a third wounded ; their persons 
 worn and bloody ; their arms such as they seized 
 amid the confusion and alarms of the night, irre- 
 gular and promiscuous; the standards and equip- 
 ments also mingled in tie same disorder ; all evincing 
 the perils past : but above all, the grand and pro- 
 minent figure of Sabacon, his plume and casque of 
 sable hue, but not as gloomy as the visage which 
 loured beneath it ; his dress spotted with blood ; his 
 whole deportment majestic and impressive ; his 
 senses holding communion with nothing but his 
 own proud and embittered spirit, and no object to 
 occupy his thoughts but his father's corpse. Such 
 were the principal appearances of melancholy, dis- 
 order, and suffering, of the harassed warriors. 
 
 As they were conveyed swiftly through these wind- 
 ing straits, they observed with joy the impossibility of 
 any invading force ever penetrating these barriers : 
 on all sides around the rushes approach the stream, 
 so as to place every passing vessel on the waters
 
 272 RAMESES. 
 
 wholly at the mercy of their watchful ambush : and 
 such is the character of the soil, that none but the 
 outlaws, who have acquired an entire knowledge of 
 their deceitful character, can venture to land ; as 
 some, although to the eye sound and firm, become 
 destructive quicksands, and instantly swallow up 
 the incautious beings who trust to them. Around 
 grow abundantly the papyrus ^"^, from six to eight 
 cubits in height, affording a nutritious root for their 
 subsistence. In other parts of the lake appeared 
 the flowering lotos, Egypt's pride and veneration, 
 here especially of eminent importance ; its wide 
 spreading flowers giving beauty to the banks with 
 their expanding petals. The inhabitants dry the 
 seed, and bake it into bread ; and the root, the size 
 of an apple, they roast and eat. Some of their boats, 
 so light and buoyant, are formed of a thorn much 
 resembling the lotos, but strong and tough, adapted 
 for their use, and most ingeniously built, exciting 
 the surprise of their guests : for the Egyptian war- 
 riors looked with wonder on the numerous wild and 
 savage forms that clustered round them in their 
 barks, as they proceeded througii the passes ; while 
 ever and anon the rushes waving aside in the cool 
 breeze, discovered ambuscades, seated securely, far 
 beyond all reach of danger themselves, but in a state 
 to inflict certain death on every rash intruder. 
 
 These banditti were tall and hardy ; their hue 
 generally a deep black, resembling the jetty Ethio-
 
 IIAMESES. 273 
 
 plans ; their head bare, witli long dangling matted 
 locks flowing over their shoulders ^-", to inspire 
 terror : their horses, with which their .marshes 
 abounded, with long thick hair, carrying neither 
 saddles nor harness, but wild and savage as their 
 riders. Such were the inhabitants, whose gestures 
 and disorderly habits were strongly contrasted by 
 the sombre and matured discipline of the Egyptian 
 bands. They soon launched into an immense lake, 
 spreading on all sides far as the eye could reach, 
 adorned with numerous isles, all clustered thickly 
 with the mud and reed cabins of this wild race. 
 Other spots, which were uninhabited, were wholly 
 covered by immense papyri, whose height exceeding 
 far the stature of man, and their leaves thickly in- 
 terlacing together, formed resorts altogether dark, 
 sombre, and impenetrable. The largest isles were 
 covered with rows of cabins, so as in numbers to re- 
 semble cities, but to the eye scarcely discernible from 
 the soil ; and among these was Nlchochis, the destined 
 point of Sabacon, which, exceeding all the others 
 in extent, was rendered so impervious as to be an 
 inaccessible asylum. Placed in the centre of the 
 marshes which surround it on all sides, it is only at- 
 tached to the main-land by a narrow isthmus of 
 eight cubits in breadth, and of great length, o})en 
 on every side to the lake, which effectually protects 
 it from all enemies. 
 
 The sun was high in the horizon when Sabacon 
 
 VOL. I. T
 
 274 RAMESES. 
 
 and his tired followers were brought within its rushy 
 banks, and received all the hospitable welcome this 
 savage course of life could bestow. To Sabacon 
 the exchange from palaces and courts, where all 
 corroded the wound his self-love had suffered, to a 
 spot wild and terrific, displaying man in his native 
 state, unsoftened by culture, and untamed by laws, 
 was indeed a boon most grateful beyond all other 
 alternatives. His heart, a prey to the evil passions 
 of revenge and hate, had received a wound of mor- 
 tal anguish, in the developements of his brother's 
 bright and exalted character. Too fierce to own 
 his error, but too sensible of all his intended crimes 
 to remain fully satisfied with those glosses, whereby, 
 through the aid of the suggestions of Bocchoris, he 
 had hitherto blinded himself, he had passed the 
 hours after he was borne from his father's tent in 
 vain and rapid changes of resolve about his captive 
 brother, and in imploring the gods for the return of 
 Bocchoris, that he might reverse his deadly purposes, 
 own all his guilty suspicions, and at his brother's 
 feet receive his forgiveness. But he was not so de- 
 stined to recover his peace of mind. The fatal night, 
 already delineated, along with its tremendous com- 
 bat, broke all his plans, ruined every budding hope 
 of reconciliation, and threw him a fugitive with his 
 fatlier's corpse amid the desolations of the fens, 
 leaving his brother, as he feared, either already a 
 victim to the cruelty of Bocchoris, or, abandoned
 
 RAMESES. 275 
 
 and neglected, a prey to the more dreadful death of 
 famine. 
 
 For some days after the hattle he had lingered 
 on the banks of the Nile, hoping yet dreading the 
 appearance of Bocchoris, of whose fate he was ig- 
 norant. But this anxious hope disappointed, he 
 had relapsed into the deepest gloom. Cut off by 
 his mental exacerbation from the sweet solace of 
 hope, he welcomed the grand and simple character 
 of the scenery around him ; it transported his ima- 
 gination to the early ages of the world ; and in the 
 wild republic with which he was environed, their 
 nomade feelings and bold undaunted habits, he 
 thouoht he breathed more freely than he could have 
 done amid the temples, palaces, and streets of cities. 
 Captivated b}'^ his ready adoption of their hardships 
 and privations, his innate disdain of all indulgence, — 
 viewing with admiration his grandeur of mien and 
 noble port, — having also heard the wonderful details 
 of his valour on the Nile, from those emissaries who 
 were sent toconduct him toNichochis^-^, — thedaring 
 untameablc spirits of the fens yielded to him im- 
 plicitly an homage, the more genuine and effective, 
 because it flowed not from necessity, but was their 
 involuntary tribute to a proud superiority. Sa- 
 bacon, although thus sheltered from all evils with 
 his followers, and deriving a solace that he at least 
 had brought them to a haven of safety, was however 
 
 T 2
 
 276 RxVMESES. 
 
 nightly visited by such horrors on the uncertainty 
 of his lost brother's fate, that he resolved to visit 
 the shrine of Latona, and seek her protection and 
 advice. No sooner were his wishes known, than 
 the wild tribes around prepared, according to their 
 rude ideas, to furnish forth an equipment that should 
 mark their respect. The evening was calm and 
 serene, and the sun as it set gilded brightly the 
 edge of all the horizon, spreading a stream of lustre 
 on this vast majestic lake : its waters were covered 
 with boats, all of them fishing and exercising their 
 evening avocations and sports. In some the females, 
 with their infants at the breast, sat upon the benches, 
 looking merrily upon a scene that gave them much 
 interest. The borders of the numerous isles were 
 edged with flocks of the stately flamingo, which 
 glowed in the setting beams as fires. The ibis, 
 heron, and various aquatic birds floated around, 
 with their cries giving an impressive tone to tlie 
 evening's silence, which undisturbed, save by Na- 
 ture's tribes, brooded still and awful on the waters. 
 Here and there were boats, where the parent, absent 
 on hunting parties, had left his children safe in their 
 floating house, fastened to the beach by leathern 
 straps : these dark and swarthy imps laughed loudly 
 as their piercing eyes descried the strangers. The 
 scene was Nature's own — a lake magnificently full, 
 with its sedgy islands spotting all its surface, and
 
 IIAMESES. 277 
 
 with every brilliant hue of feathered fowl upon the 
 winff. No cities' towerlno; structures marred the 
 light, or broke the still silence of these shores. 
 
 It was at this hour they prepared to convey Sa- 
 bacon to Buto, and soon amid the group appeared 
 various canoes with rowers chanting a plaintive song. 
 Two canoes contained the priests, savage and wild, 
 for in these haunts all partook of the terrible and 
 sublime ; and when their hostile incursions brought 
 them back with spoils and captives, human blood, 
 most horrible sacrifice ! besmeared the ensanguined 
 altars to the savage Mars. A chief followed them, 
 dressed in flamingo plumes, and a boat with attend- 
 ants sounding their warlike flutes and clarions, whose 
 tones, though harsh, floated on the vast lake, echo- 
 ing amid its winding scenery. Sabacon, seated in 
 a larger vessel, his father's corpse beside him, wore 
 on his gloomy features a settled darkness, over- 
 spreading also all his faithful followers ; viewing the 
 impressive countenance of Sosis, his wounds ap- 
 parent, the look serene, though fixed in death ; 
 far happier in thus sharing the fall of his beloved 
 country, than as Sabacon, a prey to misery and 
 despair. Numberless clusters of boats all crowding 
 round to testify their feelings as he passed onward, 
 the sad procession soon left the sympathising bands, 
 the widely-spreading lake, and gliding along the 
 narrow outlets, they found darkness already fallen 
 on the earth, as they swiftly swept their way, im-
 
 278 llAMESES. 
 
 pelling forward their light canoes, rapid as the even- 
 ing water-fowl to their nightly rest, toward the sacred 
 fane. Wrapt in his cloak, and inwardly groaning 
 with those tortures known only in the breast where 
 dwells remorse, Sabacon concealed himself and his 
 agonized feelings from those around ; thus he ap- 
 proached the sacred shrine, near which the boats 
 remained until the appointed hour of sacrifice, 
 having entered the deep and spacious lake wherein 
 stands the sacred island Chemmis, most sacred in 
 that formerly its palmy shades were the retreat of 
 Isis with the god Horus, when, escaping from dread 
 Typhon's rage, the island floated on the waters, 
 and preserved them from the destroyer. Its ma- 
 jestic palms and consecrated groves skreened a 
 temple '^9 dedicated to Horus as the solar god, 
 adorned with three altars. Here Sabacon took his 
 solitary seat, and awaited the slow hours that might 
 lead him to Latona's shrine. As he gazed on the 
 neighbouring city, its vast size and splendour re- 
 newed the distaste wherewith he again contemplated 
 the edifices of man and the pomps of life; while, 
 notwithstanding his wounded mind, he could not 
 but admire the stupendous grandeur of Latona's 
 temple, and her porticos in front and around it of 
 forty cubits height, enriched with the palmy cor- 
 nices, and displaying every feature of finished mag- 
 nificence. The deep and solemn shades of the wood 
 of palms suited with his sombre and anxious feelings,
 
 IIAMESES. 279 
 
 growing more and more saddened, until he received 
 permission and directions to approach the shrine. 
 In the interior of the temple stood this unequalled 
 and stupendous adytum of the deity, whence issued 
 those celebrated responses, revered throughout 
 Egypt beyond all other holy oracles. The sacred 
 shrine itself was one vast monolithic stone, one hun- 
 dred and sixty cubits in circumference, most won- 
 drous, and beyond all comparison the heaviest mass 
 ever moved by human power. Beneath this mighty 
 massive cell was a fissure, whence in darkness and 
 deep gloom the sacred sounds issued. It was with 
 wounded pride as well as anxious thought that Sa- 
 bacon paced the porticos : they renewed somewhat 
 of an angry tone, allied to his jealous dread of the 
 loathed preference given by the priesthood to his 
 brother, which instantly disappeared before his 
 better feelings; and when brought before the gi- 
 gantic and unparalleled shrine, his heart bowed sup- 
 pliantly before the hallowed precinct of divinity, 
 as if in the presence of dread Nature, where neither 
 man nor his works are seen, but all is power and 
 boundless might. Recovering his scattered thoughts, 
 he humbly and with broken speech offered the tones 
 of inquiry for his brother's fate : " To the gods all 
 is known — past, present, and to come. Had his fell 
 purpose left him without a brother, or could the 
 oracle direct where and how to save him, — if by tlie 
 forfeit of his own worthless life?" The answer.
 
 280 llAMESES. 
 
 after a lengthened pause, came in soft accents tx> 
 his breathless frame, his eyes downcast, his arms 
 stretched forward as to arrest and catch the scarcely 
 audible murmurs : — 
 
 A brother's hate ! fell Typhon's fond delight ! 
 Is ever odious in Osiris' sight ! 
 He from the grave has heard thy brother's moan. 
 And now accepts the vows of Sabacon ! 
 
 Sabacon, trembling with suspense and awe, felt 
 his heart rekindle with somewhat of joy at the fa- 
 vourable augury expressed from the shrine; and 
 desirous to procure all honour to his father's corpse, 
 now implored the auspices of the priesthood to re- 
 ceive the revered form, and pay it every honour, 
 until a favourable change of circumstances might 
 give the hero a sepulture among his noble an- 
 cestors. The embalm ers had already prepared the 
 body in haste, so as to preserve it from decay. In the 
 favouring protection of the deity, Sabacon felt part 
 of the weight on his heart rolled away, and his bro- 
 ther guarded by Osiris; to secure due honours to his 
 father became his next prayer ; and having obtained 
 permission, the body of Sosis was instantly borne 
 with reverence and magnificence to the holy fane. 
 And now restored to comparative energ}', his heart 
 relieved of its direst fears, trusting he should be 
 spared a murderer's lot, alert to undertake every 
 enterprise for the safety of his brother and the king-
 
 IIAMESES. 281 
 
 dom, Sabacon became chastened to a proper sense 
 of the true estimate of human dignity, and he in- 
 deed profited by the tremendous trial which he had 
 undergone. His mind fraught with these senti- 
 ments, his return to Nichochis developed to the at- 
 tached and warlike outlaws the energies of liis cha- 
 racter. To his proposition of arraying them in bands 
 to pour upon the enemies of their country, they list- 
 ened with maddening glee ; war, blood, and havoc, 
 their delight and element, they were most eager to 
 commence their lessons in a manner more sustained 
 by the feelings of innate justice, felt even in the 
 savage breast ; and acting unboundedly in their 
 confidence and gratitude, as in all tlieir other pas- 
 sions, they unanimously elected Sabacon the chief 
 of their whole band and community. Never had a 
 daring spirit subjects of more bold and dauntless 
 courage, with forms of iron mould, nurtured to 
 hardships, cradled in adversity and trial. 
 
 The days that thus flowed on saw Sabacon ac- 
 quiring in each revolving sun a more confirmed and 
 solid ascendancy over these men of unconauered 
 spirit, — hearts steeled to dare tortures and death ; 
 and his deportment, Avhile it was impressive and 
 highly manly, yet to all their females and infant 
 race was gentleness itself. Stretched on a bear- 
 skin, and reclining near the margin of the lake, his 
 dark eye watching the pelican fishing for her young, 
 as her snow-white form majestically floated on the
 
 282 llAMESES. 
 
 waters, he would gaze intensely, musing on the 
 beautiful analogies of nature, on maternal fondness 
 thus watching for and providing for her young; 
 how tenderly she cowers upon her brood, and, re- 
 gardless of her own existence, nurtures and supports 
 them. Her eye flames like the dazzling sapphire, 
 as she quick darting seeks her prey. Among the 
 beauteous birds who haunt the vast inland sea, 
 none shone so brightly in the evening ray as the 
 flocks of crimson-hued flamingos. The sounds of 
 myriads of heaven's denizens were in the air, seeking 
 their day"'s repast, whicli flowed in vast profusion 
 from kind Nature's bounteous hands ; and if the 
 waters swarmed with life, not less the air in count- 
 less myriads of its insects on the wing. These 
 sights were never tiresome to the solemn tone of 
 Sabacon's recruiting soul, which gathered from all 
 the mysterious ways of Providence a ray of light to 
 guide it upward to reviving heavenly views; and 
 was rescued from the deep abyss of hate and fell 
 revenge. The deeply pictured care of the pelicans 
 shadowed faintly to his softened heart the never- 
 ceasing tenderness wherewith his parent now in the 
 grave had fostered the tender weakness and tottering 
 forms of himself and Rameses. The stately fla- 
 mingo, shining as a crimsoned warrior, envied not, 
 hurt not his associate — how could he thus crush a 
 brother's kindred heart ? Every trait of that great 
 volume which Providence displays before our eyes,
 
 RAMESES. 283 
 
 read him lessons fruitful of those wise and perfect 
 admonitions which all her scenes evolve : they 
 breathe the fragrance of her works, as well as wis- 
 dom infinite; and while they reprove and Avarn, 
 they corrode not the wound, nor overwhelm the 
 sinking heart. To Sabacon they came replete with 
 healing balm. Nor were these hours of evening 
 wholly abstracted from his own kind ; the savage 
 men around him became more mild, and took a tone 
 of order from his influence. He was never weary of 
 looking on upon their manly and amazing feats of 
 strength and bodily power, wherewith (the day's 
 labours past, the fish caught, and every toil con- 
 cluded), they amused themselves upon the edges of 
 the water, in wrestling matches ^^% wherein their 
 gaunt and sinewy forms showed strength, best 
 gained by toil and daily exercise: these, akhough 
 rough trials, yet were tinged with mental energy 
 that gave them a higher character of interest than 
 the ])ands of hired slaves. Here emulation strove 
 with all her strength ; but if nature, free and uncon- 
 trolled, displayed her eminent greatness in the ex- 
 pansion of the physical powers of man, she also 
 sometimes gave the rein to passions growing out of 
 these scenes which swept all moral curb and check 
 away ; but Sabacon, accustomed to look on wounds 
 and death, took no alarm at such scenes : his dark 
 and gloomy nature preferred the whirlwind and the 
 storm, and to look thus upon his fellow man with
 
 284 RAMESES. 
 
 all his secret springs and purposes bare and open to 
 tlie eye, no polished courtiers refining over bitter 
 hate, became to him a favourite contemplation. He 
 moved among them as a superior being, a planet 
 bright and of unquestioned grandeur. To all their 
 earnest appeals upon their frays and differences, he 
 turned a deaf regardless ear ; but one of touching 
 traits before his eyes drew forth his interference. 
 
 The evening was as usual glowing with all her 
 charms, — cooling gales came from the waters, — they 
 appeared heaving with life, as the sun shone upon 
 the burnished scales of myriads of fish playing on 
 the surface, for the evening food of insects with 
 which the air was filled ; they, giddy sporters of an 
 hour, yielded also the bounteous repast to the flocks 
 of water-fowl which swarmed around. To the eye 
 of Sabacon, the link of Nature"'s bounties, and her 
 setting sun, were pleasures ineffable in his train of 
 thought, when a group in front attracted his atten- 
 tion. A man of fine athletic form had taught a 
 pelican, taken by him, and reared from unfledged 
 age, to watch and fish for him, and by his skill had 
 made his feathered servant's lesson so perfect, that 
 never slave more faithfully delivered his tale of gain 
 than did the poor fond bird. His master seemed to 
 him thereby overruling even instinctive habits in 
 this bird, and firmly uniting its propensities and 
 exertions in his service, and rendering it dependent 
 upon his wish and will. This evening saw a bet
 
 RABIESES. 285 
 
 upon Its performance of fishing and preserving of 
 its prey : the loser differed, and all the violent gesti- 
 culations followed, where no law, no rule warns to 
 desist; which crettino; more and more heated, at 
 length the inflamed opponent, lifting his massy club, 
 at one cruel and overwhelmino- blow crushed the 
 poor unoffending pelican, mutely standing near him. 
 It was a pitiable sight to see the bird, even in the in- 
 stant agony of its crushed and mangled form, casting 
 one last look of dying recognition and of fondness 
 towards its master, — then motionless for ever. The 
 owner darting, though unarmed, upon the furious 
 ruffian, struggled for the club to inflict a similar 
 vengeance on his enem3^ Long the struggle lasted ; 
 but in the end he would have been levelled with the 
 earth, like his unoffending bird, had not Sabacon, 
 whose eye had watched the scene, rushed forward, 
 and with one blow prostrated the aggressor before 
 him ; then seizing the club, he restrained with his 
 warning arm the vengeance of the exasperated foe. 
 Instantly with a signal summoning the circle around, 
 he commanded the presence of the culprit. Who- 
 ever had beheld the scene would have deemed some 
 being of the race divine roaming the earth, to teach 
 the savage mind laws and the arts of peace, had ap- 
 proached this lake. 
 
 Night had set in dark and sombre : the surface, 
 anon so beautifully covered, now was still and si- 
 lent. Upon the margin in one small indenture
 
 ^86 RAMESES. 
 
 Still stood a group of swarthy figures, most of 
 them clothed in uncouth and picturesque garb, 
 while some were wholly naked : in their hands they 
 carried blazing torches of the pine and saccharine 
 plants, whose stalks supplied their fuel : by their 
 glaring light, Sabacon, with Sethon and his officers, 
 were seen dressed in white vests and casques, orna- 
 mented with the heron's and flamingo's plume : 
 their noble forms and rich dress contrasted strongly 
 with the group of -wild banditti. Near them, rest- 
 ing on their clubs, were forty of the strongest and 
 most stirring of the community, whose daring spi- 
 rits and superior judgment gave them ascendency 
 among the bands. The whole beach swarmed with 
 lookers on, when Sabacon in succinct words re- 
 lated the offence, and the deadly outrage it gave 
 rise to. No more was wanting, — there lay the 
 mangled bird ; and with one consent they doomed 
 the criminal to be banished from children, wife, 
 and their community, and to expiate the crime 
 upon a wild and remote islet without intercourse 
 with hving soul, unless his injured foe relented and 
 forgave him. This sentence instantly was carried 
 into execution : the boon of some lines to fish and 
 nourish life was all afforded, and in few moments 
 embarked, the rowers swept him from the shore. 
 In this instant of their heated fury against the 
 crime, and urged with strong adjurations of his 
 acting as their judge, Sabacon seized the propitious
 
 RAMESES. 287 
 
 moment to select the forty of their chiefs, who 
 should every evening in rotation devote their hours 
 to hear their complaints, and order all the penal- 
 ties, himself meanwhile remaining umpire of their 
 decisions. Acting thus, he by his cares and kind 
 exertions brought their fierce untameable spirits 
 under a yoke endured, because self-imposed by all. 
 Midnight broils now ceased to end in blood, for 
 the relentless severity of their punishments appalled 
 even these hardened spirits, and Sabacon (without 
 the invidiousness of being punisher) - thus became 
 the object of their highest trust and deep respect. 
 
 To exercise their arms, and teach them to man- 
 oeuvre and act in order, was a hard and painful 
 endeavour; and Sabacon had soon an instructive 
 lesson taught him how far superior were their 
 means of safety in their own resorts, than any his 
 experience could suggest ; for scouts always watch- 
 ing on the adjacent banks to where their fastnesses 
 begin, brought at length accounts of the armament 
 which had pursued Sabacon after having possessed 
 themselves of the towns, and, strengthened by fresh 
 forces, were approaching to attack their haunt. The 
 news scarcely was rumoured around ere every islet 
 swarmed forth its throngs : it seemed as if they 
 started from the ground self-formed. Among the 
 multitude the forty elders selected a small but 
 chosen band ; and imploring Sabacon to trust the 
 action to their direction, himself placed with his
 
 S88 - RAMKSES. 
 
 Mizraim followers on the lofty knolls, they hastened 
 to prepare then' weapons and transport him to the 
 spot. Numberless windings and secret passes were 
 threaded by diem as swiftly and as readily as the 
 bird flies to her haunt ; and in a short period the 
 aged warriors, and Sabacon with his officers, were 
 landed on a mighty mound, high towering, and 
 thickly overgrown with papyri and rushes: creep- 
 ing among their interlaced and twisted leaves, as 
 the ichneumon steals upon the crocodile, they 
 climbed the heights followed by Sabacon, and se- 
 curely seated on its summit, through the reeds be- 
 held the passes and their interesting scenery to the 
 Nile, open and delineated under their eyes ; them- 
 selves meantime securely skreened by towering 
 reeds. Nothing now appeared but the hostile ves- 
 sels croM'ded with the Pallic troops, who came gal- 
 lantly on, entering the inlets ; their shields ready, 
 their arrows on the string, and javelins pointed ; 
 thus they boldly stood onwards, and through va- 
 rious windings penetrated far between the banks 
 without encountering a single foe. Still the war- 
 riors from the fens thought them not entangled 
 sufficiently, therefore now two canoes glided forth 
 ahead, as if unconscious of their coming, then 
 feigning fright they fled swiftly to the shallows. 
 The eager Palli with loud shouts pursued, and in 
 a moment sweeping their barks swiftly onward by 
 their full benches of rowers, they stuck on the
 
 IIAMESKS. 289 
 
 sliallowincr sands. This instant from every quarter 
 flew clouds of missile weapons, most unerring, 
 deadly, and far more destructive than the javelin's 
 force, as vast clods of earth '•^', heavier than metal, 
 hardened as rocks, and bristling with sharp points, 
 were hurled with resistless force upon the vessels 
 lying underneath the rushy knolls, crushing through 
 armour, shields, and every fence, and inflicting cer- 
 tain death. Astonished at the sweeping ruin, the 
 Palli flung their javelins in vain against their unseen 
 foes: these passed innoxious through the matted 
 papyri and rushes, while a short space evidenced 
 how sure and true the enemies' aim, how terrible 
 the slaughter, and that they had no safety but in 
 instant flight. Ere however they tried this last 
 resource, one desperate effort, maddened by their 
 sufferings, was made by the Palli to land and 
 search the unseen passes whence such ruin was 
 poured on them : but the attempt was death ; for 
 sinking in the quicksands, the more they struggled 
 the more they became involved, until they pe- 
 rished with loud cries for help, amid the most la- 
 mentable of all sufl'erings ; while the survivors, 
 overwhelmed by the missiles of their unseen foes, 
 and horror-struck at their comrades' fate, thoucht 
 only of flying as their last resource. But the op- 
 portunity was past : most of the vessels were im- 
 moveably grounded in the sands, and soon their 
 sides swarmed with the hardy and savage bands, 
 
 VOL. I. u
 
 290 RAMESfiS. 
 
 who rushing over the decks completed the slaugliter 
 of the wretched and hapless bands of Salatis. A 
 few headmost vessels only, not enough grounded 
 for efforts to be useless, and in view of this hcxr- 
 rible scene, swiftly plying their oars, once more 
 regained the Nile, but not without great suffer- 
 ings; as the pursuing avengers showered their tre- 
 mendous weapons of clay, sweeping their decks, 
 until they were entirely free from these deadly 
 passes. 
 
 Gloriously triumphing over their country's foes, 
 and surrounded by the wild and brave inhabitants 
 of the fens, Sabacon and his followers justly exulted 
 at their victory, which effectually knit together the 
 warrior and the outlaw bands. In joyful procession 
 they returned to Nichochis : but the bright gleam 
 of success thus shining, was more deeply welcomed 
 by the noble-minded, although erring Sabacon, as 
 it appeared to open a means and path whereby he 
 might retrace his sadly miserable progress, and re- 
 trieve or at least atone for his brother's unmerited 
 misfortunes. The earliest instant therefore that 
 the duties and engagements of the pre-eminence 
 he held amid his exulting followers allowed of his 
 attentive care, his soul again revolved the hopes of 
 renewing the struggle for his country, and three 
 of the most acute and subtle of his followers, men 
 fearless of danger and acquainted with all the 
 waters and passes of Egypt, were despatched con-
 
 IIAMESES. 291 
 
 iHlcnlially to ascertain the sentiments of the native 
 Mizraimites. Intrusted also with the deadly secret 
 of the cave so fatally injurious, and it was feared 
 destructive to the hapless Rameses, they were to 
 seek for Myris and Phritiphanes; whom, as his 
 brother's dearest friends, he longed to seek in re- 
 conciliation, to whom they were to express his deep 
 remorse, also to furnish them with every light upon 
 his disappearance which had been afforded by Boc- 
 choris. This duty performed, Sabacon, with feel- 
 ings somewhat assuaged, and heart now again di- 
 lating to the blessings of nature, hourly and ardently 
 applied all his peculiar talents to the amelioration 
 and improvement of the rude yet brave and devoted 
 adherents thus completely placed by one of the un- 
 ceasing mutations of life under his supremacy and 
 control. 
 
 f 2
 
 NOTES. 
 
 (1) Unless the river swells to sixteen cubits, or fifteen at least, the 
 country is not covered with water. This same standard of plenty is 
 exhibited on medals as the scale in the time of the Roman emperors^ 
 and it is the present height which is celebrated throughout Egypt with 
 the greatest joy. — Euterpe, Herodotus, Pococke. 
 
 (2) The vessels of burden are constructed of a species of thorn, an acan - 
 thus, resembling the lotos of Cyrene. They force the planks together 
 with the bark of the papyrus made into ropes ; one rudder goes through 
 the keel of the vessel ; their mast is made of the same thorn ; and the 
 sails are formed from the papyrus. The name of this bark is baris.— 
 Hor. i. 328. Tiie joints of the inside are secured by bands of papyrus. 
 Of these papyrine vessels the Egj^tians have great numbers on the 
 Nile, so termed from the papyrus bark used in their construction. — 
 U. H. i. 588. 
 
 (3) The sou regularly succeeds the father in military life. The 
 soldiers and the priests are the only ranks in Egypt who are honourably 
 distinguished.— Euterpe, H. i. 420; Diod. b. i. c. 6. The Egyptians 
 are divided into si.\ classes— the priesthood, the king, the military, the 
 shepherds, husbandmen, and artificers. — Diod. b. i. c. 6. 
 
 (4) Epoptae. In the Eleusinian mysteries, founded and copied from 
 the Isiac, the lesser were dedicated to Proserpine, the greater to Ceres. 
 The initiated in the lesser mysteries, which were open to all, were 
 called 'mystics,' or novices, from their imperfect views; into the 
 higher, ' epoptas, inspectors, and perfect,' as adepts, admitted to full 
 and perfect knowledge. Whereby was enigmatically signilied of old, 
 tiiat whoever was not initiated in the lower, and not perfected in the 
 liigher mysteries, should go to Hades, and there lie iuimerscd in mire;
 
 294< NOTES. 
 
 but whoever had been both purified and perfected, when lie arrives 
 there shall dwell with gods. The lower mj-steries taught the doctrine 
 6f a presiding providence, a future state of reward and judgment, an 
 Elysium, and a Tartarus. The greater mysteries were confined to 
 very few, and contained secrets not to be divulged. During the fes- 
 tival week it was unlawful to arrest for debt, or to commence a lawsuit, 
 or for ladies to ride in chariots. 
 
 Socrates never would be initiated inio these mysteries, and it was 
 an article of charge against him, when he was condemned to die. — 
 Hales, V. iii. 182. 
 
 (5) When they carry Apis on a raft to his funeral, they wear the 
 skins of hinds, and bear javelins crowned with ivy, using the sort of 
 bowlings and gesticulations as the votaries of Bacchus practise in their 
 orgies. — Isis and Osiris, 46. 
 
 This Apis, or Epaphus, is the calf of a cow, incapable of bearing 
 another, and no otherwise to be impregnated than by thunder, as the 
 Egyptians affirm. The marks that distinguish him from all others 
 are these : his body is black, except one square of white on the fore- 
 head ; he has the figure of an eagle on his back, a double list of hair 
 on his tail, and a scaraboeus under his tongue. — Thalia, Herodotus, 
 IG). 
 
 (6) iVpis. When Apis died, there was a universal mourning in 
 Egypt. They sought for another, and having found him, the mourn- 
 ing ended. The priests conducted him to Nilopolis, where they kept 
 him forty days : they afterwards removed him in a magnificent vessel 
 to Memphis, where he had an apartment ornamented with gold. Plu- 
 tarch says, the priests affirm that the moon sheds a generative light, 
 with which should a cow be struck, she conceives Apis, who bears the 
 sign of that planet. The marks are known to the priests. According 
 to the sacred books, he was only permitted to live a stipulated time : 
 when this came, he was drowned in a sacred fountain. — Thalia, H. ii. 
 34. When Apis from old age died at Memphis, in the reign of Pto- 
 lemy Lagus, his keeper not only spent all the provision he had made 
 in burying of him, but borrowed of Ptolemy fifty talents of silver for 
 the same purpose. And iri our time some of the keepers of those 
 creatures have lavished away no less than a liundrcd talents, in the 
 maintaining of them. — Diod. b i. c. 0'.
 
 NOTES. 295 
 
 The priests give the Apis liis water from a well particularly set 
 apart for this purpose, restraining him entirely from drinking of the 
 Nile ; not that they look on the river as impure (for there is nothing 
 the Egyptians have in greater veneration than the Nile), but because 
 its waters are particularly fattening and nourishing, and this is a habit 
 they avoid in the Apis, as well as themselves ; studious as they are 
 that their bodies may sit as light and easy about their souls as possible, 
 and that their mortal part may not oppress and weigh down the more 
 divine and immortal one. — Plut. Isis and Osiris, 6. 
 
 (7) In the dog, as Hermes or Anubis, is worshipped the vigilancci 
 watchfulness, and sagacity ; a fit emblem of the god, the patron of rea- 
 son. The springing lotus shows the rising sun. The hippopotamus 
 and ass are Tj'phon, meaning the power and violence he employs in 
 works of mischief. The eye and the sceptre are the wisdom and power 
 of Osiris. The hawk, a symbol of the god, from its piercing sight and 
 swiftness of wing. The cat is the moon (at Bubastis, the Grecian 
 Diana); its variety of colours, activity at night, and fecundity, making 
 it a proper emblem. The scarabaeus is a proper image of the sun. 
 The aspic, renewing its age, and by its gliding motion, a sjTiibol also 
 of the stars. The crocodile, having no tongue, is esteemed an image 
 of the Deity, for the divine reason stands in no need of speech. So the 
 ibis is of the moon (or Hecate) from its mottled black and white feathers 
 mixed together, embleming its gibbosity. The priests, most exact to 
 tiicir sacred rites, always fetch the water they make use of in their 
 purifications from some place where the ibis has been seen to drink, as 
 iliis bird will never go near any unwholesome or corrupted water. — 
 Plutarch, Isis and Osiris. 
 
 (8) The doctrine of the emanation and refusion of the soul is several 
 times alluded to by Euripides, who held the tenets of the Ionic sect, 
 derived by the founders of lliat school from Egypt. The following 
 passage from a fragment of the Chrysippus expresses it most clearly. 
 ' Those things which sprang from the earth, go back again to the 
 eavth ; those which spring from an ethereal stock, return to tiie hea 
 venly vault. Notliing perishes that has once iiad existence.' It is 
 alluded to, also, in a drama which is still extant : ' The intellect of the 
 dead lives not, but has an immortal sense, being poured out into the 
 immortal ether.'— Prichard's Egyptian Chronology, p. -08. .Mso
 
 290 NOTES. 
 
 t'roiii PbcUus : ' It beconiLS you to hasten to the light and rays of the 
 Father, whence a soul was imparted to you, invested with an abundance 
 of intellect.' 
 
 (9) The phoenix, according to the Heliopolitans, comes once in five 
 liundred years, and then only at the decease of the parent bird. By its 
 picture the wings are partly a gold, partly a ruby colour ; its form and 
 size like an eagle. They say it comes from Arabia to the Temple of 
 the Sun. 
 
 The Phenicians give the name of phcEnix to the palm tree, because 
 when burnt down to the ground, it springs up again, stronger and 
 fairer than ever.— Euterpe, Her. i. 301. 
 
 The entire story of the phcenix was indeed an Egyptian hieroglyphic, 
 expressing the canicular period of 1461 years. The same was veiled 
 under a curious enigma by the Heliopolitan priests to Herodotus. 
 And Tacitus accordingly describes liie phosnix as ' a singular bird con- 
 secrated to the sun, distinguished by its appearance and variegated 
 plumage from all others.' It was to be seen at some time in Egypt, 
 because the canicular cycle was invented there ; and first in the reign 
 of Sesostris, because this cycle began [July 20] B. C. 1322, only about 
 fourteen years before the reign of Sesostris, and therefore in his days : 
 and it niiglit have been registered among other astronomical observa- 
 tions, inscribed on the famous zodiac ofOsymandes, whicli was another 
 title of that illustrious prince.— See Synopsis of Hale's Chronology, 
 p. 2-4. 
 
 The above detail is given as the sentiments of this learned and 
 estimable author, rather than as affording any particular historic data 
 that Sesostris may be traced by : to give it strength, the epoch should 
 be thorougiily examined, whereat it fixes the reign of Sesostris, so 
 liiglily disputed. The sculptured form of this celebrated bird, and the 
 notices of its appearance, in an era that is manifestly fabulous, marks it 
 more jirobably as a mixed mythological and astronomic representation. 
 The phoenix is depicted upon the walls of Edfu, and of Medinet Habu, 
 but in both as a winged youth, with the crest and wings of an eagle ; as 
 a bird only it is found at Philae. The phoenix owed its imaginary 
 existence to the Egyptians. It was a type of tiie renovation of the 
 year, and of the sun. Ilorus Apollo says, the Egyptians depicted tiiis 
 bird to denote, first, tlie soul dwelling for a long period here ; se- 
 condly, an inundation ; liiirdly, a traveller returning to his native
 
 NOTES. 297 
 
 country after a long absence ; and fourthly, any lasting re-establish- 
 ment. The phcEnix appears a symbol of that great inundation which 
 once entirely took place. The renovation of nature, after so terrible a 
 catastrophe as the flood, would be well expressed by the phoenix, the 
 symbol of renovation. 
 
 The story of the phoenix is indeed one of the most elegant allegories 
 of Egyptian mythology. This bird, while it represented time still pro- 
 gressive in its course, and commencing one period as another expired, 
 was also a symbol of the human soul, which passes by death to life. 
 The following lines from Hawkins's translation of Claudian beautifully 
 embody this fiction, which has been so largely treated on, as it displays 
 the symbolizing feelings of the Egyptians in a favourable and very 
 pleasing view; also its periodical returns, marking their important 
 astronomical periods. A part only of Claudian's imagery is selected, 
 but the whole idyl is of high poetic beauty. 
 
 In Egypt's clime a famous city lies, ' 
 Which sacrifices for the sun supplies ; 
 The phoenix thither to the temple goes, 
 The dome a hundred Theban columns shows ; 
 There he deposits relics of his sire. 
 Adores the god ; his burden gives the fire ; 
 And of himself the germ and last remains 
 He consecrates where holy fervour reigns, 
 From Phoebus' rays resplendent beams he darts. 
 And vital splendour to the bird imparts. 
 The phoenix willingly receives the fire, 
 Feels joy to die, and then anew respire : 
 The heap of perfumes burns with solar rays, 
 And ancient features perish mid the blaze. 
 
 All nature in solicitude appears 
 
 Lest lost the eternal bird disclosing fears ; — 
 
 Fans faithful flames that freely they may burn ; 
 
 The immortal glory of the world return. 
 
 From myrrh through all the limits lustre flies, 
 
 And fumes divine upon the altars rise; 
 
 And vapours, by the richest perfumes fed, 
 
 O'er Nile's seven mouths more sweet tlian nectar spread. 
 
 Claudian, vol. ii. '292.
 
 298 NOTES. 
 
 (10) Tlie royal barges sculptured at Beban el Moluk are depicted 
 large and roomy. The linen sails are of beautifully variegated linen 
 colours, in chequers, or in waving lines. The cabin walls are orna- 
 mented with different figures, as sphinxes, dancing women, birds, and 
 other animals. — Egyptiaca, 161. 
 
 (11) In the tomb of Osymandyas were most splendid apartments, 
 also the sacred library, whereon was inscribed these words — ' The cure 
 of the mind.' — Diod. b. 1. c. 4. 
 
 (12) Every god has several attendant priests, and one of superior 
 dignity, who presides over the rest. Wlien any one dies, he is suc- 
 ceeded by iiis son. — Her. Euterpe, i. '262. 
 
 Whatever the character of the god was, liis votaries esteemed them- 
 selves his visible proxies; and the priests endeavoured to express in 
 their own persons the characters and actions of the deities whom they 
 served. This identity particularly manifested itself in the mysteries. 
 
 (13) Herodotus calls it the Saitic branch, as flowing by the eastern 
 division of the Saite Nome ; Strabo, the Sebennetic, from flowing by 
 the western bank of the Sebennetic Nome. Ptolemy has preserved its 
 Egyptian name of Phermontic, the roots of which arc, ' that wliich 
 causes the loss, or causes to perish.' It is the same name as the 
 Cerastes, or sacred snake, called Thermontes, causing death, the ser- 
 pent deity of Hades. It received this threatening name from the 
 great difficulties of the navigation which issues in the Lake Bourlos. — 
 Ciiamp. vol. ii. 19. 
 
 The whole land of Egypt is divided into several parts, wliieii the 
 Greeks call Nomes; over every one of wliich is ajipointcd a provincial 
 governor, who is entrusted with the public affairs in the province. — 
 Diod. b. I.e. 6". 
 
 (14) All pagan traditions embody the paradisiacal state of man in 
 his days of innocence and happiness, justly deeming it the age of gold. 
 He was an agriculturist, was nourished by simple fruits, and was fet- 
 tered by no restraints of laws or social enactments ; but the scene 
 changed, vice and violence increased to that height, that a deluge 
 swept away the apostate race, and cleansed the earth. Tliese times of 
 progressive corruption are marked by three metals, each deteriorating 
 in value.
 
 NOTES. J299 
 
 (lo) The cat, sometimes calletl Elurus, symbols the moon, from her 
 liriudled coat resembling tlic spots on her disk, as being most active at 
 ^ night ; by the contraction and dilatation of her pupils, typifying the 
 increase and decrease of the moon's light. The sacred cats were fed 
 with fish called Silures, kept purposely in ponds at Bubastis and in 
 other sacred lakes. The Silures Niloticus had their fins and tails 
 strongly tinged with red. 
 
 ( 1 6) Eg}-ptian boats. They were vessels of a considerable size, na- 
 vigated with sails and oars; one of them sculptured on the walls has 
 sixteen oars out : they had also comfortable and roomy cabins. They 
 had smaller boats also, painted with a variety of colours, the sails also 
 dyed of various hues, which, with the brightness of their tints, no 
 doubt displayed much effect and magnificence. These vessels are de- 
 scribed from the sculptures on the walls of Karnak, and in the grottos 
 of Elethyas. 
 
 (17) How prone the ancient race of Egyptians were to seize upon 
 every object for auguries and signs is clear from every record, sacred 
 and profane. The locust is still the visitor and scourge of these 
 countries ; and much interesting detail of this insect may be traced in 
 Parkhurst's Hebrew and English Lexicon. Sir William Ouseley 
 names, that in the dialect of Misr, or Egypt, the sea locusts are called 
 ' faridis.' They are a favourite food among the Arabs. He observes 
 that Zakaria Casvini divides the locusts into two classes, like horsemen 
 and footmen, * mounted and pedestrian.' That certain extraordinary 
 words were supposed to be inscribed on the wings of locusts, different 
 authors have related. The Sieur de Beauplan heard from persons well 
 skilled in various languages, that the characters were Chaldaic, and 
 formed Boze Guion, words signifying ' the scourge of God.' But a 
 much longer legend, according to Mussulman writers, is exhibited on 
 the wings of locusts, and in the Arabic language, ' We are the army 
 of the mighty God : we have each ninety and nine eggs ; and had we 
 the hundredth, we would consume the world and all that it contains.' — 
 Ouseley's Travels, 4to., vol. i. 199. 
 
 (18) Hermopolis was one of the most ancient cities of Egypt under 
 the Pharaohs, and seat of their government. Thoth was here highly 
 venerated under his sacred form of the ibis, the mummies of which
 
 300 NOTES. 
 
 were deposited near this city. The superb portico alone exists, testi- 
 fying the splendour of the temple it formed tiie entrance of: its co- 
 lumns are sixty feet in height. 
 
 Thoth found out letters, instituted the worship of the gods, and was 
 the first that observed the motion of the stars ; invented music, taught 
 the manner of wrestling, invented arithmetic, and the art of curious 
 graving and cutting of statues. He first found out the harp of three 
 strings, in resemblance of three seasons of the year, causing three 
 several sounds, the treble, base, and mean ; the treble to represent the 
 summer, the base the winter, and the mean the spring. He was the 
 first that taught eloquence ; thence he is called Hermes, a speaker, or 
 interpreter. He was Osiris's sacred scribe, to whom he communicated 
 all his secrets, and was guided by his advice in every thing.— Diod. 
 b. i.e. I . 
 
 (19) The extent of Thebes was immense; it stood on both banks of 
 the Nile, to the east and the west ; it filled entirely the valley of Fgypt, 
 and stretched from the Arabian to the Libyan mountains. The stream 
 which traverses it flows first from the south-east to the north-west, and 
 making a turn from the south-west to the north east, divides the city. 
 Its circumference was nearly thirty-six miles, and its width from side 
 to side of the valley was from seven to eight miles. The number of 
 the inhabitants was proportioned to this vast space; their dwelling- 
 houses were of four or five stories. — Herodotus. 
 
 (20) Osiris built Thebes in Egypt with a hundred gates, and called 
 it after his mother's name, Theba; but in following times it was called 
 Diospolis, and Thebes; of whose first founder, not only historiaiis, but 
 the priests of Egypt themselves are much in doubt. — Diod. b. i. c. I. 
 
 Homer notices the grandeur, riches, and fame of Tliebes as follows: 
 
 Not all proud Thebes' unrivall'd walls contain, 
 The world's great empress in the Egyptian plain. 
 That spreads her conquests o'er a thousand states. 
 And pours her heroes through a hundred gates ; 
 Two hundred horsemen, and two hundred cars, ' 
 
 From each wide portal issuing to the wars. ^ 
 
 Iliad, b. 9. 
 
 No city under the sun was adorned with so many stately monuments
 
 NOTES. 301 
 
 of gold, silver, and ivory, and multitudes of colossi and obelislcs cut 
 out of one entire stone. The most ancient temple for beauty and 
 greatness was in circuit thirteen furlongs, above two miles, and near 
 seventy feet high, and had a wall twenty-four feet wide. All the or- 
 naments were suitable in magnificence, cost, and workmanship. The 
 fabric remains, but the silver, gold, precious stones, and ivory, were 
 carried away by the Persians, when Cambyses burned the temples; at 
 which time those palaces at Persepolis and Susa were built by the Per- 
 sians, who brought over these rich spoils into Asia, and sent for work- 
 men out of Egypt for that purpose. And it is reported that the riches 
 of Egypt were then so great, that in the rubbish and cinders there were 
 found and gathered up above three hundred talents of gold, and of silver 
 no less than two thousand three hundred. — Diod. b. i. c. 4. 
 
 The Egyptian name of Thebes was No, Ezek. xxx. 14, to which was 
 added Ammon. According to Plato, ' The secret and invisible creative 
 power supreme ' among the Egyptians was called Ammon, and Plu- 
 tarch agrees that it signified hidden.— See Cudworth, 339. And this 
 accords with the famous inscription on the Temple of Naith, or Wis- 
 dom, at Sais : ' I am all that hath been, and is, and will be ; and my 
 veil no mortal hath yet uncovered.' And herein, perhaps, is the mean- 
 ing of the ancient aphorism, ' Truth lies hid in a well,' as primarily 
 relating to the incomprehensible nature of the Supreme Being ; whom 
 the Egyptians styled ' Darkness unknowable,' — Isis and Osiris ; and 
 the Athenians, a Saite colony, ' The unknowable God.' — Acts xvii. 23. 
 Hales's Chronology, i. .i78. 
 
 ('2 1 ) That the Egyptians, under ideas of cleanliness, usually shaved 
 their heads, may be inferred from the observation of Herodotus — 
 ' When any one dies in Egypt, his relations cease to shave, and let 
 the hair grow on their heads and faces.' Euterpe, 2. Herodotus 
 also observed, on visiting the field of battle between Cambyses and the 
 Egyptians, near Pelusium. the ski\lls of the Persians were so weak, 
 they might be broken with the slightest pebble ; whereas those of the 
 Egyptians were hard enough to resist the percussion of a weighty 
 stone. This arose, he was told, from the Egyptian custom of shaving 
 their heads early, whereas the Persians are always covered with caps. 
 — Herodotus, Thalia, S. These distinctions exist in the sculptures, 
 which will be fully referred to, on the walls of Habu, Karnak, and 
 Memnonium.
 
 302 NOTES. 
 
 Tlioy are clothed in linen byssus, they wear gamicnfs of linen, 
 fresh washed, taking' singular eare to Iiave them always clean. The 
 priests are clothed in linen, and wear shoes of linen ; they wear a linen 
 tunic, bordered at the bottom with fringes, and a cloak of woollen 
 cloth over it ; but to enter any temple in this garment, or to be buried 
 in any thing woollen, is accounted profane. — Euteqie. 
 
 The true reason of the observation of these rites is common to all 
 the Egyptians, from the extraordinary notions they entertain of clean- 
 liness, persuaded as they are, that ' none but the pure ought to ap- 
 proach the pure.' Now no superfluity of our food, no excrementitious 
 substance, is looked upon by them as pure and clean ; such, however, 
 are all kinds of wool and down, our hair, and our nails. It would be 
 the highest absurdity for those who, whilst they are in a state of puri- 
 fication, are in so much pains to take off the hair from their own 
 bodies, at the same time to clothe themselves with that of other ani- 
 mals. With regard to flax, this springs up immediately out of the 
 immortal earth itself; and not only produces a fruit fit for food, but 
 moreover furnishes a light and neat sort of clothing, agreeable to the 
 wearer, adapted to all the seasons of the year, and not in the least sub- 
 ject to produce or nourish vermin. — Plutarch, Isis and Osiris. It is a 
 remark worthy our notice, that wherever the knowledge or rites of 
 Egypt penetrated, there we find this manufacture in existence. Arrian 
 names a region of tiie Gangetic people, called Cathaia, who wore this 
 linen : it was worn at Colchis ; we trace it in Campania ; and at Alliens 
 they had not long left ofl'this apparel in the time of Tliucydides; 1. i. 
 p. 6'. It prevailed in Baetica, and was uniformly the habit of the 
 Indo-Scythians and Cuthite Indians. — See Philostratus, 1. ii. 79. The 
 Egyptians were termed Turba Linigera. Solomon sent for linen from 
 Egypt. Moreover they that work in fine flax shall be confounded, 
 Isaiah against Egypt, xix. 9. 
 
 The Colciiians appear to be of Egyptian origin. Herodotus con- 
 siders the Egyptians accurate in deeming them descendants of the 
 troops of Sesostris, because they are black, and have hair short and 
 curling. Anotlier and better argument, Herodotus says, is, that the 
 inhabitants of Cokhos, Egypt, and Ethiopia, are the only people who 
 from time immemorial have used circumcision. The Colchians iiavc 
 another mark of resemblance to the Egyptians — their manufacture of 
 linen, the byssus, is alike, and peculiar to tlicse two nations. — Euterpe, 
 i. 341. In this passage we see much ground for connecting the Col
 
 NOTES. 303 
 
 chians with the Pallic conquerors of Egypt, who possessed that country 
 long enough to become confounded with the native Mizraim. Ethiopia, 
 according to the whole course of tradition, was peopled by their race. 
 Their colour and hair, totally different from the Mizraimites, is highly 
 material to keep in view. In perfect accordance with them are the 
 black inhabitants, now remaining in part of Elephantine. Tradition 
 also connects therewith the legend of the African Memnon, or solar 
 god, whose statue remains at Gournou ; and these Colchians most pro- 
 bably were a colony of Palli, expelled from Egypt by the Mizraim. 
 The remark on the peculiarity of the linen is striking, and very sin- 
 gular in Eut. Her. i. 356. 
 
 (22) The obelisks of Luxor are not of an exact height : the left is 
 seventy five feet, and the base nine feet ; the right hand one is about 
 seventy feet ; but the architect has remedied this partial defect as far 
 as possible by mounting them on bases formed to equalize their actual 
 elevation. — Descript. de I'Egypte, tome ii. 
 
 (23) The faces of the Colossi are much disfigured, but not by the 
 present feeble race of Luxor, as on excavating them they are similarly 
 injured in the parts that are buried. They wear the mitred bonnet of 
 Horus ; their dress is sculptured as of fine linen, and they wear richly 
 sculptured collars; thej' are clothed in drawers of radiated finely folded 
 linen. Each statue is of a single block of syenite granite, red and 
 black. In the bonnet of the west is a remarkable vein of yellow. 
 Behind each figure are smaller obelisks, sculptured in the same mass, 
 and with apparently the same series of sj-mbols as the stately detached 
 ones. — Descript. de I'Egj-pte, tome ii. 
 
 These obelisks evidence remarkably the science of Egj-pt ; for they 
 are not planes, but have at their edges a convexity of four inches : it 
 apparently arises from their noticing that the plane surface presents to 
 the sun an angle which throws a shade, however slight, upon the ad- 
 joining surface; an error in some older ones, which they corrected in 
 the present instance, by the slight convexity on the exterior edge ; a 
 manifest proof of the patience and tact exercised by the Egyptians in 
 the most delicate and refined observations on the phenomena of nature. 
 — Descript, de I'Egypte, tome ii. 
 
 (24) The peristyle and portico are taken precisely from the archi-
 
 304 NOTES. 
 
 tectural measurements and descriptions furnislied of Luxor.— See De-' 
 script, de TEgypte, tome i. Dencii. 
 
 (25) In each palace is a suite of cliambers, more or less extensive, 
 framed of the costly red granite, sculptured with the liighest care, po • 
 lished to the utmost brilliancy, and executed with an elaborate work- 
 manship, exciting tlie highest admiration. — ]!)enon. Panckouke, vol. ii. 
 
 (26) The vulture form of Rhea. This goddess represented the tu- 
 telary genius of Egypt ; and appears in all scenes of triumph or glory 
 associated with the principal personage.— See the plates of Denon, 
 folio. 
 
 (27) It is a fact, established upon investigation, that the Egyptians 
 adopted a regular scale of perspective in their buildings ; and that a 
 progressive diminution of height takes place, operating in all the 
 temples, from the first pylones to the sanctuary in the extremity of the 
 edifice ; and in the palaces from the first peristyles to the most distant 
 building, — rules evidently constructed to add to the imposing effect of 
 the whole perspective. — Descript. de I'Egypte, tome ii. 
 
 (28) It is curious to trace any custom to remote antiquity: and 
 thus on the sculptures of the palace of Medinet Habu the conqueror 
 is graven standing on the first step of the altar, receiving the homage 
 of his ofliicer, and presenting to liim his hand to kiss; the same mark 
 of favour used by royalty at the present time. 
 
 (29) The palace at Karnak had eight avenues, three to the south, 
 three to tiie north, one to the east, and one to the west. The most 
 magnificent was the avenue connecting Karnak and Luxor, which was 
 paved througliout its wiiole course of six thousand feet long, and must 
 iierc iiave contained six hundred sphinxes on each side. As the 
 Egyptians planted sycamore and other trees around their buildings, it 
 is impossible to form any conception of this stupendous and unparalleled 
 approach. Tiiis magnificent avenue terminated on the side of Karnak 
 by another line, whicli readied the triumphal gateway in front of the 
 grand temple on the south. 
 
 (.{()) The basin, or sacred pond, in front of the palace of Kornak,
 
 NOTES. 305 
 
 is three hundred and ninety-six feet the largest side, and two hundred 
 and forty the smallest. This immense excavation was entirely lined 
 with stone. 
 
 The last gate of granite is covered, interiorly and exteriorly, with 
 pictures and hieroglypliics, designed with a purity of outline and a rich- 
 ness of detail truly admirable. Under the class of labour these granite 
 sculptures are equally fine with any on the obelisks. What must have 
 been the temper of the tools calculated to cut these innumerable cha- 
 racters ? 
 
 fSl) The hall of Karnak is the most extraordinary of all the mo- 
 numents in Egypt. The ceilings are supported by a hundred and 
 thirty-four columns of gigantic proportions, and are the most enor- 
 mous ever employed in the interior of a building ; they require at least 
 six men to embrace their circle, an<l are sixty-five feet high. The 
 hieroglyphics are of proportionate grandeur, as well as the sculptured 
 procession and offerings to the gods. The walls of this vast hall verify 
 an important fact, of the Egyptians using tenons or beams of wood to 
 secure the blocks of stone more firmly. This remarkable fact has 
 been hitherto noticed only in the oldest Cyclopian monuments. — See 
 Sir William Cell's Argolis,and the account of the Cyclopian towns in 
 Italy. 
 
 The dimensions of this wonderful hall are 151 feet long by 308 feet 
 wide. The gate which leads to it is twenty feet wide, and sixty-three 
 feet high from the ground to the ceiling; the cornice and architrave 
 are thirty-one feet; so that altogether it is ninety-four feet high ; an 
 elevation truly prodigious for a gate, and surpassing all in Tiiebes. As 
 a scale whereby to appreciate its immense elevation, it may be ob- 
 served, that the great doorway of the south-western entrance of Font- 
 hill Abbey, which is at this time so extolled for its height and grandeur, 
 is thirty five feet only, scarcely more than half of the actual elevation 
 of this gate; omitting the thirty-one feet of the cornice and architrave 
 altogether, it exceeds by seven feet the whole elevation of the Louvre. 
 Let us conceive these enormous valves, whether of wood or bronze, 
 opening on their vast hinges to the imposing spectacle which this forest 
 of columns, this hall of giants, must present to the senses. — Descript. 
 de I'Egypte, tome ii. 
 
 (32) The use of naphtha was unquestionably known to the .-.ncicnts. 
 VOL. I. X
 
 306 notp:s. 
 
 Mr. Kinnier, in his Geographical Memoir of Persia, says, the most 
 productive are those in the vicinity of Kcrkook, Mendali, and Hit, 
 on the banks of the Euphrates. The white naphtha affords a better 
 light than the black, and is used in lamps. — Kinnier, 39. 
 
 (33) The subjects of sculpture in the northern cabinet of the granite 
 apartments display the riches and splendours of the Pharaohs. Here 
 are depicted vases, collars of pearls, perfume vessels, and eveiy article 
 of luxury. The vases, by the purity of their forms, and their elegance 
 of proportions, surpass the most precious of antiquity. The Etruscan 
 designs have nothing so exquisite; household furniture, utensils, 
 standards, coffers, and collars, vases of lotos leaves and buds, and 
 masques. Here are two obelisks delineated, with truncated tops, and 
 therefore not the design of those in the courts of this palace : those 
 similar are the Heliopolis, and Alexandrian obelisks. A coffer, borne 
 on the shoulders by two slaves, and other figured coffers, are fac- 
 similes of those described by Apuleius as borne in public processions, 
 and enclosing the mysteries. One vase has a kind of tower sculptured 
 on it; around it are groups of men in cars, and unknown quadrupeds ; 
 two human figures form the handles. Another vase is mounted with 
 two hawks, their wings extended. It cannot be doubted, these extra- 
 ordinary objects were all executed in chased gold work for the sove- 
 reign. In one of the panels on the walls is sculptured a level, with a 
 line weight hanging from a centre, and dropping into a hole, adapted 
 to determine the level with the most unerring accuracy. 
 
 Beyond tlie peristyle three doorways conduct to apartments re- 
 markable for their richness and exquisite sculpture. Two steles, or 
 truncated obelisks of the finest rose granite, decorate the entrance : 
 all seems to indicate a mysterious and venerated place. The ceilings 
 are formed of blocks of granite, with gold stars on an azure ground. 
 Their walls exhibit familiar and domestic scenes, and not mythologic 
 subjects, with a multitude of varied sculptures and paintings : tiie 
 colours are yet brilliant, particularly the greens. The cornices of the 
 doorways were ornamented with winged globes ; but the disks were of 
 metal, as we still see the space they occupied, and the holes whereby 
 they were fastened. Tlie Egyptians excelled in gilding, and these 
 orbs were of bronze gilded, if not of gold. There is another feature 
 of magnificence in these iialls, — in the holes of the lintels, where the 
 trunnions of the door turned is still a green colour, indicating an oxide
 
 NOTES. 307 
 
 of copper; so that tliere can be little doubt but that the doors of these 
 apartments were of bronze, hung on pins of the same metal. 
 
 (34) The Agathodemon, Cneph, or the Good Genius, is represented 
 by the winged globe and serpents. The globe is the solar disk, the 
 great divinity of Egj'pt ; the wings, its swiftness and protecting power; 
 the serpent, eternity : the whole emblem together became the Agatho- 
 demon, or the good genius of Egypt. The inhabitants ofThebais, 
 indeed, do not acknowledge those to be gods who were once mortal ; 
 for they worship their god Cneph only, whom they look upon without 
 beginning, and so without end ; and are for this reason alone exempt 
 from that tax which is levied upon all the rest cf their countrymen 
 towards the maintenance of the sacred animals — Plut. Isis and Osiris, 
 
 (.35) It is amid the contagion and quicksands of this morass that the 
 mythology of Egypt places the evil Typhon, the author of moral and 
 physical ill. The word Serbonic, in its Egyptian signification, means, 
 to ' spread around noxious exhalations.' — Champ, ii. 304. 
 
 (36) In speaking of the sculptures of Thebes, tlie sentiments of Mr. 
 Hamilton, an eye-witness of their present state and appearance, and a 
 scholar and man of eminent talents, must go far to prove their sub- 
 lime features. P.ige 114 he says, in front of the propylceum are the two 
 most magnificent obelisks in the world. Of the sculptures on the 
 eastern wing, he says, the disposition cf the figures and execution of 
 the whole picture are equally admirable, and surpass all ideas that 
 have been formed of the state of the arts in Egypt. — Page I 15. The 
 delineations are portrayed with a strain of praise, which, flowing from 
 such a pen, warrants all the statements of Denon and the French In- 
 stitute.— See pnges 116, 117. ' It is impossible,' Mr. Hamilton pro 
 ceeds, * to view and reflect upon a picture so copious and so detailed, 
 without fancying that I here saw the original of many of Homer's 
 battles, and the details of Herodotus and Diodorus. Had the artist 
 been better acquainted with the rules of perspective, the performance 
 might have done credit to the genius cf a Michel Angelo or Julio Ro- 
 mano.' — Page IIP. Egyptiaca. 
 
 (37) Fire they call Vulcan ; and him they have in veneration as a 
 
 X 2
 
 308 NOTES. 
 
 great god, as he that greatly contributed to the generation and per- 
 fection of all beings whatsoever. — Diod. b. i. c. I. 
 
 (38) Chaeremon says that the goddess Isis appeared to Amenophis 
 in his sleep, and blamed him that her temple had been demolished in 
 the war; but that Phritiphanes, the sacred scribe, said to him, that in 
 case he would purge Egypt of the men who had pollutions upon them, 
 he should no longer be troubled with such frightful apparitions. — 
 Whiston's Josephus, vol. iv. bvo. p. 308, 311,314. 
 
 (39) Sesostris. His achievements and progress through the East 
 are detailed precisely similar to every fabulous hero ; he erects statues, 
 or Hermes? so did Semiramis, according to Diodorus. And in con- 
 clusion, Herodotus admits some told him it was a figure of Memnon. 
 —Euterpe, i. 338. 
 
 Whatever monarch might reign over Egypt, and distinguish him- 
 self in arms, it is impossible to consider the legend of this monarch as 
 actual history, copying, as it so manifestly does, the acts of Bacchus, 
 Semiramis, Osiris, and, in fact, the first hero god of antiquity ; and 
 the name is a compound solar title. Diodorus says, that Sethosis (the 
 same as Sesostris) placed before the temple of Vulcan Phtha his 
 statue and that of his queen, of thirty cubits high, and those of his 
 children, of twenty cubits each ; and of one single block of granite. — 
 Champollion, i. 355. It was Sesostris who made a regular distribution 
 of the lands of Egypt. He assigned to each Egyptian a square piece 
 of ground : whoever was a sufferer by the inundation of the Nile, was 
 permitted to make the king acquainted with his loss ; certain officers were 
 appointed to inquire into the particulars, &c. It may not be improbable, 
 Herodotus says, that this was the origin of geometry Euterpe, i. 340. 
 
 The priests instruct the youth in two sorts of learning ; the sacred, 
 and the more common and ordinary. In arithmetic and geometry 
 they keep them a long time : for as the river every year changes the 
 face of the soil, the neighbouring inhabitants are at great difference 
 among themselves concerning the boundaries of their land, which can- 
 not be easily known but by the help of geometry Diod. b. i. c. 6. 
 
 (40) The Eleusinian mysteries, it is admitted, were borrowed from 
 the Isiac, and a notice was previously given of nine days. The 
 horror evidenced by all who passed through them, shows how terrible
 
 NOTES. 309 
 
 were tlie tests ; the mystic expressions of all the fragments extant 
 display a danger of death connected with the most appalling associa- 
 tions ; and no better proof of their extreme influence on the mind 
 can possibly be adduced, than the very limited number of Epoptae which 
 appear to have been enrolled, notwithstanding the attractive and 
 shining advantages attached to the privilege. 
 
 ■Its scenes are often metaphorically borrowed from the ocean, and 
 are indeed intimidating. * Like the rushing of hostile spears, the 
 floods came forth from heaven to the great deep ;' ' the violence of con- 
 vulsive throes;' 'with thundering din the billows roll in the day of 
 vengeance ;' ' though I love the strand, I dread the wave ;' ' dismal the 
 overwhelming stroke;' 'as for him who repented of his enterprise, the 
 lofty wave has hurried the babbler far away to his death ;' * the conduct 
 of the water will declare thy merit.' 
 
 Tiie being who returned from the final initiation, however brave of 
 
 heart and elevated of rank, uniformly exliibited the most undissembled 
 
 marks of extreme terror; but such obscurity hangs over the actual 
 
 details, that we can only say, as the warning herald, Procul este, pro- 
 
 fani. 
 
 (41) The Apollonean trophy, or emblem ol the solar deity, is 
 couched under the form of the obelisks, which are among the most 
 elaborate and precious of the remains of Egypt. Rome, in the height 
 of her grandeur, could not imitate these pillars. It was esteemed a 
 wonder of mechanic powers to waft them from the banks of the Nile 
 to the Tiber, which they still adorn. Of eleven, which Egypt still con- 
 tains, it is the richest and highest, being ninety-one feet high, and of 
 a single stone. The obehsk of the Lateran at Kome is ninety-nine 
 feet, including the base; its monogram is that of Rameses. The 
 obelisk at St. Peter's is seventy-eight feet; that of Psamis, at the 
 Porta del Popolo, seventy-three feet six inches ; that of S. Maria 
 Messina, forty-five feet four inches. 
 
 Rameses erected an obelisk of ninety-nine feet in height, and, it is 
 said, kept 20,000 men at work about it. The king in person, when it 
 should be reared on end, fearing lest the engines devised to raise it, 
 and hold the head thereof between heaven and earth, in the rearing 
 should fail, and not be able to bear up the monstrous weight — because 
 he would lay the heavier charge upon the artificers that were about 
 this enterprise, upon their utmost peril, caused his own son to be bound
 
 .310 NOTES. 
 
 to the top thereof, imagining tliat tliecareof the engineers who under- 
 took the weighing up this obelislc over the young prince, for fear of 
 hurting him, would also induce them to be the more careful to preserve 
 the stone. — Pliny, lib. xxxyi. cap. 9. 
 
 (42) It has been clearly ascertained that this inscription of the 
 hieroglyphics on the obelisk of Rameses, as preserved by Hermapion, 
 and found in Ammianus Marcellinus, is their true sense and import. 
 The whole inscription is taken from the Appendix to Remarks on 
 Babylonian Antiquities, by Maurice, 4to. p. 75. 
 
 (43) The dress of Amenophis, however splendid, is in truth only 
 the exact fac-simile of a robed monarch or priest delineated in the ex- 
 hibited tomb of Psamis or Necho, the extraordinary richness of whose 
 mantled robes, as well as the splendour and effect of the colours, were 
 surprising. The figure was the subject of repeated examinations of 
 the author. In the conclusions respecting the Nebris robe of sanctity 
 taking rise from our first parent being so clothed in the immediate in- 
 terview with the Deity which succeeded his transgression, are involved 
 many interesting subjects, leading far beyond the compass of a note. 
 For the consideration of the mythology and opinions of the Egyptians 
 appear no inadequate pursuits; and well has M. Ouvaroff declared 
 Egypt to be the true link which united Asia to Europe; and that 
 possessing a key to the mysteries of Egypt and the East, would lead 
 us to the last moments of polytheism. — See his Essay on Eleusinian 
 Mysteries. Plutarch (Isis and Osiris) observes, the priests of Apis 
 wore the skins of hinds, using the term Nebris robe. Tiie same 
 dress and character were found by Alexander in India. — See Quintus 
 Curtius. The dress therefore exhibits the king as the head of his 
 kingdom, as the patriarch of his family and race ; in the light of the 
 ancient patriarchs, possessed of peculiar privileges, and especially that of 
 the chief or head sacrificer. Hence in the Scriptures we see its im- 
 portance in the higli dignity of Noah, and Abraham, and Job, which 
 is a faithful transcript of patriarchal manners ; and the value of pri- 
 mogeniture in the repentance of Esau : and profane history and 
 tradition exhibit tiiese persons throughout the East in characters 
 of similar importance; and this privilege shows how the Egyptians, 
 seeing their kings always of tiie priesthood, contemplating the sa- 
 crificer as well us the sacrifice in the sacred light of divinity, such
 
 NOTES. 311 
 
 as they supposed existing in their sacred bulls Apis and Mnevis, 
 actually viewed in this light their sovereigns as gods. Alexander 
 saw the scope which this ascription of divinity to their sovereigns 
 throughout the East afforded to his ambitious projects, and he acted 
 upon it with the most profound sagacity: so efficaciously did he im- 
 press on the East his claim of son of Ammon, that, reaching India, 
 the rajahs met him with their submissions, pronouncing, ' that he 
 viras the third of Jupiter's offspring who had reached their country ; 
 Bacchus and Hercules they knew by tradition, his presence they 
 witnessed.' It is therefore with regret that we read in an excellent 
 writer the following expressions : ' Whoever recorded the glories of 
 another, was disposed to intermix divine honours with his panegyric : 
 in such a country, it might be considered as a kind of dilemma of de- 
 gradation, whether it was most ridiculous to be made a divinity, or to 
 be excluded from so plebeian an assemblage.' If this be written in 
 reference to the apotheosis and flatteries of the Ptolemies, it should 
 be recollected, it was not then ancient Mizraim, but a conquered pro- 
 vince of Persia, crushed and destroyed, her arts and sciences extin- 
 guished, her priesthood slaughtered, her forms remaining to flatter her 
 conquerors, but the bright original lost. We might as well judge and 
 write of Athens from the base Athenians flattering the vicious De- 
 metrius : yet whoever thought of under-rating the contemporaries of 
 Aristides, Milliades, and Pericles, because their descendants could be 
 the panders of Demetrius and Lamia? It is thus that generalities en- 
 gender prejudice, and load a subject with difficulties. Thus Juvenal's 
 tale is any thing rather than history. Exiled from Rome, his delight, 
 a caustic satirist, he sits down to vilify and abuse the abode of his dis- 
 grace. Suppose all he asserts to be true ; is it the Egypt of the Pha- 
 raohs? just as much as Nero's Rome was the city of Fabricius and 
 Camillus. But when kings were priests, and robed as divinities, Egypt 
 was governed by its Pharaohs ; and however strange and extra- 
 ordinary we must deem their worship of animals to be, as a kingdom, 
 they were the most flourishing and rich; as a people, possessed of tlie 
 greatest abundance of all the comforts of life of any countiy we read 
 of; governed by established laws, and possessed of many checks 
 against the evil of an absolute monarchy : and throughout tiiis work 
 it is these times which are sketched ; and however prolix the tale ma^' 
 seem, the developments of this era are extraordinary, and their sculp- 
 tures and delineations of art arc well deserving our closest attention.
 
 312 NOTES. 
 
 ('J 4) The great priests or sacrificers attached a bandeau or diadem 
 around their head, with the aspic in front; the circle, the symbol of 
 Osiris, or the solar disk ; the asp, the Ubaeus, designating the divinity, 
 or the initiati illuminated with his knowledge; the rabid or collar, com- 
 posed of three rows of drops or pearls, and three rows of angles; the 
 drops symbolize wisdom, the character designates a man with the sym- 
 bol of rain. The Arabs say, ' A sage without fruit is a cloud without 
 rain :' and rain, and drops of rain, are, throughout the prophetic 
 books, symbols of knowledge and heavenly wisdom. 
 
 (45) The sacrifices are indeed worthy notice, as bearing a strong 
 analogy in many striking points to the Levitical injunctions. The 
 beast was sealed by the priest, without blemish ; a fire kindled on the 
 altar, on which a copious libation of wine was poured ; the god so- 
 lemnly invoked, and the victim killed ; the head separated, upon vfhich 
 they heaped imprecations, wishing that whatever evil threatened the 
 sacrificers, or Egypt in general, it might fall on that head : the head was 
 then sold to the Greek traders, or thrown into the river. This cere- 
 mony of the iiead was common throughout all Egypt ; no Egyptian on 
 any account would eat of the head of a beast. — Euterpe, i. 265. Hence 
 the Egyptians hated and despised the Greeks because they ate the 
 head of the sacrificed beasts. 
 
 Herodotus gives particulars of the sacrifice to Isis. On the pre- 
 ceding day, they fast, and after they have prayed, they sacrifice a bul- 
 lock, taking out the bowels, and leaving the fat with the vitals in the 
 carcass. Tliis done, they cut off the legs, and end of the loin, to- 
 gether with the shoulders and neck ; and having filled the body with 
 fine bread, honey, dried raisins, figs, incense, myrrh, and other per- 
 fumes, they perform the rites of consecration, and pour in a great 
 quantity of oil. They sacrifice fasting, beating themselves during all 
 the time the flesh lies on the fire ; and when they have so done, they 
 feast upon the rest of the offering. — Euterpe, 99. 
 
 This description of the historian explains the sacrifice seen in Bel- 
 zoni's plates, where the bull is wrapped in the spotted robe, after having 
 been disembowelled and prepared for the sacrifice, and the officiating 
 priest has cut ofi' a leg of the animal. The same representation 
 is in Denon's plates, folio, plate IOC: and it accounts for the pro- 
 strate attitude of the animal, without any appearance of blood, as in 
 fact it is tlie carcass prepared for sacrifice. It would be a curious
 
 NOTES. 313 
 
 inquiry to trace the various ingredients put witliin the body, thus 
 shaped as a baris previously to its becoming an offering, wliich is 
 commenced by the consecration, after the legs, neck, and all protruding 
 members are cut off. The articles thus presented to the deity, are the 
 same as to this day, in Persia, they strew in the road before the king 
 or their governor, as they approach their towns, and are all intimately 
 interwoven with pagan rites and doctrines, not only in Egypt and 
 India, but the whole East. 
 
 The cow, thus consecrated and sacrificed, despoiled of its members, 
 and become a type of Isis, as well as a sacrifice, may throw light upon 
 the passage of Homer describing the descent of Ulysses into Hades, 
 and the sacrifice of the bullock, whose blood being tasted, communi- 
 cated the gift of prophec_y to his ancestor. In truth, the passage com- 
 bines the principal features of Egyptian doctrine which are discernible 
 throughout Homer. The sacrifice thus consecrated became Isis her- 
 self, as was the golden cow exhibited yearly at the pyramid of Myce- 
 rinus, and the various bovine symbols throughout Egypt ; and being 
 also itself an arga or ark, as its name of Theba imports, which was 
 also called Soros, as exhibiting the descent of Osiris into Hades, it 
 possessed the oracular properties of the ark of Isis, and was capable of 
 giving responses ; and thus we perceive why Homer represents his 
 hero completing his sacrifice precisely conformable to the Egyjitian 
 rites, and receiving his communications from the sacred sacrifice as an 
 oracular gift of the threefold Isis, or thrice-invoked dark goddess of 
 Egypt, symbolized in the slain beast. 
 
 We perceive the beast slain as a sacrifice to be, in these prints, en- 
 veloped in a Nebris mantle of spotted fawn, or panther's robe; in this 
 sacred mantle also is every sacrificer represented in the ten thousand 
 sculptures and painted ceremonies of Egypt on their walls yet before 
 our eyes : they are universally clothed in an animal skin, tlie tail 
 hanging downward. So also are the priests of tiie Indian Seva and 
 the Grecian Bacchus described ; and precisely similar accounts are 
 given of all the actions of man engaged in sacrifice, wliich is brought 
 to us from the earliest ages. May not this garb, then, allude to the 
 mode of Adam being so clothed and so clad in the skin of a beast by 
 the Deity, upon the first offence and guilt of man, which lies at the 
 root, and is the efficient cause of all sacrifice being retpiired ? Dr. 
 Magee abundantly proves, that sacrifice is built throughout the world 
 upon the idea that it was necessary to propitiate the gods, and that it
 
 aU NOTES. 
 
 was only to be done by blood ; and we also meet with the phrase of 
 • expiating a crime,' and of ' a wickedness so black, as to be incapable 
 of any other expiation.' — See Herodotus, lib. ii. c. 39. Hesydhius 
 thus describes the nature of the annual human sacrifice of the Athe- 
 nians, as meaning * life for life;' and Porplijay asserts the same: but 
 as a proof of their exalting the sacriiice to divinity itself, see the tenets 
 of the Hindus, As. Res. v. 379, and the practice of all pagan nations. 
 They worshipped Brahma as the victim, and the victim as a divinity. 
 Thus the Plicenicians esteemed their sacrifices 'mystical;' the slaugh- 
 tered victim represented tlie victim god, and was worshipped as his 
 proxy. Thus the Egyptians sacrificed red bulls, because the sacred 
 colour of Typhon was red; and immolated on the high place of Osiris 
 men of a ruddy complexion— Diod. lib. i. ; associating them, in identity 
 of colour and character, as closely as possible to the divinity. 
 
 (46) The arts of Egypt are now chiefly to be traced in their sculp- 
 tures. The car, with its equipage and trophies, are precisely thus on 
 granite walls, and coloured so as to convey its substance. What then 
 shall we say of their perfection of design ? It is the interest which 
 must flow from the consideration of the arts, and their perfectibility 
 attested at such very remote ages, which will redeem, it is hoped, the 
 tediousness of detail of the processions. — See Denon, Sculptures of 
 Habu ; also Packouke. 
 
 (47) No bullock is permitted to be offered to the gods which has 
 not the seal of the Sphragistae stamped upon it — an order of priests 
 peculiarly set apart for this purpose, whence they derive their name. 
 Their impress, according to Carter, is, ' a man upon his knees, with 
 his hands tied behind him, and a sword pointed at his throat.' — Plu- 
 tarch, Isis and Osiris, p. 41 . The animal sacrificed was, as appears in 
 
 ■ the valuable paintings of the tomb of Psamis, always enveloped in a 
 mantle of spotted skin, similar to the sacrificer's robe. — See Belzoni's 
 Atlas, plate 13. Denon, folio, plate 106. 
 
 (48) The tarioheutes are so named in Diodorus, as those persons 
 who actually embalmed, or, as the ancients phrased it, ' salted the 
 corpse.' — Diodorus, chap. 7. 
 
 (49) May- eve, running into May-day, was very generally adopted
 
 NOTES. 315 
 
 as the season of mystic rites; and India, Babylonia, Britain, and Ire- 
 land, all agreed on celebrating at that time the orgies of their chief deity. 
 The reason appears, that Noah probably quitted the arb at the vernal 
 equinox. The genuine period of passing through the mysteries was 
 three oriental days; they entered the artificial Hades the evening of 
 the first day, and were not liberated until the morning of the third 
 day. The confinement was sometimes extended to a longer period ; 
 but still the allotted period was always produced by a cabalistic multi- 
 plication of three into itself. Thus Pythagoras was actually immured 
 three times nine days. — Pagan Idolatry, vol. iii. 137. 
 
 (50) It has been wondered what the prismatic cavities could be 
 just over the small square openings, visible not only at Edfu, but in 
 most of the pylones of Egypt, these cavities reaching through the 
 whole thickness of the walls. A sculptured painting in the grand 
 temple of Karnak furnishes the explanation ; wherein they appear filled 
 by great trees or masts, their elevation inferring they were spliced as 
 our present masts. At their extremities are pikes, to which are at- 
 tached streamers or banners ; they are vertically placed in the sockets, 
 and braced down by clasps. The machinery connected with these 
 moveable banners is very curious ; for such it may be assumed they 
 were, used only at fetes or cerempnies, as the cavities are scrupulously 
 finished with hieroglyphics. How magnificent must have been these 
 standards, varied perhaps in reference to the importance of the building 
 which they decorated ! as at Philoe there were two, at Edfu four, at 
 Karnak eight apertures. 
 
 (3 1 ) The aquatic lotos, which has the remarkable property of ever 
 rising to the surface of the water and never sinking beneath it, was 
 made a symbol of the earth. In this case, the calix of the flower re- 
 presented the whole mundane boat; the four larger leaves, the four 
 great continental divisions ; the eight smaller ones, the eight islands. 
 — See the account of its symbolic character, As. Res. The delineation 
 of Isis reposing is borrowed from the Buddha Avatar, As. Res. ii. 
 383. 
 
 (52) It appears from observations of M. Hammer, that the Eastern 
 nations have an undoubted claim to the invention of the Greek fire, 
 lately revived among us in the Congrcve rockets. Its name in no
 
 316 NOTES. 
 
 other way connects it with the Greeks, than as proving its use by them 
 at the siege of Constantinople, and to have been learned from the Sa- 
 racens or Arabs. It is also evidence of its being an Eastern invention, 
 that the principal ingredients named for composing it are not originally 
 from Europe, but from the interior provinces of Persia and Arabia. If 
 this secret was known to Arabia and Persia, and the acknowledged 
 pre-eminence of China, India, and the Eastern world in fireworks be 
 considered, it may appear probable that Egypt, far surpassing these 
 countries in knowledge, was not ignorant of this brilliant art. The 
 Chinese have long been in possession of a method of rendering fire 
 brilliant, and variegated in its colours, and we are indebted to Father 
 D'Hancarville for the secret: it consists in the use of a very simple 
 ingredient; namely, cast-iron reduced to a powder more or less fine. 
 This sand, wlien it inflames, emits a light exceedingly vivid; and it is 
 very surprising to see fragments of this matter, no bigger than a poppy 
 seed, form all at once luminous flowers and stars, twelve and fifteen 
 lines in diameter. These flowers are of different forms and of dif- 
 ferent colours, according to the matter with which the grains are 
 mixed. The Eastern nations were perfectly versed in fireworks at a 
 very remote period; and a class so competent to a display of art as the 
 Egyptian magicians were, may be supposed scientific enough to give 
 this trial to the Thebans. 
 
 (53) The artificial mound on which the palace of Habu is built is 
 full 2000 feet square. The peristyle court is most stupendous, and 
 appears calculated for the grand audience court of the Pharaohs. The 
 whole pictorial and sculptured subjects refer to a war and a triumph 
 over a race, as the Palli, or Persians, or Bactrians, as Mr. Hamilton 
 terms them ; such is the region of Caucasus, whence these invaders 
 proceeded. A comparison of their sculptured dress with the figures of 
 Necho's tomb, and those of the Persepolitan sculptures in Sir R. K. 
 Porter's sketches, bears witness to their conformity. The windows 
 resting on human figures, the compartments, with marks evidencing 
 that they contained bronze trophies, all concur to invest this palace 
 with an appearance of great splendour and effect. — See Hamilton's 
 Egyptiaca ; Denon, Descript. de I'Egypte. 
 
 (54) If we examine the outlines of the Indian Isa and Seva, the 
 Typhonian Osiris, and the two independent principles of good and evil
 
 NOTES. 317 
 
 of the Magi, we shall readily perceive why they were each reckoned 
 eternal. In fact, such a notion was but the necessary result of that 
 philosophy which taught an endless succession of similar worlds. 
 Matter, under all its modifications, was everlasting ; but each parti- 
 cular system contained within itself the seeds of dissolution : and again, 
 the great Father himself was eternal in his duration, but every in- 
 cipient world beheld a distinct manifestation of him. Hence it followed, 
 that destruction, or the evil principle, though it might lie dormant for 
 a season, was, by the very nature of things, immortal ; and that the re- 
 producing great Father, or the good principle, though he might from 
 time to time be vanquished and overpowered, was in himself physically 
 immortal likewise. — Tab. vol. iii. 57. 
 
 (5.5) Jamblichus quoted from certain books ascribed to Hermes, 
 extant in his time, and regarded as genuine. Hermes places the god 
 Cneph as the ruler of the celestial gods, whom he declares to be a self- 
 intelligent mind, absorbed in his own contemplations. Before this 
 Cneph, he places one being without parts, which he terms the first 
 occult power, and denominates Eikton : « in this the first intelligible 
 principle is contained ; it is worshipped only in silence.' — Pricliard, 
 171. 
 
 (56) Typhon was sometimes called Seth, and worshipped under the 
 semblance of an ass. — See Plutarch, Isis and Osiris. But Seth, as a 
 masculine title, variously expressed Tath, and Thoth, or Hermes. 
 Thus Joseplius tells us that the children of Seth were great astronomers, 
 and that they engraved their discoveries on two pillars in the land of 
 Siriad, in order that they might escape the ravages of a deluge either 
 of fire or of water. 
 
 (57) Euripides, embodying the mystic allegory of Earth or Nature 
 as a divinity, says, 
 
 O spacious Earth ! and thou, celestial Air, 
 Who art the sire of gods and mortal men ! 
 While she, the ambrosial motiter, doth receive 
 The genial showers on her expanded breast, 
 Teeming with human offspring, and brings forth
 
 318 NOTES. 
 
 The aliraent of life, and all the tribes 
 
 That roam the forest; justly thence proclaim'd 
 
 Mother of all. 
 
 (58) The observations on the origin of evil, and the beautiful pass- 
 age of Typhon shedding his comeliness, and nourishing hatred by op- 
 posing himself to Osiris, or goodness, is taken from an interesting 
 passage in the Athenian Letters, a work of the purest taste and ele- 
 gance. — vol. i. 
 
 (59) The Egyptians little value the short time of this present life, 
 but put a high esteem upon the name and reputation of a virtuous life 
 after death; and they call tlie houses of the living, inns, because they 
 stay in them but a little while; but the sepulchres of tiie dead they 
 call everlasting habitations, and luave nothing undone to beautify 
 them. — Diodorus, b. i. c. 4. 
 
 The fable of the frog appertains to the mysticism of the Sefis, in 
 Journal des Savans, 1822. 
 
 (60) This doctrine was contained, according to tradition, in the 
 Hermaic books, inferring that the souls are excerpted from the great 
 fountain of creation ; which, although expres.scd in a singular sense, as 
 Earth, Nature, Riiea — has a plurality of essences, as combining and 
 swallowing up all that is created. This doctrine may be traced in 
 Celsus, Eusebius, the fragments of Pythagoras, &c. 
 
 (61) These were tiie declarations to be made by the Mystae before 
 the temple. — Hale, vol. iii. 1 79. 
 
 (62) We learn that the worship of Egypt was directed towards phy- 
 sical objects, or tiie departments and powers of Nature. It may be 
 questioned, whether tiie people had any exalted idea of the invisible 
 Author, as distinguished from his works. — Prichard, p. 34. 
 
 (63) Isis, which appears as the cow when representing the pre- 
 serving power, is doubtless propounded to us in a sublime sense under 
 the veiled goddess of tlie templi- of Sais. The import of the inscrip- 
 tion, and its connexion with the peplus and Mineiva of tlie Acropolis, 
 is treated in a future note.
 
 o 
 
 NOTES. 319 
 
 (64) The temple of Sais possessed two inscriptions— the one on Isis, 
 as Nature, the second as follows, on the architrave ; the description of 
 which, as well as the explanation, are in Plut. Isis and Osiris. 
 
 (65) A sentiment contained among many others of curious and 
 striking import, in a small collection, called after the celebrated Hermes 
 Trismegisteus; and which, although of the later Alexandrian school, 
 and undoubtedly a fabrication, yet probably embody original parts of 
 the Egyptian doctrines. 
 
 (6'6") The phoenix was an Egyptian hieroglyphic, expressing their 
 great cycle of 1461 years, and therefore, it is presumed, may merit a 
 further explanation, although so long a note has already appeared on 
 the subject. The same is shown to Herodotus in the enigma of the 
 Heliopolitan priests, that the Sun had four times deviated from his re- 
 gular course, that is, had run their long cycle of time, and recom- 
 menced his astronomical course. — Hale, i. 141. (A tenet applied by 
 them to a continued succession of similar worlds upon a larger prin- 
 ciple.) The phcenix is described by Herodotus; its life stated to be 
 five hundred years : it resuscitates itself, yet bears the dead body of 
 its parent, enclosed in a ball of myrrh, in the shape of an egg, to the 
 temple of the Sun. — Herodotus. Ovid adds the particular of this bird 
 framing its aromatic nest upon the summit of the palm. Tacitus de- 
 fines the age of the phoenix to be 146'1 years, which most probably 
 means three of its supposititious terms of life, forming tlie great year 
 of the Egyptians. It is manifestly blended witli Osiris, as the Sun: 
 thus a figure is represented with painted wings, denoting the Sun; the 
 wings of difierent colours, as the emblem represented that luminary in 
 the upper or lower half of the zodiac. In the upper hemisphere, the 
 Sun had wings of a brilliant hue; but in the wintry months, or during 
 his infernal course, he was painted with wings of a dark blue colour.— 
 Ma. robius. Plutarch shows the Egyptians also emblemed the Sun in 
 the whole allegory, as the dead phoenix is enclosed in an egg or ball of 
 myrrh, and borne to the temple of the Sun. Blyrrh, he says, may be 
 looked upon as the workmanship of the Sun himself, the trees weeping 
 it forth by the heat of his beams ; and thus they offer it for incense by 
 day, owing its birth to the Sun. — Isis and Osiris, 1 \'2. Upon the walls 
 of Medinct Ilabu, and of Edfu, the phoenix is displayed as Macrobius 
 describes; not as the bird, the winged youth, the Maneros or Cupid
 
 S9.0 NOTES. 
 
 of Egypt. The figure is gracefully formed, having a tuft or crest on 
 his head, as in Pliny; and, according to Herodotus, roseate and gold : 
 !;is arms extended toward a star, perhaps Sirius ; and as he is kneeling 
 on a vase, the symbol of the Nile, the hieroglyphic most probably 
 united the figure of the great Sothic period of 1461 years recom- 
 mencing its course, with the leading on of the Nile and the opening of 
 the summer solstice. The phoenix is on the walls of Habu Edfu and 
 of Philoe. 
 
 The first generation of men in Egypt, contemplating the beauty of 
 the superior world, and admiring with astonishment the frame and 
 order of the universe, supposed there were two chief gods that were 
 eternal, that is to say, the Sun and the Moon, the first of which they 
 called Osiris, and the other Isis, both names having proper etymo- 
 logies; for Osiris signifies a thing with many eyes, which may be very 
 properly applied to the Sun, darting its rays into every corner, and as 
 it were with so many eyes viewing and surveying the whole land and 
 sea; with which agrees the poet, ' The Sun from his lofty sphere all 
 sees and hears.' Some surname him Sirius; some likewise set him 
 forth, clothed with the spotted skin of a fawn (called Nebris), from the 
 variety of stars that surround him. — Diod. b. i. c. 1. 
 
 Osiris the priests declare to have been of a black colour, or a deep 
 blue ; so also is Mnevis, the sacred bull kept at Heliopolis ; the Nile 
 also is called Sirius or black river: Egypt itself also, by reason of 
 the extreme blackness of the soil, is called Chemia, the very name 
 which is given to the black part, or pupil of the eye ; it is moreover 
 characterised by them under the figure of the human heart. — Plutarch, 
 Isis and Osiris, 44. 
 
 (67) Herodotus says, the Egyptians liave a song resembling the 
 Linus of the Greeks ; it is of the remotest antiquity among them, and 
 they call it Maneros. They have a tradition, that Maneros was the 
 only son of their first monarch, and that iiaving prematurely died, 
 they instituted these melancholy strains in his honour, constituting 
 tiieir first, and in earlier times their only song. — Euterpe, 79. Plu- 
 tarch notices, that they sung a sacred dirge or lamentation over Osiris, 
 ' bewailing him who was born on the right side of the world, and who 
 perished on the left.' — Isis and Osiris, 42. 
 
 As thus the enclosure of Osiris in the ark, the exact circumstance 
 typified by the changes of the butterfly, is connected with the story of
 
 NOTES. 321 
 
 IManeros by a sacrod song, the reader will feel gratified by the beautiful 
 lines of Mr. Rogers, thus substituted for a measure that is lost. 
 
 (f)8) The procession, character, and details of the ceremonies and 
 entrance into the cave are principally embodied in the useful detail in 
 Hale's Chronology, vol. iii. 1 79, note. 
 
 (69) Buddha is frequently represented by nothing but a large black 
 stone. — Maurice, Ind. Ant. iii. p. 31. Terminus was thouglit to be 
 the sione which Saturn swallowed instead of Jupiter. Betylus was 
 the brother of Cronus Dagon and Atlas; and Uranus, their parent, 
 contrived stones called Betulia, which possessed the power of motion, 
 as if instinct with life. They were probably sacred rocking-stones. 
 The peculiar and primeval form of Mercury was a large stone, without 
 either hands or feet. Cybele was adored under the form of a stone in 
 Phrygia ; and Venus at Paphos, and Diana at Ephesus, were also re- 
 presented by a black stone. 
 
 (70) The real nature of the scenes shown to an aspirant has never 
 been told; these trials, therefore, are of course purely imaginary, but 
 they are constructed, as nearly as the author's conception enabled him 
 to cast them, upon the hints of ancient writers. Too full of horror 
 and dismay they could not be depicted ; and if the reader judges the 
 attempt to be a failure, as may h^ the case, he may be assured it 
 nevertheless has been the most laborious and difficult part of the book, 
 and may crave indulgence from the singular obscurity of the subject. 
 
 (7 1 ) The Furies are the.bonds of men : this is among the fragments 
 of Psellus, and from its threatening import seems applicable to this 
 scene. 
 
 (72) ' Having thoroughly purified him (an aspirant), the hicrophant 
 now discloses to the initiated a region all over illuminated and shining 
 with a divine splendour. The cloud and thick darkness arc dispersed, 
 and the mind, which before was full of disconsolate obscurity, now 
 emerges, as it were, into day, replete with light and cheerfulness, out 
 of the profound depth into which it had been plunged.' — See Bishop 
 Warburton on Mysteries. At the commencement of tl.e joyful part 
 
 VOL. I. Y
 
 322 NOTES. 
 
 of the mysteries, a miraculous anil divine light displays itself, and 
 shining plains and fiowery meadows open on all hands before tbeni. 
 Here they are entertained with hymns and dances, with the subhme 
 doctrines of sacred knowledge, and with reverend and holy visions. 
 And now become perfect and initiated, they are free, and no longer 
 under restraints ; but, crowned and triumphant, they walk up and 
 down the regions of the blessed, converse with pure and holy men, and 
 celebrate the sacred mysteries at pleasure. — Stobocus. Warburton. 
 
 (73) Cupid, or Eros, is represented with resplendent golden pinions, 
 with beautiful wings. — Orphic Hymns. In all the Osiric rites he is 
 bewailed as Maneros, or Cupid the Menu ; and thus the butterfly, (con- 
 nected by the Greeks with Cupid, in their elegant fable of Cupid and 
 Psyche) from the remarkable physical changes which this insect un- 
 dergoes, is made by the Egyptians a symbol of the death of Osiris, his 
 enclosure within its lunette coffin, and his restoration to life and 
 liberty. 
 
 In the Metamorphoses of Apuleius, whicli wholly treat of the an- 
 cient orgies, we are presented witli the myth of Cupid and Psyche, or 
 Love and the Soul. From it we learn all the benefits wliich were be- 
 lieved to result from initiation, and ail the evils wliich the soul expe- 
 rienced in consequence of its lapse from pristine integrity. But as we 
 learn these particulars in immediate connexion with the mysteries 
 which equally tauglit them, so we learn them likewise in immediate 
 connexion witli the character of the great transmigrating fatiicr him- 
 self, or Cupid, who is rightly described as the oldest of the deities, who 
 first appears when tlie renovated world springs out of the watery 
 chaos : 
 
 Chaos, of all tlic origin, gave birth 
 
 First to her offspring the wide-bosom'd Earth, 
 
 Tiic seat secure of all the gods, who now 
 
 Possess Olympus, ever cloih'd with snow ; 
 
 Th' abodes of hell from the same fountain rise, 
 
 A gloomy land, that subterranean lies ; 
 
 And hence does Love his ancient lineage trace, 
 
 Excelling fair of all the immortal race: 
 
 At his approach all care is chased away, 
 
 Nor can the wisest power resist his sway.
 
 NOTES. 3S3 
 
 (74) The most important of nil tlic new discoveries is in the fifih 
 volunip of the Asiatic Researches. At the conclusion of the mysteries 
 of Elcusis the congregation was dismissed in these words — ' Conx, om, 
 Pax.' These mysterious words have been hitherto considered as inex- 
 plicable ; but they are pure Sanscrit, and used to this day by the Brah- 
 mins at the conclusion of religious rites.— Ouvaroff on Eleusinian 
 Mysteries, 28. 
 
 (75) The descriptions of golden ornaments and jewelled dresses 
 niiglit be considered overrated, if ancient testimonies did not exist to 
 evidence that Mizraim under the Pharaohs abounded in precious 
 metals and jewels. Of the immense quantity of gold which the Egyp- 
 tians possessed, and their elegant manufacture of it, we possess abun- 
 dant testimony. Diodorus, describing a building he calls the tomb of 
 OsjTnandyas, informs us, that the exact sum of the gold and silver 
 dug from the mines of theThebais, as inscribed on the walls, amounted 
 to 3,000,000,000 of mince, or .96,000,000 of our money. Anotlier 
 instance is the stupendous circle of wrought gold, 3tj5 cubits in cir- 
 cumference, which surrounded this tomb. From Moses may be ad- 
 duced the golden chain which Pharaoh placed around the neck of 
 Joseph, and ' the exceeding riches in gold and silver' which Abraham 
 carried out of Egypt : the multitude of gold and silver, vases, brace ■ 
 lets, and other golden articles, offered to Moses by the Israelites for 
 the temple, were doubtless carried out of Egypt. Her treasures were 
 so great, that they were made the subject of a prophet's promise to 
 Nebuchadnezzar, as a reward to his whole army for their incredible 
 sufferings at the siege of Tyre. Much therefore of the Babylonian 
 treasures were derived from this source; yet in a very few years 
 afterwards Cambyscs found Egypt again so opulent, as to be almost 
 incredible. From the mere cinders of the burning of Thebes he had 
 raked forth 300 talents of gold and 2300 talents of silver; and at 
 Memphis he ibund such an immense treasure in bullion and ornamental 
 vases, and statues of gold and silver, as perhaps no palace ever before 
 contained. We read in Persia of a golden vine, on whose branches 
 hung clusters of emeralds and rubies ; but this was after the conquest 
 of Egj'pt and of Babylon. Under the Ptolemies the same profusion 
 of wealth may be found ; and the veracity of Athenxus can .scarcely 
 induce the mind to accredit the particulars ho narrates of a religious 
 
 p!
 
 324 NOTES. 
 
 procession from his own ocular observation ; it distances all the details 
 of Peru, and surpasses the wildest tales of the East. That military 
 personages also wore and used such splendid appendages is evidenced 
 from the accounts of Holofernes, the Assyrian general, in the Apo- 
 cryphal book of Judith, whose reduction of Egypt, Lydia, Cilicia, 
 Syria, and all Asia Minor, with the terror he impressed on these 
 nations, prove him to have been no contemptible warrior; yet we find 
 that the canopy of his bed was woven with purple, and gold, and eme- 
 ralds, and precious stones, and silver lamps were carried before him. 
 While therefore the necklace and dress given to Rameses is exactly 
 described from the figure of a sacred personage in the tomb of Psammis, 
 the allusions to the riches of Egyptian palaces and temples are made 
 in conformity to the appearances on tlieir sculptures and existing re- 
 mains, and the testimony of Herodotus, Diodorus, and (superior to their 
 pages) of Holy Writ. 
 
 (76) Herodotus repeatedly observes, that Isis is theDemeferof the 
 Greeks, in Euterpe: 
 
 The Earth is rightly called the Mother, 
 
 Since from the teeming Earth all things proceed. 
 
 Plutarch calls her tiie ' all-receiving, having ten thousand names;' 
 that is, representing the powers of Nature. — Isis and Osiris. 
 
 (77) The feelings of the possessors of Palestine are fully developed 
 in the scriptural account of their destruction and expulsion, wherein 
 tliey appear to shrink before the rightful owners, as usurpers and in- 
 truders. Tiie Pagan traditions in India, Greece, and divers other 
 myths, have passages wherein the division of the earth is explicitly 
 referred to ; but Palestine seems reserved as a sacred spot, and unap- 
 propriated, until the first expulsion of the shepherd kings led to their 
 retirement into, and occupancy of it, bestowing on its district their own 
 appellative. In the days of Abraham they had not taken possession of 
 Palestine, which yet in the return of Israel from Egypt was already 
 known by their name. — Exod. xv. 14. Abraham, after making a co- 
 venant with Abimelech, a Philistine or Palestine prince, at Beershcba, 
 the king returned into the land of the Philistines; Beershebaj there-
 
 NOTES. 325 
 
 fore, was not in that land, yet subsequently they spread up as high as 
 Ekron, so that Beersheba was one of tlieir most southerly towns : the 
 progress of their settlements, therefore, was from south to north, that 
 is, they came out of Egypt; and the land of the Philistines, which 
 Abimelech retired into, could only be the district of Auaris or Goshen, 
 which is the only district situated in the line of his movement. And 
 if this brief analysis, extracted from the erudite article, chap. v. vol. iii. 
 Pagan Idolatry, is compared with the notice in the first volume, an 
 extract of Josephus, it will acquire consistency, and claim our atten- 
 tion; especially as Herodotus traditionally ascribes the pyramids to a 
 shepherd, Pliilitis, wherein we recognize in truth the Philistine or the 
 pastoral Palli, the conquerors of Mizraim at two distinct periods. 
 
 (78) From Memphis to Thebes, toward Libya, were a hundred 
 stables, all along the river, each of which were capable to hold two 
 hundred horses, the marks and signs of which are visible at this day. 
 — Diod. b. i. c. 4. 
 
 {79) The author fears that he has barbarously mutilated a beautiful 
 hymn to the Indian deity Narayena, in tlie Asiatic jMiscellany ; but 
 its adaptation was so very superior to any lyric powers he possesses, 
 that he dared to venture on its appropriation, recommending tlie 
 reader to the original. 
 
 (80) The circular form of the earth, and its structure, suggested to 
 ihe ancients the hieroglypliic of the egg, its shell tlie shell of the earth, 
 and its liquid contents the centrical abyss. The Egyptian fable of 
 Typhon, in his contest with Osiris, breaking the mundane egg, and 
 causing it to discharge its contents, can only denote the bursting forth 
 of the diluvian waters from the central abyss : but as the world emerged 
 from this calamity, so Aristopiiancs says, ' But in the bosom of Ere- 
 bus, black-winged Night produced an aerial egg; from which, in due 
 season, was born beautiful Love, decked with golden wings.' 
 
 In the mysteries, one part of tlie nocturnal ceremonies consisted in 
 the consecration of an egg, the egg being a double symbol of the ark 
 also, as well as the world ; and the lotos floating on the surface of the 
 ocean, and tlie egg, are associated together : the deity is alike de- 
 scribed as sitting on the lotos, or floating in the egg. The ophite su-
 
 32G NOTES. 
 
 perstition adJcd the serpent to this symbol ; hence tlie winged serpent 
 Cnuphis, in the island of Elephantine, was worshipped in a temple 
 shaped like an egg ; and these conjoined hieroglyphics are the globe 
 and winged serpent, also called the Agathodemon, still decorating the 
 portals of numerous Egyptian temples. 
 
 (81) This procession is ventured upon in so detailed a form, be- 
 cause it is an actual representation, a literal description of a sculptured 
 series of figures upon one of the walls of Medinet Habu. We acquire 
 therefore from their examination an insight into the pomp and triumphs 
 of ancient Egypt— the fac-simile of such conquerors as Herodotus 
 makes the subject of his pages, and which claims a strong interest on 
 our attention, as expressing their classes, ceremonies, dresses, shrines, 
 and solemnities. — See Descript. de I'Egypte, Habu, tome ii. 
 
 (82) Tiie sceptre, it appears from M. Champollion's examinations, 
 was the statf of power, surmounted by the head of a jackal, not a bird, 
 and an attribute of the power of Osiris, in death as well as life. No 
 emblem has excited more discussion than the cross orTau, the handled 
 cross : it is explained by Dr. Clarke and others as typifying eternity, 
 and eternal life. It is a symbol of universal ascription in Egypt to 
 every sacred form. 
 
 (83) Harpocrates, in the usual collective phrases of Egypt's deities, 
 figures only as a weak and half-formed divinity, the son of Isis and 
 Osiris, after the murder of the latter by Typhon ; in consequence 
 whereof Plutarch, in Isis and Osiris, says he came into the world be- 
 fore his time, and lame. Yet in another part he observes we must not 
 look on Harpocrates as an infant and imperfect deity, but as the go- 
 vernor and rectifier of the weak and confused notions we are wont to 
 entertain concerning the divine nature: thus he is represented with 
 ' his finger pointing to his mouth,' a proper emblem of the cautious, 
 modest silence, we should observe in these matters ; and when they 
 offer to him the first-fruits of their lentils, in the month Mesori, they 
 cry out, ' The tongue is fortune, the tongue is god.' And of all 
 Egyptian plants the peach tree is in particular sacred to him, because 
 of the resemblance between its fruit and the heart, and its leaves and 
 tiic human tongue; for of all things which u man enjoys, tiiere is no-
 
 NOTES. 327 
 
 thing by which he approaches nearer the divinity than by right reason, 
 especially when employed in religious matters, nor any thing which is 
 
 of greater moment to his happiness Isis and Osiris, p. 63. 
 
 In the sculptured procession of Medinet Habu this deity appears in 
 all the importance thus rightly given to him by Plutarch. The di- 
 vinity is depicted in his shrine, and trees, a very unusual association, 
 are placed there: are these tlie peach, as stated by Plutarch? After 
 a sacrifice, the deity is borne forth, and added to the procession ; tlie 
 trees are also taken into the ceremony, and the litter on which Harpo- 
 crates is borne is supported by twenty-four priests, over whom hangs 
 a mantle sprinkled with leaves, hiding all but their iieads and feet. 
 No deity appears encircled with greater honours. — Descript. de 
 I'Egypte, Habu. 
 
 (84) The Campsa chest or ark in these sculptures is so important 
 a part of Egypt's rites, that the subject requires some detail. Apuleius 
 mentions the ark of Isis, saying it contained sacred symbols used in 
 the mysteries. Plutarch, in Isis and Osiris, rpcaking of the rites of 
 Osiris, names it as borne by priests, and containing a small golden 
 boat. Hesychius says, the Egyptians styled the ark Theba, Baris, 
 and Argo. In the mysteries of Osiris, tlie image of a dead man was 
 borne in an ark, and thought afterwards to be restored to life, or return 
 from Hades. The Egyptians styled it tlie interment of Osiris j and 
 thtir lamentations for his disappearance constituted the first and mourn- 
 ful part of the mysteries ; afterward, on the tliird day subsequent to 
 his enclosure witliin the ark, that is, on the nineteenth day of the 
 month, they went down at night toward the sea with the sacred chest, 
 wherein is a small boat of gold; into this they first poured some fresh 
 water, and then exclaimed, ' Osiris is found.' The rejoicings they 
 now indulged in formed the joyful part of tlie mysteries. 
 
 The day on which the Egyptians supposed that Osiris was shut up 
 in the ark, and celebrated the riles, was tlie seventeenth day of the 
 month Athyr, when the sun is in Scorpio, at which time the overflow- 
 ing of the Nile had ceased, and the country had become dry. — Isis 
 and Osiris. If Moses reckoned by the civil years of tlie Jews, this 
 will be the precise day of tlie precise month on whicli Noah entered 
 into the ark j or if he reckoned by the ecclesiastical year, we shall 
 have the memory of the precise day, though in that case not of the 
 precise month, accurately preserved in the legend of Osiris. To show
 
 328 NOTES. 
 
 how stronyly impresseil the tradition of the deluge and a preserving 
 ark is interwoven in the Egyptian mythology, we learn also tiiat 
 Menes reigned the first of men, that the whole of Egypt except Thebes 
 was one immense marsh, that he narrowly escaped drowning in tlie 
 inundation, that he was saved by a crocodile, whence that animal be- 
 came sacred, and they called it Campsa. Herodotus, Euterpe; Dio- 
 (lorus, lib. i. ; Hesychius j Plutarch. 
 
 (85) The vase is typical of purification ; it is sometimes rounded 
 in a boss, as a ridge. It has this form, because the grasshopper, cicada, 
 the symbol of the initiati and of the initiation, bore the same name, 
 and the insect and the vase became connected with the rite. — Lecour, 
 p. 11. Thus the Athenians, an Egyptian colony, wore golden grass- 
 hoppers, saying they were of the earth, and the first of the human 
 species. In other places it pours forth streams of water, or of crux 
 ansata, and the sceptre of Osiris, over the human form, as in nu- 
 merous plates of Denon, of Belzoni, also of sculptures from Philoe. 
 Tiiese are principally in reference to the Isiac and Osiric mysteries; 
 but in the processions, and in sepulchres, the vases are filled with 
 flowers, for there is no mythology without a golden age, always re- 
 corded as a beginning of limes ; a period delineative of happy in- 
 nocence, when these flowers bloomed for man ; and these the Egyp- 
 tians restored to the abodes of death, which they strove to cmbcUish 
 and to clothe with the most brilliant character. 
 
 (8G) For the Temple of Vulcan, the prodigious mounds and cha- 
 racter of Memphis, see note in vol. ii. 
 
 (87) The great tower or pyramid of Belus, at Babylon, the Hindoos 
 designate as ' the temple of the lotos goddess ;' and the Brahmins 
 teach that certain children of Sharma, who was a son of the ark pre- 
 served Menu, also formed a pyramidal structure on the Nile, called 
 Padma Mandir. The Greeks corrupted its true name of Babel to 
 Byblos. It was situated on the Nile, and its .strenglli as a fortress is 
 attested by the sieges which it maintained, as detailed in Thucydides 
 and other historians. 
 
 (8i3) Tiic opinion of courage and valour being the result of climate, 
 and fostered in regions of difficulty and danger, was the observation of
 
 NOTES. 329 
 
 antiquity, wlilch experience confirms. Tiiis Artcmbarcs learnt, who, 
 in Ills time framing a discourse to Cyrus, for the Persians, which they 
 approved, spol^e in lliese terms ; ' Since Jupiter has given the su- 
 periority to the Persians, and the principal authority among men to 
 thee, O Cyrus; give us leave to remove out of our country, which is 
 narrow and mountainous, into a better. Many such are near our 
 confines, and many at a greater distance; the possession of one of 
 these will render us more reverenced by most men ; and tliis conduct 
 becomes a people who have the power in their hands. In a word, 
 what opportunity can ever be more favourable to us tlian the present, 
 when we have the command of so many nations, and the dominion of 
 all Asia?' Cyrus heard tliese words without wonder, and bid them do 
 as they desired ; but wiihal admonislied them to prepare for the future 
 to obey, and not to command, as in time past : because Nature has so 
 ordered things, that delicious countries produce an effeminate race; 
 and men excellent in war are not bred in those regions which yield the 
 most admirable fruits. The Pcriians, perceiving their error, receded 
 from their purpose, and yielded to the opinion of Cyrus, choosing 
 rather to live in a barren country, and to command, than to cultivate 
 the richest plain, and be subject to other men. — Herodotus, Calliope, 
 p. 545. 
 
 (89) The Arabian frontier of Lower Egypt reached to the Pclusiac 
 moulli of the Nile, and was the site of bloody combats with tlie pastoral 
 warriors, and Persians, and Syrians. Rlany cities were contained 
 between the stream and the Arabian Gulf, among others Aouaris; 
 here the priesthood fixed the abode of Typhon, the eternal enemy and 
 evil principle of Egypt ; and it is here tliat the city may be found called 
 in the sacred books of the Egyptians Typhonia, the abode of Typhon 
 or Aouaris. This city was Icnown to the Greeks under the name of 
 Heroopolis; its position was long doubtful, but it is fully ascertained 
 that it existed between the Pelusiac branch of the Nile and the bitter 
 lakes, and that it stood to the north-west of these said lakes, known 
 at present by the name of Abonmeycheyd by the Arabs of the 
 Isthmus. 
 
 (.00) In the wonderful sculptures of Karnak they wear a coat of 
 mail; tlieir arms arc javelins and spears, and a battle-axe; tliey wear 
 long robes, as Persians, Indians, or liactrians ; their shields arc cir-
 
 330 NOTES. 
 
 cular and square; and also the common Theban buckler. Their in- 
 fantry are armed with spears, tlicir charioteers with short javelins, 
 their swords short, and they wear a high Asiatic liara. The Egj'ptian 
 shield is square at one end and round at the other; and the Egyptians' 
 arms are bows and arrows, their heads close shaven, they are clad in 
 short dresses, and also have long spears, and daggers, maces, clubs, 
 and scimitars. I'he chariots are of various shapes, some manifestly 
 of iron: the Egyptian contain two, tlie otiiers three warriors. A 
 column of Egyptian infantry, armed with long spears and daggers, are 
 moving forward in a slow march; and such is tiie regularity where- 
 with they move, that it is clear the sovereigns of Egypt entertained 
 a large body of regular and well-disciplined foot soldiers on the Me- 
 mnonian walls. The colours with wliicli they are painted preserve their 
 original freshness, so as to distinguish the red colour and the blue 
 harness of the horses, tlie blue, green, red, and white of the Egyptians' 
 and Bactrians' garments, and of the cars of the Egyptians and their 
 adversaries, as well as the fainter blue of the water into which the 
 fugitives are fallen. The scene also combines camels and oxen with 
 the Indian hunch. When it is added, that there are more than fifteen 
 hundred figures, differently grouped, and in action, in tlie war repre- 
 sentations on the Karnalc walls alone, some idea may be formed of the 
 incredible mass of sculptures overspreading them. — Egyptiaca, Kar- 
 nak, Luxor, Medinet Habu. 
 
 These delineations combine many points of interest; tlie chariots 
 seem to intimate that Homer drew his detail from them, as two war- 
 riors are invariably represented, and no more ; and on the Mcmnoniuni 
 the conquered chief is lashed to a car, in tlie act of being dragged 
 around tlie walls, in the manner of the treatment of Achilles towards 
 Hector. As the same act was perpetrated by Alexander in his Indian 
 expedition, wherein he assumed the honours of divinity, it may have 
 some significance in an august sense now lost to us. 
 
 (91) The Piirygians also, in common with other nations, claimed 
 the priority of antiquity, of being ilic first of mankind. The rites of 
 Cybele not only existed in liie earliest ages amid tlie recesses of 
 Mount Ida, but Dr. Clarke discovered the remains of a shrine. — 
 Travels, vol. ii. 
 
 (92) Pan, worshipped at Mendcs, and represented in liis images
 
 NOTES, o31 
 
 with the countenance of the she-goat and legs of the male. Their 
 veneration for these animals is great and universal : one he-goat is 
 more particularly honoured than the rest by the Mendesians. In 
 Egyptian the word Mendes is used in common for Pan and for a goat. 
 — Her. Euterpe, i. 273. Plutarch, detailing the legend of Osiris 
 and his imprisonment in the chest by Typhon, says, ' Tiie first who 
 knew the accident which liad befallen their king were the Pans and 
 Satyrs who inhabited the country about Chemnis; and they imme- 
 diately acquainting the people with the news, gave the first occasion 
 to the name of Panic terrors, which has ever since been made use of 
 to signify any sudden afTrigiit or amazement of a multitude. — Isis and 
 Osiris, p. 1 9. At IMedinet Habu this divinity is adored as one of the 
 chief; ' he has the long goat's beard of Osiris, as the god Mendes, 
 and the royal standard at his side.' — Egj-ptiaca, 140. 
 
 (93) The cat was held in the extremest veneration. An unfor- 
 tunate Roman, who killed one accidentally in the time of the Ptolemies, 
 was not so lucky as Betis : the Egyptians surrounded his house with 
 the utmost fury ; and although the king's guards were sent to rescue 
 him, neither his authority nor the Roman name availed to save him. — • 
 Uiodorus, b. i. c. 6. 
 
 In whatever family a cat b}' accident happens to die, ever}' indi.. 
 vidual cuts off his eyebrows. The cats when dead are carried to sa- 
 cred buildings, and after being salted, are buried in the city Bubastis ; 
 the females in consecrated chests — Her. Euterpe, i. 292. If by any 
 chance these creatures are found dead, they stand aloof, and with 
 lamentable cries and protestations, tell every one they found it dead. 
 And when they have been abroad in war in foreign countries, they 
 have with great lamentation brought back with them dead cats into 
 Egypt, when, in the mean time, they have been ready to starve for 
 want of provision. — Died. b. i. c. G. 
 
 (94) The curious papyrlc rolls of contracts lately examined and 
 detailed, prove that the trades of Egypt exercised the powers of cor- 
 porate bodies; and that of the leather-sellers and the Memnones 
 quarter are particularly set forth. 
 
 . (95) The temple of the city of Bubastis well deserves attention; 
 there may be others larger, as well as more splendid, but not which
 
 332 NOTES. 
 
 have a more delightful situation. Bubastis was a virgin, presickil at 
 chihUbirth, and was the symbol of the moon. — Her, Euterps, i. 383. 
 
 (96) The cat, according to Plutarch, had a peculiar reference to 
 the moon, with the changes of whose aspect ihat animal was supposed 
 to have a certain mj-sterious sympathy. The sistrum is also con- 
 nected with the cat. — Isis and Osiris, 87. 
 
 Shrew mice, when dead, are carried to Butos. Latona, one of the 
 eight most ancient divinities of the country, was called Buto, and 
 particularly honoured in the city of that name : the shrew mouse was 
 sacred to her, Plutarch says that Egyptians rendered divine honours 
 to this animal on account of its blindness; darkness, according to 
 them, being more ancient than light. — Her. Euterpe, i. 403, note. 
 
 The sacred animal of Buto, or Latona, was the mygali, or shrew 
 mouse ; for this was the form she assumed to escape the pursuit of 
 T\i5lion. This animal was held sacred, and accounted, from its sup- 
 posed blindness, an emblem of primeval night, or darkness. Tiie re- 
 ceptacles for the dead were termed Bouti; and it is possible it had 
 reference to the goddess presiding over night and the darkness of liie 
 tomb. — Prichard, 153. In fact, this point seems nmcli strengtiiened 
 by a figure of Buto being attendant on Osiris as supreme judge in all 
 sepulchral delineations. 
 
 (97) On the site of the ancient city, among scattered fragments, is 
 ■ a fine monolithic shrine, whereon are three colossal figures, seated on 
 
 a couch, the back of which, as well as their arms, are adorned with 
 hieroglyphic sculptures. — Champollion, ii. 89. This precious re- 
 main attests the site of this interesting city. 
 
 (98) At the festival of Bubastis they crowd the Nile in vessels, the 
 women striking tambours, the men accompanying them on flutes, 
 with songs and dances. On arriving at the city many victims are 
 sacrificed, and more wine consumed than in all the rest of the year. 
 The natives report that 700,000 men and women assemble at this 
 festival. Note, some read 70,000. — Her. Euterpe, i. 285. 
 
 (99) One Amenophis, out of his sagacity about futurity, having 
 set apart the city Aouaris, left desolate by the shepherds (which city, 
 according to ancient theology, was Typlion's abode), left a prophecy
 
 NOTES. 333 
 
 that certain ppoplc would come and conquer Egypt for thirteen years. 
 Now on the advance of the shepherds, Amenophis, the king of Egypt, 
 calling to mind what Amenophis, son of Papis, iiad foretold, as- 
 sembled the multitude of the Egyptians, and «ith 300,000 men, Apis, 
 and the sacred animals, marched into Ethiopia; and the king of 
 Ethiopia being under an obligation to him, received him, and took 
 care of all the multitude with him, the country supplying all necessary 
 food. He allotted him cities and villages, and moreover pitched 
 a camp for his Ethiopian army, as a guard for King Amenopliis upon 
 the borders of Egypt. — Josephus, vol. iv. 308. 
 
 (100) The prophecy of Amenophis, that Egypt should be recon- 
 quered, is grounded upon the detail referring to this epoch, both iu 
 Herodotus and Manetho. According to Herodotus, the tyranny ex- 
 ercised over the native Jlizraim consisted mainly in forcing them to 
 labour as builders; according to Moses, the tyranny exercised over 
 the Israelites was of the very same description. According to He- 
 rodotus, the diet of the toiling Egyptians consisted of radishes, and 
 onions, and garlic; according to filoses, the diet of the toiling Israelites 
 consisted of cucumbers, and melons, and leeks, and onions, and garlic. 
 According to Herodotus and Manetho, the oppressive tyranny under 
 which the Egyptians groaned, during the misrule of the shepherds, did 
 not come upon them unexpectedly, but had been expressly foretold by 
 an oracle. — Pagan Idolatry, vol. iii. 557. 
 
 (101) In Philoe is the sepulchre built and erected to Oiiris, re- 
 ligiously reverenced by all the priests of Egypt, wherein are laid up 
 three hundred and three score bowls, which certain priests appointed 
 for that purpose fdl every day with milk, and call upon the gods by 
 name, with mourning and lamentation. For that cause none go into 
 the island but priests. The inhabitants of Thebes (which is the most 
 ancient city of Egypt) account it a great oath, and by no means to 
 be violated, if a man swear by Osiris, that lies buried at Philoe. — 
 Diod. b. i. c. 2. 
 
 (102) Hermaic books, celebrated as copies or transcripts of the 
 pillars cited by Josephus. — Sec note 108. 
 
 (103) The word Mahiman signifies the Great Muucs or Menu;
 
 334 NOTES. 
 
 but this the Greeks could have pronnunccfl in no otlicr wnj'than IVIcmnri, 
 whence Mr. Wilford supposes that tlic name of Memnon originatcil. 
 Now Mahiman or Buddha is allowed to he the same as the Om of the 
 Hindus, and On of the Egyptians, a title of the sun, and therefore 
 Memnon itself is only a solar title. Two stupendous colossi of this 
 name yet remain in a perfect state, at a vciy short distance from the 
 Palace Memnonium ; they are not more than twenty-one paces asun- 
 der, and are above fifty feet high. Eusebius says that the Memnon 
 ■whose colossal statue uttered musical sounds was a king of Egypt ; 
 and Strabo says it was an opinion that the Egyptians called the Me- 
 mnon who was at Troy Ismandes or Mendes : he was thought to have 
 built the Labyrinth. Mendes being the same as Memnon, the Laby- 
 rinth must have been a Memnonium, or a temple contrived with nu- 
 merous intricate passages for the celebration of the mysteries. The 
 sounds heard from the base of the statue still are attested by the nu- 
 merous inscriptions in the Greek and Latin characters graven on the 
 legs of one of them, recording names of much interest. How these 
 sounds were produced has been greatly disputed; if they have com- 
 municating passages leading under the celebrated IMemnonium in their 
 rear, the cause of such sounds is easily imngincd. They are described 
 by eye-witnesses, Strabo particularly, as occurring to the visitors to 
 these impressive forms, not always given, but as if flowing from the 
 favour of the deity, and consisted of a vibratory sound, as of a sna]ipcd 
 siring or chord of a harp, a pulsative touch, and alvvaj's uttered at 
 sunrise. They face the east, and at this day a singular notion exists 
 among the Arabs of the desert that they smile at sunrise, but that a 
 terrific gloom overcasts their features in the evening. 
 
 Dr. Young, in his article of Egypt, Supplement to Edinb. Ency. 
 vol. iv. part i. p. GO, refers a part of this inscription to Amenopiiis, 
 son of Itamesses Miamun, or the lover of Ammon. This inscription 
 occupied the author many hours of research and labour in the endless 
 field of hieroglyphic symbols. The base displays two hieropliants 
 drawing a cord which binds the lotos ; on either side run vertical lines 
 of hieroglyphics, ascribing titles and praises to a king, and combining 
 the symbols of Tithonus and Eoa within the cartouche; an important 
 point of discovery, as always embracing the monogram, due to the 
 industry and talents of Dr. Young. These names also are given to 
 the conqueror on the walls of the Memnonium in the act of drawing 
 his bow and fitting' the baib ; a figure sketched with uncommon force
 
 NOTES. 335 
 
 and strength. The titles therefore connected with these colossi sug- 
 gested the idea of the augury from the name of Anienophis on their 
 base. The praise and eulogy on their forms may be best known by 
 an examination of M. Denon's sentiments. 
 
 (104) The most famous statuaries were the Egyptians, for with 
 them the exact cut of a statue is not judged of by the eye and fancy, 
 as it is by the Greeks, but after they have cut out the stone, and 
 wrought every part by itself, then they measure the exact proportion 
 of the whole, from the least stone to the greatest. For they divide 
 the whole body into twenty-one parts and one-fourth, which makes up 
 the symmetry- and entire proportions; upon which, after the workmen 
 have agreed among themselves as to the bigness of their statues, they 
 go away, and every one carve their parts so exactly according to their 
 just proportions, that the singular skill of these workmen is wonderful 
 and amazing. And thus the statue, one-half of which was made in 
 Samos, and the other part finished in Ephesus, according to the art 
 and skill in Egypt, was cut in two from the head, exactly in the 
 middle, yet notwithstanding was equally proportiuned in every part; 
 and they say that it exactly resembled the statues in Egypt, having its 
 hands stretched out, and in a walking posture. — Diod. b. i. c. 7. 
 
 (105) Earth first an equal to herself in fame 
 Brought forth, that covers all, the starry frame, 
 The spacious heaven, of gods the safe domain, 
 Who live in endless Lliss, exempt from pain. 
 
 Hesiod's Theogony. 
 
 (106) The broken colossal statue of red granite is most enormous ; 
 it measures six feet twelve inches over the foot, and sixty-three feet 
 round the shoulders. Next to the wonder excited at the boldness of 
 the sculptor who made it, the labour niul exertions that must have 
 been used for its destruction are most astonishing; it could only have 
 been brought about with the help of military engines, and must then 
 have been the work of a length of time. Its fall has carried along 
 with it the whole of the wall which stood within its reach. It was not 
 without great difiicully and danger that we could climb on its shoulder 
 and neck ; and in going from thence upon its chest, I was assisted by
 
 336 NOTES. 
 
 my Arab servant, who walked by m}' side, in the hieroglyphic cha- 
 racters engraved on the arm. — Egyptiaca, 1 68. 
 
 f 107) The Hypostyle Hall, and the grand portals of black granite. 
 —See Descript. de I'Egypte, vol. ii. 
 
 (108) The Egyptian Thoth is made by Sanchoniathon contem- 
 porary with the seven Cabiri and their father Sydyk, who were the 
 builders of the first ship, and consecrated the relics of the ocean at 
 Berytus. In the Plioenician genealogy he is said to be the son of 
 Misor or IMizraim ; and Sanchoniathon borrows, he says, his mytho- 
 logical narrative from the pillars of Thoth. The same books are re- 
 ferred to in a legend of Buddha, and are declared to have descended 
 from above, to confer the powers of knowledge and retrospection, the 
 ability of accomplishing the impulses of the heart, and the means of 
 carrying into effect the words of the mouth. Joseplius declares tiie 
 wisdom of these books or writings were graven on two pillars, which 
 resisted the flood, and were in existence when he wrote his history, 
 near Mount Siderus, doubtless an arkite mountain or high place, where 
 those primeval symbols of Tiioth or Hermes were engraven and in 
 use. The beautiful series of entertainment and instruction contained 
 in the Athenian Letters touches with much interest upon these pillars, 
 and have lent a part of the imagery employed in the scene. 
 
 (10.9) The birds called Memnonidcs, Elian says, were black, and 
 resembled hawks. — Hamilton, 1 75. See also Pagan Idolatry, vol. ii. 
 497. 
 
 (110) Elian tells us, (Animal, lib. vi. c. 7) that Mares, king of 
 Egypt, built a sepulchre for a raven, which was wont to carry his 
 letters to and fro under its wing. 
 
 ( 1 1 i ) Hieralphic character. Herodotus expresses shortly the use 
 of two sorts of letters, one for sacred subjects, the other on common 
 occasions. Diodorus agrees with Herodotus; and the learned Bishop 
 Warburton fully established that the hicro<ilvphics were a lanTuacre, a 
 fact which had been lost sight of in the learned disputes upon this 
 abstruse and much contested point. It has, however, been revived
 
 NOTES. 337 
 
 with the most happy auspices by M. Champollion, jun., whose extra- 
 ordinary zeal has struck out the key to most important postulata. — 
 Journal de Savans. Herod, i. 259. Diodorus. 
 
 (112) It was an opinion entertained by the Egyptians that a vein 
 communicated from the little finger of the left hand to the heart ; and 
 hence they wore a ring, according to many writers, on that part. 
 
 (113) The worship at Papremis of the bloody god of war was suited 
 to his sanguinary character ; and assimilating his rites to those of the 
 Indian IMoIoch of Jaganalh, like him a car bore abroad tlie idol with 
 shouts, rejoicings, and indecent orgies ; and like him the Egyptian 
 deity was propitiated with the blood of his votaries. The bear was the 
 symbol of this deity, also of Typhon.— See Herodotus, Euterpe. 
 
 (114) Phthah is considered the great ancestor of the other deities, 
 and is especially called father of the sun; this is in his creative fa- 
 culty. In his generative power he is designated as a workman or an 
 architect; he is compared to Prometheus, the discoverer of fire; and 
 Vulcan, as in Cicero, Eusebius, and Eratosthenes.— Article Egypt, 
 in Suppl. to Encyc. Brit. 
 
 (115) Thus the tenets of the Ionic school, derived from Egypt— 
 ' Those which spring from an ethereal stock return to the heavenly 
 vault.' 
 
 The connexion of the soul wit!i stars, its descent through seven 
 planetary spheres, and its re-ascent, are foimd in the Hermetic books ; 
 and there is nothing in their origin and style that forbids the supposi- 
 tion that they had tiicir origin in the mysteries of Egypt. 
 
 Tiie heavens were divided mto eight spheres; the eighth or higiiest 
 sphere was tiiat of the fixed stars, the region of the divine and incon- 
 ceptible ether, from which all souls had emanated. This was the 
 native and original abode of all intelligent and spiritual essences. 
 
 The doctrines of emanation, refusion, and purgatorial transmigra- 
 tion, may with full confidence be ascribed to the Egyptians, as illus- 
 trated from Virgil, Pindar, and Euripides, and tiie dogmas of the Stoic 
 and Pythagorean schools. — Prichard's Egyptian Mythology, 211. 
 
 (116) From the map of Lower Egypt (or Tsakhet, as M. Cham- 
 VOL. I. Z
 
 338 NOTES. ^ 
 
 pollion terms this province), Foubaslis in the time of tlie Pharaolis 
 stood on the south of the Nile, which presented a noble breadth of 
 stream. At this point the canal of the kings (stretching across the 
 Arabian desert to the Arabian Sea, and forming a boundary of Auoara) 
 and the Pelusiac and Tanitic branches diverge. 
 
 (1 17) On the walls of Medinet Habu are delineated the scenes of 
 a naval combat, which will serve as an explanatory guide in this most 
 interesting subject, as its delineations cannot fail of furnishing to us a 
 certain idea of the war vessels, of the energy, and the iiumanily of the 
 Egyptians. If we feel pride that in the dreadful struggle of combat 
 our countrymen have laid aside the uplifted sword, and united their 
 efforts to save their foes, this bright trait of humanity appears on walls 
 of impeiishaLle duration, in the era our pages treat of, even the times 
 of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian vessels are designated by their prows 
 having lions' heads; their crew are instantly recognized from tiie 
 exact fidelity of their head and form, and oblong bucklers, to the pages 
 of Herodotus. The barks have a ledge elevated, through which the 
 oars are used, and which, as a quarter-deck, would screen the vessels 
 from the waves. Their sails are delineated, and in every respect these 
 vessels furnish the models of those enormous triremes of three rows 
 of oars of the Greeks in the time of the Ptolemies, described by 
 Athenaeus. 
 
 In one boarding scene an Egyptian soldier, mounted on the most 
 advanced part of the prow of his vessel, his buckler slung on his 
 shoulder, his right arm wielding a club, seizes with great strength an 
 Indian, whom he drags from the enemy's vessel, and is on the point 
 of destroying. The same vessel shows an enemy sinking beneath 
 waters, and imploring help, which an Egyptian is extending his arms 
 to render him. — Habu, Description de I'Egypte, tome ii. 
 
 It is particularly deserving of our notice, that the barks of these 
 sculptures are altogether totally different from those that are described 
 as commonly used on the Nile. 
 
 (118) 'Thou art indeed the form of God, and light is but his 
 shadow.' The sentiment is in some ancient author, and beautifully 
 demonstrative of the higher excellence and superiority of the godlike 
 attribute over even the beams of Olympian Jove.
 
 NOTES. 339 
 
 (119) The inlinbitants of Tentyris were from infancy enemies of 
 the crocodile, and disturbers of his haunts, and of course fearless 
 swimmers and divers ; they were distinguisiied among the whole 
 Egyptian race for these habits. — Sa Pliny's History. 
 
 ( 120) Pliatlinietic, in its Egyptian derivation, signifies ' the middle;* 
 and this branch of the Nile is placed in the midst of six others, having 
 on the east the Mendesian, the Tanilic, and Pelusiac ; on the north 
 the Phermutic, the Bolbitinc, and the Canopic streams. 
 
 (121) These catamarans are so simple, yet so useful for passing the 
 Nile, or floating on its waters, that they most probably have existed 
 from the earliest era. Composed of the humblest materials, bound 
 together as a siieaf, they supply, as is shown in the plates of Nordcn 
 and M. Denon, a means of crossing the stream to the poorest of the 
 Egyptian race. 
 
 (122) Poubastis was seated on the south-eastern bank of the Pe- 
 lusiac branch of the Nile, and about four leagues from the spot where 
 Sahrasht stood. According to its mention in MSS. of the Borgian 
 Museum, it was situated immediately on the bank of theTaiiitic chau- 
 nel of the river. 
 
 (123) Tlie Fens are a portion of Egypt which, although appearing 
 often in the narrative of Herodotus, are yet stated so obscurely both 
 by that writer and Diodorus, as to afford no insight into their extent, 
 population, or character ; they were fastnesses, evidently because they 
 furnished a refuge to the Egyptian kings and eminent men flying from 
 their invaders; thus Anysis, king of Egypt, when it was overrun by 
 Sabacon, king of Ethiopia, tied to the Fens, and remained there in 
 security, until his kingdom was restored to him by his retreat— a 
 measure as extraordinary and magnanimous for its love of justice as 
 is recorded in history ; for having a dream instigating him to put all 
 the Egyptian priesthood to death, after maturely reflecting on the 
 vision, he concluded that the gods were trying him, by the occasion of 
 committing an impious action, to punish him by men or by their own 
 power; and choosing rather to relinquish Egypt than perpetrate the 
 crime, he voluntarily retired into Ethiopia. The narrative of Hero- 
 dotus shines in numerous traits indicative of a iiigh sense of justice,
 
 340 NOTES. 
 
 anJ also evidences of strong and powerful checks upon the abuse of 
 kingly autliority. Psammiticus refuged in the Fens; and after Egypt 
 was subdued by the Persians, here Amyrtaeus was able to defy the whole 
 power of the Persian empire for a number of years. — Sec Thucydides, 
 lib. i. The details, therefore, of this interesting district have been care- 
 fully collected into one view, and became worthy an attentive consi- 
 deration; forming, as it evidently did, an important portion of Lower 
 Egypt in a political view, although perhaps contemned as a resort of 
 bad and profligate characters. In fact, the Sunderbunds of the Ganges, 
 and the Ladrones which infest the great rivers of China, present, most 
 probably, similar communities in the present day to those of the Fens 
 under the Pharaohs. Tlie authorities for this sketch are collected by 
 Quatremere, Memoires sur I'Egypte et quelques Contrees voisines. 
 
 In the invasion of Sabacus, king of Ethiopia, Anysis, king of Egypt, 
 fled to the morasses, and saved his life. — Euterpe, i. 322. 
 
 (124) For particulars of this singular district, called the Bucolic 
 Marshes and Fens, see Quatremere, Mem. Geographiques sur I'Egypte 
 et les Contrees Voisines, tome i, 223. 
 
 (125) See Diodorus, Booth's translation, vol. i. 152; which esta- 
 blishes the idea of the ancients of the Delta, if not part of Upper 
 Egypt, being alluvial land. 
 
 ( 1 26) Herodotus describes the Fens as abounding In the lotos plant, 
 which the natives ate as bread. The papyrus also was annually ga- 
 thered, and publicly sold. — Euterpe. This district continued noted 
 for these productions when under the Arabian dominion. — See Quatre- 
 mere, vol. i. 230. 
 
 (127) These banditti are described in Quatremere, vol. i. 230. 
 
 (128) Nichochis, chief settlement of the Bucolica. — Quatremere, 
 i. 231. 
 
 (129) The temple is dedicated to Latona, and built in the great 
 city of Butus, beyond the Sebcnnetic branch of the Nile, as men navi- 
 gate from the sea up that river. Apollo and Diana also liave temples 
 in the same city; and that of Latona, which contains the oracle, is
 
 NOTES. 311 
 
 a magnificent structure, adorned with a portico sixty feet high. But 
 of all thii)gs I saw there nothing seemed to me so astonishing as a 
 quadrangular shrine in this temple, cut out of one single stone, and 
 containing a square of forty cubits (sixty feet) on every side, entirely 
 covered with a roof of one stone lilcewise, having a border six feet 
 thick. This chapel appeared to me the most prodigious thing I saw 
 in that place ; and next to this the island of Chemmis, situate^ in a 
 broad deep lake near the temple of Butus. The island contains a 
 spacious temple dedicated to Apollo, and three altars, with a great 
 number of palms and other trees, as well of such as produce fruit, as 
 of those that serve for shade and ornament. The Egyptians say that 
 Latona here preserved the life of Apollo from Typhon, when receiving 
 him from the hand of Isis, she concealed him in this floating island. — 
 Herodotus, Euterpe. 
 
 In considering the usual style of the capitals in Grecian architecture, 
 the sacred palm or phoenix seems the tree selected for imitation, which 
 ihey borrowed in the first instance from Egypt : it is clearly seen in 
 their fine capitals, as it appears in all the pillars of the Thebaic temples, 
 and also from its reputed sanctity and use in the sacred groves, as in 
 that of Latona at Chemmis. And Mr. Hamilton observes, the first 
 idea of columnar architecture, in his opinion, was taken from the palm 
 or date tree ; and that the Egyptian peasants to this day give to these 
 columns and to the palm tree the same name of Nagel. — Egyptiaca, 
 10.5. 
 
 That the oracle at Buto was in high repute appears from Herodotus, 
 who records the application of two Egyptian kings, Mycerinus and 
 Psammeticus, to its shrine. — Euterpe. See note on palms, vol. ii. 
 
 (130) These games are described in the caves of Bcnihassan. — 
 Hamilton's plates. 
 
 (131) These dangerous weapons are thus forcibly described in 
 Quatremere, vol. i. 230. 
 
 END OF VOL. I.
 
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