MydearMother，Ihaveforalongwhilehopedtobeallowedtodedicatesomebookofminetoyou，andnowIbringyouthiswork，becausewhateveritsshortcomings，andwhateverjudgmentmaybepasseduponitbyyourselfandothers，itisyettheoneIshouldwishyoutoaccept。
Itrustthatyouwillreceivefrommyromanceof”Cleopatra”somesuchpleasureaslightenedthelabourofitsbuildingup；andthatitmayconveytoyourmindapicture，howeverimperfect，oftheoldandmysteriousEgyptinwhoselostgloriesyouaresodeeplyinterested。
YouraffectionateanddutifulSon，H。RiderHaggard。
January21，1889。
AUTHOR’SNOTE
ThehistoryoftheruinofAntonyandCleopatramusthavestruckmanystudentsoftherecordsoftheirageasoneofthemostinexplicableoftragictales。Whatmaligninfluenceandsecrethateswereatwork，continuallysappingtheirprosperityandblindingtheirjudgment？WhydidCleopatraflyatActium，andwhydidAntonyfollowher，leavinghisfleetandarmytodestruction？Anattemptismadeinthisromancetosuggestapossibleanswertotheseandsomeotherquestions。
Thereaderisaskedtobearinmind，however，thatthestoryistold，notfromthemodernpointofview，butasfromthebrokenheartandwiththelipsofanEgyptianpatriotofroyalblood；nomerebeast-
worshipper，butapriestinstructedintheinmostmysteries，whobelievedfirmlyinthepersonalexistenceofthegodsofKhem，inthepossibilityofcommunionwiththem，andinthecertaintyofimmortallifewithitsrewardsandpunishments；towhomalsothebewilderingandoftengrosssymbolismoftheOsirianFaithwasnothingbutaveilwoventoobscuresecretsoftheSanctuary。Whateverproportionoftruththeremayhavebeenintheirspiritualclaimsandimaginings，ifindeedtherewasany，suchmenasthePrinceHarmachishavebeentoldofintheannalsofeverygreatreligion，and，asisshownbythetestimonyofmonumentalandsacredinscriptions，theywerenotunknownamongtheworshippersoftheEgyptianGods，andmoreespeciallyofIsis。
Unfortunatelyitisscarcelypossibletowriteabookofthisnatureandperiodwithoutintroducingacertainamountofillustrativematter，forbynoothermeanscanthelongdeadpastbemadetoliveagainbeforethereader’seyeswithallitsaccessoriesoffadedpompandforgottenmystery。Tosuchstudentsasseekastoryonly，andarenotinterestedinthefaith，ceremonies，orcustomsoftheMotherofReligionandCivilisation，ancientEgypt，itis，however，respectfullysuggestedthattheyshouldexercisetheartofskipping，andopenthistaleatitsSecondBook。
ThatversionofthedeathofCleopatrahasbeenpreferredwhichattributesherendtopoison。AccordingtoPlutarchitsactualmannerisveryuncertain，thoughpopularrumourascribedittothebiteofanasp。Sheseems，however，tohavecarriedoutherdesignundertheadviceofthatshadowypersonage，herphysician，Olympus，anditismorethandoubtfulifhewouldhaveresortedtosuchafantasticanduncertainmethodofdestroyinglife。
ItmaybementionedthatsolateasthereignofPtolemyEpiphanes，pretendersofnativeblood，oneofwhomwasnamedHarmachis，areknowntohaveadvancedtheirclaimstothethroneofEgypt。Moreover，therewasabookofprophecycurrentamongthepriesthoodwhichdeclaredthatafterthenationsoftheGreekstheGodHarsefiwouldcreatethe”chiefwhoistocome。”Itwillthereforebeseenthat，althoughitlackshistoricalconfirmation，thestoryofthegreatplotformedtostampoutthedynastyoftheMacedonianLagidaeandplaceHarmachisonthethroneisnotinitselfimprobable。Indeed，itispossiblethatmanysuchplotswereenteredintobyEgyptianpatriotsduringthelongagesoftheircountry’sbondage。Butancienthistorytellsuslittleoftheabortivestrugglesofafallenrace。
TheChantofIsisandtheSongofCleopatra，whichappearinthesepages，aredoneintoversefromthewriter’sprosebyMr。AndrewLang，andthedirgesungbyCharmionistranslatedbythesamehandfromtheGreekoftheSyrianMeleager。
CLEOPATRA
INTRODUCTION
IntherecessesofthedesolateLibyanmountainsthatliebehindthetempleandcityofAbydus，thesupposedburyingplaceoftheholyOsiris，atombwasrecentlydiscovered，amongthecontentsofwhichwerethepapyrusrollswhereuponthishistoryiswritten。Thetombitselfisspacious，butotherwiseremarkableonlyforthedepthoftheshaftwhichdescendsverticallyfromtherock-hewncave，thatonceservedasthemortuarychapelforthefriendsandrelativesofthedeparted，tothecoffin-chamberbeneath。Thisshaftisnolessthaneighty-ninefeetindepth。Thechamberatitsfootwasfoundtocontainthreecoffinsonly，thoughitislargeenoughformanymore。
Twoofthese，whichinallprobabilityinclosedthebodiesoftheHighPriest，Amenemhat，andofhiswife，fatherandmotherofHarmachis，theheroofthishistory，theshamelessArabswhodiscoveredthemthereandthenbrokeup。
TheArabsbrokethebodiesup。WithunhallowedhandstheytoretheholyAmenemhatandtheframeofherwhohad，asitiswritten，beenfilledwiththespiritoftheHathors——torethemlimbfromlimb，searchingfortreasureamidsttheirbones——perhaps，asistheircustom，sellingtheverybonesforafewpiastrestothelastignoranttouristwhocametheirway，seekingwhathemightdestroy。ForinEgypttheunhappy，thelivingfindtheirbreadinthetombsofthegreatmenwhowerebeforethem。
Butasitchanced，somelittlewhileafterwards，onewhoisknowntothiswriter，andadoctorbyprofession，passeduptheNiletoAbydus，andbecameacquaintedwiththemenwhohaddonethisthing。Theyrevealedtohimthesecretoftheplace，tellinghimthatonecoffinyetremainedentombed。Itseemedtobethecoffinofapoorperson，theysaid，andtherefore，beingpressedfortime，theyhadleftitunviolated。Movedbycuriositytoexploretherecessesofatombasyetunprofanedbytourists，myfriendbribedtheArabstoshowittohim。WhatensuedIwillgiveinhisownwords，exactlyashewroteittome:”IsleptthatnightneartheTempleofSeti，andstartedbeforedaybreakonthefollowingmorning。Withmewereacross-eyedrascalnamedAli——AliBabaInamedhim——themanfromwhomIgottheringwhichIamsendingyou，andasmallbutchoiceassortmentofhisfellowthieves。Withinanhouraftersunrisewereachedthevalleywherethetombis。Itisadesolateplace，intowhichthesunpourshisscorchingheatallthelongdaythrough，tillthehugebrownrockswhicharestrewnaboutbecomesohotthatonecanscarcelybeartotouchthem，andthesandscorchesthefeet。Itwasalreadytoohottowalk，sowerodeondonkeys，somewayupthevalley——whereavulturefloatingfarintheblueoverheadwastheonlyothervisitor——tillwecametoanenormousboulderpolishedbycenturiesofactionofsunandsand。HereAlihalted，sayingthatthetombwasunderthestone。
Accordingly，wedismounted，and，leavingthedonkeysinchargeofafellahboy，wentuptotherock。Beneathitwasasmallhole，barelylargeenoughforamantocreepthrough。Indeedithadbeendugbyjackals，forthedoorwayandsomepartofthecavewereentirelysiltedup，anditwasbymeansofthisjackalholethatthetombhadbeendiscovered。Alicreptinonhishandsandknees，andIfollowed，tofindmyselfinaplacecoldafterthehotoutsideair，and，incontrastwiththelight，filledwithadazzlingdarkness。Welitourcandles，and，theselectbodyofthieveshavingarrived，Imadeanexamination。Wewereinacavethesizeofalargeroom，andhollowedbyhand，thefurtherpartofthecavebeingalmostfreefromdrift-
dust。OnthewallsarereligiouspaintingsoftheusualPtolemaiccharacter，andamongthemoneofamajesticoldmanwithalongwhitebeard，whoisseatedinacarvedchairholdingawandinhishand。[*]
Beforehimpassesaprocessionofpriestsbearingsacredimages。Intherighthandcornerofthetombistheshaftofthemummy-pit，asquare-mouthedwellcutintheblackrock。Wehadbroughtabeamofthorn-wood，andthiswasnowlaidacrossthepitandaropemadefasttoit。ThenAli——who，todohimjustice，isacourageousthief——tookholdoftherope，and，puttingsomecandlesintothebreastofhisrobe，placedhisbarefeetagainstthesmoothsidesofthewellandbegantodescentwithgreatrapidity。Verysoonhehadvanishedintoblackness，andtheagitationofthecordalonetoldusthatanythingwasgoingonbelow。Atlasttheropeceasedshakingandafaintshoutcamerumblingupthewell，announcingAli’ssafearrival。Then，farbelow，atinystaroflightappeared。Hehadlitthecandle，therebydisturbinghundredsofbatsthatflittedupinanendlessstreamandassilentlyasspirits。Theropewashauledupagain，andnowitwasmyturn；but，asIdeclinedtotrustmynecktothehand-over-handmethodofdescent，theendofthecordwasmadefastroundmymiddleandIwasloweredbodilyintothosesacreddepths。Norwasitapleasantjourney，for，ifthemastersofthesituationabovehadmadeanymistake，Ishouldhavebeendashedtopieces。Also，thebatscontinuallyflewintomyfaceandclungtomyhair，andIhaveagreatdislikeofbats。Atlast，aftersomeminutesofjerkinganddangling，IfoundmyselfstandinginanarrowpassagebythesideoftheworthyAli，coveredwithbatsandperspiration，andwiththeskinrubbedoffmykneesandknuckles。Thenanothermancamedown，handoverhandlikeasailor，andastherestweretoldtostopabovewewerereadytogoon。Aliwentfirstwithhiscandle——ofcourseweeachhadacandle——
leadingthewaydownalongpassageaboutfivefeethigh。Atlengththepassagewidenedout，andwewereinthetomb-chamber:IthinkthehottestandmostsilentplacethatIeverentered。Itwassimplystifling。Thischamberisasquareroomcutintherockandtotallydevoidofpaintingsorsculpture。Iheldupthecandlesandlookedround。AbouttheplacewerestrewnthecoffinlidsandthemummiedremainsofthetwobodiesthattheArabshadpreviouslyviolated。Thepaintingsontheformerwere，Inoticed，ofgreatbeauty，though，havingnoknowledgeofhieroglyphics，Icouldnotdecipherthem。Beadsandspicywrappingslayaroundtheremains，which，Isaw，werethoseofamanandawoman。[+]Theheadhadbeenbrokenoffthebodyoftheman。Itookitupandlookedatit。Ithadbeencloselyshaved——afterdeath，Ishouldsay，fromthegeneralindications——andthefeaturesweredisfiguredwithgoldleaf。Butnotwithstandingthis，andtheshrinkageoftheflesh，IthinkthefacewasoneofthemostimposingandbeautifulthatIeversaw。Itwasthatofaveryoldman，andhisdeadcountenancestillworesocalmandsolemn，indeed，soawfulalook，thatIgrewquitesuperstitious(thoughasyouknow，Iamprettywellaccustomedtodeadpeople)，andputtheheaddowninahurry。
Therewerestillsomewrappingsleftuponthefaceofthesecondbody，andIdidnotremovethem；butshemusthavebeenafinelargewomaninherday。
[*]This，Itakeit，isaportraitofAmenemhathimself——Editor。
[+]DoubtlessAmenemhatandhiswife——Editor。”’Theretheothermummy，’saidAli，pointingtoalargeandsolidcasethatseemedtohavebeencarelesslythrowndowninacorner，foritwaslyingonitsside。”Iwentuptoitandcarefullyexaminedit。Itwaswellmade，butofperfectlyplaincedar-wood——notaninscription，notasolitaryGodonit。”’Neverseeonelikehimbefore，’saidAli。’Burygreathurry，heno”mafish，”no”fineesh。”Throwhimdownhereonside。’”Ilookedattheplaincasetillatlastmyinterestwasthoroughlyaroused。IwassoshockedbythesightofthescattereddustofthedepartedthatIhadmadeupmymindnottotouchtheremainingcoffin——butnowmycuriosityovercameme，andwesettowork。”Alihadbroughtamalletandacoldchiselwithhim，and，havingsetthecoffinstraight，hebeganuponitwithallthezealofanexperiencedtomb-breaker。Andthenhepointedoutanotherthing。Mostmummy-casesarefastenedbyfourlittletonguesofwood，twooneitherside，whicharefixedintheupperhalf，and，passingintomorticescuttoreceivetheminthethicknessofthelowerhalf，arethereheldfastbypegsofhardwood。Butthismummycasehadeightsuchtongues。
Evidentlyithadbeenthoughtwelltosecureitfirmly。Atlast，withgreatdifficulty，weraisedthemassivelid，whichwasnearlythreeinchesthick，andthere，coveredoverwithadeeplayerofloosespices(averyunusualthing)，wasthebody。”Alilookedatitwithopeneyes——andnowonder。Forthismummywasnotasothermummiesare。Mummiesingenerallieupontheirbacks，asstiffandcalmasthoughtheywerecutfromwood；butthismummylayuponitsside，and，thewrappingsnotwithstanding，itskneeswereslightlybent。Morethanthat，indeed，thegoldmask，which，afterthefashionofthePtolemaicperiod，hadbeensetupontheface，hadworkeddown，andwasliterallypoundedupbeneaththehoodedhead。”Itwasimpossible，seeingthesethings，toavoidtheconclusionthatthemummybeforeushadmovedwithviolence/sinceitwasputinthecoffin/。”’Himveryfunnymummy。Himnot”mafish”whenhimgointhere，’saidAli。”’Nonsense！’Isaid。’Whoeverheardofalivemummy？’”Weliftedthebodyoutofthecoffin，nearlychokingourselveswithmummydustintheprocess，andtherebeneathithalfhiddenamongthespices，wemadeourfirstfind。Itwasarollofpapyrus，carelesslyfastenedandwrappedinapieceofmummycloth，havingtoallappearancebeenthrownintothecoffinatthemomentofclosing。[*]
[*]Thisrollcontainedthethirdunfinishedbookofthehistory。Theothertworollswereneatlyfastenedintheusualfashion。AllthreearewrittenbyonehandintheDemoticcharacter——Editor。”Alieyedthepapyrusgreedily，butIseizeditandputitinmypocket，foritwasagreedthatIwastohaveallthatmightbediscovered。Thenwebegantounwrapthebody。Itwascoveredwithverybroadstrongbandages，thicklywoundandroughlytied，sometimesbymeansofsimpleknots，thewholeworkingtheappearanceofhavingbeenexecutedingreathasteandwithdifficulty。Justovertheheadwasalargelump。Presently，thebandagescoveringitwereoff，andthere，ontheface，layasecondrollofpapyrus。Iputdownmyhandtoliftit，butitwouldnotcomeaway。Itappearedtobefixedtothestoutseamlessshroudwhichwasdrawnoverthewholebody，andtiedbeneaththefeet——asafarmertiessacks。Thisshroud，whichwasalsothicklywaxed，wasinonepiece，beingmadetofittheformlikeagarment。I
tookacandleandexaminedtherollandthenIsawwhyitwasfast。
Thespiceshadcongealedandgluedittothesack-likeshroud。Itwasimpossibletogetitawaywithouttearingtheoutersheetsofpapyrus。[*]
[*]Thisaccountsforthegapsinthelastsheetsofthesecondroll——
Editor。”Atlast，however，Iwrencheditlooseandputitwiththeotherinmypocket。”Thenwewentonwithourdreadfultaskinsilence。Withmuchcarewerippedloosethesack-likegarment，andatlastthebodyofamanlaybeforeus。Betweenhiskneeswasathirdrollofpapyrus。Isecuredit，thenhelddownthelightandlookedathim。Oneglanceathisfacewasenoughtotelladoctorhowhehaddied。”Thisbodywasnotmuchdriedup。Evidentlyithadnotpassedtheallottedseventydaysinnatron，andthereforetheexpressionandlikenesswerebetterpreservedthanisusual。Withoutenteringintoparticulars，IwillonlysaythatIhopeIshallneverseesuchanotherlookasthatwhichwasfrozenonthisdeadman’sface。EventheArabsrecoiledfromitinhorrorandbegantomutterprayers。”Fortherest，theusualopeningontheleftsidethroughwhichtheembalmersdidtheirworkwasabsent；thefinely-cutfeatureswerethoseofapersonofmiddleage，althoughthehairwasalreadygrey，andtheframewasthatofaverypowerfulman，theshouldersbeingofanextraordinarywidth。Ihadnottimetoexamineveryclosely，however，forwithinafewsecondsfromitsuncovering，theunembalmedbodybegantocrumblenowthatitwasexposedtotheactionoftheair。Infiveorsixminutestherewasliterallynothingleftofitbutawispofhair，theskull，andafewofthelargerbones。Inoticedthatoneofthetibi？——Iforgetifitwastherightortheleft——hadbeenfracturedandverybadlyset。Itmusthavebeenquiteaninchshorterthantheother。”Well，therewasnothingmoretofind，andnowthattheexcitementwasover，whatbetweentheheat，theexertion，andthesmellofmummydustandspices，Ifeltmoredeadthanalive。”Iamtiredofwriting，andthisshiprolls。Thisletter，ofcourse，goesoverland，andIamcomingby’longsea，’butIhopetobeinLondonwithintendaysafteryougetit。ThenIwilltellyouofmypleasingexperiencesinthecourseoftheascentfromthetomb-
chamber，andofhowthatprinceofrascals，AliBaba，andhisthievestriedtofrightenmeintohandingoverthepapyri，andhowIworstedthem。Then，too，wewillgettherollsdeciphered。Iexpectthattheyonlycontaintheusualthing，copiesofthe’BookoftheDead，’butthere/may/besomethingelseinthem。Needlesstosay，IdidnotnarratethislittleadventureinEgypt，orIshouldhavehadtheBoulacMuseumpeopleonmytrack。Good-bye，’MafishFineesh，’asAliBabaalwayssaid。”
Induecourse，myfriend，thewriteroftheletterfromwhichIhavequoted，arrivedinLondon，andontheverynextdaywepaidavisittoalearnedacquaintancewellversedinHieroglyphicsandDemoticwriting。Theanxietywithwhichwewatchedhimskilfullydampingandunfoldingoneoftherollsandpeeringthroughhisgold-rimmedglassesatthemysteriouscharactersmaywellbeimagined。”Hum，”hesaid，”whateveritis，thisis/not/acopyofthe’BookoftheDead。’ByGeorge，what’sthis？Cle——Cleo——Cleopatra——Why，mydearSirs，asIamalivingman，thisisthehistoryofsomebodywholivedinthedaysofCleopatra，/the/Cleopatra，forhere’sAntony’snamewithhers！Well，there’ssixmonths’workbeforemehere——sixmonths，attheveryleast！”Andinthatjoyfulprospecthefairlylostcontrolofhimself，andskippedabouttheroom，shakinghandswithusatintervals，andsaying”I’lltranslate——I’lltranslateitifitkillsme，andwewillpublishit；and，bythelivingOsiris，itshalldriveeveryEgyptologistinEuropemadwithenvy！Oh，whatafind！
whatamostgloriousfind！”
AndOyouwhoseeyesfalluponthesepages，see，theyhavebeentranslated，andtheyhavebeenprinted，andheretheyliebeforeyou——
anundiscoveredlandwhereinyouarefreetotravel！
Harmachisspeakstoyoufromhisforgottentomb。ThewallsofTimefalldown，and，asatthelightning’sleap，apicturefromthepaststartsuponyourview，framedinthedarknessoftheages。
HeshowsyouthosetwoEgyptswhichthesilentpyramidslookeddownuponlongcenturiesago——theEgyptoftheGreek，theRoman，andthePtolemy，andthatotheroutwornEgyptoftheHierophant，hoarywithyears，heavywiththelegendsofantiquityandthememoryoflong-losthonours。
HetellsyouhowthesmoulderingloyaltyofthelandofKhemblazedupbeforeitdied，andhowfiercelytheoldTime-consecratedFaithstruggledagainsttheconqueringtideofChangethatrose，likeNileatflood，anddrownedtheancientGodsofEgypt。
Here，inhispages，youshalllearnthegloryofIsistheMany-shaped，theExecutrixofDecrees。HereyoushallmakeacquaintancewiththeshadeofCleopatra，that”ThingofFlame，”whosepassion-breathingbeautyshapedthedestinyofEmpires。HereyoushallreadhowthesoulofCharmionwasslainoftheswordhervengeancesmithied。
HereHarmachis，thedoomedEgyptian，beingabouttodie，salutesyouwhofollowonthepathhetrod。Inthestoryofhisbrokenyearsheshowstoyouwhatmayinitsdegreebethestoryofyourown。CryingaloudfromthatdimAmenti[*]whereto-dayhewearsouthislongatoningtime，hetells，inthehistoryofhisfall，thefateofhimwho，howeversorelytried，forgetshisGod，hisHonour，andhisCountry。
[*]TheEgyptianHadesorPurgatory——Editor。
BOOKI
THEPREPARATIONOFHARMACHIS
CHAPTERI
OFTHEBIRTHOFHARMACHIS；THEPROPHECYOFTHEHATHORS；
ANDTHESLAYINGOFTHEINNOCENTCHILD
ByOsiriswhosleepsatAbouthis，Iwritethetruth。
I，Harmachis，HereditaryPriestoftheTemple，rearedbythedivineSethi，aforetimeaPharaohofEgypt，andnowjustifiedinOsirisandrulinginAmenti。I，Harmachis，byrightDivineandbytruedescentofbloodKingoftheDoubleCrown，andPharaohoftheUpperandLowerLand。I，Harmachis，whocastasidetheopeningflowerofourhope，whoturnedfromthegloriouspath，whoforgotthevoiceofGodinhearkeningtothevoiceofwoman。I，Harmachis，thefallen，inwhomaregatheredupallwoesaswatersaregatheredinadesertwell，whohavetastedofeveryshame，whothroughbetrayalhavebetrayed，whoinlosingtheglorythatisherehavelosttheglorywhichistobe，whoamutterlyundone——Iwrite，and，byHimwhosleepsatAbouthis，I
writethetruth。
OEgypt！——dearlandofKhem，whoseblacksoilnourishedupmymortalpart——landthatIhavebetrayed——OOsiris！——Isis！——Horus！——yeGodsofEgyptwhomIhavebetrayed！——Oyetempleswhosepylonsstrikethesky，whosefaithIhavebetrayed！——ORoyalbloodofthePharaohsofeld，thatyetrunswithinthesewitheredveins——whosevirtueIhavebetrayed！——OInvisibleEssenceofallGood！andOFate，whosebalancerestedonmyhand——hearme；and，tothedayofutterdoom，bearmewitnessthatIwritethetruth。
EvenwhileIwrite，beyondthefertilefields，theNileisrunningred，asthoughwithblood。BeforemethesunlightbeatsuponthefarArabianhills，andfallsuponthepilesofAbouthis。StillthepriestsmakeorisonwithinthetemplesatAbouthisthatknowmenomore；stillthesacrificeisoffered，andthestonyroofsechobackthepeople’sprayers。Stillfromthislonecellwithinmyprison-tower，I，theWordofShame，watchthyflutteringbanners，Abouthis，flauntingfromthypylonwalls，andhearthechantsasthelongprocessionwindsfromsanctuarytosanctuary。
Abouthis，lostAbouthis！myheartgoesouttowardthee！Forthedaycomeswhenthedesertsandsshallfillthysecretplaces！ThyGodsaredoomed，OAbouthis！NewFaithsshallmakeamockofallthyHolies，andCenturionshallcalluponCenturionacrossthyfortress-walls。I
weep——Iweeptearsofblood:formineisthesinthatbroughtabouttheseevilsandmineforeveristheirshame。
Behold，itiswrittenhereafter。
HereinAbouthisIwasborn，I，Harmachis，andmyfather，thejustifiedinOsiris，wasHighPriestoftheTempleofSethi。AndonthatsamedayofmybirthCleopatra，theQueenofEgypt，wasbornalso。Ipassedmyyouthinyonderfieldswatchingthebaserpeopleattheirlaboursandgoinginandoutatwillamongthegreatcourtsofthetemples。OfmymotherIknewnaught，forshediedwhenIyethungatthebreast。ButbeforeshediedinthereignofPtolemyAulêtes，whoisnamedthePiper，sodidtheoldwife，Atoua，toldme，mymothertookagoldenur？us，thesnakesymbolofourRoyaltyofEgypt，fromacofferofivoryandlaiditonmybrow。AndthosewhosawherdothisbelievedthatshewasdistraughtoftheDivinity，andinhermadnessforeshadowedthatthedayoftheMacedonianLagid？wasended，andthatEgypt’ssceptreshouldpassagaintothehandofEgypt’strueandRoyalrace。Butwhenmyfather，theoldHighPriestAmenemhat，whoseonlychildIwas，shewhowashiswifebeforemymotherhavingbeen，forwhatcrimeIknownot，cursedwithbarrennessbySekhet:Isaywhenmyfathercameinandsawwhatthedyingwomanhaddone，helifteduphishandstowardsthevaultofheavenandadoredtheInvisible，becauseofthesignthathadbeensent。Andasheadored，theHathors[*]filledmydyingmotherwiththeSpiritofProphecy，andsheroseinstrengthfromthecouchandprostratedherselfthricebeforethecradlewhereIlayasleep，theRoyalaspuponmybrow，cryingaloud:
[*]TheEgyptian/Parc？/or/Fates/——Editor。”Hailtothee，fruitofmywomb！Hailtothee，Royalchild！Hailtothee，Pharaohthatshaltbe！Hailtothee，Godthatshaltpurgetheland，DivineseedofNekt-nebf，thedescendedfromIsis。Keeptheepure，andthoushaltruleanddeliverEgyptandnotbebroken。Butifthoudostfailinthyhouroftrial，thenmaythecurseofalltheGodsofEgyptrestuponthee，andthecurseofthyRoyalforefathers，thejustified，whoruledthelandbeforetheefromtheageofHorus。
Theninlifemaystthoubewretched，andafterdeathmayOsirisrefusethee，andthejudgesofAmentigivejudgmentagainstthee，andSetandSekhettormentthee，tillsuchtimeasthysinispurged，andtheGodsofEgypt，calledbystrangenames，areoncemoreworshippedintheTemplesofEgypt，andthestaffoftheOppressorisbroken，andthefootstepsoftheForeigneraresweptclean，andthethingisaccomplishedasthouinthyweaknessshaltcauseittobedone。”
Whenshehadspokenthus，theSpiritofProphecywentoutofher，andshefelldeadacrossthecradlewhereIslept，sothatIawokewithacry。
Butmyfather，Amenemhat，theHighPriest，trembled，andwasveryfearful，bothbecauseofthewordswhichhadbeensaidbytheSpiritoftheHathorsthroughthemouthofmymother，andbecausewhathadbeenutteredwastreasonagainstPtolemy。Forheknewthat，ifthemattershouldcometotheearsofPtolemy，Pharaohwouldsendhisguardstodestroythelifeofthechildconcerningwhomsuchthingswereprophesied。Therefore，myfathershutthedoors，andcausedallthosewhostoodbytoswearupontheholysymbolofhisoffice，andbythenameoftheDivineThree，andbytheSoulofherwholaydeaduponthestonesbesidethem，thatnothingofwhattheyhadseenandheardshouldpasstheirlips。
Nowamongthecompanywastheoldwife，Atoua，whohadbeenthenurseofmymother，andlovedherwell；andinthesedays，thoughIknownothowithadbeeninthepast，norhowitshallbeinthefuture，thereisnooaththatcanbindawoman’stongue。Andsoitcameaboutthatby-and-by，whenthematterhadbecomehomelyinhermind，andherfearhadfallenfromher，shespokeoftheprophecytoherdaughter，whonursedmeatthebreastnowthatmymotherwasdead。Shedidthisastheywalkedtogetherinthedesertcarryingfoodtothehusbandofthedaughter，whowasasculptor，andshapedeffigiesoftheholyGodsinthetombsthatarefashionedintherock——tellingthedaughter，mynurse，howgreatmustbehercareandlovetowardthechildthatshouldonedaybePharaoh，anddrivethePtolemiesfromEgypt。Butthedaughter，mynurse，wassofilledwithwonderatwhatsheheardthatshecouldnotkeepthetalelockedwithinherbreast，andinthenightsheawokeherhusband，and，inherturn，whisperedittohim，andtherebycompassedherowndestruction，andthedestructionofherchild，myfoster-brother。Forthemantoldhisfriend，andthefriendwasaspyofPtolemy’s，andthusthetalecametoPharaoh’sears。
Now，Pharaohwasmuchtroubledthereat，forthoughwhenhewasfullofwinehewouldmakeamockoftheGodoftheEgyptians，andswearthattheRomanSenatewastheonlyGodtowhomhebowedtheknee，yetinhishearthewasterriblyafraid，asIhavelearnedfromonewhowashisphysician。ForwhenhewasaloneatnighthewouldscreamandcryaloudtothegreatSerapis，whoindeedisnotrueGod，andtootherGods，fearinglestheshouldbemurderedandhissoulhandedovertothetormentors。Also，whenhefelthisthronetrembleunderhim，hewouldsendlargepresentstothetemples，askingamessagefromtheoracles，andmoreespeciallyfromtheoraclethatisatPhil？。
Therefore，whenitcametohisearsthatthewifeoftheHighPriestofthegreatandancientTempleofAbouthishadbeenfilledwiththeSpiritofProphecybeforeshedied，andforetoldthathersonshouldbePharaoh，hewasmuchafraid，andsummoningsometrustyguards——who，beingGreeks，didnotfeartodosacrilege——hedespatchedthembyboatuptheNile，withorderstocometoAbouthisandcutofftheheadofthechildoftheHighPriestandbringittohiminabasket。
But，asitchanced，theboatinwhichtheguardscamewasofdeepdraught，and，thetimeoftheircomingbeingatthelowestebboftheriver，itstruckandremainedfastuponabankofmudthatisoppositethemouthoftheroadrunningacrosstheplainstoAbouthis，and，asthenorthwindwasblowingveryfiercely，itwasliketosink。ThereontheguardsofPharaohcalledouttothecommonpeople，wholabouredatliftingwateralongthebanksoftheriver，tocomewithboatsandtakethemoff；but，seeingthattheywereGreeksofAlexandria，thepeoplewouldnot，fortheEgyptiansdonotlovetheGreeks。ThentheguardscriedthattheywereonPharaoh’sbusiness，andstillthepeoplewouldnot，askingwhatwastheirbusiness。Whereonaeunuchamongthemwhohadmadehimselfdrunkinhisfear，toldthemthattheycametoslaythechildofAmenemhat，theHighPriest，ofwhomitwasprophesiedthatheshouldbePharaohandsweeptheGreeksfromEgypt。
Andthenthepeoplefearedtostandlongerindoubt，butbroughtboats，notknowingwhatmightbemeantbytheman’swords。Buttherewasoneamongstthem——afarmerandanoverseerofcanals——whowasakinsmanofmymother’sandhadbeenpresentwhensheprophesied；andheturnedandranswiftlyforthreepartsofanhour，tillhecametowhereIlayinthehousethatiswithoutthenorthwallofthegreatTemple。Now，asitchanced，myfatherwasawayinthatpartofthePlaceofTombswhichistotheleftofthelargefortress，andPharaoh’sguards，mountedonasses，wereharduponus。Thenthemessengercriedtotheoldwife，Atoua，whosetonguehadbroughtabouttheevil，andtoldhowthesoldiersdrewneartoslayme。Andtheylookedateachother，notknowingwhattodo；for，hadtheyhidme，theguardswouldnothavestayedtheirsearchtillIwasfound。Buttheman，gazingthroughthedoorway，sawalittlechildatplay:”Woman，”hesaid，”whoseisthatchild？””Itismygrandchild，”sheanswered，”thefoster-brotherofthePrinceHarmachis；thechildtowhosemotherweowethisevilcase。””Woman，”hesaid，”thouknowestthyduty，doit！”andheagainpointedatthechild。”Icommandthee，bytheHolyName！”
Atouatrembledexceedingly，becausethechildwasofherownblood；
but，nevertheless，shetooktheboyandwashedhimandsetarobeofsilkuponhim，andlaidhimonmycradle。Andmeshetookandsmearedwithmudtomakemyfairskindarker，and，drawingmygarmentfromme，setmetoplayinthedirtoftheyard，whichIdidrightgladly。
Thenthemanhidhimself，andpresentlythesoldiersrodeupandaskedoftheoldwifeifthiswerethedwellingoftheHighPriestAmenemhat？Andshetoldthemyea，and，biddingthementer，offeredthemhoneyandmilk，fortheywerethirsty。
Whentheyhaddrunk，theeunuchwhowaswiththemaskedifthatwerethesonofAmenemhatwholayinthecradle；andshesaid”Yea——yea，”
andbegantotelltheguardshowhewouldbegreat，forithadbeenprophesiedofhimthatheshouldonedayrulethemall。
ButtheGreekguardslaughed，andoneofthem，seizingthechild，smoteoffhisheadwithasword；andtheeunuchdrewforththesignetofPharaohaswarrantforthedeedandshowedittotheoldwife，Atoua，biddinghertelltheHighPriestthathissonshouldbeKingwithoutahead。
AndastheywentoneoftheirnumbersawmeplayinginthedirtandcalledoutthattherewasmorebreedinginyonderbratthaninthePrinceHarmachis；andforamomenttheywavered，thinkingtoslaymealso，butintheendtheypassedon，bearingtheheadofmyfoster-
brother，fortheylovednottomurderlittlechildren。
Afterawhile，themotherofthedeadchildreturnedfromthemarket-
place，andwhenshefoundwhathadbeendone，sheandherhusbandwouldhavekilledAtouatheoldwife，hermother，andgivenmeuptothesoldiersofPharaoh。Butmyfathercameinalsoandlearnedthetruth，andhecausedthemanandhiswifetobeseizedbynightandhiddenawayinthedarkplacesofthetemple，sothatnonesawthemmore。
ButIwouldto-daythatithadbeenthewilloftheGodsthatIhadbeenslainofthesoldiersandnottheinnocentchild。
ThereafteritwasgivenoutthattheHighPriestAmenemhathadtakenmetobeasasontohimintheplaceofthatHarmachiswhowasslainofPharaoh。
CHAPTERII
OFTHEDISOBEDIENCEOFHARMACHIS；OFTHESLAYINGOFTHE
LION；ANDOFTHESPEECHOFTHEOLDWIFE，ATOUA
AndafterthesethingsPtolemythePipertroubledusnomore，nordidheagainsendhissoldierstoseekforhimofwhomitwasprophesiedthatheshouldbePharaoh。Fortheheadofthechild，myfoster-
brother，wasbroughttohimbytheeunuchashesatinhispalaceofmarbleatAlexandria，flushedwithCyprianwine，andplayedupontheflutebeforehiswomen。Andathisbiddingtheeunuchlifteduptheheadbythehairforhimtolookon。Thenhelaughedandsmoteitonthecheekwithhissandal，biddingoneofthegirlscrownPharaohwithflowers。Andhebowedtheknee，andmockedtheheadoftheinnocentchild。Butthegirl，whowassharpoftongue——forallofthisIheardinafteryears——saidtohimthat”hedidwelltobowtheknee，forthischildwasindeedPharaoh，thegreatestofPharaohs，andhisnamewasthe/Osiris/andhisthronewas/Death/。”
Aulêteswasmuchtroubledatthesewords，andtrembled，for，beingawickedman，hegreatlyfearedenteringintoAmenti。Sohecausedthegirltobeslainbecauseoftheevilomenofhersaying；cryingthathewouldsendhertoworshipthatPharaohwhomshehadnamed。Andtheotherwomenhesentaway，andplayednomoreupontheflutetillhewasonceagaindrunkonthemorrow。ButtheAlexandriansmadeasongonthematter，whichisstillsungaboutthestreets。Andthisisthebeginningofit——
PtolemythePiperplayedOverdeadanddying；
Pipedandplayedhewell。
SurethatfluteofhiswasmadeOfthedankreedsighingO’erthestreamsofHell。
Therebeneaththeshadowsgrey，Withthesistersthree，Shallhepipeformanyaday。
MaytheFroghisbutlerbe！
Andhiswinethewaterofthatcountrie——
PtolemythePiper！
Afterthistheyearspassedon，nordidI，beingverylittle，knowanythingofthegreatthingsthatcametopassinEgypt；norisitmypurposetosetthemouthere。ForI，Harmachis，havinglittletimelefttome，willonlyspeakofthosethingswithwhichIhavebeenconcerned。
Andasthetimewenton，myfatherandtheteachersinstructedmeintheancientlearningofourpeople，andinsuchmattersappertainingtotheGodsasitismeetthatchildrenshouldknow。SoIgrewstrongandcomely，formyhairwasblackasthehairofthedivineNout，andmyeyeswereblueasthebluelotus，andmyskinwaslikethealabasterwithinthesanctuaries。FornowthattheseglorieshavepassedfrommeImayspeakofthemwithoutshame。Iwasstrongalso。
TherewasnoyouthofmyyearsinAbouthiswhocouldstandagainstmetowrestlewithme，norcouldanythrowsofarwiththeslingorspear。AndImuchyearnedtohuntthelion；buthewhomIcalledmyfatherforbademe，tellingmethatmylifewasoftoogreatworthtobesolightlyhazarded。ButwhenIbowedbeforehimandprayedhewouldmakehismeaningcleartome，theoldmanfrownedandansweredthattheGodsmadeallthingsclearintheirownseason。Formypart，however，Iwentawayinwroth，fortherewasayouthinAbouthiswhowithothershadslainalionwhichfelluponhisfather’sherds，and，beingenviousofmystrengthandbeauty，hesetitaboutthatIwascowardlyatheart，inthatwhenIwentouttohuntIonlyslewjackalsandgazelles。Now，thiswaswhenIhadreachedmyseventeenthyearandwasamangrown。
Itchanced，therefore，thatasIwentsoreatheartfromthepresenceoftheHighPriest，Imetthisyouth，whocalledtomeandmockedme，biddingmeknowthecountrypeoplehadtoldhimthatagreatlionwasdownamongtherushesbythebanksofthecanalwhichrunspasttheTemple，lyingatadistanceofthirtystadiafromAbouthis。And，stillmockingme，heaskedmeifIwouldcomeandhelphimslaythislion，orwouldIgoandsitamongtheoldwomenandbidthemcombmysidelock？ThisbitterwordsoangeredmethatIwasneartofallingonhim；butinplacetherefore，forgettingmyfather’ssaying，Iansweredthatifhewouldcomealone，Iwouldgowithhimandseekthislion，andheshouldlearnifIwereindeedacoward。Andatfirsthewouldnot，for，asmenknow，itisourcustomtohuntthelionincompanies；
soitwasmyhourtomock。Thenhewentandfetchedhisbowandarrowsandasharpknife。AndIbroughtforthmyheavyspear，whichhadashaftofthorn-wood，andatitsendapomegranateinsilver，toholdthehandfromslipping；and，insilence，wewent，sidebyside，towherethelionlay。Whenwecametotheplace，itwasnearsundown；
andthere，uponthemudofthecanal-bank，wefoundthelion’sslot，whichranintoathickclumpofreeds。”Now，thouboaster，”Isaid，”wiltthouleadthewayintoyonderreeds，orshallI？”AndImadeasthoughIwouldleadtheway。”Nay，nay，”heanswered，”benotsomad！Thebrutewillspringupontheeandrendthee。See！Iwillshootamongthereeds。Perchance，ifhesleeps，itwillarousehim。”Andhedrewhisbowataventure。
HowitchancedIknownot，butthearrowstruckthesleepinglion，and，likeaflashoflightfromthebellyofacloud，heboundedfromtheshelterofthereeds，andstoodbeforeuswithbristlingmaneandyelloweyes，thearrowquiveringinhisflank。Heroaredaloudinfury，andtheearthshook。”Shootwiththebow，”Icried，”shootswiftlyerehespring！”
Butcouragehadleftthebreastoftheboaster，hisjawdroppeddownandhisfingersunloosedtheirholdsothatthebowfellfromthem；
then，withaloudcryheturnedandfledbehindme，leavingthelioninmypath。ButwhileIstoodwaitingmydoom，forthoughIwassoreafraidIwouldnotfly，thelioncrouchedhimself，andturningnotaside，withonegreatboundsweptoverme，touchingmenot。Helit，andagainheboundedfullupontheboaster’sback，strikinghimsuchablowwithhisgreatpawthathisheadwascrushedasaneggthrownagainstastone。Hefelldowndead，andthelionstoodandroaredoverhim。ThenIwasmadwithhorror，and，scarceknowingwhatIdid，I
graspedmyspearandwithashoutIcharged。AsIchargedthelionliftedhimselfupaboveme。Hesmoteatmewithhispaw；butwithallmystrengthIdrovethebroadspearintohisthroat，and，shrinkingfromtheagonyofthesteel，hisblowfellshortanddidnomorethanripmyskin。Backhefell，thegreatspearfarinhisthroat；thenrising，heroaredinpainandleapttwicetheheightofamanstraightintotheair，smitingatthespearwithhisforepaws。Twiceheleaptthus，horribletosee，andtwicehefelluponhisback。Thenhisstrengthspentitselfwithhisrushingblood，and，groaninglikeabull，hedied；whileI，beingbutalad，stoodandtrembledwithfearnowthatallcauseoffearhadpassed。
ButasIstoodandgazedatthebodyofhimwhohadtauntedme，andatthecarcassofthelion，awomancamerunningtowardsme，eventhesameoldwife，Atoua，who，thoughIknewitnotasyet，hadofferedupherfleshandbloodthatImightbesavedalive。Forshehadbeengatheringsimples，inwhichshehadgreatskill，bythewater’sedge，notknowingthattherewasalionnear(and，indeed，thelions，forthemostpart，arenotfoundinthetilledland，butratherinthedesertandtheLibyanmountains)，andhadseenfromadistancethatwhichIhavesetdown。Now，whenshewascome，sheknewmeforHarmachis，and，bendingherself，shemadeobeisancetome，andsalutedme，callingmeRoyal，andworthyofallhonour，andbeloved，andchosenoftheHolyThree，ay，andbythenameofthePharaoh！theDeliverer！
ButI，thinkingthatterrorhadmadehersickofmind，askedherofwhatshewouldspeak。”Isitagreatthing，”Iasked，”thatIshouldslayalion？Isitamatterworthyofsuchtalkasthine？Therelive，andhavelived，menwhohaveslainmanylions。DidnottheDivineAmen-heteptheOsirianslaywithhisownhandmorethanahundredlions？Isitnotwrittenonthescarab？usthathangswithinmyfather’schamber，thatheslewlionsaforetime？Andhavenotothersdonelikewise？Whythen，speakestthouthus，Ofoolishwoman？”
AllofwhichIsaid，because，havingnowslainthelion，Iwasminded，afterthemannerofyouth，toholditasathingofnoaccount。Butshedidnotceasetomakeobeisance，andtocallmebynamesthataretoohightobewritten。”ORoyalOne，”shecried，”wiselydidthymotherprophecy。SurelytheHolySpirit，theKnepth，wasinher，OthouconceivedbyaGod！Seetheomen。Thelionthere——hegrowlswithintheCapitolatRome——andthedeadman，heisthePtolemy——theMacedonianspawnthat，likeaforeignweed，hathovergrownthelandofNile；withtheMacedonianLagid？thoushaltgotosmitethelionofRome。ButtheMacedoniancurshallfly，andtheRomanlionshallstrikehimdown，andthoushaltstrikedownthelion，andthelandofKhemshalloncemorebefree！
free！Keepthyselfbutpure，accordingtothecommandmentoftheGods，OsonoftheRoyalHouse；OhopeofKhemi！bebutwareofWomantheDestroyer，andasIhavesaid，soshallitbe。Iampoorandwretched；
yea，strickenwithsorrow。Ihavesinnedinspeakingofwhatshouldbehid，andformysinIhavepaidinthecoinofthatwhichwasbornofmywomb；willinglyhaveIpaidforthee。ButIhavestillofthewisdomofourpeople，nordotheGods，inwhoseeyesallareequal，turntheircountenancefromthepoor；theDivineMotherIsishathspokentome——butlastnightshespake——biddingmecomehithertogatherherbs，andreadtotheethesignsthatIshouldsee。AndasI
havesaid，soitshallcometopass，ifthoucanstbutenduretheweightofthegreattemptation。Comehither，RoyalOne！”andsheledmetotheedgeofthecanal，wherethewaterwasdeep，andstillandblue。”Nowgazeuponthatfaceasthewaterthrowsitback。Isnotthatbrowfittedtobearthedoublecrown？Donotthosegentleeyesmirrorthemajestyofkings？HathnotthePtah，theCreator，fashionedthatformtofittheImperialgarb，andawetheglanceofmultitudeslookingthroughtheetoGod？”Nay，nay！”shewentoninanothervoice——ashrilloldwife’svoice——”Iwill——benotsofoolish，boy——thescratchofalionisavenomousthing，aterriblething；yea，asbadasthebiteofanasp——itmustbetreated，elseitwillfester，andallthydaysthoushaltdreamoflions；ay，andsnakes；and，also，itwillbreakoutinsores。ButI
knowofit——Iknow。Iamnotcrazedfornothing。Formark！everythinghasitsbalance——inmadnessismuchwisdom，andinwisdommuchmadness。/La！la！la！/Pharaohhimselfcan’tsaywheretheonebeginsandtheotherends。Now，don’tstandgazingthere，lookingassillyasacatinacrocus-colouredrobe，astheysayinAlexandria；butjustletmestickthesegreenthingsontheplace，andinsixdaysyou’llhealupaswhiteasathree-year-child。Nevermindthesmartofit，lad。ByHimwhosleepsatPhil？，oratAbouthis，oratAbydus——asourdivinemastershaveitnow——orwhereverHedoessleep，whichisathingweshallallfindoutbeforewewantto——byOsiris，Isay，you’lllivetobeascleanfromscarsasasacrificetoIsisatthenewmoon，ifyou’llbutletmeputiton。”Isitnotso，goodfolk？”——andsheturnedtoaddresssomepeoplewho，whilesheprophesied，hadassembledunseenbyme——”I’vebeenspeakingaspelloverhim，justtomakeawayforthevirtueofmymedicine——
/la！la！/there’snothinglikeaspell。Ifyoudon’tbelieveit，justyoucometomenexttimeyourwivesarebarren；it’sbetterthanscrapingeverypillarintheTempleofOsiris，I’llwarrant。I’llmake’embearlikeatwenty-year-oldpalm。Butthen，yousee，youmustknowwhattosay——that’sthepoint——everythingcomestoapointatlast。
/La！la！/”
Now，whenIheardallthis，I，Harmachis，putmyhandtomyhead，notknowingifIdreamed。Butpresentlylookingup，Isawagrey-hairedmanamongthosewhoweregatheredtogether，whowatchedussharply，andafterwardsIlearnedthatthismanwasthespyofPtolemy，theveryman，indeed，whohadwellnighcausedmetobeslainofPharaohwhenIwasinmycradle。ThenIunderstoodwhyAtouaspokesofoolishly。”Thinearestrangespells，oldwife，”thespysaid。”ThoudidstspeakofPharaohandthedoublecrownandoftheformfashionedbyPtahtobearit；isitnotso？””Yea，yea——partofthespell，thoufool；andwhatcanoneswearbybetternowadaysthanbytheDivinePharaohthePiper，whom，andwhosemusic，maytheGodspreservetocharmthishappyland？——whatbetterthanbythedoublecrownhewears——gracetogreatAlexanderofMacedonia？Bytheway，youknowabouteverything:havetheygotbackhischlamysyet，whichMithridatestooktoCos？Pompeyworeitlast，didn’the？——inhistriumph，too——justfancyPompeyinthecloakofAlexander！——apuppy-doginalion’sskin！Andtalkingoflions——lookwhatthisladhathdone——slainalionwithhisownspear；andrightgladyouvillagefolksshouldbetoseeit，foritwasaveryfiercelion——justseehisteethandhisclaws——hisclaws！——theyareenoughtomakeapoorsillyoldwomanlikemeshriektolookatthem！Andthebodythere，thedeadbody——thelionslewit。Alack！he’sanOsiris[*]
now，thebody——andtothinkofit，butanhouragohewasaneverydaymortallikeyouorme！Well，awaywithhimtotheembalmers。He’llsoonswellinthesunandburst，andthatwillsavethemthetroubleofcuttinghimopen。Notthattheywillspendatalentofsilveroverhimanyway。Seventydaysinnatron——that’sallhe’slikelytoget。
/La！la！/howmytonguedoesrun，andit’sgettingdark。Come，aren’tyougoingtotakeawaythebodyofthatpoorlad，andthelion，too？
There，myboy，youkeepthoseherbson，andyou’llneverfeelyourscratches。IknowathingortwoforallI’mcrazy，andyou，myowngrandson！Dear，dear，I’mgladhisHolinesstheHighPriestadoptedyouwhenPharaoh——Osirisblesshisholyname——madeanendofhisson；
youlooksobonny。IwarranttherealHarmachiscouldnothavekilledalionlikethat。Givemethecommonblood，Isay——it’ssolusty。”
[*]ThesoulwhenithasbeenabsorbedintheGodhead——Editor。”Youknowtoomuchandtalktoofast，”grumbledthespy，nowquitedeceived。”Well，heisabraveyouth。Here，youmen，bearthisbodybacktoAbouthis，andsomeofyoustopandhelpmeskinthelion。
We’llsendtheskintoyou，youngman，”hewenton；”notthatyoudeserveit:toattackalionlikethatwastheactofafool，andafooldeserveswhathegets——destruction。Neverattackthestronguntilyouarestronger。”
ButformypartIwenthomewondering。
CHAPTERIII
OFTHEREBUKEOFAMENEMHAT；OFTHEPRAYEROFHARMACHIS；
ANDOFTHESIGNGIVENBYTHEHOLYGODS
ForawhileasI，Harmachis，went，thejuiceofthegreenherbswhichtheoldwife，Atoua，hadplaceduponmywoundscausedmemuchsmart，butpresentlythepainceased。And，ofatruth，Ibelievethattherewasvirtueinthem，forwithintwodaysmyfleshhealedup，sothatafteratimenomarksremained。ButIbethoughtmethatIhaddisobeyedthewordoftheoldHighPriest，Amenemhat，whowascalledmyfather。FortillthisdayIknewnotthathewasintruthmyfatheraccordingtotheflesh，havingbeentaughtthathisownsonwasslainasIhavewritten；andthathehadbeenpleased，withthesanctionoftheDivineones，totakemeasanadoptedsonandrearmeup，thatI
mightindueseasonfulfilanofficeabouttheTemple。ThereforeIwasmuchtroubled，forIfearedtheoldman，whowasveryterribleinhisanger，andeverspokewiththecoldvoiceofWisdom。Nevertheless，I
determinedtogointohimandconfessmyfaultandbearsuchpunishmentasheshouldbepleasedtoputuponme。Sowiththeredspearinmyhand，andtheredwoundsonmybreast，IpassedthroughtheoutercourtofthegreattempleandcametothedooroftheplacewheretheHighPriestdwelt。Itisagreatchamber，sculpturedroundaboutwiththeimagesofthesolemnGods，andthesunlightcomestoitinthedaytimebyanopeningcutthroughthestonesofthemassyroof。
Butatnightitwaslitbyaswinginglampofbronze。Ipassedinwithoutnoise，forthedoorwasnotaltogethershut，and，pushingmywaythroughtheheavycurtainsthatwerebeyond，Istoodwithabeatingheartwithinthechamber。
Thelampwaslit，forthedarknesshadfallen，andbyitslightIsawtheoldmanseatedinachairofivoryandebonyatatableofstoneonwhichwerespreadmysticwritingsofthewordsofLifeandDeath。
Buthereadnomore，forheslept，andhislongwhitebeardresteduponthetablelikethebeardofadeadman。Thesoftlightfromthelampfellonhim，onthepapyriandthegoldringuponhishand，whereweregraventhesymbolsoftheInvisibleOne，butallaroundwasshadow。Itfellontheshavenhead，onthewhiterobe，onthecedarstaffofpriesthoodathisside，andontheivoryofthelion-footedchair；itshowedthemightybrowofpower，thefeaturescutinkinglymould，thewhiteeyebrows，andthedarkhollowsofthedeep-seteyes。
Ilookedandtrembled，fortherewasabouthimthatwhichwasmorethanthedignityofman。HehadlivedsolongwiththeGods，andsolongkeptcompanywiththemandwiththoughtsdivine，hewassodeeplyversedinallthosemysterieswhichwedobutfaintlydiscern，hereinthisupperair，thatevennow，beforehistime，hepartookofthenatureoftheOsiris，andwasathingtoshakehumanitywithfear。
Istoodandgazed，andasIstoodheopenedhisdarkeyes，butlookednotonme，norturnedhishead；andyethesawmeandspoke。”Whyhastthoubeendisobedienttome，myson？”hesaid。”HowcameitthatthouwentestforthagainstthelionwhenIbadetheenot？””Howknowestthou，myfather，thatIwentforth？”Iaskedinfear。”HowknowI？Arethere，then，nootherwaysofknowledgethanbythesenses？Ah，ignorantchild！wasnotmySpiritwiththeewhenthelionspranguponthycompanion？DidInotprayThosesetabouttheetoprotectthee，tomakesurethythrustwhenthoudidstdrivethespearintothelion’sthroat！Howcameitthatthouwentestforth，myson？””Theboastertauntedme，”Ianswered，”andIwent。””Yes，Iknowit；and，becauseofthehotbloodofyouth，Iforgivethee，Harmachis。Butnowlistentome，andletmywordssinkintothyheartlikethewatersofSihorintothethirstysandattherisingofSirius。[*]Listentome。Theboasterwassenttotheeasatemptation，hewassentasatrialofthystrength，andsee！ithasnotbeenequaltotheburden。Thereforethyhourisputback。Hadstthoubeenstronginthismatter，thepathhadbeenmadeplaintotheeevennow。Butthouhastfailed，andthereforethyhourisputback。”
[*]Thedog-star，whoseappearancemarkedthecommencementoftheoverflowoftheNile——Editor。”Iunderstandtheenot，myfather，”Ianswered。”Whatwasit，then，myson，thattheoldwife，Atoua，saidtotheedownbythebankofthecanal？”
ThenItoldhimallthattheoldwifehadsaid。”Andthoubelievest，Harmachis，myson？””Nay，”Ianswered；”howshouldIbelievesuchtales？Surelysheismad。Allthepeopleknowherformad。”
Nowforthefirsttimehelookedtowardsme，whowasstandingintheshadow。”Myson！myson！”hecried；”thouartwrong。Sheisnotmad。Thewomanspokethetruth；shespokenotofherself，butofthevoicewithinherthatcannotlie。ForthisAtouaisaprophetessandholy。NowlearnthouthedestinythattheGodsofEgypthavegiventotheetofulfil，andwoebeuntotheeifbyanyweaknessthoudostfailtherein！
Listen:thouartnostrangeradoptedintomyhouseandtheworshipoftheTemple；thouartmyveryson，savedtomebythissamewoman。But，Harmachis，thouartmorethanthis，forintheeandmealoneyetflowstheImperialbloodofEgypt。ThouandIaloneofmenalivearedescended，withoutbreakorflaw，fromthatPharaohNekt-nebfwhomOchusthePersiandrovefromEgypt。ThePersiancameandthePersianwent，andafterthePersiancametheMacedonian，andnowfornighuponthreehundredyearstheLagid？haveusurpedthedoublecrown，defilingthelandofKhemandcorruptingtheworshipofitsGods。Andmarkthouthis:butnow，twoweekssince，PtolemyNeusDionysus，PtolemyAulêtesthePiper，whowouldhaveslainthee，isdead；andbutnowhaththeEunuchPothinus，thatveryeunuchwhocamehither，yearsago，tocuttheeoff，setatnaughtthewillofhismaster，thedeadAulêtes，andplacedtheboyPtolemyuponthethrone。AndthereforehissisterCleopatra，thatfierceandbeautifulgirl，hasfledintoSyria；andthere，ifIerrnot，shewillgatherherarmiesandmakewaruponherbrotherPtolemy:forbyherfather’swillshewasleftjoint-sovereignwithhim。And，meanwhile，markthouthis，myson:theRomaneaglehangsonhigh，waitingwithreadytalonstillsuchtimeashemayfalluponthefatwetherEgyptandrendhim。Andmarkagain:thepeopleofEgyptarewearyoftheforeignyoke，theyhatethememoryofthePersians，andtheyaresickatheartofbeingnamed”MenofMacedonia”
inthemarketsofAlexandria。ThewholelandmuttersandmurmursbeneaththeyokeoftheGreekandtheshadowoftheRoman。”Havewenotbeenoppressed？HavenotourchildrenbeenbutcheredandourgainswrungfromustofillthebottomlessgreedandlustoftheLagid？？Havenotthetemplesbeenforsaken？——ay，havenotthemajestiesoftheEternalGodsbeensetatnaughtbytheseGrecianbabblers，whohavedaredtomeddlewiththeimmortaltruths，andnametheMostHighbyanothername——bythenameofSerapis——confoundingthesubstanceoftheInvisible？DoesnotEgyptcryaloudforfreedom？——andshallshecryinvain？Nay，nay，forthou，myson，arttheappointedwayofdeliverance。Tothee，beingsunkineld，Ihavedecreedmyrights。Alreadythynameiswhisperedinmanyasanctuary，fromAbutoAthu；alreadypriestsandpeopleswearallegiance，evenbythesacredsymbols，untohimwhoshallbedeclaredtothem。Still，thetimeisnotyet；thouarttoogreenasaplingtobeartheweightofsuchastorm。Butto-daythouwasttriedandfoundwanting。”HewhowouldservetheGods，Harmachis，mustputasidethefailingsoftheflesh。Tauntsmustnotmovehim，noranylustsofman。Thineisahighmission，butthisthoumustlearn。Ifthoulearnitnot，thoushaltfailtherein；andthen，mycursebeonthee！andthecurseofEgypt，andthecurseofEgypt’sbrokenGods！Forknowthouthis，thateventheGods，whoareimmortal，may，intheinterwovenschemeofthings，leanuponthemanwhoistheirinstrument，asawarrioronhissword。Andwoebetotheswordthatsnapsinthehourofbattle，foritshallbethrownasidetorustorperchancebemeltedwithfire！
Therefore，makethyheartpureandhighandstrong；forthineisnocommonlot，andthinenomortalmeed。Triumph，Harmachis，andinglorythoushaltgo——ingloryhereandhereafter！Fail，andwoe——woebeonthee！”
Hepausedandbowedhishead，andthenwenton:”Ofthesemattersthoushalthearmorehereafter。Meanwhile，thouhastmuchtolearn。To-morrowIwillgivetheeletters，andthoushaltjourneydowntheNile，pastwhite-walledMemphistoAnnu。Therethoushaltsojourncertainyears，andlearnmoreofourancientwisdombeneaththeshadowofthosesecretpyramidsofwhichthou，too，arttheHereditaryHighPriestthatistobe。Andmeanwhile，Iwillsithereandwatch，formyhourisnotyet，and，bythehelpoftheGods，spinthewebofDeathwhereinthoushaltcatchandholdthewaspofMacedonia。”Comehither，myson；comehitherandkissmeonthebrow，forthouartmyhope，andallthehopeofEgypt。Bebuttrue，soartotheeaglecrestofdestiny，andthoushaltbeglorioushereandhereafter。Befalse，fail，andIwillspituponthee，andthoushaltbeaccursed，andthysoulshallremaininbondagetillthathourwhen，intheslowflightoftime，theevilshalloncemoregrowtogoodandEgyptshallagainbefree。”
Idrewnear，trembling，andkissedhimonthebrow。”Mayallthesethingscomeuponme，andmore，”Isaid，”ifIfailthee，myfather！””Nay！”hecried，”notme，notme；butratherthosewhosewillIdo。
Andnowgo，myson，andponderinthyheart，andinthysecretheartdigestmywords；markwhatthoushaltsee，andgatherupthedewofwisdom，makingtheereadyforthebattle。Fearnotforthyself，thouartprotectedfromallill。Noharmmaytouchtheefromwithout；
thyselfalonecanbethineownenemy。Ihavesaid。”
ThenIwentforthwithafullheart。Thenightwasverystill，andnonewerestirringinthetemplecourts。Ihurriedthroughthem，andreachedtheentrancetothepylonthatisattheoutergate。Then，seekingsolitude，and，asitwere，todrawneartoheaven，Iclimbedthepylon’stwohundredsteps，untilatlengthIreachedthemassiveroof。HereIleanedmybreastagainsttheparapet，andlookedforth。
AsIlooked，therededgeofthefullmoonfloatedupovertheArabianhills，andherraysfelluponthepylonwhereIstoodandthetemplewallsbeyond，lightingthevisagesofthecarvenGods。Thenthecoldlightstruckthestretchofwell-tilledlands，nowwhiteningtotheharvest，andastheheavenlylampofIsispasseduptothesky，herrayscreptslowlydowntothevalley，whereSihor，fatherofthelandofKhem，rollsontowardthesea。
Nowthebrightbeamskissedthewaterthatsmiledananswerback，andnowmountainandvalley，river，temple，town，andplainwerefloodedwithwhitelight，forMotherIsiswasarisen，andthrewhergleamingrobeacrossthebosomoftheearth。Itwasbeautiful，withthebeautyofadream，andsolemnasthehourafterdeath。Mightily，indeed，thetemplestoweredupagainstthefaceofnight。Neverhadtheyseemedsograndtomeasinthathour——thoseeternalshrines，beforewhosewallsTimehimselfshallwither。Anditwastobeminetorulethismoonlitland；minetopreservethosesacredshrines，andcherishthehonouroftheirGods；minetocastoutthePtolemyandfreeEgyptfromtheforeignyoke！InmyveinsranthebloodofthosegreatKingswhoawaitthedayofResurrection，sleepinginthetombsofthevalleyofThebes。MyspiritswelledwithinmeasIdreameduponthisgloriousdestiny，Iclosedmyhands，andthere，uponthepylon，IprayedasI
hadneverprayedbeforetotheGodhead，whoiscalledbymanynames，andinmanyformsmademanifest。”OAmen，”Iprayed，”GodofGods，whohastbeenfromthebeginning；
LordofTruth，whoart，andofwhomallare，whogivestoutthyGodheadandgatherestitupagain；inthecircleofwhomtheDivineonesmoveandare，whowastfromalltimetheSelf-begot，andwhoshaltbetilltime——hearkenuntome。[*]
[*]ForasomewhatsimilardefinitionoftheGodheadseethefuneralpapyrusofNesikhonsu，aPrincessoftheTwenty-firstDynasty——
Editor。”OAmen——Osiris，thesacrificebywhomwearejustified，LordoftheRegionoftheWinds，RuleroftheAges，DwellerintheWest，theSupremeinAmenti，hearkenuntome。”OIsis，greatMotherGoddess，motheroftheHorus——mysteriousMother，Sister，Spouse，hearkenuntome。If，indeed，IamthechosenoftheGodstocarryoutthepurposeoftheGods，letasignbegivenme，evennow，tosealmylifetothelifeabove。Stretchoutyourarmstowardsme，OyeGods，anduncoverthegloryofyourcountenance。
Hear！ah，hearme！”AndIcastmyselfuponmykneesandliftedupmyeyestoheaven。
AndasIknelt，acloudgrewuponthefaceofthemooncoveringitup，sothatthenightbecamedark，andthesilencedeepenedallaround——
eventhedogsfarbelowinthecityceasedtohowl，whilethesilencegrewandgrewtillitwasheavyasdeath。Ifeltmyspiritliftedupwithinme，andmyhairroseuponmyhead。Thenofasuddenthemightypylonseemedtorockbeneathmyfeet，agreatwindbeataboutmybrowsandavoicespokewithinmyheart:”Beholdasign！Possessthyselfinpatience，OHarmachis！”
Andasthevoicespoke，acoldhandtouchedmyhand，andleftsomewhatwithinit。Thenthecloudrolledfromthefaceofthemoon，thewindpassed，thepylonceasedtotremble，andthenightwasasthenighthadbeen。
Asthelightcameback，Igazeduponthatwhichhadbeenleftwithinmyhand。Itwasabudoftheholylotusnewbreakingintobloom，andfromitcameamostsweetscent。
AndwhileIgazedbehold！thelotuspassedfrommygraspandwasgone，leavingmeastonished。
CHAPTERIV
OFTHEDEPARTUREOFHARMACHISANDOFHISMEETINGWITHHIS
UNCLESEPA，THEHIGHPRIESTOFANNUELRA；OFHISLIFEATANNU，ANDOFTHEWORDSOFSEPA
AtthedawningofthenextdayIwasawakenedbyapriestofthetemple，whobroughtwordtometomakereadyforthejourneyofwhichmyfatherhadspoken，inasmuchastherewasanoccasionformetopassdowntherivertoAnnuelRa。NowthisistheHeliopolisoftheGreeks，whitherIshouldgointhecompanyofsomepriestsofPtahatMemphiswhohadcomehithertoAbouthistolaythebodyofoneoftheirgreatmeninthetombthathadbeenpreparedneartherestingplaceoftheblessedOsiris。
SoImadeready，andthesameevening，havingreceivedlettersandembracedmyfatherandthoseaboutthetemplewhoweredeartome，I
passeddownthebanksofSihor，andwesailedwiththesouthwind。Asthepilotstoodupontheprowandwitharodinhishandbadethesailor-menloosenthestakesbywhichthevesselwasmooredtothebanks，theoldwife，Atoua，hobbledup，herbasketofsimplesinherhand，and，callingoutfarewell，threwasandalaftermeforgoodchance，whichsandalIkeptformanyyears。
Sowesailed，andforsixdayspasseddownthewonderfulriver，makingfasteachnightatsomeconvenientspot。ButwhenIlostsightofthefamiliarthingsthatIhadseendaybydaysinceIhadeyestosee，andfoundmyselfaloneamongstrangefaces，Ifeltverysoreatheart，andwouldhavewepthadInotbeenashamed。AndofallthewonderfulthingsIsawIwillnotwritehere，for，thoughtheywerenewtome，havetheynotbeenknowntomensincesuchtimeastheGodsruledinEgypt？ButthepriestswhowerewithmeshowedmenolittlehonourandexpoundedtomewhatwerethethingsIsaw。
OnthemorningoftheseventhdaywecametoMemphis，thecityoftheWhiteHall。Here，forthreedaysIrestedfrommyjourneyandwasentertainedofthepriestsofthewonderfulTempleofPtahtheCreator，andshownthebeautiesofthegreatandmarvellouscity。AlsoIwasledinsecretbytheHighPriestandtwoothersintotheholypresenceoftheGodApis，thePtahwhodeignstodwellamongmenintheformofabull。TheGodwasblack，andonhisforeheadtherewasawhitesquare，onhisbackwasawhitemarkshapedlikeaneagle，beneathhistonguewasthelikenessofascarab？us，inhistailweredoublehairs，andaplateofpuregoldhungbetweenhishorns。I
enteredtheplaceoftheGodandworshipped，whiletheHighPriestandthosewithhimstoodaside，watchingearnestly。AndwhenIhadworshipped，sayingthewordswhichhadbeentoldme，theGodknelt，andlaydownbeforeme。ThentheHighPriestandthosewithhim，who，asIheardinaftertime，weregreatmenofUpperEgypt，approachedwondering，and，sayingnoword，madeobeisancetomebecauseoftheomen。AndmanyotherthingsIsawinMemphisthataretoolongtowriteofhere。
OnthefourthdaysomepriestsofAnnucametoleadmetoSepa，myuncle，theHighPriestofAnnu。So，havingbiddenfarewelltothoseofMemphis，wecrossedtheriverandrodeonassestwopartsofaday’sjourneythroughmanyvillages，whichwefoundingreatpovertybecauseoftheoppressionofthetax-gatherers。Also，aswewent，IsawforthefirsttimethegreatpyramidsthatarebeyondtheimageoftheGodHoremkhu，thatSphinxwhomtheGreeksnameHarmachis，andtheTemplesoftheDivineMotherIsis，QueenoftheMemnonia，andtheGodOsiris，LordofRosatou，ofwhichtemples，togetherwiththeTempleoftheworshipoftheDivineMenkau-ra，I，Harmachis，ambyrightDivinetheHereditaryHighPriest。Isawthemandmarvelledattheirgreatnessandthewhitecarvenlimestone，andredgraniteofSyene，thatflashedthesun’sraysbacktoheaven。ButatthistimeIknewnothingofthetreasurethatwashidin/Her/，whichisthethirdamongthepyramids——wouldIhadneverknownofit！
AndsoatlastwecamewithinsightofAnnu，whichafterMemphishasbeenseenisnolargetown，butstandsonraisedground，beforewhicharelakesfedbyacanal。BehindthetownistheinclosedfieldoftheTempleoftheGodRa。
