第2章

Wedismountedatthepylon，andweremetbeneaththeporticobyamannotgreatofstature，butofnobleaspect，havinghisheadshaven，andwithdarkeyesthattwinkledlikethefurtherstars。”Hold！”hecried，inagreatvoicewhichfittedhisweakbodybutill。”Hold！IamSepa，whoopensthemouthoftheGods！””AndI，”Isaid，”amHarmachis，sonofAmenemhat，HereditaryHighPriestandRuleroftheHolyCityAbouthis；andIbearletterstothee，OSepa！””Enter，”hesaid。”Enter！”scanningmeallthewhilewithhistwinklingeyes。”Enter，myson！”Andhetookmeandledmetoachamberintheinnerhall，closedtothedoor，andthen，havingglancedatthelettersthatIbrought，ofasuddenhefelluponmyneckandembracedme。”Welcome，”hecried，”welcome，sonofmyownsister，andhopeofKhem！ NotinvainhaveIprayedtheGodsthatImightlivetolookuponthyfaceandimparttotheethewisdomwhichperchanceIalonehavemasteredofthosewhoareleftaliveinEgypt。TherearefewwhomitislawfulthatIshouldteach。Butthineisthegreatdestiny，andthineshallbetheearstohearthelessonsoftheGods。” Andheembracedmeoncemoreandbademegobatheandeat，sayingthatonthemorrowhewouldspeakwithmefurther。 Thisofatruthhedid，andatsuchlengththatIwillforbeartosetdownallhesaidboththenandafterwards，forifIdidsotherewouldbenopapyrusleftinEgyptwhenthetaskwasended。Therefore，havingmuchtotellandbutlittletimetotellit，Iwillpassovertheeventsoftheyearsthatfollowed。 Forthiswasthemannerofmylife。Iroseearly，IattendedtheworshipoftheTemple，andIgavemydaystostudy。Ilearntoftheritesofreligionandtheirmeaning，andofthebeginningoftheGodsandthebeginningoftheUpperWorld。Ilearntofthemysteryofthemovementsofthestars，andofhowtheearthrollsonamongthem。I wasinstructedinthatancientknowledgewhichiscalledmagic，andinthewayofinterpretationofdreams，andofthedrawingnightoGod。I wastaughtthelanguageofsymbolsandtheirouterandinnersecrets。 IbecameacquaintedwiththeeternallawsofGoodandEvil，andwiththemysteryofthattrustwhichisheldofman；alsoIlearntthesecretsofthepyramids——whichIwouldthatIhadneverknown。 Further，Ireadtherecordsofthepast，andoftheactsandwordsoftheancientkingswhowerebeforemesincetheruleofHorusuponearth；andIwasmadetoknowallcraftofstate，theloreofearth，andwithitthehistoryofGreeceandRome。AlsoIlearnttheGrecianandRomantongues，ofwhichindeedIalreadyhadsomeknowledge——andallthiswhile，forfivelongyears，Ikeptmyhandscleanandmyheartpure，anddidnoevilinthesightofGodorman；butlabouredheavilytoacquireallthings，andtopreparemyselfforthedestinythatawaitedme。 TwiceeveryyeargreetingsandletterscamefrommyfatherAmenemhat，andtwiceeveryyearIsentbackmyanswersaskingifthetimehadcometoceasefromlabour。AndsothedaysofmyprobationspedawaytillIgrewfaintandwearyatheart，forbeingnowaman，ayandlearned，Ilongedtomakeabeginningofthelifeofmen。AndoftenI wonderedifthistalkandprophecyofthethingsthatweretobewasbutadreambornofthebrainsofmenwhosewishranbeforetheirthought。Iwas，indeed，oftheRoyalblood，thatIknew:formyuncle，SepathePriest，showedmeasecretrecordofthedescent，tracedwithoutbreakfromfathertoson，andgraveninmysticsymbolsonatabletofthestoneofSyene。ButofwhatavailwasittobeRoyalbyrightwhenEgypt，myheritage，wasaslave——aslavetodothepleasureandministertotheluxuryoftheMacedonianLagid？——ay，andwhenshehadbeensolongaserfthat，perchance，shehadforgottenhowtoputofftheservilesmileofBondageandoncemoretolookacrosstheworldwithFreedom’shappyeyes？ ThenIbethoughtmeofmyprayeruponthepylontowerofAbouthisandoftheanswergiventomyprayer，andwonderedifthat，too，wereadream。 Andonenight，as，wearywithstudy，Iwalkedwithinthesacredgrovethatisinthegardenofthetemple，andmusedthus，ImetmyuncleSepa，whoalsowaswalkingandthinking。”Hold！”hecriedinhisgreatvoice；”whyisthyfacesosad，Harmachis？Hasthelastproblemthatwestudiedoverwhelmedthee？””Nay，myuncle，”Ianswered，”Iamoverwhelmedindeed，butnotoftheproblem；itwasalightone。Myheartisheavy，forIamwearyoflifewithinthesecloisters，andthepiled-upweightofknowledgecrushesme。Itisofnoavailtostoreupforcewhichcannotbeused。””Ah，thouartimpatient，Harmachis，”heanswered；”itiseverthewayoffoolishyouth。Thouwouldsttasteofthebattle；thoudosttireofwatchingthebreakersfalluponthebeach，thouwouldstplungeintothemandventurethedesperatehazardofthewar。Andsothouwouldstbegoing，Harmachis？Thebirdwouldflythenestas，whentheyaregrown，theswallowsflyfromtheeavesoftheTemple。Well，itshallbeasthoudesirest；thehourisathand。IhavetaughttheeallthatIhavelearned，andmethinksthatthepupilhasoutrunhismaster，” andhepausedandwipedhisbrightblackeyes，forhewasverysadatthethoughtofmydeparture。”AndwhithershallIgo，myuncle？”Iaskedrejoicing；”backtoAbouthistobeinitiatedintothemysteriesoftheGods？””Ay，backtoAbouthis，andfromAbouthistoAlexandria，andfromAlexandriatotheThroneofthyfathers，Harmachis！Listen，now； thingsarethus:ThouknowesthowCleopatra，theQueen，fledintoSyriawhenthatfalseeunuchPothinussetthewillofherfatherAulêtesatnaughtandraisedherbrotherPtolemytothesolelordshipofEgypt。Thouknowestalsohowshecameback，likeaQueenindeed，withagreatarmyinhertrain，andlayatPelusium，andhowatthisjuncturethemightyC？sar，thatgreatman，thatgreatestofallmen，sailedwithaweakcompanyhithertoAlexandriafromPharsalia’sbloodyfieldinhotpursuitofPompey。ButhefoundPompeyalreadydead，havingbeenbaselymurderedbyAchillas，theGeneral，andLuciusSeptimius，thechiefoftheRomanlegionsinEgypt，andthouknowesthowtheAlexandriansweretroubledathiscomingandwouldhaveslainhislictors。Then，asthouhastheard，C？sarseizedPtolemy，theyoungKing，andhissisterArsino？，andbadethearmyofCleopatraandthearmyofPtolemy，underAchillas，whichlayfacingeachotheratPelusium，disbandandgotheirways。AndforanswerAchillasmarchedonC？sar，andbesiegedhimstraitlyintheBruchiumatAlexandria，andso，forawhile，thingswere，andnoneknewwhoshouldreigninEgypt。 ButthenCleopatratookupthedice，andthrewthem，andthiswasthethrowshemade——intruth，itwasaboldone。For，leavingthearmyatPelusium，shecameatdusktotheharbourofAlexandria，andalonewiththeSicilianApollodorusenteredandlanded。ThenApollodorusboundherinabaleofrichrugs，suchasaremadeinSyria，andsenttherugsasapresenttoC？sar。Andwhentherugswereunboundinthepalace，behold！withinthemwasthefairestgirlonalltheearth——ay，andthemostwittyandthemostlearned。AndsheseducedthegreatC？sar——evenhisweightofyearsdidnotavailtoprotecthimfromhercharms——sothat，asafruitofhisfolly，hewellnighlosthislife，andallthegloryhehadgainedinahundredwars。””Thefool！”Ibrokein——”thefool！Thoucallesthimgreat；buthowcanthemanbetrulygreatwhohasnostrengthtostandagainstawoman’swiles？C？sar，withtheworldhangingonhisword！C？sar，atwhosebreathfortylegionsmarchedandchangedthefateofpeoples！C？sarthecold！thefar-seeing！thehero！——C？sartofalllikearipefruitintoafalsegirl’slap！Why，intheissue，ofwhatcommonclaywasthisRomanC？sar，andhowpoorathing！” ButSepalookedatmeandshookhishead。”Benotsorash，Harmachis，andtalknotwithsoproudavoice。Knowestthounotthatineverysuitofmailthereisajoint，andwoetohimwhowearstheharnessiftheswordshouldsearchitout！ForWoman，inherweakness，isyetthestrongestforceupontheearth。Sheisthehelmofallthingshuman； shecomesinmanyshapesandknocksatmanydoors；sheisquickandpatient，andherpassionisnotungovernablelikethatofman，butasagentlesteedthatshecanguidee’enwhereshewill，andasoccasionofferscannowbitupandnowgiverein。Shehasacaptain’seye，andstoutmustbethatfortressoftheheartinwhichshefindsnoplaceofvantage。Doesthybloodbeatfastinyouth？Shewilloutrunit，norwillherkissestire。Artthousettowardambition？Shewillunlockthyinnerheart，andshowtheeroadsthatleadtoglory。Artthouwornandweary？Shehascomfortinherbreast。Artthoufallen？Shecanlifttheeup，andtotheillusionofthysensegilddefeatwithtriumph。Ay，Harmachis，shecandothesethings，forNatureeverfightsuponherside；andwhileshedoesthemshecandeceiveandshapeasecretendinwhichthouhastnopart。AndthusWomanrulestheworld。Forherarewars；forhermenspendtheirstrengthingatheringgains；forhertheydowellandill，andseekforgreatness，tofindoblivion。ButstillshesitslikeyonderSphinx，andsmiles； andnomanhaseverreadalltheriddleofhersmile，orknownallthemysteryofherheart。Mocknot！mocknot！Harmachis；forhemustbegreatindeedwhocandefythepowerofWoman，which，pressingroundhimliketheinvisibleair，isoftenstrongestwhenthesensesleastdiscoverit。” Ilaughedaloud。”Thouspeakestearnestly，myuncleSepa，”Isaid；”onemightalmostthinkthatthouhadstnotcomeunscathedthroughthisfiercefireoftemptation。Well，formyself，Ifearnotwomanandherwiles；Iknownaughtofthem，andnaughtdoIwishtoknow；andI stillholdthatthisC？sarwasafool。HadIstoodwhereC？sarstood，tocoolitswantonnessthatbaleofrugsshouldhavebeenrolleddownthepalacesteps，intotheharbourmud。””Nay，cease！cease！”hecriedaloud。”Itiseviltospeakthus；maytheGodsaverttheomenandpreservetotheethiscoldstrengthofwhichthouboastest。Oh！man，thouknowestnot！——thouinthystrengthandbeautythatiswithoutcompare，inthepowerofthylearningandthesweetnessofthytongue——thouknowestnot！TheworldwherethoumustmixisnotasanctuaryasthatoftheDivineIsis。Butthere——itmaybeso！Praythatthyheart’sicemaynevermelt，sothoushaltbegreatandhappyandEgyptshallbedelivered。Andnowletmetakeupmytale——thouseest，Harmachis，eveninsograveastorywomanclaimsherplace。TheyoungPtolemy，Cleopatra’sbrother，beingloosedofC？sar，treacherouslyturnedonhim。ThenC？sarandMithridatesstormedthecampofPtolemy，whotooktoflightacrosstheriver。Buthisboatwassunkbythefugitiveswhopresseduponit，andsuchwasthemiserableendofPtolemy。”Thereon，thewarbeingended，thoughshehadbutthenbornehimason，C？sarion，C？sarappointedtheyoungerPtolemytorulewithCleopatra，andbeherhusbandinname，andhehimselfdepartedforRome，bearingwithhimthebeautifulPrincessArsino？tofollowhistriumphinherchains。ButthegreatC？sarisnomore。Hediedashehadlived，inblood，andrightroyally。AndbutnowCleopatra，theQueen，ifmytidingsmaybetrusted，hasslainPtolemy，herbrotherandhusband，bypoison，andtakenthechildC？sariontobeherfellowonthethrone，whichsheholdsbythehelpoftheRomanlegions，and，astheysay，ofyoungSextusPompeius，whohassucceededC？sarinherlove。But，Harmachis，thewholelandboilsandseethesagainsther。IneverycitythechildrenofKhemtalkofthedelivererwhoistocome—— andthouarthe，Harmachis。Thetimeisalmostripe。Thehourisnighathand。GothoubacktoAbouthisandlearnthelastsecretsoftheGods，andmeetthosewhoshalldirecttheburstingofthestorm。Thenact，Harmachis——act，Isay，andstrikehomeforKhem，ridthelandoftheRomanandtheGreek，andtakethyplaceuponthethroneofthydivinefathersandbeaKingofmen。Fortothisendthouwastborn，O Prince！” CHAPTERV OFTHERETURNOFHARMACHISTOABOUTHIS；OFTHECELEBRATION OFTHEMYSTERIES；OFTHECHANTOFISIS；ANDOFTHEWARNING OFAMENEMHAT OnthenextdayIembracedmyuncleSepa，andwithaneagerheartdepartedfromAnnubacktoAbouthis。Tobeshort，Icamethitherinsafety，havingbeenabsentfiveyearsandamonth，beingnownomoreaboybutamanfullgrownandhavingmymindwellstockedwiththeknowledgeofmenandtheancientwisdomofEgypt。SoonceagainIsawtheoldlands，andtheknownfaces，thoughofthesesomefewwerewanting，havingbeengatheredtoOsiris。Now，as，ridingacrossthefields，IcamenightotheenclosureoftheTemple，thepriestsandpeopleissuedforthtobidmewelcome，andwiththemtheoldwife，Atoua，who，butforafewaddedwrinklesthatTimehadcutuponherforehead，wasjustasshehadbeenwhenshethrewthesandalaftermefivelongyearsbefore。”/La！la！la！/”shecried；”andtherethouart，mybonnylad；morebonnyeventhanthouwert！/La！/whataman！whatshoulders！andwhatafaceandform！Ah，itdoesanoldwomancredittohavedandledthee！ Butthouartover-pale；thosepriestsdownthereatAnnuhavestarvedthee，surely？Starvenotthyself:theGodslovenotaskeleton。’Emptystomachmakesemptyhead’astheysayatAlexandria。Butthisisagladhour；ay，ajoyoushour。Comein——comein！”andasIlighteddownsheembracedme。 ButIthrustheraside。”Myfather！whereismyfather？”Icried；”I seehimnot！””Nay，nay，havenofear，”sheanswered；’hisHolinessiswell；hewaitstheeinhischamber。There，passon。Ohappyday！OhappyAbouthis！” SoIwent，orratherran，andreachedthechamberofwhichIhavewritten，andthereatthetablesatmyfather，Amenemhat，thesameashehadbeen，butveryold。Icametohimand，kneelingbeforehim，kissedhishand，andheblessedme。”Lookup，myson，”hesaid，”letmyoldeyesgazeuponthyface，thatImayreadthyheart。” SoIliftedupmyhead，andhelookeduponmelongandearnestly。”Ireadthee，”hesaidatlength；”thouartpureandstronginwisdom； Ihavenotbeendeceivedinthee。Oh，theyearshavebeenlonely；butIdidwelltosendtheehence。Now，tellmeofthylife；forthylettershavetoldmelittle，andthoucanstnotknow，myson，howhungryisafather’sheart。” AndsoItoldhim；wesatfarintothenightandtalkedtogether。AndintheendhebademeknowthatImustnowpreparetobeinitiatedintothoselastmysteriesthatarelearnedofthechosenoftheGods。 AndsoitcameaboutthatforaspaceofthreemonthsIpreparedmyselfaccordingtotheholycustoms。Iatenomeat。Iwasconstantinthesanctuaries，inthestudyofthesecretsoftheGreatSacrificeandofthewoeoftheHolyMother。Iwatchedandprayedbeforethealtars。IliftedupmysoultoGod；ay，indreamsIcommunedwiththeInvisible，tillatlengthearthandearth’sdesiresseemedtopassfromme。Ilongednomoreforthegloryofthisworld，myhearthungaboveitasaneagleonhisoutstretchedwings，andthevoiceoftheworld’sblamecouldnotstirit，andthevisionofitsbeautybroughtnodelight。Forabovemewasthevastvaultofheaven，whereinunalterableprocessionthestarspasson，drawingafterthemthedestiniesofmen；wheretheHolyOnessitupontheirburningthrones，andwatchthechariot-wheelsofFateastheyrollfromspheretosphere。Ohoursofholycontemplation！who，havingoncetastedofyourjoycouldwishagaintogrovelontheearth？Ovilefleshtodragusdown！Iwouldthatthouhadstthenaltogetherfallenfromme，andleftmyspiritfreetoseekOsiris！ Themonthsofprobationpassedbuttooswiftly，andnowtheholydaydrewnearwhenIwasintruthtobeunitedtotheuniversalMother。 NeverhathNightsolongedforthepromiseoftheDawn；neverhaththeheartofaloversopassionatelydesiredthesweetcomingofhisbride，asIlongedtoseeThygloriousface，OIsis！EvennowthatI havebeenfaithlesstoThee，andThouartfarfromme，ODivine！mysoulgoesouttoThee，andoncemoreIknow——ButasitisbiddenthatIshoulddrawtheveil，andspeakofthingswhichhavenotbeentoldsincethebeginningofthisworld，letmepassonandreverentlysetdownthehistoryofthatholymorn。 Forsevendaysthegreatfestivalhadbeencelebrated，thesufferingoftheLordOsirishadbeencommemorated，thegriefoftheMotherIsishadbeensungandgloryhadbeendonetothememoryofthecomingoftheDivineChildHorus，theSon，theAvenger，theGod-begot。Allthesethingshadbeencarriedoutaccordingtotheancientrites。Theboatshadfloatedonthesacredlake，thepriestshadscourgedthemselvesbeforethesanctuaries，andtheimageshadbeenbornethroughthestreetsatnight。 Andnow，asthesunsankontheseventhday，oncemorethegreatprocessiongatheredtochantthewoesofIsisandtellhowtheevilwasavenged。Wewentinsilencefromthetemple，andpassedthroughthecityways。Firstcamethosewhoclearthepath，thenmyfatherAmenemhatinallhispriestlyrobes，andthewandofcedarinhishand。Then，cladinpurelinen，I，theneophyte，followedalone；andaftermethewhite-robedpriests，holdingaloftbannersandemblemsoftheGods。Nextcamethosewhobearthesacredboat，andafterthemthesingersandthemourners；while，stretchingasfarastheeyecouldreach，allthepeoplemarched，cladinmelancholyblackbecauseOsiriswasnomore。Wewentinsilencethroughthecitystreetstillatlengthwecametothewallofthetempleandpassedin。Andasmyfather，theHighPriest，enteredbeneaththegatewayoftheouterpylon，asweet-voicedwomansingerbegantosingtheHolyChant，andthusshesang:”SingweOsirisdead，Lamentthefallenhead: Thelighthaslefttheworld，theworldisgrey。 AthwartthestarryskiesThewebofDarknessflies，AndIsisweepsOsirispassedaway。 Yourtears，yestars，yefires，yerivers，shed，Weep，childrenoftheNile，weepforyourLordisdead！” Shepausedinhermostsweetsong，andthewholemultitudetookupthemelancholydirge:”Softlywetread，ourmeasuredfootstepsfallingWithintheSanctuarySevenfold； SoftontheDeadthatlivetharewecalling: ’Return，Osiris，fromthyKingdomcold！ Returntothemthatworshiptheeofold！’” Thechorusceased，andonceagainshesang:”WithinthecourtdivineTheSevenfoldsacredshrineWepass，whileechoesoftheTemplewallsRepeatthelonglamentThesoundofsorrowsentFarupwithintheimperishablehalls，Where，eachintheother’sarms，theSistersweep，IsisandNephthys，o’erHisunawakingsleep。” Andthenagainrolledforththesolemnchorusofathousandvoices:”Softlywetread，ourmeasuredfootstepsfallingWithintheSanctuarySevenfold； SoftontheDeadthatlivetharewecalling: ’Return，Osiris，fromthyKingdomcold！ Returntothemthatworshiptheeofold！’” Itceased，andsweetlyshetookupthesong:”OdwellerintheWest，LoverandLordliest，Thylove，thySisterIsis，callstheehome！ ComefromthychamberdunThouMasteroftheSun，Thyshadowychamberfarbelowthefoam！ WithwearywingsandspentThroughallthefirmament，Throughallthehorror-hauntedwaysofHell，Iseektheenearandfar，Fromstartowanderingstar，FreewiththedeadthatinAmentidwell。 Isearchtheheight，thedeep，thelands，theskies，Risefromthedeadandlive，ourLordOsiris，rise！””Softlywetread，ourmeasuredfootstepsfallingWithintheSanctuarySevenfold； SoftontheDeadthatlivetharewecalling: ’Return，Osiris，fromthyKingdomcold！ Returntothemthatworshiptheeofold！’” Nowinastrainmorehighandgladthesingersang:”Hewakes——fromforththeprisonWesingOsirisrisen，WesingthechildthatNoutconceivedandbare。 Thineownlove，Isis，waitsTheWardenoftheGates，ShebreathesthebreathofLifeonbreastandhair，AndinherbreastandbreathBehold！hewaketh，Behold！atlengthherisethoutofrest； Touchedwithherholyhands，TheLordofalltheLands，Hestirs，herisesfromherbreath，herbreast！ Butthou，fellTyphon，fly，Thejudgmentdaydrawnnigh，FleetonthytrackasflamespeedsHorusfromthesky。””Softlywetread，ourmeasuredfootstepsfallingWithintheSanctuarySevenfold； SoftontheDeadthatlivetharewecalling: ’Return，Osiris，fromthyKingdomcold！ Returntothemthatworshiptheeofold！’” Oncemore，aswebowedbeforetheHoly，shesang，andsentthefullbreathofhergladmusicringinguptheeverlastingwallstillthesilencequiveredwithherroundnotesofmelody，andtheheartsofthosewhohearkenedstirredstrangelyinthebreast。Andthus，aswewalked，shesangthesongofOsirisrisen，thesongofHope，thesongofVictory:”SingwetheTrinity，SingwetheHolyThree，Singwe，andpraiseweandworshiptheThrone，ThronethatourLordhathset—— TherepeaceandtrutharemetThereintheHallsoftheHolyalone！ ThereintheshadowingsFaintofthefoldedwings，Thereshallwedwellandrejoiceinourrest，Wethatthyservantsare！ Horusdriveillafar！ FarinthefoldsofthedarkoftheWest！” Again，ashernotesdiedaway，thunderedforththechorusofallthevoices:”Softlywetread，ourmeasuredfootstepsfallingWithintheSanctuarySevenfold； SoftontheDeadthatlivetharewecalling: ’Return，Osiris，fromthyKingdomcold！ Returntothemthatworshiptheeofold！’” Thechantingceased，andasthesunsanktheHighPriestraisedthestatueofthelivingGodandhelditbeforethemultitudethatwasnowgatheredinthecourtofthetemple。Then，withamightyandjoyfulshoutof:”/Osirisourhope！Osiris！Osiris！/” thepeopletoretheirblackwrappingsfromtheirdress，revealingthewhiterobestheyworebeneath，and，asoneman，theybowedbeforetheGod，andthefeastwasended。 Butformetheceremonywasonlybegun，forto-nightwasthenightofmyinitiation。LeavingtheinnercourtIbathedmyself，and，cladinpurelinen，passed，asitisordained，intoaninner，butnottheinmost，sanctuary，andlaidtheaccustomedofferingsonthealtar。 Then，liftingmyhandstoheaven，Iremainedformanyhoursincontemplation，striving，byholythoughtsandprayer，togatherupmystrengthagainstthemightymomentofmytrial。 Thehoursspedslowlyinthesilenceofthetemple，tillatlengththedooropenedandmyfatherAmenemhat，theHighPriest，camein，cladinwhite，andleadingbythehandthePriestofIsis。For，havingbeenmarried，hedidnothimselfenterintothemysteriesoftheHolyMother。 Irosetomyfeetandstoodhumblybeforethem。”Artthouready？”saidthepriest，liftingthelampheheldsothatitslightfelluponmyface。”Othouchosenone，artthoureadytoseethegloryoftheGoddessfacetoface？””Iamready，”Ianswered。”Beholdthee，”hesaidagain，insolemntones，”itisnosmallthing。 Ifthouwiltcarryoutthisthylastdesire，understand，royalHarmachis，thatnowthisverynightthoumustdieforawhileintheflesh，whattimethysoulshalllookonspiritualthings。Andifthoudiestandanyevilshallbefoundwithinthyheart，whenthoucomestatlastintothatawfulpresence，woeuntothee，Harmachis，forthebreathoflifeshallnomoreenterinatthegatewayofthymouth，thybodyshallutterlyperish，andwhatshallbefallthyotherparts，ifI know，Imaynotsay。[*]ArtthoupreparedtobetakentothebreastofHerwhoWasandIsandShallBe，andinallthingstodoHerholywill；forHer，whilesheshallsocommand，toputawaythethoughtofearthlywoman；andtolabouralwaysforHerglorytillattheendthylifeisgatheredtoHereternallife？” [*]AccordingtotheEgyptianreligionthebeingManiscomposedoffourparts:thebody，thedoubleorastralshape(/ka/)，thesoul(/bi/)，andthesparkoflifesprungfromtheGodhead(/khou/)—— Editor。”Iam，”Ianswered；”leadon。””Itiswell，”saidthepriest。”NobleAmenemhat，wegohencealone。””Farewell，myson，”saidmyfather；”befirmandtriumphoverthingsspiritualasthoushalttriumphoverthingsearthly。Hewhowouldtrulyruletheworldmustfirstbeliftedupabovetheworld。HemustbeatonewithGod，forthusonlyshallhelearnthesecretsoftheDivine。Butbeware！TheGodsdemandmuchofthosewhodaretoenterthecircleoftheirDivinity。Iftheygobacktherefrom，theyshallbejudgedofasharperlaw，andscourgedwithaheavierrod，forastheirgloryis，soshalltheirshamebe。Therefore，makethyheartstrong，royalHarmachis！AndwhenthouspeedestdownthewaysofNightandenteresttheHolies，rememberthatfromhimtowhomgreatgiftshavebeengivenshallgiftsberequiredagain。Andnow——if，indeed，thymindbefixed——gowhitheritisnotasyetgivenmetofollowthee。 Farewell！” Foramomentasmyheartweighedtheseheavywords，Iwavered，aswellasImight。ButIwasfilledwithlongingtobegatheredtothecompanyoftheDivineones，andIknewthatIhadnoevilinme，anddesiredtodoonlythethingthatisjust。Therefore，havingwithsomuchlabourdrawnthebowstringtomyear，Iwasfaintoletflytheshaft。”Leadon，”Icriedwithaloudvoice；”leadon，thouholyPriest！Ifollowthee！” Andwewentforth。 CHAPTERVI OFTHEINITIATIONOFHARMACHIS；OFHISVISIONS；OFHISPASSING TOTHECITYTHATISINTHEPLACEOFDEATH；ANDOFTHEDECLARATIONS OFISIS，THEMESSENGER InsilencewepassedintotheShrineofIsis。Itwasdarkandbare—— onlythefeeblelightfromthelampgleamedfaintlyuponthesculpturedwalls，where，inahundredeffigies，theHolyMothersuckledtheHolyChild。 Thepriestclosedthedoorsandboltedthem。”Onceagain，”hesaid，”artthouready，Harmachis？””Onceagain，”Ianswered，”Iamready。” Hespokenomore；but，havinglifteduphishandsinprayer，ledmetothecentreoftheHoly，andwithaswiftmotionputoutthelamp。”Lookbeforethee，Harmachis！”hecried；andhisvoicesoundedhollowinthesolemnplace。 Igazedandsawnothing。Butfromthenichethatishighinthewall，whereishidthatsacredsymboloftheGoddessonwhichfewmaylook，therecameasoundasoftherattlingrodsofthesistrum。[*]AndasI listened，awestruck，behold！Isawtheoutlineofthesymboldrawnaswithfireupontheblacknessoftheair。Ithungabovemyhead，andrattledwhileithung。And，asitturned，IclearlysawthefaceoftheMotherIsisthatisgravenontheoneside，andsignifiesunendingBirth，andthefaceofherholysister，Nephthys，thatisgravenontheother，andsignifiestheendingofallbirthinDeath。 [*]AmusicalinstrumentpeculiarlysacredtoIsisofwhichtheshapeandrodshadamysticsignificance——Editor。 Slowlyitturnedandswungasthoughsomemysticdancertrodtheairaboveme，andshookitinherhand。Butatlengththelightwentout，andtherattlingceased。 Thenofasuddentheendofthechamberbecameluminous，andinthatwhitelightIbeheldpictureafterpicture。IsawtheancientNilerollingthroughdesertstothesea。Therewerenomenuponitsbanks，noranysignsofman，noranytemplestotheGods。OnlywildbirdsmovedonSihor’slonelyface，andmonstrousbrutesplungedandwallowedinhiswaters。ThesunsankinmajestybehindtheLibyanDesertandstainedthewatersred；themountainstowereduptowardsthesilentsky；butinmountain，desert，andrivertherewasnosignofhumanlife。ThenIknewthatIsawtheworldasithadbeenbeforemanwas，andaterrorofitslonelinessenteredmysoul。 Thepicturepassedandanotherroseupinitsplace。OnceagainIsawthebanksofSihor，andonthemcrowdedwild-facedcreatures，partakingofthenatureoftheapemorethanofthenatureofmankind。 Theyfoughtandsleweachother。Thewildbirdssprangupinaffrightasthefireleaptfromreedhutsgivenbyfoemen’shandstoflameandpillage。Theystoleandrentandmurdered，dashingoutthebrainsofchildrenwithaxesofstone。And，thoughnovoicetoldme，IknewthatIsawmanashewastensofthousandsofyearsago，whenfirsthemarchedacrosstheearth。 Yetanotherpicture。AgainIbeheldthebanksofSihor；butonthemfaircitiesbloomedlikeflowers。Inandouttheirgateswentmenandwomen，passingtoandfrofromwide，well-tilledlands。ButIsawnoguardsorarmies，andnoweaponsofwar。Allwaswisdom，prosperity，andpeace。AndwhileIwondered，agloriousFigure，cladinraimentthatshoneasflame，camefromthegatesofashrine，andthesoundofmusicwentbeforeandfollowedafterhim。Hemountedanivorythronewhichwassetinamarket-placefacingthewater:andasthesunsankcalledinallthemultitudestoprayer。Withonevoicetheyprayed，bendinginadoration。AndIunderstoodthathereinwasshownthereignoftheGodsonearth，whichwaslongbeforethedaysofMenes。 Achangecameoverthedream。Stillthesamefaircity，butothermen——menwithgreedandevilontheirfaces——whohatedthebondsofrighteousdoing，andsettheirheartsonsin。Theeveningcame；thegloriousFiguremountedthethroneandcalledtoprayer，butnonebowedthemselvesinadoration。”Weareawearyofthee！”theycried。”MakeEvilKing！Slayhim！slayhim！andloosethebondsofEvil！MakeEvilKing！” ThegloriousShaperoseup，gazingwithmildeyesuponthosewickedmen。”Yeknownotwhatyeask，”hecried；”butasyewill，sobeit！ForifIdie，byme，aftermuchtravail，shallyeonceagainfindapathtotheKingdomofGood！” Evenashespoke，aForm，foulandhideoustobehold，leaptuponhim，cursing，slewhim，torehimlimbfromlimb，andamidsttheclamourofthepeoplesathimselfuponthethroneandruled。ButaShapewhosefacewasveiledpasseddownfromheavenonshadowywings，andwithlamentationsgathereduptherentfragmentsoftheBeing。Amomentshebentherselfuponthem，thenliftedupherhandsandwept。Andasshewept，behold！fromhersidetheresprangawarriorarmedandwithafacelikethefaceofRaatnoon。He，theAvenger，hurledhimselfwithashoutupontheMonsterwhohadusurpedthethrone，andtheyclosedinbattle，and，strugglingeverinastraitembrace，passedupwardtotheskies。 Thencamepictureafterpicture。IsawPowersandPeoplescladinvariousrobesandspeakingmanytongues。Isawthempassandpassinmillions——loving，hating，struggling，dying。Somefewwerehappyandsomehadwoestampedupontheirfaces；butmostborenotthesealofhappinessnorofwoe，butratherthatofpatience。Andeverastheypassedfromagetoage，highaboveintheheavenstheAvengerfoughtonwiththeEvilThing，whilethescaleofvictoryswungnowherenowthere。Butneitherconquered，norwasitgiventometoknowhowthebattleended。 AndIunderstoodthatwhatIhadbeheldwastheholyvisionofthestrugglebetweentheGoodandtheEvilPowers。Isawthatmanwascreatedvile，butThosewhoareabovetookpityonhim，andcamedowntohimtomakehimgoodandhappy，forthetwothingsareonething。 Butmanreturnedtohiswickedway，andthenthebrightSpiritofGood，whoisofuscalledOsiris，butwhohasmanynames，offeredhimselfupfortheevil-doingoftheracethathaddethronedhim。AndfromhimandtheDivineMother，ofwhomallnatureis，spranganotherspiritwhoistheProtectorofusonearth，asOsirisisourjustifierinAmenti。 ForthisisthemysteryoftheOsiris。 Ofasudden，asIsawthevisions，thesethingsbecamecleartome。 ThemummyclothsofsymbolandofceremonythatwrapOsirisroundfellfromhim，andIunderstoodthesecretofreligion，whichisSacrifice。 Thepicturespassed，andagainthepriest，myguide，spoketome。”Hastthouunderstood，Harmachis，thosethingswhichithasbeengrantedtheetosee？””Ihave，”Isaid。”Aretheritesended？””Nay，theyarebutbegun。Thatwhichfollowsthoumustendurealone！ BeholdIleavethee，toreturnatthemorninglight。OncemoreIwarnthee。Thatwhichthoushaltsee，fewmaylookuponandlive。InallmydaysIhaveknownbutthreewhodaredtofacethisdreadhour，andofthosethreeatdawnbutonewasfoundalive。Myself，Ihavenottrodthispath。Itistoohighforme。””Depart，”Isaid；”mysoulisathirstforknowledge。Iwilldareit。” Helaidhishanduponmyshoulderandblessedme。Hewent。Iheardthedoorshuttobehindhim，theechoesofhisfootstepsslowlydiedaway。 ThenIfeltthatIwasalone，aloneintheHolyPlacewithThingswhicharenotoftheearth。Silencefell——silencedeepandblackasthedarknesswhichwasaroundme。Thesilencefell，itgatheredasthecloudgatheredonthefaceofthemoonthatnightwhen，alad，I prayeduponthepylontowers。Itgathereddenserandyetmoredensetillitseemedtocreepintomyheartandcallaloudtherein；foruttersilencehasavoicethatismoreterriblethananycry。Ispoke； theechoesofmywordscamebackuponmefromthewallsandseemedtobeatmedown。Thestillnesswaslightertoendurethananechosuchasthis。WhatwasIabouttosee？ShouldIdie，evennow，inthefulnessofmyyouthandstrength？Terriblewerethewarningsthathadbeengiventome。Iwasfear-stricken，andbethoughtmethatIwouldfly。 Fly！——flywhither？Thetempledoorwasbarred；Icouldnotfly。IwasalonewiththeGodhead，alonewiththePowerthatIhadinvoked。Nay，myheartwaspure——myheartwaspure。Iwouldfacetheterrorthatwastocome，ay，eventhoughIdied。”Isis，HolyMother，”Iprayed。”Isis，SpouseofHeaven，comeuntome，bewithmenow；Ifaint！bewithmenow。” AndthenIknewthatthingswerenotasthingshadbeen。Theairaroundmebegantostir，itrustledasthewingsofeaglesrustle，ittooklife。Brighteyesgazeduponme，strangewhispersshookmysoul。 Uponthedarknesswerebarsoflight。Theychangedandinterchanged，theymovedtoandfroandwovemysticsymbolswhichIcouldnotread。 Swifterandswifterflewthatshuttleofthelight:thesymbolsgrouped，gathered，faded，gatheredyetagain，fasterandstillmorefast，tillmyeyescouldcountthemnomore。NowIwasafloatuponaseaofglory；itsurgedandrolled，astheoceanrolls；ittossedmehigh，itbroughtmelow。Glorywaspiledonglory，splendourheapedonsplendour’shead，andIrodeaboveitall！ Soonthelightsbegantopaleintherollingseaofair。Greatshadowsshotacrossit，linesofdarknesspierceditandrushedtogetheronitsbreast，till，atlength，IwasonlyaShapeofFlamesetlikeastaronthebosomofimmeasurablenight。Burstsofawfulmusicgatheredfromfaraway。MilesandmilesawayIheardthem，thrillingfaintlythroughthegloom。Ontheycame，nearerandmorenear，louderandmoreloud，tilltheysweptpast，above，below，aroundme，sweptonrushingpinions，terrifyingandenchantingme。Theyfloatedby，evergrowingfainter，tilltheydiedinspace。Thenotherscame，andnotwowereakin。Somerattledastenthousandsistrashakenalltotune。 Somerankfromthebrazenthroatsofunnumberedclarions。Somepealedwithaloud，sweetchantofvoicesthatweremorethanhuman；andsomerolledalongintheslowthunderofamilliondrums。Theypassed； theirnoteswerelostindyingechoes；andthesilenceoncemorepressedinuponmeandovercameme。 Thestrengthwithinmebegantofail。Ifeltmylifeebbingatitssprings。Deathdrewneartomeandhisshapewas/Silence/。Heenteredatmyheart，enteredwithasenseofnumbingcold，butmybrainwasstillalive，Icouldyetthink。IknewthatIwasdrawingneartheconfinesoftheDead。Nay，Iwasdyingfast，andoh，thehorrorofit！ Istrovetoprayandcouldnot；therewasnomoretimeforprayer。Onestruggleandthestillnesscreptintomybrain。Theterrorpassed；anunfathomableweightofsleeppressedmedown。Iwasdying，Iwasdying，andthen——nothingness！ /Iwasdead！/ Achange——lifecamebacktome，butbetweenthenewlifeandthelifethathadbeenwasagulfanddifference。OnceagainIstoodinthedarknessoftheshrine，butitblindedmenomore。Itwasclearasthelightofday，althoughitstillwasblack。Istood；andyetitwasnotIwhostood，butrathermyspiritualpart，foratmyfeetlaymydeadSelf。Thereitlay，rigidandstill，astampofawfulcalmsealeduponitsface，whileIgazedonit。 AndasIgazed，filledwithwonder，IwascaughtupontheWingsofFlameandwhirledaway！away！fasterthanthelightningsflash。DownI fell，throughdepthsofemptyspacesethereandtherewithglitteringcrownsofstars。Downfortenmillionmilesandtentimestenmillion，tillatlengthIhoveredoveraplaceofsoft，unchanginglight，whereinwereTemples，Palaces，andAbodes，suchasnomaneversawinthevisionsofhissleep。TheywerebuiltofFlame，andtheywerebuiltofBlackness。Theirspirespiercedupandup；theirgreatcourtsstretchedaround。EvenasIhoveredtheychangedcontinuallytotheeye；whatwasFlamebecameBlackness，whatwasBlacknessbecameFlame。 Herewastheflashofcrystal，andtheretheblazeofgemsshoneeventhroughtheglorythatrollsaroundthecitywhichisinthePlaceofDeath。Thereweretrees，andtheirvoiceastheyrustledwasthevoiceofmusic；therewasair，and，asitblew，itsbreathwasthesobbingnotesofsong。 Shapes，changing，mysterious，wonderful，rusheduptomeetme，andboremedowntillIseemedtostanduponanotherearth。”Whocomes？”criedagreatVoice。”Harmachis，”answeredtheShapes，thatchangedcontinually。”HarmachiswhohathbeensummonedfromtheearthtolookuponthefaceofHerthatWasandIsandShallBe。Harmachis，ChildofEarth！””ThrowbacktheGatesandopenwidetheDoors！”pealedtheawfulVoice。”ThrowbacktheGatesandopenwidetheDoors；sealuphislipsinsilence，lesthisvoicejarupontheharmoniesofHeaven，takeawayhissightlestheseethatwhichmaynotbeseen，andletHarmachis，whohathbeensummoned，passdownthepaththatleadstotheplaceoftheUnchanging。Passon，ChildofEarth；butbeforethougoest，lookupthatthoumayestlearnhowfarthouartremovedfromEarth。” Ilookedup。Beyondtheglorythatshoneaboutthecitywasblacknight，andhighonitsbosomtwinkledonetinystar。”Beholdtheworldthatthouhastleft，”saidtheVoice，”beholdandtremble。” Thenmylipsandeyesweresealedwithsilenceandwithdarkness，sothatIwasdumbandblind。TheGatesrolledback，theDoorsswungwide，andIwassweptintothecitythatisinthePlaceofDeath。I wassweptswiftlyIknownotwhither，tillatlengthIstooduponmyfeet。AgainthegreatVoicepealed:”Drawtheveilofblacknessfromhiseyes，unsealthesilenceonhislips，thatHarmachis，ChildofEarth，maysee，hear，andunderstand，andmakeadorationattheShrineofHerthatWasandIsandShallBe。” Andmylipsandeyesweretouchedoncemore，sothatmysightandspeechcameback。 Behold！Istoodwithinahallofblackestmarble，soloftythatevenintherosylightscarcecouldmyvisionreachthegreatgroinsoftheroof。Musicwailedaboutitsspaces，andalladownitslengthstoodwingedSpiritsfashionedinlivingfire，andsuchwasthebrightnessoftheirformsthatIcouldnotlookonthem。Initscentrewasanaltar，smallandsquare，andIstoodbeforetheemptyaltar。ThenagaintheVoicecried:”OThouthathastbeen，art，andshaltbe；Thouwho，havingmanynames，artyetwithoutaname；MeasurerofTime；MessengerofGod； GuardianoftheWorldsandtheRacesthatdwellthereon；UniversalMotherbornofNothingness；Creatixuncreated；LivingSplendourwithoutForm，LivingFormwithoutSubstance；ServantoftheInvisible； ChildofLaw；HolderoftheScalesandSwordofFate；VesselofLife，throughwhomallLifeflows，towhomitagainisgathered；RecorderofThingsDone；ExecutrixofDecrees——/Hear！/”HarmachistheEgyptian，whobyThywillhathbeensummonedfromtheearth，waitsbeforeThineAltar，withearsunstopped，witheyesunsealed，andwithanopenheart。Hearanddescend！Descend，OMany- shaped！DescendinFlame！DescendinSound！DescendinSpirit！Hearanddescend！” TheVoiceceasedandtherewassilence。Thenthroughthesilencecameasoundliketheboomingofthesea。Itpassedandpresently，movedtheretobyIknownotwhat，IraisedmyeyesfrommyhandswithwhichIhadcoveredthem，andsawasmalldarkcloudhangingovertheAltarinandoutofwhichafierySerpentclimbed。 ThenalltheSpiritscladinlightfelluponthemarblefloor，andwithaloudvoiceadored；butwhattheysaidIcouldnotunderstand。 Behold！thedarkcloudcamedownandrestedontheAltar，theSerpentoffirestretcheditselftowardsme，touchedmeontheforeheadwithitsforkytongueandwasgone。FromwithinthecloudaVoicesweetandlowandclearspokeinheavenlyaccents:”Depart，yeMinisters，leaveMewithmysonwhomIhavesummoned。” Thenlikearrowsrushingfromabowtheflame-cladSpiritsleaptfromthegroundandspedaway。”OHarmachis，”saidtheVoice，”benotafraid，IamShewhomthoudostknowasIsisoftheEgyptians；butwhatelseIamstrivenotthoutolearn，itisbeyondthystrength。ForIamallthings，Lifeismyspirit，andNatureismyraiment。Iamthelaughterofthebabe，Iamthemaiden’slove，Iamthemother’skiss。IamtheChildandServantoftheInvisiblethatisGod，thatisLaw，thatisFate——thoughmyselfIbenotGodandFateandLaw。WhenwindsblowandoceansroaruponthefaceoftheEarththouhearestmyvoice；whenthougazestonthestarryfirmamentthouseestmycountenance；whenthespringbloomsoutinflowers，thatismysmile，Harmachis。ForIamNature’sself，andallhershapesareshapesofMe。Ibreatheinallthatbreathes。Iwaxandwaneinthechangefulmoon:Igrowandgatherinthetides:Irisewiththesuns:Iflashwiththelightningandthunderinthestorms。 Nothingistoogreatforthemeasureofmymajesty，nothingissosmallthatIcannotfindahometherein。IamintheeandthouartinMe，OHarmachis。ThatwhichbadetheebebadeMealsobe。Therefore，thoughIamgreatandthouartlittle，havenofear。Forweareboundtogetherbythecommonbondoflife——thatlifewhichflowsthroughsunsandstarsandspaces，throughSpiritsandthesoulsofmen，weldingallNaturetoawholethat，changingever，isyeteternallythesame。” Ibowedmyhead——Icouldnotspeak，forIwasafraid。”FaithfullyhastthouservedMe，Omyson，”wentonthelowsweetVoice；”greatlythouhastlongedtobebroughtfacetofacewithMehereinAmenti；andgreatlyhastthoudaredtoaccomplishthydesire。 ForitisnosmallthingtocastoffthetabernacleoftheFleshandbeforetheappointedtime，ifonlyforanhour，putontheraimentoftheSpirit。Andgreatly，Omyservantandmyson，haveI，too，desiredtolookontheetherewhereIam。FortheGodslovethosewholovethem，butwithawideranddeeperlove，andunderOnewhoisasfarfromMeasIamfromthee，mortal，IamaGodofGods。ThereforeI havecausedtheetobebroughthither，Harmachis；andthereforeI speaktothee，myson，andbidtheecommunewithMenowfacetoface，asthoudidstcommunethatnightuponthetempletowersofAbouthis。 ForIwastherewiththee，Harmachis，asIwasintenthousandotherworlds。ItwasI，OHarmachis，wholaidthelotusinthyhand，givingtheethesignwhichthoudidstseek。ForthouartofthekinglybloodofmychildrenwhoservedMefromagetoage。Andifthoudostnotfailthoushaltsituponthatkinglythroneandrestoremyancientworshipinitspurity，andsweepmytemplesfromtheirdefilements。 Butifthoudostfail，thenshalltheeternalSpiritIsisbecomebutamemoryinEgypt。” TheVoicepaused；and，gatheringupmystrength，atlengthIspokealoud:”Tellme，OHoly，”Isaid，”shallIthenfail？””AskMenot，”answeredtheVoice，”thatwhichitisnotlawfulthatI shouldanswerthee。PerchanceIcanreadthatwhichshallbefallthee，perchanceitdothnotpleaseMesotoread。WhatcanitprofittheDivine，thathathalltimewhereintoawaittheissues，tobeeagertolookupontheblossomthatisnotblown，butwhich，lyingaseedinthebosomoftheearth，shallblowinitsseason？Know，Harmachis，thatIdonotshapetheFuture；theFutureistotheeandnottoMe； foritisbornofLawandoftheruleordainedoftheInvisible。Yetthouartfreetoacttherein，andthoushaltwinorthoushaltfailaccordingtothystrengthandthemeasureofthyheart’spurity。Thinebetheburden，Harmachis，asthineintheeventshallbethegloryortheshame。LittledoIreckoftheissue，IwhoambuttheMinisterofwhatiswritten。Nowhearme:Iwillalwaysbewiththee，myson，formyloveoncegivencanneverbetakenaway，thoughbysinitmayseemlosttothee。Rememberthenthis:ifthoudosttriumph，thyguerdonshallbegreat；ifthoudostfail，heavyindeedshallbethypunishmentbothinthefleshandinthelandthatthoucallestAmenti。 Yetthisforthycomfort:shameandagonyshallnotbeeternal。Forhoweverdeepthefallfromrighteousness，ifbutrepentanceholdstheheart，thereisapath——astonyandacruelpath——wherebytheheightmaybeclimbedagain。Letitnotbethylottofollowit，Harmachis！”Andnow，becausethouhastlovedMe，myson，and，wanderingthroughthemazeoffable，whereinmenlosethemselvesupontheearth，mistakingthesubstancefortheSpirit，andtheAltarfortheGod，hastyetgraspedaclueofTruththeMany-faced；andbecauseIlovetheeandlookontothedaythat，perchance，shallcomewhenthoushaltdwellblessedinmylightandinthedoingofmytasks:becauseofthis，Isay，itshallbegiventothee，OHarmachis，toheartheWordwherebyImaybesummonedfromtheUttermost，byonewhohathcommunedwithMe，andtolookuponthefaceofIsis——evenintotheeyesoftheMessenger，andnotdiethedeath。”/Behold！/” ThesweetVoiceceased；thedarkclouduponthealtarchangedandchanged——itgrewwhite，itshone，andseemedatlengthtotaketheshroudedshapeofawoman。ThenthegoldenSnakecreptfromitsheartoncemore，and，likealivingdiadem，twineditselfaboutthecloudybrows。 NowsuddenlyaVoicecalledaloudtheawfulWord，thenthevapoursburstandmelted，andwithmyeyesIsawthatGlory，attheverythoughtofwhichmyspiritfaints。ButwhatIsawitisnotlawfultoutter。For，thoughIhavebeenbiddentowritewhatIhavewrittenofthismatter，perchancethatarecordmayremain，thereonIhavebeenwarned——ay，evennow，afterthesemanyyears。Isaw，andwhatIsawcannotbeimagined；forthereareGloriesandthereareShapeswhicharebeyondthereachofman’simagination。Isaw——then，withtheechoofthatWord，andthememoryofthatsightstampedforeveronmyheart，myspiritfailedme，andIsankdownbeforetheGlory。 And，asIfell，itseemedthatthegreathallburstopenandcrumbledintoflakesoffireroundme。Thenagreatwindblew:therewasasoundasthesoundofWorldsrushingdownthefloodofTime——andI knewnomore！ CHAPTERVII OFTHEAWAKINGOFHARMACHIS；OFTHECEREMONYOFHISCROWNING ASPHARAOHOFTHEUPPERANDTHELOWERLAND；ANDOFTHE OFFERINGSMADETOPHARAOH OnceagainIwoke——tofindmyselfstretchedatlengthuponthestoneflooringoftheHolyPlaceofIsisthatisatAbouthis。BymestoodtheoldPriestoftheMysteries，andinhishandwasalamp。Hebentoverme，andgazedearnestlyuponmyface。”Itisday——thedayofthynewbirth，andthouhastlivedtoseeit，Harmachis！”hesaidatlength。”Igivethanks。Arise，royalHarmachis——nay，tellmenaughtofthatwhichhasbefallenthee。Arise，belovedoftheHolyMother。Comeforth，thouwhohastpassedthefireandlearnedwhatliesbehindthedarkness——comeforth，Onewly-born！” Iroseand，walkingfaintly，wentwithhim，and，passingoutofthedarknessoftheShrinesfilledwiththoughtandwonder，cameoncemoreintothepurelightofthemorning。AndthenIwenttomyownchamberandslept；nordidanydreamscometotroubleme。Butnoman——notevenmyfather——askedmeaughtofwhatIsawuponthatdreadnight，orafterwhatfashionIhadcommunedwiththeGoddess。 Afterthesethingswhichhavebeenwritten，IappliedmyselfforaspacetotheworshipoftheMotherIsis，andtothefurtherstudyoftheoutwardformsofthosemysteriestowhichInowheldthekey。 Moreover，Iwasinstructedinmatterspolitic，formanygreatmenofourfollowingcamesecretlytoseemefromallquartersofEgypt，andtoldmemuchofthehatredofthepeopletowardsCleopatra，theQueen，andofotherthings。Atlastthehourdrewnigh；itwasthreemonthsandtendaysfromthenightwhen，forawhile，Ilefttheflesh，andyetlivingwithourlife，wasgatheredtothebreastofIsis，onwhichitwasagreedthatwithdueandcustomaryrites，althoughinuttersecrecy，IshouldbecalledtothethroneoftheUpperandtheLowerLand。Soitcameaboutthat，asthesolemntimedrewnigh，greatmenofthepartyofEgyptgatheredtothenumberofthirty-sevenfromeverynome，andeachgreatcityoftheirnome，meetingtogetheratAbouthis。Theycameineveryguise——someaspriests，someaspilgrimstotheShrine，andsomeasbeggars。Amongthemwasmyuncle，Sepa，who，thoughhecladhimselfasatravellingdoctor，hadmuchadotokeephisloudvoicefrombetrayinghim。Indeed，Imyselfknewhimbyit，meetinghimasIwalkedinthoughtuponthebanksofthecanal，althoughitwasthenduskandthegreatcape，which，afterthefashionofsuchdoctors，hehadthrownabouthishead，halfhidhisface。”Apestonthee！”hecried，whenIgreetedhimbyhisname。”Cannotamanceasetobehimselfforasinglehour？Didstthoubutknowthepainsthatithascostmetolearntoplaythispart——andnowthoureadestwhoIameveninthedark！” Andthen，stilltalkinginhisloudvoice，hetoldmehowhehadtravelledhitheronfoot，thebettertoescapethespieswhoplytoandfroupontheriver。Buthesaidheshouldreturnbythewater，ortakeanotherguise；forsincehehadcomeasadoctorhehadbeenforcedtoplayadoctor’spart，knowingbutlittleoftheartsofmedicine；and，ashegreatlyfeared，thereweremanybetweenAnnuandAbouthiswhohadsufferedfromit。[*]Andhelaughedloudlyandembracedme，forgettinghispart。Forhewastoowholeathearttobeanactorandotherthanhimself，andwouldhaveenteredAbouthiswithmeholdingmyhand，hadInotchidhimforhisfolly。 [*]InAncientEgyptanunskilfulornegligentphysicianwasliabletoveryheavypenalties——Editor。 Atlengthallweregathered。 Itwasnight，andthegatesofthetemplewereshut。Nonewereleftwithinthem，exceptthethirty-seven；myfather，theHighPriestAmenemhat；thatagedpriestwhohadledmetotheShrineofIsis；theoldwife，Atoua，who，accordingtoancientcustom，wastopreparemefortheanointing；andsomefiveotherpriests，sworntosecrecybythatoathwhichnonemaybreak。Theygatheredinthesecondhallofthegreattemple；butIremainedalone，cladinmywhiterobe，inthepassagewherearethenamesofsix-and-seventyancientKings，whowerebeforethedayofthedivineSethi。ThereIrestedindarkness，tillatlengthmyfather，Amenemhat，came，bearingalamp，and，bowinglowbeforeme，ledmebythehandforthintothegreathall。Hereandthere，betweenitsmightypillars，lightswereburningthatdimlyshowedthesculpturedimagesuponthewalls，anddimlyfelluponthelonglineoftheseven-and-thirtyLords，Priests，andPrinces，who，seateduponcarvenchairs，awaitedmycominginsilence。Beforethem，facingawayfromthesevenSanctuaries，athronewasset，aroundwhichstoodthepriestsholdingthesacredimagesandbanners。AsIcameintothedimandholyplace，theDignitariesrose，andbowedbeforeme，speakingnoword；whilemyfatherledmetothestepsofthethrone，andinalowvoicebademestandbeforeit。 Thenhespoke:”Lords，Priests，andPrincesoftheancientordersofthelandofKhem——NoblesfromtheUpperandtheLowerCountry，havegatheredinanswertomysummons，hearme:Ipresenttoyou，withsuchscantformalityastheoccasioncanafford，thePrinceHarmachis，byrightandtruedescentofbloodthedescendantandheiroftheancientPharaohsofourmostunhappyland。HeispriestoftheinmostcircleoftheMysteriesoftheDivineIsis，MasteroftheMysteries——HereditaryPriestofthePyramids，whicharebyMemphis，InstructedintheSolemnRitesoftheHolyOsiris。Isthereanyamongyouwhohasaughttourgeagainstthetruelineofhisblood？” Hepaused，andmyuncleSepa，risingfromhischair，spoke:”Wehavemadeexaminationoftherecordsandthereisnone，OAmenemhat。HeisoftheRoyalblood，hisdescentistrue。””Isthereanyamongyou，”wentonmyfather，”whocandenythatthisroyalHarmachis，bysanctionoftheveryGods，hasbeengatheredtoIsis，beenshownthewayoftheOsiris，beenadmittedtobetheHereditaryHighPriestofthePyramidswhicharebyMemphis，andoftheTemplesofthePyramids？” ThenthatoldpriestrosewhohadbeenmyguideintheSanctuaryoftheMotherandmadeanswer:”Thereisnone；OAmenemhat；Iknowthesethingsofmyownknowledge。” Oncemoremyfatherspoke:”IsthereanyamongyouwhohasaughttourgeagainstthisroyalHarmachis，inthatbywickednessofheartorlife，byuncleanlinessorfalsity，itisnotfitormeetthatweshouldcrownhimLordofalltheLands？” ThenanagedPrinceofMemphisaroseandmadeanswer:”Wehaveinquiredofthesematters:thereisnone，OAmenemhat。””Itiswell，”saidmyfather；”thennaughtiswantinginthePrinceHarmachis，seedofNekt-nebf，theOsirian。LetthewomanAtouastandforthandtellthiscompanythosethingsthatcametopasswhen，atthehourofherdeath，shewhowasmywifeprophesiedoverthisPrince，beingfilledwiththeSpiritoftheHathors。” ThereonoldAtouacreptforwardfromtheshadowofthecolumns，andearnestlytoldthosethingsthathavebeenwritten。”Yehaveheard，”saidmyfather:”doyoubelievethatthewomanwhowasmywifespakewiththeDivinevoice？””Wedo，”theyanswered。 NowmyuncleSeparoseandspoke:”RoyalHarmachis，thouhastheard。KnownowthatwearegatheredheretocrowntheeKingoftheUpperandtheLowerLands——thyholyfather，Amenemhat，renouncingallhisrightonthybehalf。Wearemet，not，indeed，inthatpompandceremonywhichisduetotheoccasion——forwhatwedomustbedoneinsecret，lestourlives，andthecausethatismoredeartousthanlife，shouldpaytheforfeit——butyetwithsuchdignityandobservanceoftheancientritesasourcircumstancemaycommand。Learn，now，howthismatterhangs，andif，afterlearning，thymindconsentsthereto，thenmountthythrone，OPharaoh——andsweartheoath！”LonghasKhemigroanedbeneaththemailedheeloftheGreek，andtrembledattheshadowoftheRoman’sspear；longhastheancientworshipofitsGodsbeendesecrated，anditspeoplecrushedwithoppression。Butwebelievethatthehourofdeliveranceisathand，andwiththesolemnvoiceofEgyptandbytheancientGodsofEgypt，towhosecausethouartofallmenbound，wecalluponthee，Prince，tobetheswordofourdeliverance。Hearken！Twentythousandgoodandlealmenaresworntowaituponthyword，andatthysignaltoriseasone，toputtheGreciantothesword，andwiththeirbloodandsubstancetobuildtheeathronesetmoresurelyonthesoilofKhemthanareitsancientpyramids——suchathroneasshallevenrolltheRomanlegionsback。Andforthesignal，itshallbethedeathofthatboldharlot，Cleopatra。Thoumustcompassherdeath，Harmachis，insuchfashionasshallbeshowntothee，andwithherbloodanointtheRoyalthroneofEgypt。”Canstthourefuse，OourHope？Dothnottheholyloveofcountryswellwithinthyheart？CanstthoudashthecupofFreedomfromthylipsandbeartodrinkthebitterdraughtofslaves？Theempriseisgreat；maybeitshallfail，andthouwiththylife，aswewithours，shaltpaythepriceofourendeavour。Butwhatofit，Harmachis？Islife，then，sosweet？Arewesosoftlycushionedonthestonybedofearth？Isbitternessandsorrowinitssumsosmallandscantathing？ Doweherebreathesodivineanairthatweshouldfeartofacethepassageofourbreath？Whathaveweherebuthopeandmemory？Whatseeweherebutshadows？Shallwethenfeartopasspure-handedwhereFulfilmentisandmemoryislostinitsownsource，andshadowsdieinthelightwhichcastthem？OHarmachis，thatmanaloneistrulyblestwhocrownshislifewithFame’smostsplendidwreath。For，sincetoalltheBroodofEarthDeathhandshispoppy-flowers，heindeedishappytowhomthereisoccasiongiventoweavetheminacrownofglory。AndhowcanamandiebetterthaninagreatendeavourtostrikethegyvesfromhisCountry’slimbssothatsheagainmaystandinthefaceofHeavenandraisetheshrillshoutofFreedom，and，cladoncemoreinapanoplyofstrength，trampleunderfootthefettersofherservitude，defyingthetyrantnationsoftheearthtosettheirsealuponherbrow？”Khemcallsthee，Harmachis。Comethen，thouDeliverer；leaplikeHorusfromthefirmament，breakherchains，scatterherfoes，andruleaPharaohonPharaoh’sThrone——””Enough，enough！”Icried，whilethelongmurmurofapplausesweptaboutthecolumnsandupthemassywalls。”Enough；isthereanyneedtoadjuremethus？HadIahundredlives，wouldInotmostgladlylaythemdownforEgypt？””Wellsaid，wellsaid！”answeredSepa。”Nowgoforthwiththewomanyonder，thatshemaymakethyhandscleanbeforetheytouchthesacredemblems，andanointthybrowbeforeitisencircledofthediadem。” AndsoIwentintoachamberapartwiththeoldwife，Atoua。There，mutteringprayers，shepouredpurewaterovermyhandsintoaewerofgold，andhavingdippedafineclothintooilwipedmybrowwithit。”OhappyEgypt！”shesaid；”OhappyPrince，thatartcometoruleinEgypt！ORoyalyouth！——tooRoyaltobeapriest——soshallmanyafairwomanthink；but，perchance，fortheetheywillrelaxthepriestlyrule，elsehowshalltheraceofPharaohbecarriedon？OhappyI，whodandledtheeandgavemyfleshandbloodtosavethee！OroyalandbeautifulHarmachis，bornforsplendour，happiness，andlove！””Cease，cease，”Isaid，forhertalkjarreduponme；”callmenothappytillthouknowestmyend，andspeaknottomeoflove，forwithlovecomessorrow，andmineisanotherandahigherway。””Ay，ay，sothousayest——andjoy，too，thatcomeswithlove！Nevertalklightlyoflove，myKing，foritbroughttheehere！/La！la！/butitisalwaystheway——’Thegooseonthewinglaughsatcrocodiles，’sogoestheirsayingdownatAlexandria；’butwhenthegooseisasleeponthewater，itisthecrocodilesthatlaugh。’Notbutwhatwomenareprettycrocodiles。MenworshipthecrocodilesatAnthribis—— Crocodilopolistheycallitnow，don’tthey？——buttheyworshipwomenalltheworldover！/La！/howmytonguerunson，andthouabouttobecrownedPharaoh！DidInotprophesyittothee？Well，thouartclean，LordoftheDoubleCrown。Goforth！” SoIwentfromthechamberwiththeoldwife’sfoolishtalkringinginmyears，thoughofatruthherfollyhadeveragrainofwitinit。 AsIcame，theDignitariesroseoncemoreandbowedbeforeme。Thenmyfather，withoutdelay，drewnearme，andplacedinmyhandsagoldenimageofthedivineMa，theGoddessofTruth，andgoldenimagesofthearksoftheGodAmen-Ra，ofthedivineMout，andthedivineKhons，andspokesolemnly:”ThouswearestbythelivingmajestyofMa，bythemajestyofAmen-Ra，ofMout，andofKhons？””Iswear，”Isaid。”ThouswearestbytheholylandofKhem，bySihor’sflood，bytheTemplesoftheGodsandtheeternalPyramids？””Iswear。””Rememberingthyhideousdoomifthoushouldstfailtherein，thouswearestthatthouwiltinallthingsgovernEgyptaccordingtoitsancientlaws，thatthouwiltpreservetheworshipofitsGods，thatthouwiltdoequaljustice，thatthouwiltnotoppress，thatthouwiltnotbetray，thatthouwiltmakenoalliancewiththeRomanortheGreek，thatthouwiltcastouttheforeignIdols，thatthouwiltdevotethylifetothelibertyofthelandofKhem？””Iswear。””Itiswell。Mount，then，thethrone，thatinthepresenceofthesethysubjects，ImaynametheePharaoh。”