Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874 Excerpt:...son, lord of the world, Rameses, established and pure life." The great priest advances for his god Amun, and says, "My well-beloved son, receive of me pure life and long days. Joyously control the world. Thoth has written by thy name all the royal attributes of Osiris. All quarters of the earth open good gates to thee. Evil races lie under thy sandal. Force of thy arm, terror of thy name, the scythe of thy battle, thy whip and scepter shall rule in Kepi. The lady of the celestial palace hath prepared for thee a diadem of the sun, where I place this helmet." Then proudly speaks the king, "I came to my father, Amun, at the end of the procession of gods, which he forever admits to his presence." The priest stretches forth his staff of office to the four quarters of the world. Four geese fly upward, and out beyond the city into the wilderness. They represent the four genii of the earth, Amset, Hapi Dawn, Mutef, and Keba-snuf. The king puts on his crown. He cuts the stalk of water-plants held before him, in token of rule over Egypt. Then he retires to a side chamber, while the chanting of the priests and priestesses invokes the gods: "Accept the gifts of the king, O Amun Ra." Meats are offered and burned. Wine is freely poured on the altar. The king comes forth. He is not the warrior now, but the high priest. A leopard skin alone hangs from his girdle, the head drooping over his right leg. His hair is plaited and braided. An asp with jeweled eyes is held by a simple band to the forehead. A wreath of golden lotus flowers encircles his arm. From his broad necklace hangs the characters which compose his title as priest. They are supported by vultures on either side. From his girdle, over his tunic of fine linen, hangs an apron emb...