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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. 1892 Excerpt:...avenue of columns and portals ending in seven chapels, whose roofs, walls, and pillars remain to us to-day--the wonder of colour-artists and workers in stone. There is nothing better in Egyptian art of the middle empire, nothing more finished is found in the whole Theban range of art, than the decorations of the temple to Osiris and Isis, Horus, Ammon, Harmachis, Ptah, and Seti I. at Abydos; we know the name of its architect, "Hi," and we realise that here, art of wall-chiselling was at its best. Sakkarah and the tombs of Tih and Ptahhotep are not able to show finer work. The temple is interesting as containing on the north wall of the inner court, a figure of Seti offering a little statue of the goddess of truth to the seated Osiris: this picture is so famous I will describe it. Seti is seen in full profile, wearing the pshent, or royal head-dress, with the Urseus basilisk upon it, and streamers falling from it behind; he is beardless, and without any hair upon his face. A six-banded necklace is on his neck, a triple bracelet on each of his upper arms, and a double bracelet on each of his wrists; the face is full of refinement--almost feminine in beauty; both hands are noticeable for length of fingers and for their tapering delicacy. His left hand is raised in attitude of supplication; his right hand, though the draughtsman has twisted it quite round, so that the thumb is towards the spectator, holds a little sacrificial bowl, and in the bowl is seated a miniature image of the goddess of truth and justice, "Ma" by name. I wonder if children in England, when they cry to their mothers, know that they are addressing Truth and Justice twice over, and speaking the best Egyptian possible? She--the goddess " Ma"--is kneeling in attit...