immense importance. In view of this the
embalmers who surrounded the fresh mummy of the pharaoh withdrew and a
high priest of that quarter came and whispered into the ear of the
departed:

"Know that through the possession of this book Thou shalt belong to the
living and attain to great significance among gods. Know that, thanks
to it, no one will dare to oppose thee. The gods themselves will
approach thee and embrace thee, for Thou wilt belong to their company.

"Know that this book informs thee of what was at the beginning. No man
has uttered it, no eye has seen it, no ear has heard it. This book is
truth itself, but no one has ever known it. Let it be seen only through
thee and through him who will behold thee in it. Add to it no
commentary which thy memory or imagination might suggest to thee. It is
written entirely in the hall where the departed are embalmed. It is a
great secret which no common man knows, not one in the world.

"This book will be thy nourishment in the lower region of spirits, it
will give thy soul means of sojourn on the earth, it will give it life
eternal, and effect this, that no one will have power over thee."
["Book of the Dead."]

The remains of the pharaoh were arrayed in costly garments, with a gold
mask on the face, with bracelets on the wrists, and with rings on the
hands, which were crossed on the breast. Under the head was put a
support of ivory, such as Egyptians were accustomed to sleep on.
Finally the body was enclosed in three coffins: one of paper covered
with inscriptions, one of cedar which was gilt, and one of marble. The
form of the first two corresponded accurately to the form of the body;
even the sculptured face was like the original, though smiling.

After a stay of three months in the quarter of the dead the mummy of
the pharaoh was ready for a solemn funeral; therefore it was taken back
to the palace.

CHAPTER LIV

During seventy days, in the course of which the revered remains were
steeping in the solution of soda, Egypt was in mourning.

The temples were closed; there were no processions. All music ceased;
no feasts were given. Dancing women became wailers; instead of dancing
they tore their hair; this also brought them income.

No one drank wine, no one ate meat. The highest dignitaries went in
coarse garments and barefoot. No one shaved (with the exception of
priests); the most devoted did not wash, they smeared their faces with
mud, and scattered ashe