the temple of
Hator. He had too much freedom, too many relations with unbelievers and
with enemies of Egypt. But Thou wilt help us, worthy Sem."

Because of this decision, the high priest Sem ordered to summon for the
following day a solemn service at the temple of Ptah.

So they stationed on squares and at street comers, even in the fields,
heralds of the priests, and called all the people with flutes and
trumpets.

And when a sufficient number of hearers had assembled, they informed
them that in the temple of Ptah there would be prayers and processions
during three days, to the intent that the good god would bless Egyptian
arms and crush Libyans; that he would send down on their leader,
Musawasa, leprosy, insanity, and blindness.

As the priests wished, so was it done. From morning till late at night
common people of every occupation crowded around the temple; the
aristocracy and the wealthy citizens assembled in the forecourt; while
the priests of the city and of the neighboring provinces made
sacrifices to Ptah and repeated prayers in the most holy chapel.

Thrice daily did a solemn procession issue forth, carrying in a golden
boat, concealed by curtains, the revered statue of the divinity;
whereat the people prostrated themselves and confessed their faults
loudly, while prophets disposed in the crowd numerously helped them to
penitence by appropriate questions. A similar thing was done in the
forecourt of the temple. But since officials and rich people did not
like to accuse themselves openly, the holy fathers took them aside, and
gave advice and exhortation in whispers.

In the afternoon the service was most solemn, for at that time the
troops marching westward came to receive the blessing of the high
priest, and strengthen the power of amulets which had the quality of
weakening blows from the enemy.

Sometimes thunder was heard in the temple, and at night, above the
pylons, there was lightning. This was a sign that the god had heard
some one's prayers, or was conversing with the priesthood.

When, after the ending of the solemnity, the three dignitaries Sem,
Mefres, and Mentezufis met for consultation, the position had become
clearer.

The solemnity had brought the temple about forty talents but sixty
talents had been given out in presents or in paying the debts of
various persons of the aristocracy as well as of the highest military
circles.

They had collected the following information:

A repor