oldest fortified place in Egypt, and called "the Key of Egypt," and
also "the Strength of Egypt"--and lighted up the terraces of its
gardens and temples; but the admiral told me that every year the
deposit of the Nile is covering them, and that ere many centuries no
trace will be left of a city which is older than On or Memphis. We
saw, from the deck, palaces and obelisks and groves in the suburbs,
and further inland a country of wonderful beauty and of the highest
cultivation, but as level as the sea, from which it is elevated but a
few feet. The muddy and wonderful Nile is overflowing annually these
pleasant maritime plains; and as the plane of the Delta is steadily
raised, these ancient cities and palaces and this fair land will
become a fen for the stork and the sea-mew! How different the site of
Tyre, my dear mother! Built upon the firm coast, and defended by
nature, it will stand forever as the key of Syria and of the East; and
to the end of time the commerce of the world will flow into the
palace-like warehouses of its opulent merchants!
As we drew near the port, one of the large fishing eagles which have
their home in the Delta soared above our heads, scanning our deck with
his piercing glances: and snow-white birds with black-tipped wings
skimmed past from wave to wave; while others, resting upon the crest
of a shining billow, rocked gracefully with the motion of its
undulations. An ibis stalked upon the shore, and numerous aquatic
birds, unknown to us, soared about our galleys with sharp and strange
outcries.
The atmosphere of the morning was slightly hazy, and, suffused by the
sunbeams, cast a soft veil over the land, investing galley, pharos,
and fane with the hues of gold. It was a scene of novel beauty, and I
hailed the very first view of Egypt with delight. It was a happy omen
of the future.
As my galley advanced before the fleet, a large war-ship with a triple
poop-deck, and propelled by three hundred oars, swept like a swift
dark cloud out of the mouth of the river and bore down towards me in
hostile attitude. I displayed the insignia of my kingdom at the top of
the chief mast, and awaited the Egyptian guard-ship. The vessel was
brought to, a bow-shot from my own, and I was asked by the governor
thereof, who I was, whence I came, and my destination? To these
inquiries I gave satisfactory replies through my admiral; whereupon
the Egyptian captain, commanding an elegant barge to be made ready,
came on board, attended by his suite, to pay his respects to me as
Prince of Tyre. I came forth from my state-room to receive him, my
dear mother, attired as became my rank. In the most courteous
language, and with an elegance of manners unsurpassed save in the
polite land of Egypt, he assured me of the pleasure it would give his
royal mistress, Queen Amense, "The Support of Worlds," as he termed
her, to have me visit her court. He said she was just then returning
from a visit to the temple of Isis and Nephthys, at Philæ, with a vast
retinue of state and sacred galleys, and by the time I arrived at
Memphis she would be either there or at her private palace at On.
By his advice, I dispatched, in our handsomest galley, my secretary,
Acherres, with a copy of the letter to the queen, which you gave to
me, sealed with my own signet. This done, I entertained the Egyptian
officer with a magnificence becoming my position and his own. He was
much pleased with the elegance of my ship, and the complete
appointment of my fleet. He said he had never seen a Tyrian squadron
before, but had heard much of our luxury and perfection in maritime
affairs.
His ship was stately in height, and terrible with its warlike aspect.
The poop bristled with armed warriors in polished helms of brass. It
had four short masts, and upon each top thereof a huge castle
containing a score of Libyan bowmen with steel-headed arrows. Upon the
prow was a sort of fortress, on which stood a group of soldiers armed
with long spears and with large oval shields, on which were painted
hieroglyphic devices in brilliant colors. Arranged on the sides above
the rowers were black Ethiopians, gigantic men in steel cuirasses,
with long swords held before them. The captains of these warriors were
stationed at various points, arrayed in rich armor of varied fashion,
according to the class of soldiers that were under them. The prow of
this mighty battle-ship, which carried one thousand fighting men,
besides three hundred rowers, was ornamented with a lion's head and
shoulders of colossal size; while across the stern stretched the
broad, gilded wings of the feathered globe of the Sun, which is the
emblem of the kingdom of Egypt. Besides this gorgeous and majestic
galley, there were many lesser ones near, having but a single mast and
fifty oars. This fleet ever kept guard at the mouth of the Nile, and
thus defended the gates of Egypt on the sea against foes.
When I had sufficiently admired his ship from my own, the admiral,
whose name is Pathromenes, invited me to go on board. After viewing
all the parts of the ship, and especially the noble apartments devoted
to him and his officers, I was entertained with musical instruments by
players of infinite skill. Then I was amused with the performances of
jugglers and the wonderful antics of grotesque deformed dwarfs, who
seemed kept on board only for the entertainment of these Egyptian
nobles. Towards evening, a banquet was offered me. Among other rare
dishes were gazelles. Before the feast, the admiral made a signal to a
priest of Osiris, who presided over the sacred rites on board, and
inaugurated it by a prayer to the god for the welfare of the queen and
the prosperity of the kingdom. This custom recalled our own, of
offering first a libation of wine to the gods. During the banquet,
sweet strains of music floated around us. After we had closed the
feast, and were drinking wine, an attendant entered, bearing a
miniature mummy, elaborately painted and gilded. Holding this emblem
of mortality before me and the admiral, he said solemnly:
"Behold this, and drink and be happy; for such thou shalt be when thou
art dead!"
I was not a little surprised at this unwelcome, and, as it seemed to
me, unseasonable intrusion. Pathromenes, observing my looks, said with
a smile: "This introduction of a memorial of death to our feasts, O
prince, is not unseasonable. It is designed to exhort us to enjoy life
while we possess it, for when we are no more, enjoyment will be past."
Thus saying, he poured out a vase of wine into our golden cups, and
pledged me "Thy health, my mother!" So I drank to thee, and the glory
of thy reign. Nevertheless, I do not agree with the admiral, but
think, rather, that the intention of this exhibition of Death to
guests, is to warn them that, while life is so short, it ought not to
be spent wholly in pleasure and festivities.
At length, night coming on, I returned to my ship, and the next day,
with a light wind and aided by but one bank of rowers, entered the
mighty Nile, and slowly ascended its powerful but sluggish stream. The
courtly Pathromenes escorted me past Pelusium, and then took leave of
me, embracing me more like a father than a friend. I left my fleet at
the Pelusian Delta, to return to Tyre after it shall have received
fresh water on board from the Nile. The only galleys I took with me
are the one I came in, and that on board of which I sent my secretary
to the capital in advance of me. I trust the remainder will safely
reach Syria.
The shores of the Eastern Nile, as we ascended, presented an
unchanging scene of gardens, verdant fields of corn, villages,
temples, and tombs, all united in one unbroken belt for leagues. The
river was dotted with fishers in their slender boats, and we
constantly met vessels descending, bound to the open sea: some for
Afric for gold-dust and ivory; others to Philistia, for copper and
iron; others to Colchis, for silver, or to the Isle of Thasos. The
evening of the day we entered the river, we beheld the sacred
crocodile. It was a vast scaly monster, basking on the shore. I gazed
upon him with wonder and fear. If he be a god, his votaries worship
him rather through terror than from love. But to my senses all the
minor deities of Egypt are gross and revolting. Yet I must not dare to
be impious while in the very land of these gods.
The next day, after sailing for hours between gardens, we drew near
the City of On, on the east bank. Our approach to it was marked by the
increased size and grandeur of the palaces and temples, and the life
and activity on the shores. Before reaching the city, I caught view of
Memphis on the west side of the river, and far beyond towered the apex
of one of those mighty pyramids whose age is lost in the oblivion of
the past.
Farewell, dear mother. In my next letter I will describe my arrival
and debarking at the terrace of the City of the Sun, and my gratifying
reception by the Prince Remeses.
Your affectionate son,
SESOSTRIS.
LETTER II.
CITY OF THE SUN.
MY DEAR AND ROYAL MOTHER:
Think not that the splendors of the Court of "Pharaoh's Daughter," as
the Egyptians still love to call their queen, will lead me to forget
my own royal home and the dear scenes in which I have passed my
life--scenes that memory will ever cherish, as they are associated
with the love and care of a mother, such as a prince was never before
blessed with by the gods. Think not, my queenly mother, that while I
describe with pleasure the magnificence of Queen Amense's realm, I
think less of your own kingdom; but, rather, all I behold only causes
me to love my native land the more; for the glory of Tyre, my home, is
my mother's presence--and my mother is not here! Queen Amense may have
the homage of my intellect, but that of my heart is reserved only for
thee!
I have prefaced my letter in this manner, dear mother, lest you should
jealously read the glowing descriptions I give of what I behold, and
may fear that the luxuries and grandeur of Egypt will make me
dissatisfied with the lesser splendor of the Court of Phœnicia.
Fear not. I shall bring back to thee a son's faithful love, and to my
people the loyal affection due to them from their prince.
I closed my letter to you in sight, as I thought, of the City of the
Sun. But what I believed to be the capital of the gods, was but the
colossal gateway leading from the river to the city, which is half an
hour's ride inland. Yet from the Nile to the city there is a
continuous avenue of temples, such as earth has never beheld--not even
Nineveh or Babylon, in all their glory. For a mile fronting the river
extends a row of palaces, which, stupendous as they are, form but
wings to a central temple of vaster dimensions. The palaces that guard
it, as it were, are adorned with sculptured columns of the most
elegant description. They are three hundred in number, covered with
gorgeous paintings in the richest tints, and carved with the most
finished art. The beautiful capitals of these columns are shaped
alternately like a flower-bud, not yet expanded, or like the open
flower of the lotus, and the sides formed of imitations, by the
wonderful artist, of leaves and flowers indigenous to Egypt. The
columns and capitals, thus exquisitely fashioned, are gigantic in
size, and of the grandest altitude.
The central temple is a lofty and wonderful edifice of brilliant red
sandstone, with sixty columns of marble enriching its façades; these,
with the three hundred, representing the three hundred and sixty days
of the ancient Egyptian year. The front of this sublime temple is
pierced by three colossal gateways, broad enough for four chariots to
pass abreast. These gateways are adorned with paintings, in the
brightest tints, representing processions of priests, sacrifices,
offering of incense, and all the imposing religious ceremonies
appertaining to the worship of the Sun.
Above the centre gateway, between the noble wings of the propyla which
flank it, is a representative emblem of Osiris, in the shape of a
splendid shield of the sun, a half-sphere of gold, from which extend
wings for many yards, each feather glittering with precious stones.
Around the globe are entwined two brazen asps emblems of which I have
not yet learned the signification.
Imagine, my dear mother, this stupendous and noble temple, with its
vast wings facing the river, and reflected upon its sunny surface.
Fancy the river itself, flowing laterally through these gateways into
an artificial canal, lined with trees, and bordered by lesser temples,
which recede in long lines of diminishing columns. Behold oranges
swinging in clusters from branches bending over the water, while
scarlet pomegranates, figs, and olives fill trees innumerable that
shade the terraces; and vines, either gorgeous with flowers of
wonderful beauty and form, or pendent with purple grapes, entwine the
columns, and depend from the carved abacus of the capitals.
Into this canal my beautiful galley was received, in the sight of
thousands of admiring gazers standing upon the steps of the terrace
which led down to the entrance, and on which I had landed to pay my
homage to the chief captain at the propylon, who, magnificently
attired, waited, by the queen's command, to receive me and conduct me
to the city.
Returning with me on board my galley, he gave orders for it to be
taken in charge by two royal barges, with prows of silver, and golden
banners waving above the heads of the rowers, who were Nubian slaves
clothed in scarlet tunics. Thus, in state, my dear mother, as became a
prince, was I borne along this avenue of palaces and fanes, and
fragrant gardens. The vanishing line of columns was, at short
intervals, interrupted by gateways, above which were statues of Osiris
and Isis.
I was almost bewildered by the novelty and splendor of these varied
scenes, and was thinking that nothing could surpass in magnificence
this mighty avenue to a city, when all at once the canal expanded into
a circular lake completely inclosed by columns, forming majestic
colonnades on all sides, in which were walking and conversing
innumerable richly dressed persons, while others were grouped around
noble-looking ancient men, listening to their discourses. The chief
captain, who was with me in my galley, informed me that these columned
halls were the favorite resort of the eminent philosophers and
scholars of all lands, who came hither to be taught in the learning
and wisdom of the Egyptians. I then looked a little closer, when he
was pleased to point out to me several great philosophers, who, called
wise men in their own kingdom, yet had come hither to learn at the
feet of these masters of the world's wisdom, the wise men of Egypt. As
we were rowed past and around this majestic circle of columns, I saw
two noble youths from Damascus, who came last year to Tyre, in order
to embark for Memphis. I beheld also Prince Melchor of the City of
Salem, in Syria, the descendant of the great king Melchisedec, whose
wise reign, about three centuries ago, is still remembered with glory
and honor to his name. The prince recognized me, and returned my
salutation, and leaving the group with which he stood, hastened around
the terrace to meet me at the place of debarkation; for this
delightful lake, dear mother, terminated the noble canal which united
it with the river. Beyond it, the galleys and barges did not go.
Instead of water, this mighty avenue to On was now to be continued by
land. At the place opposite the inlet rose two lofty obelisks a
hundred feet in the air, of incomparable elegance and beauty. They
were dedicated to Osiris and Isis. Elevated upon pedestals of
porphyry, they formed the graceful entrance to a semicircular flight
of marble steps which led from the lake to a broad terrace interlaid
with parti-colored marbles, in every variety of device which taste
could conceive, or art execute. Landing upon these steps, I ascended
to the terrace, and was there met and embraced by the Prince of Salem.
Here the chief captain took leave of me, and immediately there
advanced towards me a noble person, wearing a chain of gold about his
neck, and clothed in purple silk, richly embroidered, and who carried
in his right hand a long silver wand, with the head of an ibis, cut
out of a precious stone, upon it. He said that he was an officer of
the court of the queen, and had come to conduct me on my way to the
city.
"Her majesty," he said, with dignity becoming one who served so mighty
a monarch, "has received your letter, royal prince, and has directed
her servants to pay you all honor!"
I acknowledged the grace of the queenly Amense in this courteous
reception of a stranger, and followed him across the terrace, which I
perceived was encircled by statues of all the divinities of the earth;
and I was gratified to see that Io, and Hercules, and the favored
deity of Phœnicia, Athyris, had conspicuous pedestals allotted to
their sacred images, near the Theban god Amun.
Indeed, dear mother, this fact, and the manner of my reception, shows
that the present dynasty has graciously forgotten the conquest of
Egypt by the warlike hosts of Phœnicia. But when we recollect that
the first Amosis of the present house of Pharaohs had for his queen
the beautiful Ephtha, daughter of the last Phœnician Pharaoh,
taking her captive when he expelled the father from the throne of
Memphis, we need not be surprised at the favor shown us by the noble
Queen Amense, for, fourth only in descent from the fair Phœnician,
who was of our own blood, she is our cousin by just hereditary
lineage.
When I had traversed the "Hall of the Gods," we came to a lofty
two-leaved gate of brass, which stood between two sculptured propyla
of Libyan stone. At a wave of the wand of my escorter, they flew wide
open, and revealed the most magnificent and awe-inspiring spectacle
that it was possible to conceive the world could present.
Before me was revealed an avenue, more than a mile in length to the
eye, leading straight to the City of the Sun, which rose, temple
rising beyond temple, shining like gold in the sunbeams, a mountain of
architecture, fashioned as if by the hands of gods rather than of men.
In the midst stood, elevated above all surrounding edifices, the great
temple of Osiris itself, encircled by a belt of twelve glittering
obelisks, representing the twelve months. In the centre of this
wonderful girdle, upon the apex of a pyramid rising within the walls
of the temple, two hundred feet high, blazed that sacred gold shield
of the sun--the shield of Osiris--the fame of which has filled the
world. It was like the sun itself for glory and splendor! Oh, how can
I describe all this! My pen refuses to find language to record what I
wish to write.
But I will be brief, lest I overpower you with gorgeousness, and blind
you with glory. Verily, the Egyptians seem resolved to rob the heavens
of their celestial architecture, and set up a rival heaven on earth!
From the open gateway of brass I beheld the city thus described, with
its temple, obelisks, pyramid, and countless palaces, while the whole
was encircled by a green belt of gardens, which shut it in from the
desert, like a setting of Indian diamonds in a bed of Assyrian
emeralds.
The avenue itself was paved with red-colored Syene stones from the
isles of the Cataracts, and on each side was a gigantic row of
sphinxes, reposing on broad, elevated dromoi. Some of these
represented lions, leopards, and other beasts of the African and
Nubian deserts. Some of them had the head of a ram, with the body of a
lion, the fore-paws extended upon the terrace, the vast body resting
upon the hind-paws, all presenting aspects of majestic repose. There
were one hundred of these stone effigies, in a double row twenty feet
apart, facing the avenue, and fastening upon the passer-by their stony
eyes in immovable watchfulness. This avenue I walked up, preceded by
the queen's officer, and escorted by a retinue, which fell in behind
me.
Having passed this row of crio-sphinxes we ascended three broad steps,
on each side of which towered a lofty pylon, elaborately adorned with
costly paintings of colossal size, representing sacred scenes. Another
dromo bordered with fourscore andro-sphinxes, having alternate faces
of Osiris and Isis, the one stamped with majesty, the other with
beauty, now began, and passing this solemn and awful range of gigantic
faces we came to another ascent of marble steps, flanked by obelisks:
four lofty pylones, and three spacious courts were at the end of the
dromos of sphinxes, also a vast arena inclosed by palaces. Crossing
this noble square, we came to two colossi of granite, representing
Cheops and Nilus, their shields covered with hieroglyphics wrought
with the highest degree of perfection, each cartouch recording their
titles and deeds.
At this point there met me a superbly caparisoned Arabian charger,
held by two pages; while a young noble, bearing upon his breast the
insignia of a prince of the queen's palace, addressed me, and invited
me to mount the beautiful and fiery animal.
I obeyed, leaping into the saddle with delight at once more being upon
horseback. Scarcely had I pressed the bit with the gilded bridle, ere
a score of horsemen, in splendid armor, issued from the propylon on my
left, in two columns, and, inclosing me between them, escorted me
through several magnificent courts, in which I caught glimpses of
obelisks, monoliths of kings, pylones sixty feet in height with
pyramidal wings, giving entrance to courts each more magnificent than
the last.
At length I saw before me the great and splendid pylon which gives
admission to the city. In front of it, raised upon a throne of crimson
stone, stood, with his ibis head fifty feet in the air, a monolith
statue of Thoth. In his outstretched right hand he held a pair of
scales, and in his left a tablet.
At this gate, the city is entered in its central point. Two obelisks,
ninety feet in height, towered on each side of the entrance. Here I
was received by a venerable noble, who was mounted upon a snow-white
horse, and attended by a brilliant retinue, all superbly mounted. This
personage extended to me the same hospitable and courteous welcome
from his queen, which had been presented to me from the others. He
rode by my side, and we took our way at a rapid trot along an avenue
of alternate obelisks and sphinxes, until we passed through a pylon
which opened into the streets of the city. The splendor around
bewildered me. Palaces, with gorgeous façades and triple stories of
colonnades, composed street after street, while fountains and statues
and propyla, temples, monoliths, andro-sphinxes and crio-sphinxes
presented, as I rode along through this superb "City of the Sun," an
endless spectacle of architectural grandeur and marble magnificence.
The streets were thronged with handsomely attired citizens, either in
the pursuit of pleasure or business, while priestly processions,
festival parties crowned with flowers and attended by musicians, and
bodies of horse, were met by us. Gilded chariots, palanquins, and
vehicles of rare and graceful forms, were numerous. The whole city
wore an air of pleasure and life, and impressed me with the idea that
the Egyptians are not only master-builders in architecture, but know
how to enjoy the splendid cities they erect with such costly care.
My senses sated with luxury, I was not unwilling to alight at the
entrance of a beautiful palace, which the venerable horseman said the
queen had placed at my service. Upon its portico I was met by my
private secretary, Acherres, who, in his joy at beholding me again,
forgot for a moment my rank, and embraced me with tears of delight;
for, in this foreign land, he saw in me alone the link which bound him
to his native country.