all Egypt, and hence a type of the Deity. But this subject, my dear
Sesostris," added the prince, with a fine look of friendship, "you
will know more of by and by, as you dwell among us. I will command
that you shall have every facility from the priests, and also from the
philosophers and wise men, in your further studies of our people. I am
happy to have given you your first lesson in Egyptian lore."
"You have done me infinite honor, noble Remeses," I replied, returning
with gratitude his looks of kindness. "I hope ere long so to profit by
your information as to understand your ancient system of religion.
From what you have said, I perceive that it stands above all others on
earth, rightly interpreted; and before its spiritual essence, our
worship in Phœnicia--which is chiefly a union of idolatry and
Sabæanism--is pure materialism."
At this moment we rose, as by one impulse, and walked out upon the
terrace to enjoy the breeze which was waving refreshingly, to our
eyes, the branches of a palm that stood before the door. The day was
intensely hot. In the shade of the columns on the square, many of the
citizens had gathered for shelter from the sun's beams. But still in
its burning heat the bondmen of whom I have spoken, toiled on, with
their burdens of brick. Not far off were a score under one taskmaster,
who stood by with a long staff with which he severely beat an old man,
who had sunk to the earth under the combined heat of the sun and the
weight he was compelled to bear. My heart was touched at once with
pity and indignation.
"What unhappy people are these, O prince," I said, "who endure such
heavy labor?"
"Hebrews!" he answered, haughtily and indifferently. "Hast thou not
heard of these bond-slaves of our land? They have been in Egypt
several generations. They build our cities, our walls, our canals.
They number two millions, and are the hereditary slaves of the
Pharaohs."
"To what circumstances do they owe their captivity?" I asked.
"If it will interest you, my Sesostris," he said, "I will at another
time relate their history."
"It will gratify me to listen to it," I answered. "I am struck with
the Syriac cast of their features."
"Indeed! They originally came from Syria. Do they preserve still the
lineaments of their country?"
"Strikingly so," I answered.
We now walked the noble terrace together, while he pointed out to me
the prospect from it. In view was one half the city, and the dark
"Lake of the Dead," of which I will speak hereafter; the avenues of
sphinxes; the gigantic gateways or pylones and obelisks on the river;
and the mighty Nile itself, flowing like an ever-lengthening sea amid
the fairest scenery of earth. Reposing upon its bosom, like a gigantic
floating garden, was visible the noble isle of Rhoda, decked with
gorgeous palaces,--one of which, said Remeses, is the favorite home of
his royal mother. Still beyond this lovely island rose from the water
the gardens, villas, palaces, temples, and propyla which lay between
Memphis and the river; while the city of Apis, "the diadem of Egypt,"
in all the glory of architectural majesty and beauty, reposed on the
plain beyond; the mighty pyramids, with their winged temples and
colossal dromos of sphinxes, filling the background of this matchless
scene.
Your affectionate son,
SESOSTRIS.
LETTER IV.
CITY OF ON.
DEAR AND ROYAL MOTHER:
I am still in the City of the Sun, or RE, as I find it is often called
by the Egyptians, and I write to you from the palace of Remeses, not
the abode which was first allotted me, but in apartments in his own
imperial residence, an honored sharer of his table and society.
Here, in a sumptuous chamber, the walls of which are intercolumnar
panels, enriched by paintings on gold and blue grounds, tastefully
bordered by flowers and fruit, I once more resume my pen to write to
you about this wonderful land.
The day after I closed my last letter, dear mother, a high officer
from the Queen Amense alighted from his chariot at my palace, and
placed in my hands the signet of his royal mistress, with a message
that she desired me to be presented to her.
I had already received an intimation from the prince of this intended
honor, and had made myself ready, being attired, when the messenger
came, in the full costume of a prince of Tyre, save the golden crown,
instead of which I wore the helmet-shaped cap of Tyrian gold-thread,
which was presented to me by your own loved hands. Over my shoulders I
clasped the cloak of Tyrian purple, embroidered by the hands of the
fair princess Thamonda; and instead of my sword I held a gold-tipped
wand, as no one is permitted to appear before the queen with arms.
These wands or rods are carried by all Egyptians, of every rank, as
constant companions; but their value and beauty are regulated by the
position and wealth of the person,--those of nobles being tipped with
gold, while ivory, ebony, palm-wood, and common woods, are the
materials of which others are made. The rod borne by me was a present
from Remeses, and near the burnished gold head of it was a massive
ring of great price, bearing his royal cartouch, in which he is called
"Remeses-Moses, Son of Pharaoh's Daughter, and Prince of Re Memphis,
and Thebes, Son of the god Nilus, and Leader of the Sacred Hosts."
There stood in front of my palace three chariots, two of them drawn by
a pair of beautifully spotted horses, while to the third, and most
elegant, were harnessed four snow-white steeds. A burnished shield
rising above the gracefully curved back, showed that it was a royal
chariot. The charioteer was a Nubian, wearing bracelets of gold, as
well as otherwise richly attired. The chariot was gorgeously
ornamented at the sides with ornaments of light open-work. It was
lined with crimson silk, which was visible through the interstices of
the open carvings. These chariots had two wheels; the pole projected
from the middle of the axle, and was bent upwards at a short distance
from the body of the carriage. At the end of the pole the yoke was
fastened, and each horse attached to the car by a single trace,
extending on his inner side from the base of the pole to the saddle. I
noticed, too, that the heads of the spirited horses were borne up
tight by a rein made fast to a hook in front of the saddle, and the
long reins passed through a loop or ring at the side. Also, that the
heads of the horses were adorned with lofty plumes; that the harness
was ornamented with silver and gold, or burnished brass, while upon
their bodies were housings of the most elaborate and beautiful
workmanship, representing royal devices.
One of these superb chariots was that in which the queen's officer
came. In the other sat the grand-chamberlain, behind his charioteer.
The third, I found, was for my use. Drawn up, hard by, there were not
less than threescore footmen of the queen's guard, who, ranging
themselves from the door, paid me the lowest obeisance as I passed to
my chariot, at the side of which stood the venerable and stately
grand-chamberlain, to assist me to enter it.
There was no seat; for the Egyptians stand in their chariots, as a
more dignified and commanding attitude,--a custom probably derived
from the necessity of doing so in their war-chariots, in order to
combat. I have, however, seen three or four very light and elegant
pleasure-chariots, in which ladies of high rank were seated, but one
only in each. But when the queen rides, she stands upon a dais in her
chariot, and, as she is borne at speed by six horses harnessed
abreast, she has the air and port of a flying goddess. The eyes of her
subjects follow her as if she were a meteor, and gaze after her with
admiration and awe.
The day was bright, as it always is in Egypt, with a cloudless sun. It
lighted up the long lines of palaces where dwelt priests and nobles,
illumined the propyla of the temples, burnished the lakes, gilded
the obelisks, and flooded the whole City of the Sun with
magnificence;--for there is a splendor and glory in the sunshine of
Egypt unknown in other lands, the result of the purity of the
crystalline atmosphere.
My charioteer dashed onward as if great speed was a royal pace. Before
me ran footmen with wands clearing the avenue, and behind came the
swift-footed retainers, while on each side of me rolled the two
chariots. Acherres, my secretary, rode near upon an Arabian courser;
and his superb seat in the saddle and his masterly horsemanship drew
the applause of the Egyptians, who are better charioteers than
horsemen.
After a dashing ride of a mile, we entered a vast square which I had
not before seen. It extended two thousand feet each way. In the centre
was a calm lake basking in the sunshine. Around this lake was a border
of palm-trees, then a border of orange-trees filled with singing
birds, while in their shade walked groups of handsomely attired
people, and children enjoyed themselves in play. Upon the lake,
ornamented pleasure galleys were moving in various directions, and a
spirit of enjoyment pervaded the whole scene. Around this grand square
with its central lake were arranged as follows: on the north side a
superb colonnade of sculptured columns, forming the façade of the
Temple of Mnevis, the sacred ox of On, at the gate or propyla of which
crouched two sphinxes, with majestic human heads. On the west side was
a vast paved area, in the centre of which towered the obelisk of
Thothmes the Great. This area is inclosed by the royal armory, an
edifice expressive of strength and grandeur in its massive and warlike
proportions. On the east is a pyramid two hundred feet high, in front
of which two sphinxes with heads of women and bodies of birds repose,
while on each side extends a range of noble pylones opening into
avenues that lead to interior courts. This singular edifice is the
temple of Re, and sometimes gives its name to the city, Re being also
another name for the sun. On the fourth side of this stupendous area
rises a grand palace, which occupies the whole space of the breadth of
the square. I can only describe the front of this royal palace by
representing it as a city of columns, interspaced at regular intervals
by noble propyla, which, in their turn, are sculptured and adorned in
such profusion as to bewilder the eye with forms of beauty. Two
sphinxes of colossal proportions, with the bodies of lions and the
heads of beautiful women wearing double crowns, guard the entrance to
this august palace. Upon the terrace, to which a flight of broad steps
ascended, stood the royal guard of the palace like statues, each of
the one hundred Theban soldiers leaning upon his spear, with his oval
shield resting against his side.
We drove up in front, and between the heads of the sphinxes I
alighted. The moment I did so, the Theban guard stood to their arms,
and their captain, with a glittering helmet upon his head and holding
his sword in his hand reversed, descended to receive me. Escorted by
him, and followed by the grand-chamberlain, I ascended to the terrace
saluted by the guard with the honors paid to royalty. The terrace was
surrounded with the statues of the kings of this dynasty, and of the
Theban Pharaohs; but the Phœnician Pharaohs are not now numbered
among the kings of Egypt. The terrace led into a circular hall which
was richly carved, gilded, and painted with historic scenes,
battle-pieces and naval combats. Conspicuous upon a panel, directly in
front of the entrance, was the representation of the expulsion of the
Shepherd Kings from Memphis. In the faces of the monarchs Amosis and
Amunophis, the immediate ancestors of Prince Remeses, I see no
resemblance to him. His style of face is wholly different from the
heroes of the dynasty to which he belongs. His features have a nobler
cast, and seem to belong to a man of a higher intellectual
development, and no doubt he is superior to all other Egyptians; for,
young as he is, his name is already associated with all that is wise,
and great, and true.
The entablature of the next hall we entered was a wonderful sculpture.
It represented a circle of beautiful girls chained together by wreaths
of flowers, and with interlaced arms, bending over and smiling down
upon those in the hall, each extending a hand holding a vase. There
was a unity of design in the whole of the interior of this adytum or
presence-chamber, with the distribution of light and the groups of
figures shown by it on the walls, that surpassed any apartment I had
yet seen. As I entered this enchanted hall, the martial music which
had hailed me as I came into the outer vestibule ceased, and was
succeeded by the most ravishing sounds of instrumental music from an
unseen source. I would have lingered, but there advanced a beautiful
youth, all clad in gold and purple, it seemed to me, so richly was he
attired, who said:
"The queen desires me to conduct the noble Prince of Tyre to her
presence."
I followed, and before him opened, as if by their own volition, a pair
of two-leaved doors of ivory, inlaid with emeralds. The throne-room
stood before me--if an apartment a thousand feet across may be termed
a room. I stood at the threshold of a chamber surrounded by columns
ninety feet high. A guard of soldiers, in silver cuirasses and helmets
covered with silken scarfs, inclosed the space. An avenue of statues
of the gods, in the centre, led for eight hundred feet to the throne.
Along this avenue was arranged a brilliant array of officers, in armor
and uniforms of the most dazzling description, to which every color
and every precious metal contributed, while helm and cuirass, of those
highest in rank, blazed with jewels. I advanced, led by the beautiful
page, in whose fine black eyes and long lashes, arched brow and
aquiline nose, I recognized the now well-known lineaments of the
Hebrew race. He moved with his eyes cast down. I experienced, my dear
mother, at a public reception so august, not a little embarrassment;
but I repressed it, and endeavored to receive these honors, at the
greatest court on earth, with the ease and self-command that became my
rank. As I drew near the throne the scene increased in magnificence.
At length two statues of Osiris and Isis terminated the vista I had
traversed; and I saw before me the throne of Egypt, one hundred feet
in front, in the centre of a space one half a stadium in diameter, and
elevated upon a dais or platform of variegated marble, twelve feet
from the floor. This noble platform was square, and at each of the
four corners crouched a lion, respectively with the head of an eagle,
a sea-dragon (no doubt, a fabulous monster), a bull, and a man--all,
figures representing the four kingdoms of the air, the sea, the earth,
and the intellect or soul. These four colossal beasts faced inward,
towards the throne, to signify that they beheld in its occupant their
mistress and sovereign. Upon their heads were crowns, namely, of
Thebes, Memphis, Re, and Ethiopia.
The platform, upon the angles of which crouched these majestic
figures, was ascended by four flights of steps of red Syene stone,
inlaid with precious stones. There were seven steps to each ascent,
representing the seven mouths of the Nile by which the land of Egypt
is approached. These symbols were subsequently explained to me by
Remeses; but I describe them now, as I may not again have an
opportunity of so doing in the varied scenes and subjects that
challenge my attention.
In the midst of this elevation, rising island-like in the centre of
the "Hall of the Pharaohs," stood the throne itself. It was separated
from every object in solitary splendor, a space of many yards being
left on all sides of the polished floor, in the brilliancy of which
not only the throne itself, but the heads of the four sphinxes, were
reflected. How shall I give you, dear mother, a just conception of the
throne-chair? It was of the purest ivory, carved with wonderful
beauty. The simple grandeur of its form and material was more
impressive than the most gorgeous display of gilding and precious
stones. Its shape was not unlike that of a chariot, the back curving
gracefully over the head of the occupant, and terminating in an
expanded canopy of feathers, all of ivory, yet so thin and delicately
executed that they waved in the south breeze that stirred through the
hall. This chariot-shaped throne rested upon the bodies of two
Nigritian lion-leopards of Rhodian marble, between which three steps
ascended to the seat of the chair. The seat was a single pearl, a gift
from the Queen of Ind to Amunophis the Great, the father of Amense.
The footstool of this beautiful throne was a single onyx stone in a
border of gold, standing upon does' feet, each of which was a ruby.
The carpet before the throne was woven of the plumage of the
bird-of-paradise intermingled with that of birds of India and Arabia,
of divers colors. Skins of lions and leopards, fringed with
gold-thread, lay upon the mirror-like floor of the dais, from the
footstool to the steps which descended from the platform, or no
footstep could have crossed it, so high was the polish of the marble
surface.
High above the throne was a canopy of blue silk extending over the
whole dais, and representing the signs of the heavens when Amense was
born, with the presiding constellation delineated in its vertical
position. Imagine this court of the throne, a peristyle of aquamarine
and white columns, with capitals carved in imitation of flowers, and
the shafts enriched by painting and sculpture; surround it with
gorgeously attired courtiers, their eyes fixed upon the queen; behold
at the steps of the dais the highest officers of her court, awaiting
with looks of homage. On each side of the throne itself stand the two
military princes of her realm, one who commands her armies, the other
her navies. They are in the full costume of their high rank, and
glitter with jewels. Behind the throne, near two stately figures
representing Truth and Justice, is a brilliant guard of honor, called
"pages of the throne-room," who are sons of nobles, and whose place in
public is always near the person of the queen. Their hands are so
laden with rings that they appear rather like a chain of gold and
jewels held therein. They wear orange-colored jewelled bonnets and
necklaces, and carry blue wands tipped with pearls.
I have now described, dear mother, all the externals of the scene into
which I was presented, in order that you may form some idea of the
glory and majesty of this court, and the style of its magnificent
monarchs. I will now come to the central person, around whom is
gathered all this courtly splendor and architectural grandeur.
As I advanced towards the steps of the dais, two chief officers in
flowing linen robes, and wearing chains of gold about their necks,
drew near, when my Hebrew page fell back, giving them place.
One of these dignified personages said to me in pure Syriac, for the
Egyptians are learned in all polite tongues--
"We are sent to lead you to the foot of the stairs of the four
kingdoms."
They placed themselves one on each side of me, and as I came to the
seven steps, to my great joy I beheld prince Remeses descending them
to welcome and receive me; for the majesty, and glory, and
magnificence, and novelty of the whole scene had nearly overwhelmed me
with awe: indeed, I felt as if verily advancing into the presence of
the enthroned OSIRIS himself.
The prince looked more strikingly noble than in my first interview. He
was attired with the utmost richness, and looked the personification
of kingly dignity. He was now distinguished by the amplitude of his
robes, and their fineness, and a girdle ornamented with the _uræus_ or
royal serpent. All his garments were of the lightest and finest
material, instead of the heavy and costly stuffs which form the robes
of state in Phœnicia and Assyria; for, as my own embroidered and
heavy mantle showed me, such material would be out of place in this
clime of perennial summer. He wore a gorgeous vesture embroidered with
leaves, and a silken sash wound about his body, after the fashion of
ancient Egyptian princes, which sash was divided into three different
folds, over which fell his upper garment of fine Persian cloth, with
long sleeves, also embroidered. The distinguishing mark of his rank,
as a prince and "son," and which hung down the side of his face, was
the badge of the god Horus, terminating in a fringe of gold, of a
fashion worn only by this dynasty. With this badge was entwined his
braided lock of hair, of which I have before spoken. This costume is
arbitrary, and may not be changed, as the laws regulate it for king,
priest, and people; therefore do I so particularly describe it.
With grace and dignity he saluted me before the whole court, saying,
"Noble prince, with pleasure I present you to my mother the queen. She
is already prepossessed in your favor, and welcomes you to her court
with distinctions becoming the heir to the throne of Phœnicia, and
our royal cousin."
I bowed in recognition of this courtesy, and Remeses, taking my hand,
led me up the steps of the dais. The Queen Amense, seated upon her
ivory throne, awaited my approach. Remeses, leading me to within three
paces of her footstool, said, with a low obeisance of mingled filial
reverence and princely homage,--
"Mother and queen! I introduce to your court, Sesostris, Prince of
Tyre!"
I also did profound obeisance to the majesty of the presence near
which I stood, and then fixed my eyes upon the mighty potentate about
to address me, and presented to her your original letter.
As she opened it, I observed her face. I beheld before me a woman of
noble aspect, with rich brown hair, slightly silvered, worn with
severe plainness across her temples. Her face was still beautiful,
though fifty-three years had passed over her head, but it was marked
with lines of thought and care. What her fine features had lost in
beauty, they had gained in majesty. They recalled those of the statue
of Astarte, in the temple of the Moon at Sidon; and, in truth, her air
and port would have become a goddess. Her eyes were the color of her
hair--a rich sunny brown, like that of the Syrian women of Damascus;
and is she not, by descent through Ephtha, the daughter of the last
Phœnician Pharaoh, allied to the royal line of Syro-Phœnicia? I
never beheld a countenance so dignified, yet so benign. Her eyes are
piercing, and imperial in their glance; and she carries her superb
head with a consciousness of dominion. I did not marvel longer at her
vast power over her subjects, and their submission, as well as that of
the kingdoms around her, to the rule of her will.
Upon her head she wore the double diadem of the Thebaïd and Memphis,
symbol that the sovereignty of Upper and Lower Egypt is vested in her
person. The inner crown was a graceful conical bonnet of white silk,
sown with pearls and lined with cloth of silver, terminating in a
knob, like a pomegranate bud, which is the emblem, I believe, of Upper
Egypt. The outer crown, which is similar to that worn by the
Phœnician Pharaohs, is a rich band of gold, faced with cloth of
gold and lined with red silk, red being the special color of Lower
Egypt as white is of Upper. This crown is open at the top, and is put
on over the other; and the two worn together form a diadem of beauty
and glory.
About her neck the queen wore a necklace of precious stones, the clasp
of which was a vulture, his neck encircled by an asp, on which he was
trampling--emblem of the goddess Maut, mother of Isis. She was dressed
in a vestment of Persian gauze of silk, of the purest whiteness and of
the fineness of mist, and a green vesture enriched with gold and blue
needle-work, reaching below the waist and secured by a girdle blazing
with diamonds. Long robes descended to her feet, of those most
beautiful patterns and rare colors which the looms of Damascus produce
only for royal wearers, and in the manufacture of which years are
consumed. Carelessly over one shoulder was thrown a Persian shawl, one
like which is only made in a lifetime, and would buy a king's ransom.
The monarchs of Egypt thus can command with their wealth, dear mother,
what other kings can only sigh for and envy.