Reprint Of Scarce, Or Curious, Books On Freemasonry.

for the present satisfied by being a distinguished object among ihe courtiers , and by standing in some ' manner in competition with the queen . Nephto , by the dignity of her person , as well as the situation of affairs , was far above the ' uneasiness which generally affect those who perceive themselves invested only with a borrowed power . Wherefore , though she observed tho stratagems and intri of her rivalsite feared nothing

soon gues , with regard to herself ; but then her foresig ht laid her under the greater apprehensions for her son . Ho had then attained but his eighth year , and she saw with grief that if she should be snatched away before _ Ins father had settled the succession upon him , the fate of this young prince would 1 . P ilMivovod into the hands of the rash Daluca . The right of

primogeniture was indeed established in Egypt , but the choice of a father was ol < -rtnt weHit . and history furnished more than one example ol a second ' or third son being preferred to the oldest , and oftentimes tins incertitude had been the occasion of quarrels among brothers , which the fortune of tho sword could alone decide . Thus , though the queen had then no symptoms that foreboded any approaching distemper , yet the thoughts ot a doubtful Wherefore her by

futurity caused her great uneasiness . recommending son , means ' of the priests , to the protection of all the deities oi Egypt , she applied herself with the greater earnestness to the performance of her duty , that she mi "lit engage heaven to second intentions so worthy ot her maternal care ; but tlic gods , who arc the sole arbiters of the rewards of the just , do not dispense them in the course of this mortal life .

always The queen ' s too assiduous app lication to business , even beyond Iter strength , and perhaps her too great apprehension of sickness , caused her m a short time to fall into an indisposition , Avhich , being at first but slight , she strove to conceal , in hopes of overcoming it . But the fever increasing , tho distemper was soon looked upon as a thing not to be trifled with , and the circumstances of her threAV her into the

reflections she made upon the son , utmost despair . Unhappy princess ! cried she , whatever my fears have hitherto suggested is now coming to pass ! Why must my lite bo ot such moment to my son ? Though in bloom of youth , I have tasted enough of tho bitterness of life to leave it without regret , if no one else Avas concerned ; yet , alas ! 'tis I who die , and 'tis I who mourn for my son ! torrent of tearsAvhich htened her

These words ' were followed by a , heig disease Avithout alleviating her affliction . In vain her disconsolate damsels , wlio took care to keep the prince from her sig ht , studied to appease her by persuasion and entreaty . Alas ! said she , I plainly perceive by the confusion of your discourse , and the cruelty with which you conceal my from ' that fate is fixedand all hopes of a recovery

son myeyes , my , lost My son ! my dearest son ! cried she , in the greatest agitation of mind , thou alone makest death my terror ! Death , who is the end of all others pain , is the orig in of mine ! I shall be denied even the peace ot the " -rave ' Madam , answered tho most venerable of her attendants , who by bev birth virtueand affection , was dearest to her , whither do the hurry of

, your thoughts carry you ? Do you consider that , by giving way , as you do , to an excess of grief , whereby you render your distemper mortal , which , otherwise is but dangerous , you , at the same time , offend the providence of the "wis , the sovereign arbiters of yours and your son ' s destiny ? that virtue madam , which you have hitherto strictly professed , is not perfectly distinguishable till exercised in such trials as this . Wellanswered tho

, dueen ° I submit to your advice , and devote myself with on absolute resignation to the will of ' the gods . Acquaint me only when the time of my dissolution approaches , that I may take my last measures with regard to my son , upon whoso fate I foresee depends the happiness of my people .