Reprint Of Scarce, Orcurious , Books On Freemasonry .

entrance , Avhich Avas redoubled by the repercussion of the vardts , and by the neighbouring echoes . The corpse Avas no sooner entered into the labyrinth , than a joy succeeded as general as that of tho preceding mourning ; and as sudden as that of a person , seeing his dearest friend risen from the dead . This joy proceeded from the idea they conceived of tho happiness their sovereign enjoyed in the mansions of the blessed . Even thoseAvho could not so

, soon overcome their grief , were obliged to conceal it under the most visible demonstrations of joy . The populace , in Avhom nothing is more easy than a transition from one extreme of passion to another , and to Avhom besides every opportunity for merriment is acceptable , omitted in their return no frolic or jollity to Avhich Egypt could administer on such a pilgrimage . Persons of the greatest distinction took pleasure in joining

Avith the commonalty , as AVCII on the road , as in the several cities they passed through : but they Avere easily discovered by the magnificence of their habits , AA-hick they had brought with them in the baggage-Avaggons , that closed the procession ; and they put on these habits , either in the neighbouring cities , or under costly tents which Avere erected on every side . As the Egyptians in general think themselves noble , the peasants , men

and Avomen , being neatly attired , mixed CA en Avith princes and princesses , not only at the same dances , and sports , but at the same tables under tents in the meadoAvs , or in the middle of the open places in cities . Tho profusion of Avines and provisions Avhich are expended on this occasion is inexpressible ; and nothing can give a more adequate idea of the plenty of Egypt , and of the riches of its inhabitants . All familiarity Avas alloAved in discourse , and everything AA as matter of ioy . Not a single instance

was cA'er knoAvn of any quarrel amidst this agreeable confusion ; because nothing Avas transacted with an intent to offend or prejudice . Even the great , as they Avere of easy access , and affable to persons of all conditions , drew upon themselves , by so much the more , those obsequious regards , Avhich politeness inspires . All such as excelled in exercises of strength or ingenuity resorted thither in companies , and diverted the spectators Avith amusing sports on the land and upon tho canals . Troops

of satyrs and nymphs , an idea of Avhom the worship of the god Pan had cultivated in Egypt , long before it passed into Greece , Avere seen sallying out of the thickets , or rushing into the Avaters . The nights Avere more dazzling than the days , occasioned by the illuminations in the cities , Avhich at a distance , and in the fields , made a more glorious appearancethan in the cities themselves . Nor is it possible for

, painting to represent , or words to express then lustre ; especially on the banks of tho lake Moeris , that sea of SAveet Avater , the Avork of mens hands , Avhich , according to our best authors * , was one hundred and fifty leagues in circumference , and where thoso illuminations Avere doubly represented by their reflections in the Avaters . An infinite number of gallics , richly adorned , and illuminated like palaces , cruised upon tUj lake , or

roAved from port to port , at the Avill of those Avho possessed them , sure always of meeting Avith some agreeable amusement Avhich ever Avay they directed then- course . The prodigious concourse of people , the perpetual sound of musical instruments , and the frequent shouts of joy , left no room for complaint in this affluence of all manner of diversions , except it Avere for Avant of silence and sleep . In a Avord , the feast of Diana at Bubastes , or the nocturnal festivals of Minerva at Sais , Avhich are yet celebrated