The Pharaohs and Their People: Scenes of old Egyptian life and historyBerkley, E.
History
The Pharaohs and Their People: Scenes of old Egyptian life and history
Berkley, E.
Egypt -- History -- To 332 B.C.
offerings are by no means devoid of artistic merit, though they cannot
vie, in this respect, with those presented at the same levée by Asiatic
princes of red complexion, and long curling black hair; they bring
costly works wrought in gold, silver, and precious stones—the produce
of skilled Phœnician art.
None of these kings apparently left any children. The official lists of
sovereigns do not include any names between that of Amenhotep III. and
Horus. It was to Horus that all eyes turned when the direct succession
failed. He was then living in retirement at a city called Ha-Suten
in middle Egypt, but had held high office at court at one time, and
had been promoted to the dignity of ‘guardian,’ and afterwards of
‘Adon’ or ‘Lord,’ of the land—if indeed he had not been in some way
recognised as heir to the throne itself. Horus was esteemed and beloved
for the uprightness and gentleness of his character. ‘He took pleasure
in justice,’ it is said of him, ‘which he carried in his heart; he
followed the gods Thoth and Ptah in all their ways, and they were
his shield and protectors on earth for evermore.’ He was especially
acceptable to the priesthood on account of his fervent attachment to
the old faith and the national gods—the god Horus being regarded as his
special patron and guardian. To him was ascribed his elevation to the
royal dignity. ‘Horus made his son great, and willed to prolong his
life until the day came when he should receive the office destined for
him.’ It is doubtful whether he was himself of royal descent, but it is
certain that he married a princess of the direct line, and that no one
else was thought of for a moment when the throne became vacant. There
is a long account preserved of his accession, and solemn reception,
and coronation at Thebes. ‘Heaven and earth rejoice together—the gods
invested him with the double crown. Heaven kept festival, and all the
land was glad. The deities rejoiced on high, and the people of Egypt
raised their rapturous songs of praise even unto heaven; great and
small united their voices with one accord. It was as if Horus, son of
Isis, were once more presenting himself after his triumph over Set.’
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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