One day in the year (as we should say, on All Souls’ Day) the family and friends of the departed assembled amidst the dead. On that day the silent city was alive and Eastern Thebes deserted. All day long boats of every sort plied to and fro, and the western plain was covered with vast crowds bringing flowers and garlands and funeral gifts. Within the funeral chambers, richly and brightly adorned with paintings and sculptures, the family groups assembled, the scenes around awakening vivid associations of the past. The sound of human talk was heard, and the voice of minstrelsy and song. The feast is spread, and here, says a modern writer[60] who has vividly described the whole scene, the assembled family in their social union ‘remembered their departed ones as if they were travellers who had found happiness in a distant land, and whom they might hope to see once again sooner or later.’ In fact, at the feast thus spread the dead were always looked upon as guests, although unseen, and were addressed in the festive songs. One of these songs, known as the ‘Lay of the Harper,’ has been preserved. It is in memory of a priest of Amen named Neferhotep; part is to the following effect:— ‘Truly is he now at rest, faithfully his work fulfilled. Men go hence since days of Ra. Youths arise to take their place.’ ‘Holy prophet,[61] keep the feast-day! Fragrant oil, delicious balsam, lo, we bring, and flowery wreaths twine we round her breast and arms: Her thy sister dearly loved, resting ever by thy side.’ ‘Lift the song and strike the chords, in the presence chamber here! Leave all idle cares behind, and be mindful, Man, of joy, till thy day for going hence, when the traveller findeth rest, in the silence-loving land.’ ‘Holy prophet, keep the feast-day! Perfect thou and pure of heart. They who lived have passed away—are as though they had not been. Thy soul dwells amongst them there, by the sacred river’s side, drinking of the crystal stream.’ ‘Holy prophet, keep the feast-day! Neferhotep, pure of heart.... Nought might all his works avail, to add one moment to his years....’ ‘Mind thee of the day, O man, when thou too must take thy way to the land whence none return. Good for thee then an honest life. For he who loveth Right is blest.’ ‘Brave nor coward flee the grave. Proud and humble meet one fate. Give, then, freely, as ’tis meet. Isis will bless the good. Happy shall thine old age prove.’