CHAPTER XI. Causes Leading to the Establishment of the Kingdom. David's Lament; His Reign. Solomon Rules; King Solomon and the Bees 453 CHAPTER XII. After the Division of the Kingdom; End of Israel 469 Description of Illustrations 483 [Illustration: MAP OF ANCIENT EGYPT] FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS PART I. PAGE ILLUMINATED MISSAL Frontispiece DISTANT VIEW OF THE PYRAMIDS 44 NEAR VIEW OF PYRAMIDS AND SPHINX 68 TOURISTS SCALING THE GREAT PYRAMID 92 COLUMN AND PYLON OF KARNAK 124 BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF PHILEA 148 WINDOWS OF A HAREM 172 SHIP OF THE DESERT (Photogravure) 192 WINGED LION 236 MUSICIANS AND ATTENDANTS IN THE GARDEN OF ASSHURBANIPAL 284 SWORD-MAKER OF DAMASCUS 348 THE RIVER JORDAN 392 JAPPA HARBOR 432 ROSES OF SHARON 464 MAP OF ANCIENT EGYPT VI THE DELPHIAN COURSE OF READING Two thousand years before the sight of a new world burst upon the view of the Genoese mariner, there existed in north-central Greece a sanctuary famous in three continents. Located in mountainous Phocis, in a natural amphitheater, overhung by frowning rocks and reached only through mysterious caves, was the Oracle of Delphi. Here in remote times Apollo was believed to reveal his wishes to men through the medium of a priestess, speaking under the influence of vaporous breath which rose from a yawning fissure. Her utterances were not always coherent and were interpreted to those seeking guidance by Apollo's priests. As its fame spread, the number of visitors to Delphi increased. More priests were needed to counsel and advise. Although the first blind faith in earlier deities lessened, the prestige of Delphi was nevertheless preserved. Apollo's priests became better versed in the affairs of Greece and the surrounding countries; their assistants became familiar with all vital issues, and thus intelligent replies were given to unceasing inquiries. In time the Greek divinities were almost forgotten and Christianity became the state religion, yet the Oracle of Delphi continued to draw men unto it until the fifth Christian century.