This division was the forecourt as it were, of the cemetery proper, the bridge which joined living society with the city of endless rest. To this place were brought corpses, and mummies were made of them; here families stipulated with priests, touching the cost of funerals. Here were prepared sacred books and bandages, coffins, implements, vessels, and statues for the departed.
This district was a couple of thousand yards from Memphis. It was surrounded by a long wall provided with gates here and there.
The retinue bearing the remains of the pharaoh halted before the richest gate, and one of the priests knocked at it.
"Who is there?" inquired those within.
"Osiris-Mer-Amen-Ramses, the lord of two worlds, has come and desires that ye prepare him for his eternal journey," replied the priests.
"Is it possible that he, the sun of Egypt, is quenched? That he is dead who himself was breath and life?"
"Such was his will," answered a priest. "Receive, then, the lord with due honor and render all service to him, as is befitting, lest punishments meet you in this and the coming life."
"We will do as ye say," said a voice from within.
The priests left the litter, and went away hurriedly, so that the evil odor of remains accumulated in that place should not fall on them. Only civil officials under the lead of the supreme judge and treasurer remained there.
'After they had waited a considerable time, the gate opened, and from ten to twenty persons showed themselves. They wore priestly garments and their faces were covered.