The remains of the pharaoh were arrayed in costly garments, with a gold mask on the face, with bracelets on the wrists, and with rings on the hands, which were crossed on the breast. Under the head was put a support of ivory, such as Egyptians were accustomed to sleep on. Finally the body was enclosed in three coffins: one of paper covered with inscriptions, one of cedar which was gilt, and one of marble. The form of the first two corresponded accurately to the form of the body; even the sculptured face was like the original, though smiling.
After a stay of three months in the quarter of the dead the mummy of the pharaoh was ready for a solemn funeral; therefore it was taken back to the palace.
CHAPTER LIV
During seventy days, in the course of which the revered remains were steeping in the solution of soda, Egypt was in mourning.
The temples were closed; there were no processions. All music ceased; no feasts were given. Dancing women became wailers; instead of dancing they tore their hair; this also brought them income.
No one drank wine, no one ate meat. The highest dignitaries went in coarse garments and barefoot. No one shaved (with the exception of priests); the most devoted did not wash, they smeared their faces with mud, and scattered ashes on their hair.
From the Mediterranean to the first cataract of the Nile, from the
Libyan desert to the peninsula of Sinai reigned sadness and silence.
The sun of Egypt had quenched, had gone to the West, the giver of life
and gladness had deserted his servants.
In the highest circles the most fashionable conversation touched the universal sorrow, which was communicated even to nature.
"Hast Thou not observed," said one dignitary to another, "that the days are shorter and darker?"
"I did not wish to unburden myself of this before thee," replied the other, "but it is so in reality. I have even noticed that fewer stars shine at night, and that the full moon lasts a shorter time, and the new moon longer than usual."