[150]. This fact, which appeared inexplicable temerity on the part of Tertullian, is justified by what has of late years been discovered from original documents, which correct the classical misrepresentations of Egyptian theology.
[151]. It is of these innumerable names that the Egyptians formed their long litanies, which are, as it were, the type of those of the Catholic Church. M. Ancessi mentions having heard at Cairo some wandering musicians chanting under his window an old legend in the simple rhythm in which the melodic phrase, incessantly repeated, has a close resemblance to the Catholic litanies.
The following is a comparatively small portion of the papyrus of Neb-Qed, where the departed, arrived in the hall of Supreme Justice, enumerates the faults which he has avoided, proclaiming, at the same time, some of the titles of Osiris:
“O thou who marchest, [who art] come forth from An! I am without fault.
“O consumer of shadows! come forth from the double retreat; I have not slain any man.
“O purity of the face! come forth from Rastou; I have committed no fraud on the measures of corn.
“O Two Lions! come forth from heaven; I have committed no fraud in the dwelling of justice.
“O Flame! come forth in turning backwards; I have told no lie.
“O Rampart! come forth from the mysterious abode; I have done nothing worthy of condemnation.
“O thou that vivifiest the flame! come forth from Hat-Phtah; my heart has had no evil intentions.