Page:Book of the Dead.djvu/15



Altar, upon which rests the Book of the Dead, is in center of room with a Light stationed on the North and South; or, if Altar is triangular, a Light is placed at each angle, other lights in room beingturned out. The throne-room canopy is arranged in the East, the curtains being drawn open. The Pharaoh is seated in the center of the East. A tripod containing a lighted incense vase is placed upon one of the steps of the dais in the East. Between the Altar and the West is placed a pedestal, upon which rests a coffer or box covered with an appropriate cloth covering, which hangs half way to the floor. The box is empty.

Nit is seated in the West, Rek-Mara in the South, and the Director of Offerings and the Scribe to Rameses are in their places.

Heru-Set, Ta-Nefer. Peta-Amen and Set-Up, in the order named, respectively represent the Scribe Ani, Ushabti. the Cope Stone and the Ark. and are in the ante-room.

The seven parts of the Door, represented by members clothed in the robes of the Order and bearing a lighted taper, are stationed as follows:

The Leaf of the Door, inside the door of entrance. The Right-side Post of the Door, on the South, half way between the center and the West.

The Threshold of the Door, on the South, half way between the center and the East.

The Lock of the Door, in the East, half way between the Altar and the East.

The Latch of the Door, in the North, half way between the center and the East.

The Keeper of the Door, in the North, half way between the center and the West.

The Lintels of the Door, in the West, between the Altar and the pedestal, near the pedestal.

A bell is sounded in the ante- room twelve times, and after the twelfth stroke the Pharaoh addresses Rek-Mara:

—Egyptian Rek-Mara, great Messenger of Abydos, let the Sacred Council be convened.

Rek-Mara advances to the foot of the dais in the East, faces the West, gives one knock with his staff, and says:

— Exas! Exas! Este Bebeloi!! Depart hence, ye profane! Egyptian Nit, most puissant Gink of Gizeh, where is the Scribe Ani?

— He awaits without, my lord.

— Without what?