Page:Books on Egypt and Chaldaea, Vol. 32--Legends of the Gods.pdf/63

 Tekni bird of Thoth came into being. He gave Thoth power to embrace (ȧnh) tbe heavens, therefore the Moon-god (Ȧāḥ) came into being. He gave Thoth power to turn back (ānān) the Northern peoples, therefore the dog-headed ape of Thoth came into being. Finally Rā told Thoth that he would take his place in the sight of all those who were wont to worship Rā, and that all should praise him as God. Thus the abdication of Rā was complete.

In the fragmentary texts which follow we are told how a man may benefit by the recital of this legend. He must proclaim that the soul which animated Rā was the soul of the Aged One, and that of Shu, Khnemu(?), Ḥeḥ, &c., and then ho must proclaim that he is Rā himself, and his word of power Ḥeka. If he recites the Chapter correctly he shall have life in the Other World, and he will be held in greater fear there than here. A rubric adds that he must be dressed in new linen garments, and be well washed with Nile water; he must wear white sandals, and his body must, be anointed with holy oil. He must burn incense in a censer, and a figure of Maāt (Truth) must be painted on his tongue with green paint. These regulations applied to the laity as well as to the clergy.

