Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/147

 A more certain Proof of the Deficiency of the Egyptian History cannot be produced, than that the Time of the building of the Pyramids was lost when Herodotus; was in Egypt; as also the Æra of the only great Conquerour of that Nation, Sesostris. The first of these is not slightly to be passed over. Such vast Fabricks could not be raised without Numbers of Hands, and a great Expence of Time and Money, or something equivalent. The Traditions of their Erection are indeed minutely enough set down in Herodotus; but then they are set down as Traditions; and which is more, they are solely to be found in him, though he is not the only ancient Writer that mentions the Pyramids; he only names Cheops and Mycerinus, who are differently named by other Historians; and the Time when they lived, is as little agreed upon, as the Names by which they are called. The History of a Nation can sure be worth very little, that could not preserve the Memory of the Names at least, if not the Time, of those Princes, who were at so much Pains to be remembred, in a Place where their Monuments were so very visible, that no Person could ever sail up and down the Nile, to or from their capital City Memphis, without taking Notice of them; and every