Page:The Pharaohs and their people; scenes of old Egyptian life and history (IA pharaohstheirpeo00berkiala).pdf/225

 fact, at the feast thus spread the dead were always looked upon as guests, although unseen, and were addressed in the festive songs. One of these songs, known as the 'Lay of the Harper,' has been preserved. It is in memory of a priest of Amen named Neferhotep; part is to the following effect:—

'Truly is he now at rest, faithfully his work fulfilled. Men go hence since days of Ra. Youths arise to take their place.

'Holy prophet, keep the feast-day! Fragrant oil, delicious balsam, lo, we bring, and flowery wreaths twine we round her breast and arms: Her thy sister dearly loved, resting ever by thy side.

'Lift the song and strike the chords, in the presence chamber here! Leave all idle cares behind, and be mindful, Man, of joy, till thy day for going hence, when the traveller findeth rest, in the silence-loving land.

'Holy prophet, keep the feast-day! Perfect thou and pure of heart. They who lived have passed away—are as though they had not been. Thy soul dwells amongst them there, by the sacred river's side, drinking of the crystal stream.

'Holy prophet, keep the feast-day! Neferhotep, pure of heart Nought might all his works avail, to add one moment to his years

'Mind thee of the day, O man, when thou too