Page:The Pharaohs and their people; scenes of old Egyptian life and history (IA pharaohstheirpeo00berkiala).pdf/65



passed away! Behold the end! the end of those who possess houses and of those who have them not. I have heard the sayings of the wise:—"What is prosperity? All passes as though it had not been—no man returneth thence to tell us what they say or do."

'Fulfil, then, thy desire, O man, whilst yet thou livest. Anoint thine head with oil, and clothe thee in fine linen adorned with gold—Make use of God's good gifts.

'For the day will come for thee also when voices are heard no more; he who is at rest heareth not the cry of those who mourn. No mourning may deliver him that is within the tomb.

'Feast, then, in peace—for none can carry away his goods with him, nor can he who goeth hence return again.'

There are, then, a few scanty records left of the Antef family and their rule in the south. Still more distinct and commanding are the figures of another family, the brave and war-*like Mentuhoteps; who eventually succeeded in restoring order over a considerable portion of the distracted and divided land. This family was of Theban origin, and the centre of their government was in that city, then so obscure, though destined to become in after days the crown of ancient cities and the wonder of the ancient world—'hundred-gated Thebes.'