31 



Egypt remarkable for learning, the cradle of all the sci- 

 ences? Why, in that famous land, was the fountain, to 

 which all mankind resorted, to drink the streams of know- 

 ledge? The history of this people Avill confirm the obser- 

 vations I have hazarded. 



The Egyptians are said to have been the first, who 

 found out the rules of government, and the arts of making 

 a people happy, the true end of government. Their first 

 kings did not live after the manner of other monarchs, or 

 govern by their own arbitrary will and pleasure, in the 

 management of public affairs, or even in their private way 

 of life. No slave, bought with money, or servant, born in 

 the house, was admitted into their service: they were at- 

 tended by the sons of the firiests; who, after having re- 

 t^eived a suitable education, were, at the age of twenty, 

 placed near the royal person; that, being attended, both 

 night and day, by men of superior birth and extraordinary 

 merit, the king might learn nothing unworthy of his sta- 

 vion, and incur less danger of falling into vicious excess. 



There were stated hours, both of night and day, when the 

 king was obliged to give attention to business, ahd serious 

 employments. When he first arose in the morning, he 

 perused the letters and dispatches from various parts of 

 •his dominions: then, after bathing, he put on splendid 

 robes, and proceeded to sacrifice in the temple. The; vic- 

 tims being brought to the altar, the chief priest, in the 

 presence of the king and the assistants, prayed, in a loud 

 voice, for the health and prosperity of the king, who go- 

 verned 



