36 THE ROYAL SHEPHERDS. 



proof to be advanced that the revolted soldiers of 

 Psammeticus were of the same family of man as the 

 fugitive Israelites who sought a refuge, under 

 nearly similar circumstances, in Syria, and built the 

 walls of Jerusalem; and as their languages are 

 nearly the same, as also their manners, customs, 

 and ancient religion, previous to the introduction of 

 Christianity, it will not, perhaps, be difficult to 

 adduce such evidence. For my part, I am inclined 

 to believe in this national relationship, because it is 

 partly confirmed by the received account of the 

 brothers, Esau and Jacob, contained in the book of 

 Genesis, and the connexion between the two 

 patriarchs, and the country of Egypt, will perhaps 

 receive some illustration from the opinion I have 

 ventured to advance upon the subject. In the 

 elder brother, Esau, I perceive the father of the 

 royal shepherds, and among the list of the dukes, 

 his descendants may be found, perhaps the pastor 

 kings who held for some time the sovereign power 

 in Egypt. 



The connexion also of the name Esau, or Esar, 

 with the profession of soldiers, is evident, for in 

 oriental mythology it is identified with the god 

 Mars; whilst on the other hand, the word Israel, in 

 Hebrew, I believe, as in Amharic has an immediate 

 reference to labour, as the name Jacob has also to 

 the heel, which coincides very singularly with the 

 idea prevalent in India, that the labouring class 

 have all sprung from the foot of Brahmah. It 



