BIRDS AND THEIR FRIENDS. 
453 
human body, that of the bird was embalmed in the same 
spices in which the mortal remains of kings had been 
preserved from the ravages of time; and, like them, 
over the sarcophagus, a heap of stones was raised as a 
monument to the bird: one of the pyramids, called 
Sakahra, is dedicated to the Ibis. 
Now, the Ibis is no longer venerated; the sacred bird 
has sunk to the rank of an ordinary mortal. Isis and 
Osiris have been supplanted by the crescent and the 
cross; and with the ancient gods vanished Thot, their 
celestial messenger. He, now, no longer appears in 
Egypt to announce to the people the rising of the sacred 
waters; they believe no longer in his mission. He has 
retired far up the mighty stream, “ who hides his source,” 
as though he felt called upon to watch the veil, behind 
which the origin of the ancient god lies hidden to this 
day. He lives, however, a thousand times over, in the 
splendid remains of a mighty past. His form stands out 
clearly amongst the hieroglyphics of the sacred writings ; 
and thousands of years hence the porphyry will bear 
his image, so long confided to its care. 
What we learn abroad is equally presented to our 
notice at home also. Our ancestors held certain birds to 
be sacred; it is so even to this day. No nation has 
thrown aside the charming fables, which the poetic spirit 
of a former age has handed down to us. We, indeed, 
have our sacred birds. Only ask the peasant what the 
Stork, who builds its nest on his house-roof, is to him ? 
I know what his reply would be; he would say, “the 
Stork is my good, kind friend, who established himself here 
like one blessed of the Lord, a much-loved protege , and a 
much-respected defender; ” for he looks upon the Stork’s 
nest as a protection from fire. 
