But the truth seems to be after all, that the
Pyramids are quite of this world; that they were
Piled up into the
air for the realisation of some kingly crotchets about immortality,
some priestly longing for burial fees; and that as for the
building, they were built like coral rocks by swarms of insects - by
swarms of poor Egyptians, who were not only the abject tools and
slaves of power, but who also ate onions for the reward of their
immortal labours! {37} The Pyramids are quite of this world.
I of course ascended to the summit of the great Pyramid, and also
explored its chambers, but these I need not describe. The first
time that I went to the Pyramids of Ghizeh there were a number of
Arabs hanging about in its neighbourhood, and wanting to receive
presents on various pretences; their Sheik was with them. There
was also present an ill-looking fellow in soldier's uniform. This
man on my departure claimed a reward, on the ground that he had
maintained order and decorum amongst the Arabs. His claim was not
considered valid by my dragoman, and was rejected accordingly. My
donkey-boys afterwards said they had overhead this fellow propose
to the Sheik to put me to death whilst I was in the interior of the
great Pyramid, and to share with him the booty. Fancy a struggle
for life in one of those burial chambers, with acres and acres of
solid masonry between one's self and the daylight!
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