Adams, Walter M.: The house of the hidden places: a clue to the creed of early Egypt from Egyptian sources (London, 1895)

124 The Mystery of the Heavens. [Ch.

chapter, said to be the oldest of the Ritual, " the
Light of the Second Birth." Every stage in the
annual flood of the life-giving river was the
subject of a special festival. Some little time
before the summer solstice, the first symptom
of the coming rise was given by the waters in
Upper Egypt becoming suffused with a crimson
colour. Of this singular phenomenon, which
goes by the name of " Red Nile," Herodotus
has left a very fine account; and it is curious
to note, as an instance of strong accord between
ancient and modern travellers, that his descrip-
tion is quoted at great length by the eminent
living Egyptologist, Professor Maspero. The
Red Nile is remarkable in every way; but in
none perhaps more than in the fact that the
waters are at that time peculiarly sweet, while at
" Green Nile," as another period is called, the
reverse is the case. To the former condition,
in connection with the midsummer sun, allusion
seems to be made in the "Eye filled with
blood," mentioned in the Ritual ; and to the