Brugsch, Heinrich: Egypt under the pharaohs: a history derived entirely from the monuments (London, 1891)

dxn. i. THE NAMES OF PHARAOH 23

men at court, many of whom were either sons or
grandsons of the king. Great dignity also belonged to
the nobleman who was honoured with the office of ' a
prophet of the Pyramid of Pharaoh.' His duty was to
praise the memory of the deceased king, and to devote
the god-like image of the sovereign to enduring remem-
brance. The honour of the office was mentioned in
the prophet's own tomb, and was associated with the
name of his deified king.

The Memphite tombs tell much concerning the
customs of Pharaoh and his court. The sovereign
bears the official title of ' King of the Upper and Lower
Country;' he is also called Per-ao, ' the great house,'
better known, perhaps, under the Hebrew equivalent of
Pharaoh. The people honoured him as ' lord' (neb)
and ' god' (neter). At sight of him every native pros-
trated himself and touched the ground with his nose, and
rt was an especial favour if the command of his lord
permitted him only to kiss his knee. He was spoken
of as ' His Majesty,' and briefly, but not less respect-
fully, by a word equivalent to the German man.

At the court of Pharaoh, with regard to attendance
on the sovereign, order, rank, and time were exactly
defined, as well for nobles of the purest descent as for
the mass of busy servants. Not only did the splendour
of his birth secure for the nobleman dignity and
authority in the eyes of the people, but far greater
weight was given to prudent wisdom, noble culture,
and the brightness of virtue. Good service was re-
Warded with honours and gifts, the noblemen receiving
such titles as ' hereditary highness' (erpa) or ' intimate
friend' (semer-uat).

The management and service of the court, as well as
the administration of the country, was conducted under
Pharaoh's direction by the governor and bailiff and a