Nicholson, Charles: Aegyptiaca (London, 1891)

146

NOTES ON HIERATIC PAPYRUS.

The soul in its passage through Hades, and before
it can attain its final rest in the Fields of Aaru, is
subjected to certain purgatorial trials, of which the
most important is the categorical denial of the 42
sins with the commission of which he is challenged
by the assessors in Amenti. Having acquitted him-
self of these, he is led before Osiris, the Judge of the
Dead, seated on his throne. His heart is then
weighed in a balance, the counterpoise being the
Feather, the emblem of Truth, MA. The soul
having been thus tried and "found not wanting,"
the deceased is declared to be "Machru," justified,
and the judgment having been recorded by Thoth
on the roll which he holds in his hands, the scene
concludes by an adjuration to the supreme Judge ;
" Allow the dead a quiet dwelling place, oh
Osiris. Heavenly Lord, Cherished One, open the
doors of thy Glory for the heart of thy glorified
servant, that he come to the Lord and Judge of the
world, Osiris, ruler of the life of man."