Page:Books on Egypt and Chaldaea, Vol. 32--Legends of the Gods.pdf/146

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THE DESTRUCTION OF MANKIND
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hearts are afraid because of the words which they have uttered.” Then the gods spake in the presence of his Majesty, saying:—“Let thine Eye go forth and let it destroy for thee those who revile thee with words of evil, for there is no eye whatsoever that can go before it and resist thee and it when it journeyeth in the form of Hathor.” Thereupon this goddess went forth and slew the men and the women who were on the mountain (or, desert land). And the Majesty of this god said, “Come, come in peace, O Hathor, for the work is accomplished.” Then this goddess said, “Thou hast made me to live, for when I gained the mastery over men and women it was sweet to my heart;” and the Majesty of Rā said, “I myself will be master over them as [their] king, and I will destroy them.” And it came to pass that Sekhet of the offerings waded about in the night season in their blood, beginning at Suten-ḥenen.[1] Then the Majesty of Rā spake [saying], “Cry out, and let there come to me swift and speedy messengers who shall be able to run like the wind....;" and straightaway messengers of this [kind were brought unto him. And the Majesty of this god spake [saying], "Let these messengers go to Ābu,[2] and bring unto me mandrakes in great numbers;" and [when] these

  1. Or, Ḥenen-su, i.e., Herakleopolis Magna.
  2. I.e., Elephantine, or Syene, a place better known by the Arabic name Ȧswân.