LETTER VIII.

Eagles of prey--Account of the Hebrews--Imposing funeral of the Patriarch Jacob--His powerful and able government--Overthrow of the dynasty of the Shepherd-Kings--Dynasty of the Thebaïd--Flourishing condition of the Hebrews in the land of Goshen, under the government of Joseph--Aspirations after the One God--Reduction of the Hebrews to servitude--Their rapid and miraculous increase--The massacre of their male infants--Courageous affection of the Hebrew mothers--Egyptian nurses sympathize with them--Infants hid--Queen Amense's humanity--Courage and wisdom of many of the Hebrews--Exciting ride past Joseph's ruined palace--Jacob's Well--The plain of the Hebrew brick-makers--Death of a Hebrew under his taskmasters--Sculptured obelisk of Queen Amense--Emotions of Syrian painters at sight of their prince--pp. 130-144.