set off with many of the emblems, of which I have been speaking. She is figured as a beautiful female personage; and has a chaplet, in which are seen ears of corn like rays. Her right hand reclines on a pillar of stone; to shew on what good basis her faith is founded. In her left are spikes of corn; and on each side a pomegranate. Close by her stands the Seira or Cupselis, that mysterious emblem, in the express form of a hive: out of the top of which there arise corn and flowers, to denote the renewal of seasons, and promise of plenty. In the centre of these fruits, the favourite emblem, the Rhoia appears again, and crowns the whole. In one corner towards the upper part is a bale of goods, bound up in such a manner as is practised, when people are going upon a course of travel; or are to make a voyage to some distant part of the world. 46 But the most pleasing emblem among the Egyptians was exhibited under the character of Psuche, Yun. This was originally no other than the Aurelia, or butterfly: but in aftertimes was represented as a lovely female child with the beautiful wings of that insect. The Aurelia, after its first stage as an Eruca, or worm, lies for a season in a manner dead; and is inclosed in a 46 Ψυχή, πνεύμα, και ζωύφιον πτηνον. Hesych. sort of a coffin. In this state of darkness it remains all the winter: but at the return of spring it bursts its bonds, and comes out with new life, and in the most beautiful attire, The Egyptians thought this a very proper picture of the soul of man, and of the immortality, to which it aspired. But they made it more particularly an emblem of Osiris; who having been confined in an ark, or coffin, and in a state of death, at last quitted his prison, and enjoyed a " renewal of life. This circumstance of the second birth is continually described under the character of Psuche. And as the whole was owing to divine love, of which Eros was an emblem, we find this person often introduced as a concomitant of Psuche, They are generally described as accidentally meeting, and enjoying a pleasing interview; which is attended wish embraces and salutes; and every mark of reconciliation, and favour. From this union of divine love, and the soul, the antients dated the institution of marriage. And as the renewal of mankind commenced from their issuing to light from the Ark, and from the gracious promise of increase made by the Deity upon that occasion; they thought proper to assign to lönah, or Juno, that emblem of Divine Pro 47 Οσίριδος αναβιωσις, και παλιγγενεσία. Plutarch. Isis et Osiris. P. 364. |