To the reader who starts with the current idea that all Egyptians were
alike, this continual change from one period to another may seem
almost fanciful. But it rests on such certain authority that we may
hope that this little volume may have its use as an object-lesson in
practical archaeology.
The use and abuse of notes is a matter of dispute. To be constantly
interrupted in reading by some needless and elementary explanation is
an impertinence both to the author and the reader: the one cannot
resent it, the other therefore resents it for both. But what is to be
deemed needless entirely depends on the reader: I have been asked in
what country Pompei is, as it is not in the English Gazetteer. Rather
than intrude, then, on the reader when he is in high discourse with
the ancients, I humbly set up my interpreter's booth next door; and if
he cares to call in, and ask about any difficulties, I shall be glad
to help him if I can. Not even numbers are intruded to refer to notes;
for how often an eager reader has been led off his trail, and turned
blithely to refer to 37 or 186 only to find, "See J. Z. xxxviii.
377," at which he gnashed his teeth and cursed such interruptions. So
those to whom the original tales are obscure are humbly requested to
try for some profit from the remarks after them, that have been
gleaned by the translator,
Much might be said by a "folk-lorist"--in proportion to his ardour.
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