Page:Biblical Libraries (Richardson).djvu/89

This page has been validated.

THE EGYPTIAN PERIOD

Roman times. "The land records of the nome are in his Hall" e.g. recalls the land registry, and the periodical revision of the records, in the "library" of each nome. The account of the Inspection of taxes is full of archival suggestion. It is to begin with "made according to the writings of ancient time" and it mentions the Records of Edfu, Ombos, Gebelen, Hermonthis, of the House of Hathor, of Diospolis Parva, Abydos, Itfit, Siut. Many "scribes of the recorders" of various places, including the "fortress of Elephantine" are also mentioned.

These inscriptions give a vivid idea of how fully records were made of every kind of business that was done and in the paragraphs on inspection of Bricklayers and Brickmakers Rekhmire has some remarks of distinct Biblical interest; "Laying the brick in order to build the storehouse," "The taskmaster he says to the builders: The rod is in my hand not to

[65]