There is one exception to this broad and sweeping statement.  The Fayoum is no part of the natural bed of the Nile, and has not been scooped out by its energy.  It is a natural depression in the western desert, separated off from the Nile valley by a range of limestone hills from two hundred to five hundred feet in height, and, apart from the activity of man, would have been arid, treeless, and waterless.  Still, it derives from the Nile all its value, all its richness, all its fertility.  Human energy at some remote period introduced into the depressed tract through an artificial channel from the Nile, cut in some places through the rock, the life-giving fluid; and this fluid, bearing the precious Nile sediment, has sufficed to spread fertility over the entire region, and to make the desert blossom like a garden.

The Egyptians were not unaware of the source of their blessings.  From a remote date they speculated on their mysterious river.  They deified it under the name of Hapi, “the Hidden,” they declared that “his abode was not known;” that he was an inscrutable god, that none could tell his origin:  they acknowledged him as the giver of all good things, and especially of the fruits of the earth.  They said—­

    “Hail to thee, O Nile! 
    Thou showest thyself in this land,
    Coming in peace, giving life to Egypt;
    O Ammon, thou leadest night unto day,
    A leading that rejoices the heart! 
    Overflowing the gardens created by Ra;
    Giving life to all animals;
    Watering the land without ceasing: 
    The way of heaven descending: 
    Lover of food, bestower of corn,
    Giving life to every home, O Phthah!...

    O inundation of Nile, offerings are made to thee;
    Oxen are slain to thee;
    Great festivals are kept for thee;
    Fowls are sacrificed to thee;
    Beasts of the field are caught for thee;
    Pure flames are offered to thee;
    Offerings are made to every god,
    As they are made unto Nile. 
    Incense ascends unto heaven,
    Oxen, bulls, fowls are burnt! 
    Nile makes for himself chasms in the Thebaid;
    Unknown is his name in heaven,
    He doth not manifest his forms! 
    Vain are all representations!

    Mortals extol him, and the cycle of gods! 
    Awe is felt by the terrible ones;
    His son is made Lord of all,
    To enlighten all Egypt. 
    Shine forth, shine forth, O Nile! shine forth! 
    Giving life to men by his omen: 
    Giving life to his oxen by the pastures! 
    Shine forth in glory, O Nile!"[2]