THALIA. 15

XXIV. Finally they were shown the Ethiopian
coffins, which are said to be constructed of crystal,
and in this manner:—After all the moisture is ex­
hausted from the body, by the Egyptian or some other
process, they cover it totally with a kind of plaster,
which they adorn with various colours, and make it
exhibit as near a resemblance as may be, of the per­
son of the deceased. They then inclose it in a hollow
pillar of crystal, which is dug up in great abundance,
and of a kind that is easily worked. The deceased
is very conspicuous through the crystal, has no disa­
greeable smell, nor any thing else that is offensive.
The nearest relations keep this coffin for a twelve­
month in their houses, offering before it different kinds
of victims, and the first-fruits of their lands; these
ere afterwards removed and set up round the city.

XXV. The spies, after executing their commission,
returned; and Cambyses was so exasperated at their
recital, that he determined instantly to proceed
against the Ethiopians, without ever providing for the
necessary sustenance of his army, or reflecting that
he was about to visit the extremities of the earth.
The moment that he heard the report of the Ichthy-
ophagi, like one deprived of all the powers of reason,
he commenced his march with the whole body of his
infantry, leaving no forces behind but such Greeks as
had accompanied him to Egypt. On his arrival at
Thebes, he selected from his army about fifty thousand
men, whom he ordered to make an incursion against
the Ammonians, and to burn the place from whence
the oracles of Jupiter were delivered: he himself, with
the remainder of his troops, marched against the
Ethiopians. Before he had performed a fifth part of
his intended expedition, the provisions he had with
him were totally consumed. They proceeded to eat
the beasts which carried the baggage, till these also
failed. If after these incidents Cambyses had per­
mitted his passions to cool, and had led his army back
again, notwithstanding his indiscretion, he still might
have deserved praise. Instead of this, his infatuation
continued, and he proceeded on his march. The sol­
diers, as long as the earth afforded them any suste-