Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Human Species, Exploration, Technology, Invention, Ancient Authorities

    The mummy observes of Homer: 'One question I can fairly set at rest / He says that men were once more big and bony, / Than now—which is a falsehood at the best; / I'll just refer you to my friend, Belzoni, / The resurrection-man, a stately figure; / Now look at me, and tell me, am I bigger?'. Concerning the use of gas-lights in the pyramids, observes 'Aye! gas-lights! mock me not; we men of yore, / Were up to all the knowledge you can mention; / Who hath not heard of Egypt's peerless lore; / Her patient toil, acuteness of invention?'.