Genre:

Extract, Poetry, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Mummius Saturday Magazine, 4: 155–56

Subjects:

Ancient Authorities, Exploration, Invention, Steam-power, Railways

People mentioned:

Giovanni B Belzoni

    The extracted poem was prompted by the republication in the Saturday Magazine, 4: 72, of a poem, possibly by William Roscoe, entitled an 'Address to an Egyptian Mummy'. A footnote records that the original poem, which made many curious enquiries about ancient events, was published in the Youth's Magazine, 2nd ser. 7: 105. In reply, the mummy claims, among other things, that the ancient Egyptians had gas lighting: 'Ay, gas-lights! Mock me not; we men of yore / Were versed in all the knowledge you can mention / Who hath not heard of Egypt's peerless lore? / Her patient toil? acuteness of invention? / Survey the proofs, —our Pyramids are thriving [...] Yet, though her art and toil unearthly seem, / Those blocks were brought on rail-roads and by steam!' (359).