Not any sunny tone 1
From any fervent zone
Find entrance there－
Better a grave of Balm
Toward human nature's home－5
And Robins near－
Than a stupendous Tomb
Proclaiming to the Gloom
How dead we are－
From any fervent zone
Find entrance there－
Better a grave of Balm
Toward human nature's home－5
And Robins near－
Than a stupendous Tomb
Proclaiming to the Gloom
How dead we are－
(F.1738/J.1674)
[2] fervent zone:: a desert.
[1,3] Not, Find entrance:: pyramid has no entrance.
[4] Balm:: that comforts people; also an aromatic preparation for embalming the dead.
[7] a stupendous Tomb:: pyramid is a tomb.
[9] dead:: lack of passion.
The pyramids were built to protect the royal body which was laid in an inner chamber. The Egyptians believed that the soul would continue to live in a paradise to which it went after death, as long as the body was preserved in a tomb. Before the body was put into the tomb it was preserved as a mummy. The brains and inside parts were taken out, and the body was cleansed with balm, oil and spices. After it had lain in water for many days it was anointed and wrapped in linen bandages. ─ Historical and Miscellaneous Questions (1818)