IV.

THE PYRAMID BUILDERS 65-94

Difficult to realize the conception of a great pyramid, 65--Egyptian idea of one, 66--Number of pyramids in Egypt: the Principal Three, 67--Description of the "Third Pyramid," 67-71; of the "Second Pyramid," 72; of the "First" or "Great Pyramid," 75-81--The traditional builders, Khufu, Shafra, and Menkaura, 82; the pyramids their tombs, 82--Grandeur of Khufu's conception, 83--Cruelty involved in it, 84, 85--The builders' hopes not realized, 85, 86--Skill displayed in the construction, 86--Magnificence of the architectural effect, 89--Inferiority of the "Third Pyramid," 90--Continuance of the pyramid period, 91-94.