Book of Saphah

Which way, man?

To the tree of knowledge.

I go there, also.

Where, then, is your treasure?

I bring this pitcher and pot, a tame goat and a dead man’s skull. I have no more.

Seffas bows in your favor. Have you slain any living creature?

No, Ong-a-pa, but housed in a mound built high and steep, I have slept my nights away in peace, slaying nothing.

Do you have the Hagaw’sa (the head compressed), from infancy?

On my breast stands the single sign, engraved, and most honored of all I have. When I was a child my head was thus compressed, to school the judgment down beneath the prophetic sight. I have seen the Es world and the angels of the dead.

Hold up your hand, and show me, too, the leaf sign of Egoquim. Then the burning flame of sacrifice, and monstrous serpents you would rather feed than destroy?

I was well educated to engrave the sacred symbols in Corpor. Behold I write. (He then displays his skill.)

Your skill is excellent. Go to the southwest corner, and, in the ark of the black hand, you shall find a charm for venomous serpents. Bring it here.

Alas, O Onga, ask any service of me except to deal in charms against anything.

How do your father, mother, wife, sons and daughters, sleep?

On the mounds and in the mounds, O Onga. We are all hidden away from the devouring hiss-a (serpent), baugh and mieuh (lions and tigers).

How was it with your forefathers and foremothers?

In the mounds and on the mounds, O Onga. For a thousand generations, my ancestors did not kill any living creature Egoquim had created.

What is that distant building in the northeast?

The temple of Egoquim.

What does it mean?

It is the sacred house of Dan. (Faithists.)

What are the signs?

The All Light hand teaches mortals to ever reach upward; the cup, that all the firmament is filled by the presence of Egoquim.

What is the sign of half a dog, of half a horse, and a man’s head?

That man at best is two beings, a beast and a spirit.

What is the sign of the black hand and black onk, the slaying tool?

The mortal who slays the wolf and serpent has a hard time in heaven.

What is the hard time of the slaying-man in heaven?

In the firmament of heaven he is haunted; the spirits of the slain come upon him. He finds no place. With his black hand of death uplifted he cries out.

What is the sign of Oke-un (tent), and the sign of the black head of the Ghi-ee (eagle), and the black mouth with black tongue projecting?

That all the earth must be subdued by man. Even the blackness (slander, cruelty, lies, etc.) that issues out of man’s mouth must be subdued.

What are the signs of the ear, the triangle and the square, the evil quarters, the wedge and the vessels of copper?

Alas, O Onga, I do not know.

What are the signs of the trumpet, the windlass, the hewing-ax and the altar of fire?

Alas, O Onga, I do not know.

What are the signs of the Az-aj (stretcher), and the basket?

Alas, O Onga, I do not know.

What is the sign of the men ascending the Orugh (the stairs), and lamp and the trees and the black fish?

First, there was an egg, and then a fish, and then trees, then man, and he saw the light and the sun. Then wisdom came and he learned of Egoquim, ever after.

You are wise, and now, by virtue of my power, wisdom and love, I crown you brother of the Hoanga (prophets). Peace be with you, Amen!

He who taught you all the other signs will now teach you three you do not know. After which the Oi will invest you with cloth and with the signs of Chaigi (words of enchantment), so that when you travel into distant lands you shall be received as a brother. (Signs and passwords withheld from publication.) Anubis (Old Egyptian) (SEE TABLET OF ANUBIS) The Haunted Chamber