XLIII. 1. Moreover, they think that the riaingp of the

Nile have a certain analogy with the lights of the Moon.
2. For the greatest [rising], about Elephantine, is eight-and-twenty cubits, the same number as are the lights and measures of its monthly periods; and the least, about Mendes and Xois, is of six cobitB, [analogous] to the half -moon; while the mean, about Memphis, when it is the right quantity, [is] of fourteen cubits, [analogous] to the full-moon.
1 The aeflquioctave. In areas 8 ib half of ie» and 9 of 18 ; while in a proportional xneasoring-rod or canon of 87 uniti^ inlar ▼ala of 8, 9, and 10 unite eucoeeding one another complete the S7. or. xiiL 8, 9. » Cy. xxxviiL 2.
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THB M78IERIB8 OF ISIS AND OSIRIS 321
3. And [they consider] the Apis the animated image of Osiris, uid that be is conceived whenever generative light from the Moon fastens on a cow in heat.
4. For which cause also many of the markings of the Apis — flights shading off into darks — resemble the configurations of the moon.
5. Moreover, on the new-moon of the month Phamenoth ^ they keep festival, calling it *' Entrance " ' of Osiris into the Moon, as it is the beginning of spring.
6. By thus placing the power of Osiris in the Moon, they mean that Isis consorts with him while being [at the same time] the cause of his birth.'
7. For whidi cause also they call the Moon Mother of the cosmos, and think that she has a male-female nature, — for she is filled by the Sun and made pregnant, and again of herself sends forth and disseminates into the air generative principles.
8. For [they say] she does not always overmaster the destruction wrought by Typhon;* but, though frequently mastered, even when bound hand and foot she frees herself again by her generative power, and fij^ts the way through to Horu&
9. And Horus is the cosmos surrounding the earth — not entirely exempt from destruction either, nor yet from generation.