instructed
him in politics, and the art of government. This Mercury is he whom the
Greeks called Trismegistus, _i.e._ thrice great. Egypt, his native
country, owes to him the invention of almost every art. The two books,
which go under his name, bear such evident characters of novelty, that the
forgery is no longer doubted. There was another Mercury who also was very
famous amongst the Egyptians for his rare knowledge; and of much greater
antiquity than he of whom we have been speaking. Jamblicus, a priest of
Egypt, affirms, that it was customary with the Egyptians, to affix the
name of Hermes or Mercury to all the new books or inventions that were
offered to the public.

When Sesostris was more advanced in years, his father sent him against the
Arabians, in order to acquire military knowledge. Here the young prince
learned to bear hunger and thirst; and subdued a nation which till then
had never been conquered. The youths educated with him attended him in all
his campaigns.

Accustomed by this conquest to martial toils, he was next sent by his
father to try his fortune westward. He invaded Libya, and subdued the
greatest part of that vast country.

(M73) SESOSTRIS. During this expedition his father died, and left him
capable of attempting the greatest enterprises. He formed no less a design
than that of the conquest of the world. But before he left his kingdom, he
provided for his domestic security, in winning the hearts of his subjects
by his generosity, justice, and a popular and obliging behaviour. He was
no less studious to gain the affection of his officers and soldiers, whom
he wished to be ever ready to shed the last drop of their blood in his
service; persuaded that his enterprises would all be unsuccessful, unless
his army should be attached to his person, by all the ties of esteem,
affection, and interest. He divided the country into thirty-six
governments (called Nomi,) and bestowed them on persons of merit, and the
most approved fidelity.

In the mean time he made the requisite preparations, levied forces, and
headed them with officers of the greatest bravery and reputation, and
these were taken chiefly from among the youths who had been educated with
him. He had seventeen hundred of these officers, who were all capable of
inspiring his troops with resolution, a love of discipline, and a zeal for
the service of their prince. His army consisted of six hundred thousand
foot, and twenty-four thousand hors