about
three hours after midday
A number of hundreds of pupils and workmen were freed from their employments ; with these Pentuer shut himself up in the court and worked at preparations . After eight days of hard labor he informed the high priest of Hator that all things were ready . During this time Prince Rameses , who was hidden in his cell , gave himself up to prayer and fasting . At last on a certain date about three hours after midday a number of priests , arrayed in two ranks , came and invited him to the solemnity . In the vestibule of the temple the high priest greeted the prince , and with him burned incense before the great statue of Hator . Then they turned to a low , narrow corridor , at the end of which a fire was burning . The air of the corridor was filled with the odor of pitch which was boiling in a kettle .