La Poule Noire (The Black Pullet)

Having arrived at the foot of one of these wonders of the world, I sat up, leaning against this enormous mass which had already seen several centuries pass, and which was destined to see many more disappear. I pondered the nothingness original: néant. In this context, it refers to the perceived futility or insignificance of human life when compared to the vastness of time and the monuments of antiquity. of my existence, which was soon to end, just like the day which was drawing to a close, for the radiant sun was on the point of plunging into the ocean The author uses poetic license here; the Giza pyramids are located in the desert near Cairo, hundreds of miles from the Mediterranean or Red Sea. He likely refers to the "ocean" of the horizon or the "sea" of sand..

"Brilliant star, receive my farewells," I said with emotion; "my eyes shall see you no more, your beneficent light will no longer shine upon me: farewell!" And as I uttered this farewell, which I believed to be eternal, it disappeared, and night came to take its place, covering the universe with its somber veils.

I was absorbed in the saddest reflections, when a slight noise was heard a few steps from me. A stone slab detached itself from the pyramid and fell upon the sand; I turned in that direction, and by the light of a small lantern original: fanal. A portable lantern, often used in maritime or military contexts during the 18th century. which he carried in his hand, I perceived a venerable old man emerging from the pyramid (see note A This refers to an endnote in the original publication intended to provide historical or atmospheric context for the reader.); a white beard fell upon his chest, a turban covered his head, and the rest of his costume indicated to me that he was a Mahometan original: Mahométan. An archaic term used in 18th-century Europe to refer to a Muslim.. He cast his eyes around him, and