RECORDS OF THE PAST
_______________
BEING
ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS
OF THE
ASSYRIAN AND EGYPTIAN MONUMENTS
PUBLISHED UNDER THE SANCTION
OF
THE SOCIETY OF BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY
VOLUME EIGHT:
EGYPTIAN TEXTS
___________________
NOTE
Every Text here given is either now translated for first time, or has been specially revised by the Author to the date of this publication.
CONTENTS
| PREFACE | i |
| Fragment of the First Sallier Papyrus By Prof. E. L. LUSHINGTON, LL.D., D.C.L. |
1 |
| ANNALS OF RAMESES III: The Great Harris
Papyrus By Prof. EISEXLOHR and S. BIRCH, LL.D. |
5 |
| Abstract of a Case of Conspiracy By P. LE P. RENOUF. |
53 |
| Inscription of the Gold Mines at Rhedesieh
and Kuban By S. BIRCH, LL.D. |
67 |
| Decree of Canopus By S. BIRCH, LL.D. |
81 |
| The Great Mendes Stele Translated from BRUGSCH-BEY. |
91 |
| The Litany of Ra By EDOUARD NAVILLE. |
103 |
| Hymn to Ra-Harmachis By Prof. E. L. LUSHINGTON, LL.D., D.C.L. |
129 |
| Inscription of Darius at El-Khargeh By S. BIRCH, LL.D. |
135 |
| The Praise of Learning By S. BIRCH, LL.D. |
145 |
| The Papyrus of Moral Precepts By M. THEOD. DEVERIA. |
{p.i}
PREFACE
THE Eighth Volume of the "RECORDS OF THE PAST" has been
continued on the same principle as its predecessors. A prominence has naturally
been given to historical texts, as they are the most important which have been
handed down by ancient Egypt. No branch, however, of Egyptian researches has
been more minutely explored, and the great historical texts are almost
exhausted. In the present volume will be found, a translation of the Sallier
Papyrus relating to the Hykshos, the end of the Papyrus comprising the political
condition of Egypt in the reign of Rameses III; the Case of Conspiracy against
the life of the same monarch; the texts relating to the Gold Mines in the reigns
of Seti I and Rameses II; and the decree of Canopus, of the reign of Ptolemy
Euergetes II, an inscription throwing great light upon the condition of the
Egyptian priesthood under the rule of the Greeks in Egypt.
The subject of mythology is, however, by no means exhausted, and the important
texts relating to it are not only beginning to attract attention, but are felt
to be necessary for the due comprehension of the religious ideas of the
Egyptians. A diversity of opinion, it must be stated, exists amongst scholars as
to the value of later inscriptions of the Ptolemaic and Roman period. Some
consider these texts to hand down the esoterical notions of ancient Egypt,
which, except in the so-called Ritual or Book of the Dead,
{p.ii} scarcely
appear in the official monuments, although partly illustrated by the hymns to
the gods found at the time of the XIXth. and subsequent Dynasties. The present
volume contains one of these earlier litanies, that of Ra; and there are others
still untranslated capable of throwing, incidentally, considerable light on the
cosmic and demiurgic characteristics of the leading deities of the Pantheon. A
hymn to the god Ammon of the Oasis, inscribed on the walls of El-Khargeh and of
a nature remarkably Pantheistic, is also included in this collection, it
probably is the composition of an eclectical denomination which, at a much
earlier age, had attempted to reconcile the polytheism with the monotheistic
tendencies of a party once dominant, although ultimately unable to effect a
religious reformation.
Of literature, as distinct from mythology or history, there are few remains even
amongst the numerous papyri which have been found or explored. A rare example,
the Praise of Learning and Literature, a poem exalting the occupation of the
scribe above all others, will be found at the end of the volume. The
difficulties of translation increase greatly when the subject belongs neither to
the domain of mythology nor
history, and the language becomes more metaphorical or colloquial. Literary
compositions are, however,
not the least interesting portion of the subject, as they exhibit a vivid
picture of national manners and innate thought.
S. BIRCH.
London,
26th November, 1876.
{p.1}
FRAGMENT OF THE FIRST SALLIER PAPYRUS,
RELATING TO THE HYKSOS PERIOD
TRANSLATED BY
E. L. LUSHINGTON, D.C.L.
THIS very defective fragment, which consisted when complete
of two pages and three lines, refers to that obscure period when foreign
invaders, commonly called Hyksos, or shepherds, held dominion in Egypt,
entrusting the government of the Southern region to a subordinate native
viceroy. Apapi, the Hyksos king here mentioned, Apophis in the Greek form, is
apparently the last of his dynasty. The struggle of which this fragment
indicates the commencement, resulted eventually in the re-establishment of
Egyptian independence and supremacy. The native prince, Sekenen-Ra, or Tiaaken,
was the predecessor of Ahmes
(Amosis), who is generally reckoned the 1st king of the XVIIIth dynasty.
{p.2}
The interest of the subject has attracted the attention of several eminent
scholars to this relic of early history. It was first recognised by De Rouge,
translated in part by Brugsch, Z. S. f. d. D. Morg. Ges., 9,200, in 1855, and
again later in his Histoire de 'Egypte, 1859, p. 78; more fully by Mr. Goodwin,
Cam. Ess, 1858, p. 243. More recently it has been treated by Dr. Birch, in
Bunsen's Egypt, vol. V., p. 730, 1867; Chabas, Les Pasteur's en Egypte, 1868,
p. 16; and Ebers, Ægypten. d. Bucher Moses, 1868, p. 204.
The style of the fragment is in general simple and easy; the difficulties that
remain even after the labours of these admirable pioneers in vanquishing
obstructions are mainly due to its dilapidated condition. At the end of line 3,
p. 3, it breaks off in the middle of a sentence, and line 4 commences with a
different subject. The present translation appeared in the Transactions of the
Society of Biblical Archaeology, vol. IV, p. 263.
{p.3}
FIRST SALLIER PAPYRUS
PAGE 1
1 It came to pass that the land of Egypt was held by the
impure; there was no sovran master on the day when this came to pass. Then King
SEKENEN-RA was Ruler in the Southern region, the impure in the district of Amu,
2 their Chief King APAPI in the city Avaris; the whole land did homage to him
with their handiwork, paying tribute alike from all good produce of Tameri. King
APAPI
3 took to himself SUTECH for Lord, refusing to serve any other god in the whole
land he built for him a
temple of goodly and enduring workmanship; King APAPI (appointed)
4 festivals, days for making sacrifice to SUTECH (with all rites), that are
performed in the temple of RA HAR-MACHIS
5 ... APAPI King SEKENEN-RA .... many days after this ...
[Three or four lines lost.]
PAGE 2
1 with him ... not assent (to serve) any of the gods in the
whole land except AMEN RA, King of gods .... many days after this
2 King APAPI sent to the Ruler of the South a notice, according as his scribes
knowing in affairs said.
{p.4}
3 Now when the Messenger of King APAPI (came to) the Ruler of
the South, he was conducted before the Ruler of the South.
4 He said to the Messenger of King APAPI, "Who sent thee to the Southern region? For what art thou come to the roads?" The Messenger said to him
5 "King APAPI sent me to thee to say .... touching the well for cattle which
is .... the city; verily, no
6 sleep came to me day or night." ... the Ruler of the South (was amazed). It
came to pass he knew not how
7 to reply to the Messenger of King APAPI. (At length) he said, "Has not thy
royal Master ...
8 ....1 which he sent ....2
9 ..... cakes of bread ....
10 ..... all that thou hast said I find ....
11 I (the Messenger of) King APAPI rose to depart to where
PAGE 3
1 his royal Master was. Then the Ruler of the South bade
summon his mighty Chiefs, likewise his Captains and expert guides; he
2 repeated to them the tale entire of the words which King APAPI sent to him
concerning them. They were all silent at once, in great dismay
3 they knew not how to answer him good or ill. King APAPI sent to ...
___________
1 Lacunae.
2 Of lines 8, 9 and 10 hardly anything can be made; they seem to contain the
words given in the translation, but their connection of course is obscure.
{p.5}
ANNALS OF RAMESES III
THE GREAT HARRIS PAPYRUS
Continued from vol. VI., p. 70.
BY
PROFESSOR EISENLOHR AND S. BIRCH, LL.D.
PLATE 43
[Rameses III wearing the royal head-dress namms a collar
usχ
with uraeus round the neck and a tunic basui fluted, jewels or other ornaments
girdled with the head of a panther and six pendant disked urtzi, a kind of a
strap from the right to the left, bracelets mennefer en kabu and armlets, with a
kind of tail behind menkrat or sat1 and sandals
tebu on the feet raises his
right hand addresses the Triad of Memphis, Ptah, Sekhet, and Nefer-Tum. Before
him are his names and titles.]
The Lord of the two countries RA-USER-MA beloved of AMEN, the Lord of diadems2
RAMESES Ruler of An [And his declaration to the gods.]
I speak the good prayers, the adorations, the supplications and the glorious
deeds I made before thee. On his Southern wall
[Ptah wearing a scull cap namms, a collar usχ, long beard, counterpoise
maanχ
standing draped in a reticulated garment on a pedestal in shape of a cubit,
bracelets on his wrists and holding the uas sceptre emblem of life anχ an d
stability tat before him by both hands, he is called]
________
1 See Lepsius, Aelteste Texte, PI. 7.
2 Lord of the diadem of the vulture or female diadem, and of the uraeus, the
male royal diadem; or else, of Nishem the goddess of the South, and Uati or
Buto the goddess of the North.
{p.6} PTAH great (god) who is the rampart of the South, Living Lord
of the Upper and Lower world. [Behind him stands Sekhet lion-headed waving a
disk of the Sun and uroeus serpent; she wears a long female head-dress collar usχ and bracelets, armlets
menefer en kabu and anklets, mennefer en rat, and a
long reticulated female garment held up across the shoulders by straps. In her
left hand she holds a papyrus sceptre χua and in her right an emblem of life
anχ. She is called]
SEKHET greatly beloved of PTAH.
[Behind her stands Nefer Turn wearing on his head the tall plumes and lotus of
the Sun, a long head-dress tied by a fillet, a collar us\ round the neck, and
long tunic from the breast to the knees reticulated, armlets and bracelets
mennefer en kabu, and anklets mennefer en rat. In his left hand he holds a
sceptre, in his right an emblem of life.]
PLATE 44
1 The glorifications, prayers, and addresses, invocations and
glorious actions which the King of the Upper and Lower country RA-USER-MA
beloved of AMEN, the living, the great god to
2 his father PTAH the Chief of the Southern wall, living Lord of the two
countries, SEKHET the greatly beloved of PTAH, TUM the protector of the two
countries, the circle of all the gods of the House of PTAH-KA.1 Said the King of
the Upper country RA-USER-MA, Beloved of AMEN the Great God
3 to his father, the noble god, PTAH, who is Chief of the Southern wall, Living
Lord of the two countries, TATUNEN,2 the father of the gods, having tall plumes,
and pointed horns, fine face, over the great throne. I salute thee great one,
magnified,
4 TATUNEN, father of the gods, god Chief at first, builder of men, maker of
gods, being first of the first order, all
_______
1 Memphis.
2 Or Tanen.
{p.7} were coming after him, making the heaven creating his tent,
5 supporting it by lifting his heavenly plumes, founding the earth in that he
made it himself, encircling it with the waters of the great sea, making the
Empyreal gateway to give rest to bodies, causing the Sun to come down to keep
them well,
6 as Ruler living for ages, Lord of eternity, Living Lord, opening supplying the
throat, giving breath to every nostril, giving life to all persons by his
supplies. A time of life begins under his authority, life comes from his mouth,
he makes
7 the peace of all the gods in his divine form of the great heavenly water1
Lord for ever and ever, he circulates the breath of life to all living, he
conducts the King to his throne of the palace, in his name of King of the two
countries I am thy son, crowned as King
8 on the throne of (my) father in peace, I am fulfilling thy plans for thee, I
have redoubled thy good things being on earth, conduct me to rest in the West of
the heaven like all the gods of the tombs2 of the Empyreal gate, the relations
9 of the cycle, being in thy sacred place like HAPU3 thy noble son who is with
thee, let me devour the flower of thy sacred food, bread, incense, beer,
spirits, wine, grant (me)
PLATE 45
1 to renew my life in the Taser4 seeing thee daily like thy
circle of gods, living Ruler on earth as Lord of
______
1 Nu, the god of the heavenly water. The reading Han, "vase," is also found as a
variant of this name; cf. Horapollo, I. 21.
2 S'ta, the coffins or tombs.
3 The Nile.
4 A region of the Hades.
{p.8} Ta-mera.1 Was I not animated in heart by the valour towards
thee
2 to search after all glories for thy noble house, for consecrations before thee
in thy city of the walls.
3 I made for thee a new palace in thy fore court, a
peaceful place for thy heart at each of thy processions. The palace of RAMESES
Ruler of An, the Living in the temple of PTAH
4 the great sacred staircase of his Southern wall founded of stones of sandstone
lying on blocks, its great ties2 holding the walls of stone of
5 Abu3 its doors of brass4 of six bands, the great columns are of gold, of
meh5 of stone, the bolts of black metal6 bordered
6 with gold having handles of katem7 with
meh of gold, its monumental figures
are life like, and perfect .... Its towers of stone approaching
7 heaven, above the throne of its great house is magnified like the place of the
great house with a covering of gold like the doors of heaven, I made thy images
8 at rest in its shrine of gold silver and real precious stones. I equipped it
with servants, very numerous with fields and cattle in the South and North.
PLATE 46
1 Its storehouses were inundated with infinite stores,
bowmen, galleys, workmen, incense bearers silver bearers
_______
1 Northern Egypt, used for Egypt generally.
2 Or cramps.
3 Elephantine.
4 Baa, or "bronze," brass not being used by the Egyptians.
5 A precious stone, or else "inlayings," "fillings in."
6 Baa kam, "black metal," probably iron; baa of black colour, and also of the
colour of gold, are mentioned in the papyrus.
7 Katem or katmer, supposed to be gold. It is like the Greek word
kadmeia, a
metallic substance or zinc.
{p.9}
2 and feather bearers1 without number, heaps of corn to tens
of thousands, also very many cellars of wine and spirits, and stalls of young
cattle,
3 (and) fowl houses for fattening geese, the store houses of Egypt, Ta-neter,2 Kharu,3 Kush4 (which) I gave, more numerous than the sands, in the noble
treasury, the store places had the divine food prepared
4 with provisions. There was no want in any of its places they were for thy
service, O Sole Lord, Maker of Beings, PTAH who is the Southern wall, Eternal
Ruler.
5 I give to thee twenty thousand measures of corn to be conveyed to thy house
every year to supply thy temple with divine food, continually increasing that
which was before.
6 I made to sculpture the house of PTAH thy great seat, I gave it to be as the
horizon in which the Sun is, for I filled its treasuries with numerous stores
and loaded its granaries with corn and barley.
7 I caused to be prepared the statue of thy image in the new gold house of thy
temple, manufactured of good gold, of native5 silver, real lapis lazuli, real
turquoise (and) all
8 precious stones, I made its noble ark like the horizon of heaven, containing
thy bark in its interior reposing on it I fixed its great walls,
9 the ark with turned beams, the ceiling of beams; they are of gold with
settings of real stones, I fabricated its great beams
PLATE 47
1 for moving, covered with good gold engraved with thy name.
Thou elevatest thy heart greatly in the citadel of
______
1 S'ui, or "merchants."
2 The Holy Land, or Northern Arabia.
3 Syria, or the coast of Syria.
4 Ethiopia, the modern Nubia.
5 "Silver out of its land."
{p.10} Sebak1 in thy great mysterious form of his Southern wall.
Thou fillest thy stronghold with the rays of thy limbs.
2 I caused to be sanctified Ha-ka-Ptah2 thy
strong seat. I built its temples which were decayed. I sculptured their gods in
their noble figures of gold silver and all precious stones in the gold houses.3
3 I made to thee a great plate of silver, beaten out, cut, and engraved by the
smith in the name of Thy Majesty with the adorations and prayers I made before
thee having the decrees for the benefit of thy house for ever.
4 I made two prisms of six sides they are of the colour of good gold engraved,
marked in thy name worked with incisions glorifying the glories I did for thee.
5 I made thee a good pectoral plate for thy breast of the best gold, of katmer
(and) silver made with a setting of meh and of real lapis lazuli to be united to
thy limbs on thy great throne of the horizon, and the company of the gods of the
house of PTAH who rest in them.
6 I made thee a sacred shrine of stone of Abu4 fabricating it with eternal work
of one piece having folding gates of brass of six sides, cut in thy noble name
for ever!
7 PTAH, SEKHET, NEFERTUM, are placed in it, and the statues of the Lord the King
with them, to offer before them I gave them the due divine offerings to their
faces, remaining to thee for ever to thy handsome face.
8 I made thee great tablets of secret words, set up in the hall of books of the
land, of Ta-mera5 placed in stands of stone engraved with a chisel to benefit
thy noble house for ever and ever.
9 I have filled thy pure harem of women, I brought their children who were
absent. They were peoples, hands, and
________
1 The crocodile.
2 Memphis.
3 Probably "the saloon," or "principal hall."
4 Elephantine.
5 Egypt.
{p.11} other persons, I gave them to thee for the cattle in the
house of PTAH; for them was made an order for ever.
10 I made to thee the store places to open in the festivals of thy divine house,
they were built out of earth,1 of skilful fabrication. I filled them with the
slaves I brought as captives to supply thy sacred food filled is the shrine to
11 store the house of PTAH-KA, with food to double what was before thee oh thou
of the Southern wall, thy circle of the gods is delighted it rejoices in them.
PLATE 48
1 I made thee stalls full of young cattle, fowl houses for
taking care of fowl also having fat geese filling cages for use besides, having
pigeons to offer to thy service in the course of the day.
2 I gave thee bowmen, workmen, incense bearers, I appointed their Captains to
lead them to bring their yearly tribute for thy noble treasury to fill the store
houses of thy house with numerous things to redouble
thy divine food, to lay them for thy service.
3 I made thee granaries full of corn and barley, having numerous heaps reaching
to heaven to store thy divine abode daily to thy beloved face, O Maker of heaven
and earth.
4 I made to thee images of the Living Lord wrought of gold, others of pure
silver wrought likewise reaching to the ground before thee with stands and altar
having divine offerings of bread and beer offered before thee daily
5 I made to thee a great basin2 in thy fore court ornamented with gold good of
work, making its vases of gold and silver cut in thy name, provided with divine
food, all good things to offer before thee at the morning.
________
1 Either of sun-dried clay bricks, or else subterranean.
2 Or altar.
{p.12}
6 I made thee ships and galleys in the midst of the great sea
provided with crews, and galleys in great numbers to bring the produce of Ta-neter,1 the manufactures of the land of Taha2
to thy great treasuries of thy city of the Wall.3
7 I made thee great festivals adding the renewed ones to offer in thy service at
each of thy celebrations. They were provided with bread and beer, cattle, geese,
incense, fruit, sprouts, spirits, wine, royal linen, ordinary linen very
numerous good Southern linen,
8 oil, incense, honey, clear gums, all good woods sweet scents to thy beloved
face (oh) Lord of the gods.
9 I made thee great festivals on the water to thy very noble and beloved name of
PTAH NUN4 the Chief, the father of the gods they were provided with supplies of
the things produced by the water in thy noble fore court of Sebekh-Sebak5
10 for all thy forms and the circle of the gods of the depths. They were as
tribute paying to the treasuries and store houses, granaries, stalls, cages,
each year to nourish the great Chiefs of Nu at peace, rejoiced at the
festivals at their view.
11 I made thy noble boat of the Lord of Ages6 of 130 cubits, on the river of
great real cedar trees, with a head of acacia. Its great house of trees of the
first kind of gold and real stones came down to water, of gold on all its sides,
and its head,
PLATE 49
1 having a hawk of good gold, of studs of all good stones,
its stern behind made of good gold, its rudders, the handle
_______
1 The Holy Land, Northern Arabia, or Socotora.
2 Northern coast of Syria.
3 Memphis.
4 The Han, or celestial water.
5 Probably another name of Memphis.
6 Neb-heh, name of the barge.
{p.13} in good gold. There is proceeding PTAH, the handsome face, of
his Southern wall
2 to rest within its great house like the solar horizon, satisfied is his heart
at its appearance, making fully his good passage on the water of his daughter
NEBTNEHA,1
3 in the Southern wall, mortals and men rejoicing to see it. I was delighted,
having its conducting to its noble house.
4 I protected the black cattle and the Hapu2 with males and females who were
proceeding from the cattle of every house, I gave them all consecrated to the
black cattle.
5 I made to be enlarged the frontiers to the places determined, they got what
was necessary for pastures establishing their tablets cut in thy name There were
made edicts for their benefit on earth.
6 I brought to thee numerous tributes of white gum to go round thy divine abode,
with scent of Punt3 to thy noble nostrils on the morning
7 (I) planted trees of frankincense, and gums in thy very noble
dromos in
Sebekh-Sebak,4 by the bringing of my hands from the land of Taneter5 to
welcome thy foreparts every morning.
8 I made for thee vases of the tables of libation of thy great place with
censers, jars, stands having lavers, and, water bottles, (and) great lamps for
offerings,
9 with divine food, they were of gold and silver made with inlayings of meh6 of
precious stones without number laid before thee at the end7
of the day, (O) PTAH the Father of the Gods, Builder of Mortals.8
__________
1 The mistress of the sycamore, the goddess Athor.
2 The bulls Apis.
3 Arabia.
4 Memphis or Manfaloot.
5 The Holy Land, or Northern Arabia, or Socotora.
6 Supposed to be a kind of precious stone, or else inlaying.
7 Or "every day," but the lamps evidently used at night.
8 Reχ, "mortals" or "intelligences."
{p.14}
10 I made thee the festivals of the beginning of my reign in
the very great festivals of Tatunen I redoubled to thee what was done.1 In the
throne room I appointed to thee
11 sacrifices of numerous offerings of bread, wine, beer, spirits, fruit, virgin
cattle, calves by hundreds of thousands, bulls by tens of thousands without
number, products
12 of the lands of Egypt like the sands of the shore of the river. The gods of
the South and North are assembled in the midst of it, I made to be carved thy
temple, the festival houses2
PLATE 50
1 which were ruined since there were kings I provided for the
circle of all the gods the festivals of thirty years,3 Lords of gold, silver
and stones as they were before.
2 I wrapped4 them with fabrics of royal and common linen, I anointed them with
oil on their heads, I augmented the divine food
3 offered to their persons placed in the reserves of their supplies for ever.
4 Behold my review of the honourable things which I did before thee PTAH who is
Southern wall Lord of
Sebekh-hut.5
5 Behold the circle of the gods of the house of PTAH in my glories.
PLATE 51a
1 The register of the property, the cattle, the cellars, the
fields, the galleys, the store places, the cities which gave
2 the king RA-USER-MA, Beloved of AMEN, the Living, the
______
1 "Ceremonies" or "customs."
2 Heb-set, "for the festivals of the Triakonteris," or "cycle of thirty
years."
3 Heb-set, the Triakonteris.
4 Ter tut ter.
5 The white wall or acropolis of Memphis, called by the Greeks Leukon Teichos.
{p.15} Great God, to his noble father PTAH who is the South wall,
the Living Lord of the two Countries, as belonging to his residence1 of ages
and eternity.
3 The temple of RAMESES, Ruler of An, the Living, in the house of PTAH, under
the Chiefs, 609 heads.
4 The herds of RAMESES, Ruler of An, the Living, in the abode of PTAH, under the
charge of the Superintendent of cattle Hui, 1,361.
5 The house of RA-USER-MA, Beloved of AMEN, the town on the West road of the
Western water under the Superintendent of the house PENKATATT, 40.
6 The house of RAMESES, Ruler of An, the Living in the house of PTAH, under the
authority of Hui who is Chief of the house, 16.
7 The men he gave to the house of PTAH who is the Chief of the South wall, the
Living Lord of the two
Countries, being in the palace under the authority of the Chief of the workmen
URU, 841.
8 PTAH of RAMESES, Ruler of Heliopolis. An, the Living, found the seat in the
house of PTAH, under the authority of the ATENNU, PTAHMES, 7.
9 The Kharu2 and Nahsi3 of the captives of His Majesty living (which) he gave
to the house of PTAH, heads 205.
10 Total heads, 379.
11 Various cattle, 10,047.
12 Cellars and granaries, 5.
13 Boats and galleys, 2.
PLATE 51b
1 Fields, acres 1154.
2 Villages, 1.
3 The useful things, the produce of the men of the palace
_________
1 Or property, possessions.
2 Syrians of the coast.
3 Negroes.
{p.16} of RAMESES, Ruler of Heliopolis, the Living in the house of
PTAH,
4 the herds of RAMESES Ruler of An, in the house of PTAH, of the house of
RA-USER-MA, the Living, the city
5 at the West of the house of RAMESES Ruler of Heliopolis in the house of PTAH,
the temples of that house, which lead to
6 the treasuries at their yearly revenues.
7 Silver, ten 98, kat 3⅔ ¼
8 Best South linen, various, 233½.
9 Wine, amphorae1 390.
10 Silver in things of the work of the men for the divine offerings, ten 141,
kat 3½ .
11 Corn, the produce of the labourers, bushels 37,400.
12 Green fodder, trusses 600.
13 Heifers, bull calves, bulls of weight,2 bulls belonging3 to herds, 15½.
PLATE 52a
1 Ducks, living, for use, 135.
2 The things of Kami,4 the things of Taneter,5 the things of Kharui4
the Kings of Kush,6
3 of Ut7 for the divine offerings in enormous number,
4 the gold, the silver, the true lapis lazuli, the true turquoise, all the noble
precious stones, the black metal,8
5 the cloths of royal linen, common linen, South linen, the coloured cloths, the
liquors, the cattle, the geese, and all the property
6 which the King of Upper Egypt, RA-USER-MA, Beloved
________
1 Or casks, mena.
2 Kat same as kat, a drachm and initial of the word Kates', meaning obscure.
3 Ru, mouth; meaning obscure.
4 Egypt.
5 Arabia or North-eastern Nubia, the modern Somali.
6 Ethiopia.
7 Mareotis.
8 Iron.
{p.17} of AMEN, the Living, the Great God gave as the tribute of the
Living Lord to
7 the house of PTAH, the Chief of his South wall, the Living Lord of the two
lands, to the temples of his dominions for use from the first year to the
thirty-first year, making thirty-one years.
8 Good gold, second class gold, white gold in vases and ornaments, ten 263,
kat
5½.
9 Gold ornaments of the Chief,1 ten 2.
10 Silver vases hammered, ten 342, kat 7½.
11 Silver in a hammered plate of 1 cubit, 6 shop2 long,
1 cubit, 1 shop, 5
fingers broad, making ten 173, kat ⅔
⅛
12 Total of silver in vases and ornaments, ten 516, kat 6.
PLATE 52b
1 Total of gold and silver vases and ornaments hammered out,
ten 780, kat 1½.
2 Real lapis lazuli set in gold and worked in two chains3
of beads,4 1, making
kat 3.
3 Real lapis lazuli, ten 3, kat 2.
4 Real turquoise, ten 2.
5 Real green felspar, ten 10.
6 Lapis lazuli and real turquoise scarabs, worked5 and set in gold, 26.
7 Lapis lazuli scarabs, large, 46.
8 Turquoise scarabs, large, 46.
9 Bronze beaten into a great six-sided prism, 1, great plate, making ten 245.
10 Bronze beaten into a six-sided prism, 1, making ten 65.
_______
1 Or statue, hesa.
2 The cubit has seven s'op, each 2'9611 inches, according to Sir H. James's
estimate of the Royal cubit.
3 Clasps.
4 Bubu, bead or drop.
5 Bannu em neb.
{p.18}
11 Bronze in beaten vases, ten 1,708.
12 Total of bronze in beaten vases, ten 2,018.
13 Royal linen, mixed linen,1 Southern better2 linen, cloths various, 7,026.
14 Gums dried, ten 1.034.
15 Frankincense, honey, oil, fat, paints, various bottles,3 1,046.
16 Spirits, wine, various bottles, 25,978.
PLATE 53a
1 Total of various bottles, 29,024.
2 Ivory tusks, 1.
3 Good cinnamon,4 ten 725.
4 Kati wood,5 ten 894.
5 Tasheps, bundles 45.
6 Stalks6 of Tasheps, bunches 28.
7 Grain of Kharu,7 bushels 40.
8 Nekbatah 8 bundles 40.
9 Uafita9 bundles 80.
10 Fodder, bundles 11.
11 Fruit, bushels 14.
12 Cedar wood, logs 8.
13 Stibium, ten 50.
14 Rutmer,10 ten 50.
15 Natron, ten 14,400.
PLATE 53b
1 Crystal beads, 31,000.
2 Crystal, cut, hins 341.
_______
1 Maku, mixed material.
2 Qema is either Southern linen or stuffs.
3 Aa.a, apparently bottles of various capacities.
4 Nnaibi, "lances," uncertain.
5 Kat "Tree of Knowledge."
6 Qanna. Tasheps was a red fruit or vegetable substance.
7 Coast of Syria.
8 This word is determined by a "flower."
9 A kind of grain, seed, or fruit.
10 Or retam, perhaps the Hebrew rotam, the broom or juniper.
{p.19}
3 Crystal signets, 3,200.
4 Wood for ship building, 31.
5 Young cattle various, bull calves various, 95,079.
6 Geese, living, 269.
7 Ducks, pairs 150.
8 Birds1 with golden beaks, 1,035.
9 Birds, living, 41,980.
10 Water fowl, living, 576.
11 Total various fowl, 48,010.
12 Corn for the divine food of the festivals of the heaven, and the first
festival of the season2 (which) gave
13 the King the great god to his father PTAH, Chief of his Southern wall the
Living, Lord of the two Countries, in addition to the divine offerings in
continual addition to the shares doubling those which were before His Majesty
PLATE 54
1 from the commencement at the first year to the thirty-first
year making thirty-one years, bushels 947,688.
2 The volumes of the Hapi or Nile which the King RA-USER-MA, Beloved of AMEN,
the Living, the Great God, gave to his father
3 PTAH, the Chief of his Southern wall, Living, Lord of the two Countries, from
the beginning of his 28th year to his thirty-first year making three years.
4 Bread for divine food, baat cakes, 73,800.
5 Bread for divine food, biscuits 191,142.
6 Bread for divine food, pyramids 6,150.
7 Viands, heaps, 14,760.
8 Beer, pints 1,396.
9 Dry dates, jars 2396.
10 Dates, maas 2,396, making3
_________
1 Urtu, Coptic halet, "young birds," "nestling's."
2 Api, or tepi ter, "commencement of season."
3 Weight omitted by scribe.
{p.20}
11 Corn, sacks 3,633 ½ ⅛.
12 Cows, 41.
13 Bulls, 164. Total, 205.
PLATE 54b
1 Goats, living, various, 205.
2 Ducks, living, 574.
3 Geese, living, 84.
4 Mesat, young ducklings, living, 164.
5 Waterfowl, living, 287.
6 Another kind of waterfowl, 3025.
7 Total of various fowls, 4,339.
8 Wine, jars, mna 820.
9 Wine, pots, tut 2,366.
10 Onions, jars 2,366.
11 Spers,1 jars 2,366.
12 Incense, censers full 164.
13 Incense, lips full 82.
14 Incense, jars 19,892.
15 Incense, ten 4,469.
PLATE 55a
1 Oil, vases 164.
2 Oil, jar vases 574.
3 Tasheps wood, trunks 574.
4 Gum, dry, vases2 2,396.
5 Stibium, vases 2,396.
6 White hand vases 2,396.
7 Gold figures of the Nile,3 2,396.
8 Gold plates,4 659.
9 Gold basins, pedestals, 656.
10 Silver figures of the Nile, 656.
________
1 Sper, a kind of vase, literally "lip."
2 Tut, perhaps "pairs" of vases.
3 Hapi, or the Nile.
4 Nusa, apparently plate, pedestal, or something in which the Nile was
represented.
{p.21}
11 Silver basins (or pedestals), 656.
12 Real stone figures of the Nile, 15,944.
13 Real stone pedestals, 15,944.
14 Wooden sycamore figures of the Nile, 784.
15 Wooden figures of REPI, wife of the Nile, 784.
16 Crystal necklaces, 2,968.
17 Crystal signets, 2,968.
PLATE 55b
1 Southern linen, pieces 2,968.
2 Honey for food, hins 66.
3 Honey, measures1 164.
4 Honey, pukas2 3,210.
5 Fresh fat for food, hins 205.
6 Fresh fat, hand vases 674.
7 Beans,3 shelled, vases 2,396.
8 Natron, vases 2,396.
9 Grapes, seta4 vases 2396.
10 All (kinds of) good fruit, vases 22,760.
11 Grapes, bottles 2,396.
12 Paints, bottles 2,396.
13 Best flour, pints 2,396.
14 Flour, pints 45,100.
15 Flour, meht 45,100.
PLATE 56a
1 Gurkins,5 in cups, 21,000.
2 Tenruuka6 in cups,7 21,000.
3 Fodder, trusses 2,396.
4 Reeds,8 of the shores, handfuls 14,350.
5 Alahama9 in cups, 721,000.
_______
1 Ark, kind of measure.
2 Another kind of measure.
3 χep.
4 Another kind of measure.
5 Aufu haaf.
6 A kind of cucumber or gourd; it was grown in water or irrigated land.
7 Or ephahs.
8 Qa.it nu uteb.
9 Supposed to have been raisins.
{p.22}
6 Sweet living flowers, 21,000.
7 Tamarisks, handfuls 1,640.
8 Flower crowns, in apts, 29,700.
9 Plant bunches for processions, 21,000.
10 Plants, bushels 21,000.
11 Stone blocks, aba1 15,150.
12 Shui,2 bunches 15,150.
PLATE 56b
1 Give me thy eye and thy ears O PTAH Father of the gods,
Builder of the circle of the gods, listen
2 to my declaration of truth which I make to thy face, I am thy son loving thee,
great in thy glories, receive
3 my son to be King, placed on the throne as Ruler of all countries, head of
mortals, RA-USER-MA, approved of AMEN,3 Living, the child
4 proceeding from thy limbs, let him be on earth, rise like the son of Isis, may
he take the crown Atef having the uarti4 give
5 him to be at rest on thy seat5 as king of the Upper and Lower Country as a
Har, powerful bull,6 loving truth. Give him the dominions
6 as thou makest his time excellent on earth having joys. Give victory to his
sword over all lands and countries prostrate
7 under his sandals for ever and ever! Give his protection over Kami,7 as
living Ruler of the Upper and Lower Country.
8 He is holy8 before thee having thy benediction, he enlarges the frontiers of
the Barbarians coming to his valour. He has made
______
1 Part of door, jamb.
2 Unknown flower.
3 Rameses IV.
4 Uart, the knob at the top.
5 Hut, throne.
6 Har, or Harmachis, the palatial or so-called standard title.
7 Egypt.
8 The ta-ta, or "two countries."
{p.23}
9 adorations, give a happy life, perfect his body within his
limbs constantly,
10 the King RA-USER-MA approved of AMEN the Living, the Son of the Sun, Lord of
diadems, RAMESES the true Ruler, Beloved of AMEN, the Living.
DONATIONS TO THE GODS OF THE NORTH
PLATE 57
1 The rendering honour, salutations, glorifications,
adorations and numerous merits which the King RA-USER-MA made, Beloved of AMEN,
the Living, the Great God, to his fathers, all the gods, and goddesses of the
South and North.
2 Said the King RA-USER-MA, Beloved of AMEN, the Living, the Great God, adoring
and magnifying the circle of the gods, Lords of the South and North.
3 Hail ye gods and goddesses, Lords of the heaven, earth, and great waters, the
running in the boat of millions of years, with the father RA, his heart is
satisfied (when) he sees their goodness to prosper Ta-mera1 leading the Nile
measuring in proportion,
4 conducting it to the mouths of these for ever and ever under regulation. The
breath of life, time sealed, which their father made at the coming forth of
their feeding mouths. He rejoices in his youth at their sight, in great heaven,
powerful
5 on earth, giving breath to the closed nostril, I am your son, which your hands
have engendered, ye crowned me as living Ruler of every land, ye gave to me good
things upon earth, I tranquilly hold my dignity in peace without pride, bringing
meritorious gifts
6 and presents to your temples. I have furnished them
________
1 Northern Egypt, Egypt in general.
{p.24} all with great lists placed in all the halls of writings,
with men, their fields, their herds, their gallies, their transports, on the
river I made to be renewed your
7 temples which were long since decayed. I augmented the divine food more than
what was before you. I have served in your temples (and) the gold house, with
gold, silver, lapis lazuli and turquoise, I made the supplies of your
treasuries, I completed them with numerous
8 things, I filled your granaries with corn (and) barley in heaps, I built to
you houses and temples. I inscribed them in your name for ever, I arranged your
servants, I filled them with numerous men, I did not lead men by tenths
9 from the temple of the gods, since the time of Kings, doing it to conscribe
them for foot soldiers and cavalry. I made decrees to their benefit upon earth
for the Kings who will come after me. I brought to you offerings before you
10 prepared of all good things, I made for you repositories opening on the
festivals. I filled them with numerous supplies. I made for you vessels of
libation, of gold, silver, and brass by hundreds of thousands. I constructed
your divine barge on the river
11 having a great cabin, ornamented with gold. I made a foundation1 of squared
stone in the house of my
father ANHAR2 SHU, the son of RA, the temple of
"RAMESES Ruler of An, the
Living, and a trial of words"3 in the house of ANHAR I filled them with men
and slaves by selection,
12 its treasuries holding numerous things, the granaries holding corn. I
augmented the divine supplies continually to offer to your dignity oh SHU, the
son of RA, I surrounded the house of ANHAR" with an enclosure wall of
_________
1 Asi.
2 Onouris, Mars.
3 Ramessu hek An uta χer. The name of the foundation.
{p.25} twenty yards,1 in the foundations in the earth, (and) an
elevation of thirty yards,
13 having doors, halls, and towers, in all its directions, its embrasures,2 of
squared stone having windows of cedar wood, plated with brass, keeping back the
tribes of the Tahennu3 who invaded the frontiers hitherto
PLATE 58
1 I made many presents in the city of Hesi-ra of father
THOTH, the God resident in Sesen, I built him a temple anew in his aba.4 It
was
2 in the sacred chapel of the entire Lord I made him another temple as a
habitation; it was as the horizon of the heavens in his sight (when) he rises.
He delighted to rest in
3 it. He rejoices pleased to see them. I prepared them with all stores of
materials out of things of all the countries (and) numerous slaves (which) I led
as property for them.
4 I doubled the divine food laid before him in the store house of opening in the
festivals, with food given him at the festive sacrifices (at) the festivals at
the beginning of the year to give satisfaction to His Majesty
5 at all times. I surrounded the house of THOTH with enclosure walls of twenty
yards in the foundations of the earth rising thirty cubits high, having doors,
halls, and towers in all directions,
6 with windows of its walls of squared stone, having shutters of cedar wood
plated with brass to repel the natives of the land of Tahennu who were
treading on their frontiers hitherto.
_______
1 T'at'a.
2 Htar.
3 The Libyans or one of the tribes on the North-west confines of Egypt.
4 Peribolos, forecourt.
{p.26}
7 I made to strengthen the city of Abut1 the district of
OSIRIS, with watching the selection of presents within the city of Nafur,2 I
built my temple of stone within his divine house like the great house
8 of TUM which is on high. I supplied it3 with men having their numerous
offices, it was rich and increased4 with all beings, I made for it divine food,
supplying its altars. The father
9 OSIRIS Lord of Taser,5 I made to him an image of the Living Lord, I brought
in presentation vases of libation likewise of gold and silver I surrounded the
house of OSIRIS
10 and HARSIESIS6 with a great wall firm like a hill of granite with halls and
towers having embrasures and doors of stone and window frames of cedar. I made
the barge of OSIRIS likewise an ark holding the Disk.
11 I made to carve the precinct in the house of father APHERU7 of the South Lord
of Saiui.8 I built a house in it of squared stone the dedications inscribed on
a plate of bronze in his noble name.
PLATE 59
1 I completed it with every good thing of all countries I
appointed to him servants in great numbers. I made him a store house anew having
the sacred food to sacrifice to his services daily, I constructed to him
2 a great boat on the river like the barge of the Sun which is above. I
surrounded his house with walls of skilful
_________
1 Abydos.
2 A city of the Thinite nome in South Egypt.
3 Or "occupied."
4 Or "the deficiency was completed with all things."
5 One of the regions of the Underworld or Hades.
6 "Horus, son of Isis," as distinguished from Harur or Haroeris, Horus the
Elder, son of Seb and brother of Osiris.
7 Name of Anubis.
8 Sais.
{p.27} work of twenty cubits in the foundation, with an elevation of
thirty cubits, having halls,
3 towers, and bulwarks in all its circuit great windows of stone and doors of
cedar plated, heavy bolts of six sided prisms, cut in the great name of Thy
Majesty for ever.
4 I made strong the house of SUTEKH1 Lord
of Nubti.2 I built up its peribolos3 which was decayed. I occupied the house in it in the divine name of the god,
of skilful construction
5 for ever, the house of RAMESES HEK AN in the temple of SUTEKH, NUBI is its
great name.4 I equipped it with slaves, captives, men I had procured. I gave it
herds of cattle in the Northern district to
6 supply its revenue continually the divine food anew by continual increase
which was before I gave it fields, and cultivated lands in the Southern
7 and Northern district having corn and barley for its treasuries, preparing the
things led by my hands to re-double the festivals in front of it daily.
8 I made numerous donations for thy great black cow before (my) father
HORUS-KHENTI-KHRATI,5 I renewed the aba6 of his temple, I made the building
again
9 tight and firm redoubling to it the divine food continually to his beloved
face every morning, I brought to
him gifts of slaves male and female silver and gold royal linen, and good
Southern linen,7 oil
10 frankincense and honey, heifers. I gave him herds anew of numerous cattle, to
supply his service the oldest of the
______
1 Set or Typhon.
2 Ombos, or the Gold Land.
3 Or "walls."
4 Ha Ramessu hek An, its name.
5 A form of Horus.
6 Peribolos.
7 Qema, or stuff.
{p.28} Chiefs, I ordered his noble house by water (and) land made
11 with great dedications in his name for ever, I gave him Prophets and Officers
of his houses, making them to command his servants by the offerings to his
house. I removed a magistrate to receive the offerings
12 in them, I released all his men belonging to him. I made it like the great
temples in that land protection, honour for ever, and eternity having (words). I
fetched his men
PLATE 60
1 all who have been led away1 (captive) and all officers
placed to command them in his noble house.
2 I made a great temple, magnificent in the house of SUTEKH of RAMESES, Beloved
of AMEN, the Living, I built settled, and cut, writings around them having
(windows)2
3 of stone, doors of cedar, the house of RAMESES-HEK-AN the Living in
the house of SUTEKH, having his name for ever. I appointed him servants, of men
I had obtained male and female slaves (whom) I led captive
4 to my power. I give him sacred food full and pure to supply his services
daily. I filled his treasury with things without number, having granaries
bushels of corn as it were tens of thousands, (and) herds having cattle
5 like the sands to supply thy service, (O) the most valiant!
6 I made to prevail (very) numerous gifts to the gods, and goddesses of the
South, (and) North, I made their figures in the abode and the golden hall. I
built up that which was
7 in ruin in their temples, I made their abodes and temples in their forecourt.
I planted trees I dug ponds. I augmented their divine food of best corn2
______
1 Xanar, taken as spoil.
2 Or "corn." Nefer for nafre, grain.
{p.29}
8 augmenting corn, wine, incense, flour, cattle, geese. I
built the Uaht1 of their lands firm, having divine food daily I gave them great
rolls to dedicate
9 their temples, placed in the library for ever and ever!
10 See the registers before you (O) gods (and) goddesses, look to the gifts
which I made for your service.
PLATE 61
1 The registers of things cattle, cellars, fields, galleys,
store houses, towns, and all property
2 which gave the King RA USER MA, Beloved of AMEN, the Living, The Great God, to
his fathers the Gods, (and) Goddesses (Lords) of the South (and) North
3 (to) the house of RAMESES-HEK-AN the Living Judger of Words in the temple of
ANHAR,2 heads3 457.
4 The men which he gave to the temple of (the god) ANHAR of the tall plumes,
resident in Tennu,4 160.
5 The temple of RAMESES-HEK-AN the Living in the temple of OSIRIS, Lord of Abutu,5 682.
6 The men whom he he gave to the house of his noble father OSIRIS Lord of Abutu,
162.
7 The house of RAMESES-HEK-AN the Living in the house of SET (of) Nubti,6 106.
8 The men which he gave to the house of KHEM, HARSIHESI7 and all the gods of Kabti,8 39.
9 The men whom he gave to the abode of ATHOR, Lady of the abode of the city of
Kherp,9 12.
10 The men he gave to the house of SEBAK, Lord of the city of Nashi,10 22.
________
1 Unknown places.
2 Onouris, or Mars.
3 "Heads," for persons; the Negroes were reckoned by heads.
4 Silsilis.
5 Abydos.
6 Ombos.
7 Harsiesis.
8 Coptos.
9 Undetermined, probably Tentyra.
10 Undetermined site.
{p.30}
11 The men whom he gave to the house of KHEM, HARSI-HESI,
(and) the gods of the city of Merpu,1 38.
12 The abode of RAMESES-HEK-AN the Living, KHEM, Lord of Merpu, placed under
the stick of ANUSHEFNU who is over the troops, 203.
13 The men whom he gave to the house of KHEM, Lord of the city of Mau,2 38.
14 The men whom he gave to the abode of KHNUM, Lord of the city of Shasipu,3
17.
15 The men whom he gave to the house of APHERU, Chief of the two countries, 4.
PLATE 61b
1 The abode of RAMESES-HEK-AN, the Living, making procession
on the thirty years' festivals, in the house of APHERU under the stick,4 of THOTHEMHEB, who is General of the Forces, heads 157.
2 The abode of RAMESES-HEK-AN, the Living, in that house under the stick of
ANTUSHEFINU who is General of the forces, 122.
3 The abode of RAMESES-HEK-AN, the Living, in the house THOTH, Lord of Sesennu,5 89.
4 The house of RAMESES-HEK-AN, the Living, in that house, 66.
5 The men he gave to that house, turns,6 484.
6 The men he gave to the house of KHNUM Lord of the city of Hat-ur,7 34.
7 The men he gave to the house of AMEN Lord of the city of Mertera,8 44.
_______
1 Undetermined site.
2 Supposed Tama in Nubia.
3 Perhaps same as Shaashetp or Antaeopolis.
4 Authority.
5 Hermopolis.
6 Sep, literally "turns" or "times," perhaps incorrect form of
su "person.'
7 Apollinopolis Parva.
8 Undetermined site.
{p.31}
8 The men he gave to the house of THOTH, of the city of
Pautika,1 65.
9 The men he gave to the house of AMEN, the Lion of the wood, 44.
10 The men he gave to the house of ANEPU, Lord of the city of Septu,2 78.
11 The men he gave to the house of SABAK, Lord of the city of Mernemsha,3 38.
12 The men he gave to the temple of SUT, Lord of the city of Sept-meru,4 99.
13 The men he gave to the temple of HARSHAF,5 King of the two countries, 103.
14 The men he gave to the house of AKHEM, SHETET, HORUS in the land Sha, 146.
15 The men he gave to the house of SET, Lord of Sesu, 35.
16 The men he gave to the house of AMEN-RA, Lord of the of the thrones of both
countries in Pehu, 62.
17 The men he gave to the house of ATHOR, Lady of the city of Api-ka,6 124.
PLATE 62a
1 The cattle of RAMESES the Ruler of An,7 the Living,
established and well, giving glory to his mother BAST, heads 1,533.
2 The men he gave to the temple of BAST, mistress of the land of Birasti8 in
the waters of the Sun, 169.
3 The house of RAMESES the Ruler of An, the living and well, the house of SUT in
the house of RAMESES, Loving AMEN, 106.
4 The cattle of RAMESES, the Ruler of An, the Living,
_______
1 Undetermined site.
2 Oxyrhynchite Nome.
3 Unknown site.
4 Sper-meru, lip or border of lake (Moeris), undetermined site.
5 "Terrible face," surname of Khnum.
6 Aphroditopolis.
7 Heliopolis.
8 Bubastus.
{p.32} and well, the glory of his father HAR-KHENTI-KHRATI, who
presides over Kamur,1 114.
5 The men he gave to the temple of MUT, who dwells in Abui-neteru,2 24.
6 Total of heads, 5,811.
7 Beasts, various, 13,433.
8 Fields, acres 36,012.
9 Cellars, 11.
10 Store houses, 2.
11 Corn, bushels 73,250.
12 Vegetables, bundles 3,300.
13 Flax, bundles 3,000.
PLATE 62b
1 Gold, silver, real lapis lazuli, real turquoise, and all
kinds of real precious stones,
2 brass, clothes of royal linen, Southern linen, embroidered linen, incense,
cattle, fowl, and all things
3 which the King RA-USER-MA, beloved of AMMON, the Living, and well, the Great
God, gave as the tribute of the Lord, Living and well,
4 from his first to his thirty-first year making thirty-one years.
5 Gold vases with ornaments wrought, making ten 1727, kat 8¼.
6 Silver vases with wrought, making ten 2428, kat 5⅛.
7 Total of gold and silver, ten 4148, kat 3½.
8 Gold mixed with the crystal of collars, 4.
9 Gold mixed with crystal ornaments, 4.
10 Gold crown for the head, 1.
11 Silver bordered with gold collar of THOTH, 1.
12 Real lapis lazuli, ten 10, kat 6.
13 Real turquoise, ten 2, kat 5 / 6.
14 Lead3 of the Uaua,4
kat 3.
______
1 Abusir.
2 Unknown site.
3 Tahi.
4 Northern Nubia.
{p.33}
15 Black brass bordered with gold ornament, 1.
16 Black metal, ten 260, kat 6.
PLATE 63a
1 Brass in beaten or many vases, ten 18,130, kat 3.
2 Lead, ten 2130.
3 Resins, ten 782.
4 Royal linen, ropes 17.
5 Royal linen, superior ropes1 25.
6 Royal linen wraps2 of HORUS, 3.
7 Royal linen, collars 35.
8 Royal linen, cloths 5.
9 Royal linen, χenk 2.
10 Royal linen, at 179.
11 Royal linen, straps 168.
12 Royal linen clothes, various, 10.
13 Total of royal linen, clothes 439.
14 Good Southern linen, pieces 2.
15 Good Southern linen, straps 2.
16 Good Southern linen, ropes 234.
17 Good Southern linen, utu 29.
PLATE 63b
1 Southern linen, at 428.
2 Good Southern linen, haumen 1.
3 Good Southern linen, straps 399.
4 Good Southern linen, tunics 37.
5 Good Southern linen, various clothes, 37.
6 Total of good Southern linen, various clothes, 1,216.
7 South linen, caps 23.
8 South linen, bands utu 1.
9 South linen, rolls 218.
10 South linen, at 181.
______
1 Tu.
2 Sta.
3 Atu.
{p.34}
11 South linen, straps 43.
12 South linen, mitres1 49.
13 South linen, tunics 23.
14 South linen, covers 40.
15 Total of South linen, cloths 556.
16 Coloured caps2 60.
17 Coloured clothes3 12.
PLATE 63c
1 Coloured caps 1.
2 Coloured bed cloths, 4.
3 Coloured girdles, 567.
4 Coloured cloths, various, 92.
5 Total of coloured cloths, 736.
6 Total royal linen, Southern linen, coloured linen, various, 347.
7 Nut4 linen, ten 700.
8 Nut crowns, various, 19.
9 Incense, white, amphorae various 601.
10 Honey, jars 567.
11 Oil of Egypt, amphorae 513.
12 Oil of Kharu,5 amphora 542.
13 Palm wine, amphora 1.
14 Red palm wine, amphorae 1.
15 White fat, amphorae 273.
16 Goose fat, amphorae 44.
17 Paints, amphorae 31.
PLATE 64a
1 Pitch oil, amphorae 1.
2 Total of spices, smen 2,688.
3 Spirits, amphorae 134.
4 Spirits, casks 287.
_______
1 Katamam.
2 Tuu.
3 Cf. Ixiii.a, 1. 8.
4 Thread.
5 Syria, Northern Palestine.
{p.35}
5 Wine, meriris 2.
6 Wine, mersa amphorae 2,884.
7 Spirits, wine, drugs, various, 3,247.
8 Total of various spices, 8,975.
9 Drops, karata set in gold, 124.
10 Various stone pectorals, 5,673.
11 Scarabs of stone, various, 1,662.
12 Various stone signets, in drops, 1,643.
13 Various stone sphinxes1 of the living Lord, 557.
14 Various stone holders of the place of the hand,2 62.
15 Turquoise rings (for) the fingers, 6,278.
16 Steatite stone signets, 6,278.
PLATE 64b
1 Crystal bearers of hands, 62.
2 Crystal signets, 4,185.
3 Crystal scarabs, 930.
4 Crystal pectorals, 6,583.
5 Crystal beads, 825,840.
6 Crystal beads in bunches, 31.
7 Crystal rings, 4,247.
8 Lapis lazuli drops, ten 73, kat 3.
9 Turquoise drops, ten 34, kat 3.
10 Jasper rings, 31.
11 Jasper scarabaei, 90.
12 Jaspers, ten 19.
13 Green feldspar, ten 17.
14 Arut3 smat4 35.
15 Crystal, smat 28.
16 Hers5 stone, smat 428.
17 Jasper, smat 4.
______
1 Brugsch Worterbuch, 1313.
2 Bracelets.
3 A kind of stone.
4 A kind of pigment for the eyes or eyebrows, or a quantity.
5 Hers, carnelian.
{p.36}
PLATE 64c
1 Hnqamamu,1 160.
2 All (kinds) of stone, smat 160.
3 Sycamore, tat 496.
4 Figwood, mesta2 3.
5 Tasheps wood, mesta 30.
6 Tasheps wood, bundles 37.
7 Acanthus,3 wood, mesta 2.
8 Palm wood,4 mesta 2.
9 Fodder, mesta 4.
10 Incense, kalaluba 100.
11 Mahati stone, sala, 100.
12 Citron, pomegranates,5 bunches 32.
13 Grapes, bunches 22.
14 Fruits, various, measures 212.
15 Kernels, bunches 3.
PLATE 65a
1 Gum, bushels 2.
2 Green colour, jars 3.
3 Clay, jars 380.
4 Alabaster, white, bundles 72.
5 Alabaster, white, ten 32,500.
6 Dates of the dom palm, kabu 2,548.
7 Mallows, bundles 46,040.
8 Mallows, persa 320.
9 Stone in blocks, 351.
10 Corn, sacks 2,231.
11 Southern grain, baskets 95.
12 Oxen and cattle, various, 1,142.
13 Ox hides, 37.
14 Cedar wood blocks, various, 336.
________
1 An unknown stone.
2 Bunches.
3 Aufita. Spina Ægypti.
4 Nebpata.
5 Menenu.
{p.37}
15 Sycamore sticks, 2.
16 A log of mulberry, ten 100.
PLATE 65b
1 Natron, bricks 3,842.
2 Natron, packets 62.
3 Salt, bricks 4,242.
4 Salt, packets 166.
5 Olives, bushels 1,352.
6 Rutem1 packets 97.
7 Anbu2 packets 99.
8 Grapes, sacks 253.
9 Grapes, crowns 80.
10 Raisins, sacks 66.
11 Fruit, bushels 87.
12 Pash fruit, sebkhi 198.
13 Tenana3 118.
14 Pash fruit, behkens4 194.
15 Water reeds, bundles 390.
PLATE 65c
1 Southern flax, hetps 46.
2 Onions, ropes 37.
3 Fat geese in flocks, 4.
4 Geese, living, 190.
5 Water fowl, pairs 253.
6 Water fowl, trussed, 1,920.
7 Fish, sliced, 6,500.
8 Fish, prepared, 13,100.
9 Dates in bushels, 2,300.
10 Palm trees, 2,300.
11 Fire wood, 200.
12 Charcoal, sacks 50.
_______
1 Juniper.
2 Grapes or raisins.
3 Undetermined fruit.
4 Unknown quantity.
{p.38}
13 Vineyard of grapes, 2.
14 Garden of sycamore trees, 2.
15 A house, prepared with tools, 1.
16 Fields, aronras 1,361.
PLATE 66a
1 The bushels of corn of the divine supplies of the festivals
of the heaven,
2 the festivals of the beginning of the year, which he gave to them besides
3 the divine supplies, continually increasing to double that which was before
4 commencing from the first year to the thirty-first making thirty-one years,
bushels 250,326.
PLATE 66b
1 Hear ye great circle of gods and goddesses let the good
things I have said be in your hearts. When I was King over the country
2 Ruler of the living, let my divine form be as one of you gods of the circle. I
go in (and) come out with them within the Taser.1
3 I pass on I am with you before RA, I regard the rays of his disk at the
morning let me breathe
4 the air as you, and receive the smell of the sacrifices on the altar before
OSIRIS let my heart rejoice listen to what I say
5 establish my son as King on the throne of HORUS, may he be the living Ruler on
earth as Lord of the two countries, placed is the diadem on his head, like the
entire Lord.
6 May he have joined the two urai like TUM. Let him make festivals of thirty
years like TATANEN,2 having the duration of his reign like NEFERHER.3
7 Give him power and strength over all countries who come
______
1 Region of Hades.
2 Title of Ptah.
3 "Handsome face," title of Ptah.
{p.39} by the terror of him with their presents. Give the love of
him
8 in the hearts of the illumined, let the whole earth be rejoiced at his
appearance give him Egypt to be proud, holding
9 joys totally under his sandals for ever and ever! The King of Upper and Lower
Egypt, the Lord of the two countries RA-USER-MA, Approved of AMEN1 the Living.
ADDITIONAL GIFTS
PLATE 67
1 The register of the gods, men, gold, silver, lapis lazuli,
gems, real turquoise, and all real stones,
2 cattle, vineyards, fields, galleys, storehouses, cities, sacrifices,
offerings, the books of the Nile and all the property which gave
3 the King RA-USER-MA, Beloved of AMEN, the Living, the Great God, to his noble
father AMEN-RA, King of the Gods, and TUM, Lord of the two countries of An and
and Haremakhu2
4 PTAH great god of his Southern wall, the Lord of Anktati3 and to all the gods
and goddesses of the South and North, King on earth
5 the processional standards and images, the hearts of AMEN-RA King of the gods,
gods 2,756.
6 Men, persons 113,433.
7 Oxen and various cattle, 490,386.
8 Fields, arouras 1,071,780.
9 Vineyards and gardens, 514.
10 Transports and gallies, 88.
PLATE 68a
1 Towns of Egypt, 160.
2 Towns of Kharu, 4,169.
________
1 Rameses III.
2 Harmachis.
3 Place near Memphis.
4 Syria.
{p.40}
3 The ornaments of the 1556 of the statues and hearts.
4 Best gold, ten 7,205, kat 1.
5 Silver, ten 1,143, kat ¼.
6 Total gold and silver, ten 15,252, kat
½.
7 Real lapis lazuli, ten 47, kat ⅛.
8 Black brass,1 ten 10,000,2
kat 8.
9 Brass in wrought vessels, ten 97,188, kat 3.
10 Lead, ten 8,896.
11 Tin, ten 95.
PLATE 68b
1 Various stones, apts 18, 168, kat 1.
2 Cedar wood blocks,3 various, 328.
3 Persea blocks, various, 4,415.
4 The things, for the use of the workmen, and servants of the abode,
5 temples, and places, which he gave them for their yearly revenue:
6 Best gold of the country, gold of second quality4 in vases, and ornaments
(beaten out),5 ten 2,289, kat 4½.
7 Silver vases (beaten out), ten 14,050, kat
½.
8 Total gold and silver in beaten out vases and ornaments ten 16,339, kat 6½.
9 Gold mixed with precious stone collars, ornaments and crowns, 9.
10 Silver, bordered with gold pectoral plates for THOTH, 1.
11 Copper, ten 27,580.
12 Royal linen, common linen, good Southern linen,
coloured cloths, various, 3,675.
PLATE 69
1 Thread, ten 3,795.
2 Incense, honey, oil, spices, tens amen 1,529.
_______
1 Or Metal, la.
2 Or 10,001.
3 χes, perhaps a length, a "cane."
4 Sep sen, two turns, "refined."
5 Kankan.
{p.41}
3 Spirits, wine, various, jars1 28,080.
4 Silver in things for the use of the men, ten 4,204,
kat 7½ ⅛.
5 Corn, the produce of the labourers, hetps 460,000.
6 Green fodder, bundles 324,750.
7 Flax, bunches 71,000.
8 Water fowl, the produce of shooting and netting, 426,965.
9 Cattle, young cattle, various calves of weight, herds of Egypt, 961.
10 Cattle, young of cattle, bulls various, calves, cattle, the produce of the
land of Kharu,2 19. Total, 968.
11 Living geese for use, 1,920.
12 Cedar arks, boats 12.
13 Acacia boats, the stations at the banks for transporting cattle, barges, arks
78.
PLATE 70a
1 Total of cedar and acacia barks, 90.
2 The things of Egypt, the things of Ta-neter,3 the things of Kharu, the
things of Kush4 and Ut5 for divine offerings in their numerous accounts;
3 gold, silver, real lapis lazuli, real turquoise, all sorts of real precious
stones, bronze or copper;
4 cloth of royal linen, mixed linen, good Southern linen, clothes of dyed linen,
jars, birds, all the property he gave them
5 as gifts of the living Lord, sacrifices, offerings, rolls of the Nile. He was
as King over the land.
6 Best gold, gold of second quality, silver in wrought vases and ornaments,
ten
1,663.
7 Silver vases wrought, ten 3,598, kat 4.
8 Total of gold and silver in wrought vases, ten 5,261,
______
1 Aanu, "spices."
2 Northern Palestine or Syria.
3 Somali.
4 Ethiopia, modern Nubia.
5 The Oasis, or Mareotis.
{p.42}
9 Real lapis lazuli, real turquoise, real green felspar,
ten
30, kat 9⅛.
10 Real lapis lazuli, real turquoise scarabaei, 72.
11 Tamhi1 of the land of Uauat,2 2.
PLATE 70b
1 Black metal, ten 337,
kat 9.
2 Black metal inlaid3 with gold ornaments, 2.
3 Black metal in wrought vases, ten 18,786,
kat 7.
4 Lead, ten 2,130.
5 Gums, ten 7,709.
6 Gums, measures 5½.
7 Wood of gum trees, 1,059.
8 Seed of gum trees, in apts, 200.
9 Royal linen, common linen, good Southern linen, Southern coloured cloths,
various, 50,877.
10 Incense, honey, oil, palm wine, drugs, various,
apts 431,502.
11 Incense, measures 315,130.
12 Incense, cups great 62.
13 Spirits, wine, amphorae and caabs, 228,380.
14 Good manna of Punt,4 ten 300.
15 Manna, clusters 10.
16 All gems, pectorals, scarabaei, signets, cups, various,
175,635.
PLATE 71a
1 Alabaster blocks,5
1.
2 Thread, ten 500.
3 Thread, hanks 19.
4 Blocks trimmed, seats of a galley, 72.
5 Sycamore, ebony sticks, 467.
6 Wood cut for the stand of a balance, 1.
______
1 Unknown gem.
2 The Uauat in Nubia near Syene.
3 Sam, bordered or inlaid.
4 Arabia or Somali.
5 Apap.
{p.43}
7 Snateni wood lances, 1.
8 Persea, cut, two yards, 1.
9 Sycamore seat of a balance, 1.
10 Sycamore sticks,1 2.
11 Cedar, various logs, 351.
12 Palm wood, cassia, ten 3,129.
13 Figs, bundles and clusters 37.
14 Tasheps2 clusters and bundles 843,
ten 20,000.
PLATE 71b
1 Barley of Kharu,3 bushels 45.
2 Ivory tusks, 1.
3 Mestem4 paint,
ten 50.
4 Nekpata5 bunches 167.
5 Auftta,6 bunches 183.
6 Mahaten7 satas 3,100.
7 Samu,8 hetps 1,664.
8 Doum dates, grapes, figs, various fruit in sacks, and various
apts, 2,382,650.
9 Cattle, young of cattle various, bulls, calves, cattle, beasts, 20,602.
10 Leucoryx gazelle, dorcas goats, 367.
11 Fat geese, living geese, water fowl, 353,919.
12 Salt, natron, bushels 1,843.
13 Salt and natron, bricks 355,084.
14 Onions, strings various, 345.
15 Sebekhi9 and pesh10 atenut11 1,944.
PLATE 72
1 Reeds and writing reeds, bundles 7,860.
2 Corn, bushels 46.
_______
1 Het.
2 A red fruit.
3 Northern Palestine or Syria.
4 Stibium.
5 Unknown fruit.
6 Beans.
7 Perhaps a kind of flax.
8 Unknown vegetable.
9 Appears elsewhere as a measure or quantity.
I0 Fragments.
11 Another kind of fragment or portion.
{p.44}
3 Best bread, offering bread, great tails, phallus bread,
various, baskets 116,287.
4 Best bread, viands, fodder, malt, great heteps for the show place,
heteps
gilded, heteps for eating, 25,335.
5 Best bread, great loaves of bread for eating, loaves of barley bread, loaves
of each kind, 6,272,431.
6 Food of all kinds, bushels 285,385.
7 Beer, vases various, 486,303.
8 Oil jars, pints 1,736.
9 Wax, ten 3,100.
10 Shaut1
khitana2 corn Southern, bushels 309,215.
11 Grapes, raisins, sacks 866.
12 Papyrus for sandals, yards 15,110.
13 Papyrus roots, apt 26,782.
14 Dates, bushels 930.
15 Flax, hanks 150.
PLATE 73
1 Leather for sandals, 3,720.
2 Pottery3 vases for wells, 9,610.
3 Fish, various, 490,000.
4 Pottery for ponds with fish having wooden bowls, 440.
5 Vegetables, flowers, grass papyrus, fodder seeds, handful I9,130,302.
6 Land prepared for olives, making arouras 10,003½.
7 Orchards of all sorts of trees, prepared, 6.
8 Places for cutting wood, 1.
9 Fire wood, blocks 1.
10 Charcoal, masor 3,367.
11 Incense, honey, oil, hair oil, fat, fruits, all kinds, fodder, milk, jars
various, 1,933,766.
12 Gold, silver, real stones, images of HAPI4
nusa 48,236.
________
1 Kind of or portion of corn.
2 Kind of grain.
3 Karh, the modern gooleh, or water vase, here used for pottery in general.
4 The Nile god.
{p.45}
13 Real lapis lazuli, real turquoise, precious stone, lead,
stone vases, statues of the HAPI,1 193,370.
14 Sycamore figures of HAPI, and REPA the wife of HAPI, 12,158.
15 Stone, abu2 31,650.
16 Stone abanu3 bunches 60.
PLATE 74
1 Mensh stone, jars 3.
2 Khenti4 sent5 380.
3 Emerald,6 bunches 72.
4 Emerald, kat 32,500.
5 Nifu flowers, bundles 46,040.
6 Nifu flowers, pessas 310.
7 Banni7 stone, besa8 351.
8 Hides of oxen, 37.
9 Fig flowers, 2,300.
10 Hair of the palm, 2,300.
11 Corn, bushels, divine supplies of the festivals of the heaven, festivals of
the beginning of the year which he gave to these gods
12 in addition to the divine offerings, in addition by daily increase to
redouble what was before, bushels 5,279,552.
HISTORICAL PART9
PLATE 75
1 Said the King the Son of the Sun RA-USER-MA, Beloved of
AMEN, the Living, the Great God, to the Chiefs, the leaders of the land, the
infantry and cavalry, the Sharu-tana,10 numerous mercenaries
_______
1 The god of the Nile.
2 Measure or shape.
3 Kind of stone or gem.
4 A kind of paint or mineral.
5 Drop-shaped jars like the Greek alabastos.
6 Kassa, alabaster rather, as kasem is emerald if kassa is not a grain.
7 A valuable kind of stone. Coptic bnoni.
8 Seats.
9 Trans. Soc. Bib. Arch., vol. V, part 2, p. 355.
10 Sardinian mercenaries who preceded at this early period the Greek in the
Egyptian service.
{p.46}
2 and all the natives of the land of Tameri,1 listen to what
I tell you of my meritorious works which I performed as King of mortals. The
land of Kami2
3 had fallen into confusion every one was doing what he wished, they had no
superior for many years who had priority over the others. The land of Egypt was
4 under Chiefs of nomes, each person killing the other for ambition and
jealousy. Other events coming after it distressing years, A-AR-SU a Kharu3
5 amongst them as Chief. He placed the whole country in subjection before him,
one assembled his companions. Then were abused the things done to the gods as
for
6 men, no offerings were made in the interior of temples, the gods were
overthrown and laid upon the ground, he did according to his wish and plan.
7 They4 set up their son who emanates from their limbs to be the living Ruler
of every land in their place the great RA-USER-SHAU, the Approved of the Sun,
the Living, Son of the Sun, RA, SETNEKHT5 the Dearly beloved of AMMON, the
Living.
8 He was as KHEPRA,6 SET,7 when he is indignant, he adjusted the whole land
which was in insurrection, he slaughtered the abominable who were in the land of Tameri, was purified
9 the great throne of Kami. He was living Ruler of both countries. He took
trouble to set up what was perverted. Each one recognised his brother who were
separated as by a wall.
10 He set up temples with divine supplies for offerings to the company of the
gods according to the regulations. He
______
1 Northern Egypt.
2 Egypt in general.
3 A Syrian, of Northern Palestine.
4 The gods.
5 Or Nekhtset; but Setnekht resembles Amennekht, which is found.
6 Creator god, form of Ra the sun.
7 Typhon.
{p.47}
promoted me for the noble heir in the place of SEB.1 I became great head of the lands of Kami2 commanding
PLATE 76
1 the entire land assembled in one place. He was setting in
its horizon as the company of the gods. They
had made it for him, rowed in his royal boat upon the river.
2 He descended to his abode of eternity in the Western Uas.3 Was father AMEN,
the Lord of the gods, RA, TUM, PTAH the handsome face, crowning me as Lord of
the two countries, in place of my progenitor. I received the title of my father
3 with joy. The land was in peace. It was rejoicing at the offerings. They
rejoiced at seeing me living Ruler of the two countries like HORUS who rules the
two lands in place of OSIRIS, crowned
4 in the Atef crown having the uraeus, I put on the sacred crown of two plumes,
like TATANEN,4 thou art seated on the throne of HORUS, Lord of the two horizons,5 thou art adorned with ornaments like TUM.
5 I made Ta-meri6 to be with numerous youths, with Officers of the palace,
great Chiefs of the armies, and cavalry numerous as millions, Sharutana7
6 and Kahaka88 without number with subjects by tens of thousands of Tameri I
enlarged the frontiers of Egypt on all sides, I overthrew those who invaded them
in their
7 lands I slaughtered the Taanau9 in their islands, the Thakaru,10 the Pulusata,11 making to be consumed the Sharutana, the Uashesh12 of the sea.
________
1 Saturn, or Chronos.
2 Egypt in general.
3 Gournah.
4 Ptah, Lord of Memphis.
5 Harmachis.
6 Northern Egypt.
7 Sardinian mercenaries who preceded at this early period the Greek in the
Egyptian service.
8 Unknown people in Egyptian service.
9 Dauni or Danai.
10 Teucrians.
11 Pelasgi, or Philistines.
12 Osci.
{p.48}
8 They were made as if they were not existing, captured at
once and led in captivity to Egypt like the sands of the shore. I enclosed them
in a fortress fettered in my name, numerous were
9 their youth like hundreds of thousands, I compelled them entirely (to bear
tribute of) clothes, and corn in the treasuries and granaries every year. I made
an attack on the Sa-a-ru,1 of the tribes of
10 the Shasu2 I spoiled their villages of men and things, cattle also, bound
and led them captive as tribute to Egypt.
11 l gave them to the gods as slaves for the temple. Lo I look that you see the
other events which happened in Egypt under my government. The Rubu3 and
PLATE 77
1 Mashuash4 were seated in Kami5 they took the cities on
the Western side from Ha-ka-ptah6 as far as Karbana reaching the great river on
its entire side
2 for they had captured the town of Kaukut.7 For many years they were in Egypt.
Lo I routed and slaughtered them at once overthrowing
3 the Mashuash, the Rubu, the Merbasat,8 the Kaikasha,9 the Shai,10 the Hasa,11 the Bakana,12 killing them, in their blood making like heaps.
4 I made them retreat over the confines of Egypt, I brought the remains from my
sword13 as numerous captives flying like fowl before horses, their wives and
children as tens of thousands,
5 their cattle in number as hundreds of thousands. I
________
1 Mount Seir.
2 The Shos or shepherds.
3 Libyans.
4 Maxyes.
5 Egypt.
6 Memphis.
7 Northern Heropolis.
8 Unknown.
9 Hellenic or Libyan race like the Achaioi.
10 Unknown people.
11 Unknown people.
12 Unknown people.
13 What was left alive from my sword.
{p.49} seized their Captains in a fortress in my name. I made the Chiefs of the bowmen,
I gave to them the great men of the tribes, branded,1 made
6 slaves, of the ships in my name, their women and children I treated in the
same manner. I brought their cattle to the house of AMEN given to him as a herd
for eternity.
7 I made a very large well in the land of Aina. It is enclosed by a wall like a
mountain of granite of 20 square feet on the basis 30 cubits high like a tower.
Its doorpost
8 made of cedar wood, their locks of bronze with bolts. I built large vessels
and transports, all equipped with numerous workmen, and many servants. Their
9 Captains of ships on them with surveyors and labourers to provide them with
the products of Kami2 without number, sailing away on the great sea
10 of the waters of Kat,3 they set out for the land of Punt,4 no mischief
happens to them arriving safe. Laden are the ships and transports with all the
products of T-aneter5
11 with all the unknown marvels of their land, the numerous spices of Punt
laden as thousands innumerable. The nobility of Ta-neter going at the head of
their tributes
12 in the direction of Kami. They depart, they arrive at the land of Kaba,6
they anchor in peace with the products they carried. Discharged on the landing
on asses, on men, and loaded in
13 boats on the river and canals of Kaba, they come with averted faces,7
arriving with festivals having brought their tribute like marvels their nobility
adoring my face,
PLATE 78
1 smelling the ground, prostrated before me. I gave
_______
1 Abu, burnt in some way and then converted into slaves.
2 Egypt.
3 Either the Red Sea or "water encircling the land."
4 Regio Barbarica, Somali.
5 Southern Arabia, or Socotora.
6 Coptos.
7 Or sailing on them.
{p.50} them to the circle of all the gods of this country to satisfy
their priorities every morning. I sent out messengers
2 to the land of Ataka1 for the great foundries of copper which are in that
place. Their transport vessels were loaded, having the rest by conveyance on
their
3 asses. (Such) has not been heard of since there were kings. Having found their
foundries (they were) loaded with ore, loaded as tens of thousands on their
ships of burthen.
4 They moved along with their faces to Egypt arriving safely. The cargo was
piled up in the magazines in
bricks of ore as it were hundreds of thousands they were of the colour
5 of gold. I let the people see them like marvels. I sent Officers and Chiefs to
the land of Mafka2 of my
mother ATHOR mistress of turquoises carrying to her silver, gold, linen mixed
linen things
6 numerous like the sand. There were brought to me marvels of real turquoises in
numerous bags carried before me not to be seen again
8 while there are kings. I made to be planted the entire land with trees in
leaf. I let the people sit in their shade. I let walk
9 the woman of Ta-mera at great pace3 to the place she wished, no wretch or
persons molested her in the way. I made to repose the infantry and cavalry
10 in my time the Sharutana,4 and Kahaka5 in their towns laying down the
length of (their) backs. They were not on the look out, they did not attack
_________
1 Unknown land, perhaps Taqa in Ethiopia.
2 The land of the Turquoise, or Mount Sinai, especially the Sarbit el Khadem.
3 Rat uskh, "feet extended," go along out of doors.
4 Sardinian mercenaries.
5 Libyan mercenaries.
{p.51}
11 Kush,1 the enemies of Kharu.2 (Their) bows (and) arms
reposed in their arsenals. They ate and drank in jubilee,
12 their wives with them, and their children at their side they did not look
behind them their hearts were pleased. I was amongst them, a protector defending
their limbs
13 I gave the whole land to live the inferiors, the intelligent, mankind, the
illumined, men as well as women I released a person from his offence, I gave to
him breath.
PLATE 79
1 I delivered him from the force weighing heavily upon him. I
put every man in his way3 in their towns. I let
the others live in the halls of the gate4
2 I set right the land afresh which was retrograding. The land was well
satisfied under my reign. I did well to gods and men also.
3 There was nothing coming to me from any person. I made my reign on earth as
Ruler of the two countries. You were the slaves under my feet, I did not
trample. You are
4 excellent in my heart as your presents.5 You are fulfilling my orders and my
words. Lo I go down to
Akert6 like father RA.7
5 I join the circle of the gods in heaven, earth and depths AMEN-RA places my
son on my seat he receives my dignities in peace as Chief of the two lands
sitting on the throne of HORUS and Lord of the two worlds join the atef crown
6 like TATUNEN,8 RA-USER-MA-SOTEP-EN-AMEN, the Living
____________
1 Ethiopia.
2 Syria.
3 Maten, possibly "at ease."
4 Sbau, or depth, "each man in his porch."
5 "In conformity to my presents."
6 The lower regions.
7 The setting sun.
8 Ptah or Patah.
{p.52} the first-born son of RA who begat himself RAMESES-HEK-MA-MER-AMEN1
the Living
7 the Beloved son of AMEN, issuing from his body crowned as Lord of the two
lands like TATUNEN2 he is the true approved by his father. Adhere to his sandals
8 smell the ground before him, stoop to him, serve him at every time, adore him,
implore him, magnify his goodness as you do
9 to RA3 every morning, offer your tributes to him at his splendid palace.
Conduct to him the blessings of lands, and nations who are full of his words
10 and his orders. These are taken by you as a treasure which is a precept. You
are safe under his spirits. Work for him as one head in all his toils carrying
monuments for him, digging for him
11 canals. Oh make for him the works of your hands, acquire his favour by his
supplies daily. AMEN has
ordered to him his kingdom upon earth, he multiplies his time of life
12 more than any King the King of Upper and Lower Egypt the Lord of both lands
RA-USER-MA-SOTEP-EN-AMEN, the Living, the Son of RA, Lord of Diadems RAMESES-HEK-MA-MER-AMON,
the Living, giving life in eternity.
_______
1 Rameses IV.
2 Ptah or Patah.
3 Here the rising sun.
{p.53}
ABSTRACT OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN
A CASE OF CONSPIRACY IN THE TIME OF RAMESES III
TRANSLATED BY
P. LE P. RENOUF.
THE following is the translation of a hieratic text contained
in a papyrus belonging to the Royal Museum at Turin, and known to scholars under
the title of Le Papyrus Judicaire de Turin, given to it by M. Deveria, who first
published it in the Journal Asiatique of 1865, with a translation and
dissertation extending over several numbers of the journal. The whole has also
appeared as a separate publication. The document is unfortunately imperfect;
the first page, which certainly set forth the nature of the case, being almost
entirely destroyed. This defect is the more to be lamented because the pages
which have been preserved throw but little light upon the nature of the crimes
of the accused {p.54} persons. There was undoubtedly a conspiracy against the
person of the sovereign, but we are left in the dark as to the kind of mischief
intended by the conspirators. The text abounds in other difficulties which our
present imperfect acquaintance with Egyptian archaeology does not enable us to
overcome. One of the criminals, for instance, is "Fan-bearer of the Auit." I
confess that I do not yet know of any satisfactory translation of the word Auit,
which represents a corporation of some kind. M. Deveria connected the word with
the notion of slaughter, but M. Chabas has shown how utterly erroneous is this
supposition. Nor am I able to explain the exact nature of the Pa-chent, which
was apparently a part of the royal palace or court. It is certainly a gross
error to translate the word by "harem," as M. Deveria has done. "Women of the
Pa-chent" no more imply an Egyptian harem than "Ladies of the Bedchamber" imply
an English institution of the same nature. We must be content for the present
with leaving certain Egyptian words untranslated, till we are sure that the
right English equivalent has been discovered.
The most faulty portion of M. Deveria's translation is the royal declaration at
the commencement.
{p.55}
According to it Rameses handed the accused over to a
tribunal, not for trial but for execution, as if the judges were but the
instruments of the despot's arbitrary will. M. Chabas has, in a most valuable
dissertation on the subject (Melanges Egyptologiques, 3ème series,
1ère livraison), shown that such a translation is in direct opposition to the
original text, according to which the Egyptian monarch, far from asserting the
criminality of the accused, declares that "as to the talk which men hold he
knows it not," that the judges are to find out the truth, to punish the guilty,
but to beware of inflicting chastisement upon those who do not deserve it.
The name of one of the criminals, the major-domo, Paibakakamen, occurs on a
contemporary document of which three fragments remain.1 This latter text, which
was also an abstract of criminal proceedings, dealt with a case of sorcery. A
book of magic receipts, wax figures and love charms are mentioned, and a hand is
said to have been paralyzed. Paibakakamen is named as having received the wax
figures and prescriptions for paralyzing human limbs.
________
1 Two of these fragments are called the Lee Papyrus, and a facsimile of them is
given in Sharpe's Egyptian Inscriptions, part II., plates 87 and 88. The third
is called the Papyrus Rollin, and the facsimile of it was published by M. Deveria, in his dissertation on the Turin Papyrus.
{p.56}
It will be remarked that no less than three of the persons
named in the earlier part of the following document as members of the judicial
commission (Paibasat, the scribe Mai, and the fan-bearer Hora) appear later on
in the position of accomplices in the conspiracy, and are condemned to death.
The expression au-f mut-nef t'esef, which I have translated "he suffered
death," is a very remarkable one. The pronoun t'esef has a reflexive force, and
very emphatically marks the agent of the deed or the efficient cause of the
state expressed by the verb. As χeper t'esef
signifies αύτογενής,
"self-existent," so mut t'esef has the sense of
αύτοθανατος, "dying by one's
own hand."
The grammatical reasons are sufficient to convince me that all the criminals
here condemned to death suffered by their own hand. There ought, surely, to be
nothing startling in this if we remember that in the most civilized state of
Greece (and indeed of all antiquity) persons condemned to death were ordinarily
obliged to be their own executioners.
{p.57}
ABSTRACT OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN A CASE OF CONSPIRACY
PAGE 2
1 Those whom the land accuseth I give them in charge of the
Overseer of the Treasury MENTU-EM-TAUI, the Overseer of the Treasury PAIF-RE-UT,
2 the Fanbearer KARE, the Comptroller PAIBASAT, the Comptroller KATENTEN, the
Comptroller BARMAHAR,
3 the Comptroller PA-ARISENNU, the Comptroller TAHUTI-RECH-NEFER, the royal
Reporter PEN-RENNU, the Scribe MAI,
4 the Scribe PA-RA-EM-HEB of the Library, HORA the Fan-bearer of the Auit;
5 to wit: As to the talk which men hold I know it not; go ye and judge them,
6 going and judging and inflicting death upon their bodies who have inflicted
death with their hand.
7 I know them not ...1 and chastising the others
.... in very truth I know
them not. Now then
8 go .... take heart and beware of inflicting chastisement
9 upon ....2
________
1 Lacunae.
2 The gap here destroys the context. M. Chabas translates, "Gardez vous de
faire chatier quiconque serait prevenu de delit. Et sur qui cela ne tombe pas,
relativement à 'eux. Ne resistez pas."
{p.58}
PAGE 3
1 As to all that hath been done, those who have done it,
2 let all that they have done be upon their head.
3 I am a protector and a defender for ever. I am
4 with the Kings of Justice who are in presence of
5 AMEN-RA, the King of the gods and in presence of the watchful one, the
everlasting King.
PAGE 4
1 Persons brought up for the high crimes which they had
committed and presented at the seat of judgment in presence of the high
magistrates of the seat of judgment in order that they should be judged by the
Overseer of the Treasury MENTU-EM-TAUI, the Overseer of the Treasury PAIF-RE-UT,
the Fanbearer KARE, the Comptroller PAIBASAT, the Comptroller KATENTEN, the
Comptroller BARMAHAR, the Comptroller PAARISENNU, the Scribe MAI, the Scribe
PA-RA-EM-HEB of the Library, HORA the Fanbearer of the Auit, who judged them and
found them guilty and caused their chastisements to be inflicted upon them and
their crimes were done away with.1
2 The great criminal PAI-BAKAKAMEN, a Major-domo. He was brought up on account
of his offence which he committed for the sake of TAIA and the women of the
Chent. He had made one with them. He had carried abroad their words to their
mothers and sisters who were there to stir up men and incite malefactors to do
wrong to their Lord. He was presented before the great Magistrates of the seat
of judgment. They investigated his crimes and found the verdict, that he had
committed them and that
______
1 Expiated. (?)
{p.59} his crimes had been consummated by him. The Magistrates who
judged him caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
3 The great criminal MEST-SU-RA, a Comptroller. He was brought up on account of
his offence which he committed for the sake of PAI-BAKA-KAMEN, the Major-domo,
with the women in stirring up malefactors to do wrong to their Lord. He was
presented before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They
investigated his crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and
that his crimes had been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him
caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
4 The great criminal PA-AN-AUK, royal Overseer of the royal: of the Pa-chent on
service. He was brought up for having made one with PAI-BAKA-KAMEN and MEST-SU-RA.
He was presented before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They
investigated his crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and
that his crimes had been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him
caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
5 The great criminal PEN-TUAUU, royal Scribe of the Pa-chent on service. He was
brought up for having made one with PAI-BAKA-KAMEN and MEST-SU-RA, and the other
criminal Overseer of the royal1 and the women of the Pa-chent. He was presented
before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They investigated his
crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and that his crimes had
been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him caused his punishment to
be inflicted upon him.
6 The great criminal PA-NIFU-EMTA-AMEN Examiner of the
______
1 The sign which occurs here is doubtful.
{p.60} Pa-chent on service. He was brought up for giving ear to the
conversation held by the men conspiring with the women of the Pa-chent and not
bringing it forward against them. He was presented before the great Magistrates
of the seat of judgment. They investigated his crimes and found the verdict,
that he had committed them and that his crimes had been consummated by him. The
Magistrates who judged him caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
7 The great criminal KARPUSA Examiner of the Pa-chent on service. He was brought
up for giving ear to the conversation held by the men conspiring with the women
of the Pa-chent and not bringing it forward against them. He was presented
before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They investigated his
crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and that his crimes had
been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him caused his punishment to
be inflicted upon him.
8 The great criminal CHA-EM-APT Examiner of the Pa-chent
on service. He was brought up for giving ear to the conversation held by the men conspiring with
the women of the Pa-chent and not bringing it forward against them. He was
presented before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They
investigated his crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and
that his crimes had been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him
caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
9 The great criminal CHA-EM-MAA-EN-RE Examiner of the Pa-chent on service. He
was brought up for giving ear to the conversation held by the men conspiring
with the women of the Pa-chent and not bringing it forward against them. He was
presented before the great Magistrates of {p.61} the seat of judgment. They investigated his crimes and found
the verdict, that he had committed them and that his crimes had been consummated
by him. The Magistrates who judged him caused his punishment to be inflicted
upon him.
10 The great criminal SETI-EM-PA-TAHUTI Examiner of the Pa-chent on service. He
was brought up for giving ear to the conversation held by the men conspiring
with the women of the Pa-chent and not bringing it forward against them. He was
presented before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They
investigated his crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and
that his crimes had been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him
caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
11 The great criminal SETI-EM-PA-AMEN Examiner of the Pa-chent on service. He
was brought up for giving ear to the conversation held by the men conspiring
with the women of the Pa-chent and not bringing it forward against them. He was
presented before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They
investigated his crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and
that his crimes had been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him
caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
12 The great criminal UARMA, a Comptroller. He was brought up for having given
ear to what was said by the Major-domo. He turned away from it but concealed it
and did not report it. He was presented before the great Magistrates of the seat
of judgment. They investigated his crimes and found the verdict, that he had
committed them and that his crimes had been consummated by him. The Magistrates
who judged him caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
{p.62}
13 The great criminal ASH-HEBS-HEB a servant of
PAI-BAKA-KAMEN. He was brought up for having given ear to what was said by
PAI-BAKA-KAMEN, he conversed with him, and did not report it. He was presented
before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They investigated his
crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and that his crimes had
been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him caused his punishment to
be inflicted upon him.
14 The great criminal PA-RAKA Comptroller and Scribe of the double house of
life. He was brought up for his offence which he committed for the sake of
PAI-BAKA-KAMEN, for he heard words from him but did not report them. He was
presented before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They
investigated his crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and
that his crimes had been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him
caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
15 The great criminal REBU-ININI, a Comptroller. He was brought up for his
offence which he committed for the sake of PAI-BAKA-KAMEN for he heard words
from him but did not report them. He was presented before the great Magistrates
of the seat of judgment. They investigated his crimes and found the verdict,
that he had committed them and that his crimes had been consummated by him. The
Magistrates who judged him caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
PAGE 5
1 The wives of the men of the gates of the Pa-chent when in
company with the men had communication in words. They were brought up before the
high Magistrates {p.63} of the seat of justice who found them guilty and caused their
chastisements to be inflicted upon them.
2 The great criminal PAI-ARI-SELMA Overseer of the Treasury. He was brought up
for his offence which he committed for the sake of the great criminal PEN-HUI-BAN; he had made one with him in inciting malefactors to do wrong to their Lord. He
was presented before the great Magistrates of the seat of judgment. They
investigated his crimes and found the verdict, that he had committed them and
that his crimes had been consummated by him. The Magistrates who judged him
caused his punishment to be inflicted upon him.
3 The great criminal BAN-EM-US ET, Captain of archers of Ethiopia. He was
brought up on account of the message which had been sent by his sister of the
Pa-chent on service, to this effect, Incite the men to commit crime, and do thou
thyself come to do wrong to thy Lord. He was presented before KATENTEN, BARMAHAR,
PAARI-SENNU, TAHUTI-RECH-NEFER, who judged him and found him guilty and caused
his chastisement to be inflicted on him.
4 Persons brought up for their crimes and offences which they committed for the
sake of PAI-BAKA-KAMEN, PAI-AS, and PEN-TA-URA. They were presented before the
high Magistrates who judged them and found them guilty and disposed of them in
the place of judgment. They suffered death,1 no expiation was made for them.
5 The great criminal PAI-AS, Captain of archers; the great criminal MESSUI,
Scribe of the Double House of Life; the great criminal PA-RA-KAMEN-EF, superior
Officer; the great criminal I-ARI, Overseer of the libations of Sechet; the
great criminal NEB-TEFAU, Comptroller; the great criminal SHAT-M ESTER, Scribe
of the Double House of Life.
________
1 On this expression see the last paragraph of the introductory notice.
{p.64}
6 Persons brought up for their crimes to the seat of justice
before KATENTEN, BARMAHAR, PA-ARI-SENNU, TAHUTI-RECH-NEFER (MERTI-US-AMEN), who
judged them for their crimes, and found them guilty and disposed of them at the
place. They suffered death.
7 PEN-TA-URA, who is also called by another name. He was brought up on account
of his offence which he committed for the sake of TAIA his mother, when she
communicated words with the women of the Pa-chent with intent of doing wrong to
his Lord. He was presented before the Comptrollers that he might be judged, who
found him guilty and disposed of him at his place. He suffered death.
8 The great criminal HAN-UTEN-AMEN, a Comptroller. He was brought up on account
of the crimes of the women of the Pa-chent. He was on the premises and heard,
but did not make a report. He was presented before the Comptrollers to be
judged, who found him guilty, and disposed of him at his place. He suffered
death.
9 The great criminal AMEN-CHAU, Tennu1 of the Pa-chent on service. He was
brought up on account of the crimes of the women of the Pa-chent. He was on the
premises and heard but did not make a report. He was presented before the
Comptrollers to be judged, who found him guilty and disposed of him at his
place. He suffered death.
10 The great criminal PA-ARIU, Scribe of the royal of the Pa-chent on service.
He was brought up on account of the crimes of the women of the Pa-chent. He was
on the premises and heard but did not make a report. He was presented before the
Comptrollers to be judged, who found him guilty and disposed of him at his
place. He suffered death.
_______
1 Tennu is the title of an officer of exalted rank.
{p.65}
PAGE 6
1 Persons who suffered punishment by amputation of noses and
ears in consequence of the failure of the favourable evidence which they have
given. The women departed, and arrived at the place where they now are and where
they make a beer-house1 together with PA-AS, and their crimes are done away
with.
2 The great criminal PAIBASAT, a Comptroller. The chastisement was inflicted
upon him, and he was disposed of. He suffered death.
3 The great criminal MAI, a Scribe of the Library.
4 The great criminal TAIA-NECHTUTA, Officer of the Auait.
5 The great criminal NANAI, Superior of the Se-ashtu.
6 A person one with them who prevaricated with very evil words. He was disposed
of, and no expiation was made for him.
7 The great criminal HORA, Fanbearer of the Auait.
_______
1 Sic. This was their occupation in penal servitude. Instead of
heket, "beer,"
M. Deveria reads heker which he translates "torture."
{p.67}
INSCRIPTIONS OF THE GOLD MINES AT RHEDESIEH AND KUBAN
TRANSLATED BY
S. BIRCH, LL. D.
THE inscriptions relative to the gold mines at Rhedesieh consist of those inscribed on the walls of the temple at that site which is at present called Wady-Abbas. They have been published by Lepsius, Denkmaeler aus Aegvpten imd Aethwpen, Abth. III., Bl. 139-141, partly translated by M. Chabas, Les Inscriptiones des Mines d'or, 4to., Paris, 1862, and are of the age of Seti I of the XIXth Dynasty, and dated in his ninth year. The other inscription is on a tablet found at Kuban on the Eastern bank of the Nile, opposite Dekkeh the ancient Pselcis, Kuban being the old Contra Pselcis, a fortified post commenced by Amenemha III and continued till the reign of Rameses XIII. It was published by M. Prisse d'Avesnnes, Monuments Egyptiens, pl. xxi, {p.68} and is at Uriage in France, the chateau of Cte. St. Ferriol. Translations of this tablet have been published by Birch, Archceologia, xxxiv. p. 357, M. Chabas, Une Inscription Historiqne de Seti I, 4to., Chalons-sur-Saone, 1856, and in the Inscriptions des Mines d'or already cited. The inscription is thirty-eight lines, and the tablet of sandstone is about five feet high. The tablet is vaulted, and has two scenes above, representing Rameses II offering to Horus, lord of the town of Bak or Aboccis, and to Khem, resident in the hill or mountain, the district being called "the countries towards the mountains." The text possesses great interest on account of its throwing considerable light upon the relations of Egypt on its Southern frontiers, and the precautions taken to secure access to the gold mines, the same as to the supposed emerald mines of Zabarah, to which a series of stations conducted from Redesieh to the East, the site and plan on the papyrus closely resembling the locality as figured by Cailliaud, Voyage a I' Oasis de Thebes, fo., Paris, 1821, pl. 1. I.
{p.69}
INSCRIPTION OF SETI I AT RHEDESIEH
Lepsius, Denkmaler, iii., 140 b.
1 THE 9th year the 28th day of the month Tybi, of the reign
of the living RA, HAREMAKHU,1 the Strong Bull, crowned in Uas,2 giving life to
the Upper and Lower country, Lord of the vulture and uraeus diadem,3 the Born
again, the prevailing scimitar, pursuer of the Nine bows,4 the Golden Hawk,
repeater of diadems,5 strong over the bows6 of all countries, the King of
Upper and Lower Egypt, RA-MA-MEN, Son of the Sun, SETI, Beloved of AMEN, Ever
living. That day the King was engaged about the countries situated on the side
of the mountains, his heart wished
2 to see the mines whence the gold is brought. When the King went up there with
those acquainted with the water courses ....7 he made a halt on the road to
meditate quietly in his heart he said (there is) no road without water it is a
place
3 where travellers succumb to the parchings of their throats. Where is the place
that they can quench their thirst? the country is distant the region is vast.
The man overtaken by thirst cries out " Land of perdition." They come
4 to acquit towards me their obligations I will
make for them the action of allowing them to live. They will offer a worship to
my name in the course of years: they will come and their generations to come
will be as charmed as I am on account of my power for I am regarding the ....
5 of those around me. When the King had said these
__________
1 Harmachis.
2 The Thebaid.
3 The vulture represented Neneb or Nishm or the goddess Eileithyia, the Upper
country; the uraeus serpent Uati or Buto, the Delta, or Lower country.
4 Put, or the Libyans.
5 Or else mes, "the second of those born."
6 Or foreigners, the Petti or Phut.
7 Lacunae.
{p.70} words in his heart he elevated himself in the country seeking
a place to make there an august sanctuary containing a god, to render worship,
and address prayers to him. He was pleased to assemble the workmen
6 working the stone to establish there a cistern on the mountains in the desire
of sustaining the fainting, in supplying him fresh water at the time of heat, in
summer. Then he founded this place in the great name of RA-MA-MEN.
7 The water came there in great abundance like the
abime of Kerti1 of Abu.2
His Majesty said The god has heard my prayers, the water has come to me out of
the mountains by the gods, the road which wanted water is made excellent during
my reign,
8 (it) does good to the pasturages of the shepherds. The king doubled the length
of the land every time he extended his arms3 It suits my heart by order of god
to establish a town and an august
9 sanctuary in the midst of it, a town containing a temple, and I will construct
the sanctuary in this place in the great name of my fathers the gods, who have
made my words firm, and my name prosperous going round the nations. Then His
Majesty ordered
10 that orders should be given to the superintendent of the royal masons who
were with him and the sacred sculptors: it was made in an excavation in the
mountain, a temple thus ... The god RA was placed in his sanctuary,
PTAH and OSIRIS in the great hall HORUS, Isis and RA-MA-MEN4 as parhedral gods
11 in this temple. When the monument was finished the King came to adore his
fathers the gods.
________
1 Locks, caverns, holes, perhaps a well or wells, where the Hapi, or source of
the Nile, was thought to be.
2 Elephantine, the Ivory Island.
3 Lacunae.
4 Seti I, of which Ramamen is the prenomen. The Ta-ha Ra-ma-men, "temple of Seti I,"
and the Ta-humt Ra-ma-men, "well or tank of Seti I."
SECOND INSCRIPTION AT RHEDESIEH
Lepsius, Denkmaler, iii., 140 d.
1 THE King of Upper and Lower Egypt RA-MEN-MA, Son of the
Sun, SET: Beloved of PTAH says to his fathers Kings of Upper Egypt, Kings of
Lower Egypt, Rulers, mortals oh listen to me Superintendents of troops1 of Tameri:2 I call on you to hear
2 the joyous things I call you ....3 I have loved each of your turns has been
recompensed as if you were gods all has been reckoned by me as the company of
the gods. I have said this at the return of my conveyers of the washers of gold
to my temple, that it should be brought
3 to the temple of (AMEN) ... my temple. Gold are
the limbs of the gods not after yours. Ye are ....
ye say the words of the Sun at his beginning to say My tint is of pure gold like
AMEN the Lord of my temple
4 the name .... his two eyes were upon his things. They do not wish to take
possession of them. Ye keep guard against men invading them, because it is to
him like a place a taste of which gives
5 joy ... should he take the turn if another he is placed behind to do the same
injured in return for injury. There is no sure turn of fraud. (Says)
6 the King (I wish) to let you know I have set this
road in order to keep you well. I have made the transport of the gold washings
....
7 in my name .... in .... I make the convoy anew of the peasants certain
under me. I did not bring new
convoyers
________
1 Bowmen or mercenaries.
2 Egypt.
3 Lacunae.
{p.72}
8 ...1 (the account) of the work of my principal temple by the
gangs of my temple. Let every King who will be hereafter augment my work
9 make firm .... his ...... bringing his work to the temple of
RA-MA-MEN2 to gild all their divine types,3 making AMEN, HARMACHIS, PTAH,
10 TANEN.4 Are
.... strengthening their hand they rule the lands with
mildness, they overthrow Tesher5 and Kenus.6 Their worship is firm their
supplies increased. He satiates
11 those on earth. Hear me, I made a well.
When I say in grief should any King who is to be destroy my plans, let him tell
the lands under my jurisdiction. I am their King, as are they
12 to him: a bad turn (after) the gods protected what has been
.... in Annu7 in .... to them to answer for
their things and their words as the heat of the flame of a lamp their limbs
(should be) annihilated8
13 should I have found them to vexing and afflicting my plans, let him be placed
at the block of punishment of the gate r your things. May he be saved void of
offence ... to one and another .....
14 the heart of the gods comes and rests with him, for should there be any Chief
who is, he will approach the King with him, he gives his good order to set up
all that is done in my name. I the god give him to be blessed on earth he
reaches in peace
15 bringing for his worship, for every Chief who is approaching the heart of his
Lord to save persons given for others executed for evil intentions its spark
burns his limbs, the firelight
_________
1 Lacunae.
2 Seti I.
3 The as'em, or "hawk type."
4 Or Tatanen, the usual or portrait type of Ptah.
5 The desert.
6 Nubia.
7 Heliopolis.
8 Apparently a curse.
{p.73}
16 devours his members, because His Majesty made the whole of
these for their worship the gods of my temple. Abominates the god he who takes
away his men. He has not 'turned back an afflicting hand except the convoyers
17 of the washings of gold. I made the temple of RA-MEN-MA1 to be protected
safe. It has not been weakened by any of the men who are in this land by any
Commander of the troops of the gold, by any officer of the country. Should there
be anyone who will take men from them
18 placed at the seat shall make him the gods and goddesses Lords of my temple
guarding me in battle every hour in the as furniture2 under their feet for an
age and ever. Except those who are the conveyers of the gold washings of the
temple
19 of RA-MEN-MA in his hand to offer a portion of the gold working to the temple
of RA-MEN-MA. Let every one be dumb at the tablet of OSIRIS placed behind it.3
His wife Isis is behind him, his mother is behind him, his children of the
Chiefs of Taser judge with him.
______
1 Seti I.
2 Ami-pa.
3 Or, him.
{p.74}
THIRD INSCRIPTION AT RHEDESIEH
Lepsius, Denkmaler, iii., 140 d.
1 The living RA the HAREMAKHU1 the Strong Bull crowned in
Uas,2 giving life to the Upper and Lower
country (RA-MA-MEN)3 has made his memorial to his Father AMEN-RA and the circle
of his gods, he has made to them a temple anew. The gods are delighted in its
shrine; he has constructed a well before it. Never was made
2 like by any King except the King, performer of meritorious actions, Son of the
Sun, SETI, Beloved of PTAH, the good Leader, giving life to his soldiers, father
and mother of all persons. They have said by mouth to the mouth of AMEN "Give
us the ....4 he has augmented forever! Oh gods of the well
3 give ye to him your time of life as he has opened to us the road to go, laid
for us we pass along it, we are well we are reaching ... our life. This bye road
is in our hearts.
4 It is a good road. He lets it be the tie of the gold as thy Chiefs see the
HORUS of all the generations which are to be in what he has vowed for ages. He
makes festivals like TUM he grows young like HAT.
5 So he has made a monument in the lands of all the gods. He has produced the
water out of the hills it goes along to men (an assistance to all trading) .... in
the lands, with life established and strong to the King of Upper and Lower Egypt
RA-MA-MEN, Beloved of AMEN-RA, King of the gods.
_______
1 Harmachis.
2 The Thebaid.
3 Erased.
4 Lacunae.
{p.75}
TABLET OF RAMESES II, AT KUBAN
1 The 3rd year 4th of the month Tybi under the reign of RA,
HAREMAKHU1 the strong Bull, Beloved of truth, Lord of diadems, Protector of
Egypt, Chastiser of foreign countries; the Hawk of Gold, abounding in years, the
greatest of conquerors, the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, RA-USER-MA-SOTEP-EN-RA,
Son of the Sun, RAMES-SU beloved of AMEN, Living for ever, Beloved of AMEN-RA,
Lord of the thrones of the two countries, who resides in Ap,
2 crowned on the throne of the god of the living, like his Father the SUN daily,
Good God, Lord of the land of the South, HAR-HAT, ray of light, the good Hawk of
gold, who covers Kami with his wing and illumines intelligencies, a Bull of
courage and victory.
3 When issuing from the womb he was ready to seize his valour, to enlarge his
frontiers, to his limbs was given a tinge like the forces of MENTU. He is HORUS
and SET. There was joy in heaven at his birth. The gods said our germ is in him.
4 The goddesses said he has proceeded from us to accomplish the reign of the
Sun. AMEN said I have formed him to set truth in his throne, the earth was made
strong the heaven at rest, the company of the gods enjoyed peace at his hour. He
is a strong Bull against Kush2 the vile, a gryphon
5 tearing against the country of the Negroes his claws
_________
1 Harmachis.
2 Ethiopia.
{p.76} crush the Annu,1 his horn strikes against them, his wishes
lay hold of Khent-han-nefer,2 the terrors of him reach to Sakaru3 his name
goes round
6 all the countries, on account of the victories he has gained by his two arms,
gold comes forth at his name as (at that of) his father HORUS Lord of Baka,4
his rule is loved by the nations like that of HORUS of Mamaa5 Lord of Buhen6
the King of Upper and Lower Egypt RA-USER-MA-SOTEP-EN-RA,
7 Son of the Sun of his body, Lord of diadems, RAMESSU beloved of AMEN,
Everliving like his Father the SUN daily. His Majesty was then at Ha-Ptah-ka7
offering homage to his fathers the gods of Upper and Lower Egypt because they
had given to him strength and victory and a long life
8 of millions of years. One of these same days, the King was seated on his great
throne of gold, wearing the diadem of two feathers giving orders to the
countries whence gold is brought and thinking of
9 establishing cisterns upon the roads wanting water. It was then said that
there was much gold in the country of Akita8 but that the road was entirely
destitute of water. Complaints came
10 from the transporters of the gold about their condition. Those who reached
there died of thirst on the road as
________
1 Or the Petti, bowmen, the uncivilized tribes of Ethiopia.
2 Region above the first Cataract.
3 The Sakole of Ptolemy, further South than Napata.
4 A place between Primis and the second Cataract.
5 Modern Anibe, ancient Mama, between Tachompso and Primis.
6 Boon of Ptolemy, on the East bank of the Nile, South of Pselcis.
7 Or Ha-ka-Ptah, the sacred name of Memphis.
8 Unknown site near Gism Haifa in the desert, or Gebel Ellaqi.
{p.77} well as the asses which were with them. They did not find
what they required to drink either in mounting or descending for the water-skins
no more gold was brought from that arid country. The King said to the royal
Inspector who was with him, Call and let the Chiefs who are present give
12 their advice to the King about this country. I will do that which shall be
proposed. They were made to pass before the good god,1 the arms raised in
adoration to his person uttering exclamations and prostrating themselves before
his handsome face. They were given a plan of the country so that they should
give
13 their advice about making a tank on its road. They said before His Majesty,
Thou art like the Sun in all that thou doest. Thy heart realises all it wishes.
Should you wish to make it day during the night it is so forthwith. (We have
taken
14 a great part) in your marvels after you have been crowned King of the two
worlds we have understood
nothing our eyes have seen nothing like them. Every thing which comes out of
your mouth is like the words of HAREMAKHU,2 the equilibrium of your tongue, the
adjustment of your two lips
15 is the exact weight of THOTH. What place of road do you not know, who then is
so finished as thou art. Does the world contain a place that you do not see. Is
there any country that you do not penetrate as you wish. By your ears passes
16 every thing which can be heard3 in this country. It is you who execute all
that which is planned. You were in the egg in the condition of a noble child
wearing the lock
_______
1 The king.
2 Harmachis.
3 Atennu, form of at, "whisper," or "be heard."
{p.78} of hair,1 and there was no offering but it was by your hand,
17 no message without you. You were made General of the army, and you were a
child completing ten years. All the works which were done were founded by thy
hand. If you say to the water come from the rock it will come a torrent
18 on a sudden after thy mouth.2 The god RA is like thee in his limbs, the god KHEPERA
in creative force. Truly thou art the living image of thy father TUM of
Heliopolis. The god HU3 is in thy mouth, the god SA4 is in thy heart, the place
of thy tongue is the sanctuary of truth, a god is seated on thy two lips. All
thy words are accomplished daily.
19 Thy heart has been formed like that of PTAH the creator of works. Thou art
for ever. Thou art for ever. It is done according to thy plan heard are thy
words oh supreme Chief our Master. It was spoken thus concerning the land of
Akita5 and the Prince of the vile Kush6 said
20 of it before His Majesty, It is in the condition of wanting water since the
time of the god,7 and persons die of thirst
there. All the former Kings wished to make a well there but could not succeed.8
21 The King RA-MEN-MA9 did the same thing he made a well 120 cubits deep, in
his time it was left in progress,
________
1 Emblem of youth, the single lock plaited at the right side of the head.
2 Order or word of mouth.
3 Perhaps "Taste" personified.
4 Perhaps "Touch" personified.
5 Unknown site close to Gism Haifa.
6 Ethiopia.
7 "Since divine times such as Osiris," that is, anterior to the rule of mortals,
or since the commencement of the world.
8 Or form, cut it.
9 Seti I.
{p.79} the water did not come in it. If thou thyself sayest to thy
father HAPI1
22 Father of the gods that the water should come forth from the rock it will be
done according to all thou shalt have said and according to all thy plans. Those
who were before us if their requests have not been heard, it is because thy
fathers all the gods love thee more than any King
23 since the time of the god RA. His Majesty said to these Chiefs, True true are
all your words and prayers. Water has not been obtained in this country as you
have said. I will make a well to give water daily as to the ....2
24 by order of my Father AMEN-RA, Lord of the thrones of the world and of the
gods, HORUS Lords of Kenus,3 for they have
accorded to my wishes, and I will make in this country ....
25 ... to the height of heaven, said His Majesty
..... to the royal scribes .....
26 .... the ..... of the road to Akatar4 thy gift. It happened a month of a day was
sent a
27 .... as was done in his face. Then he was
ordering men to make ....
28 .... their .... as the Prince did it. The water
was ....
29 .... the road towards Akita5
never was done the like while there were Kings in ....
30 .... great fish in the extended pools of Khatenatah6
making sound its face, creating ....
_______
1 The Nile.
2 Lacunae.
3 Nubia.
4 Brugsch, Geographic, II., S. 23, compares the name with that of Gadara in
Caele-Syria.
5 Unknown site close to Gism Haifa.
6 The name of this place occurs in the tablet of Haremhebi. It is the town of "the valley of the marshes," it was the most Northern point of Egypt, the lake Menzaleh.
{p.80}
31 .....1
like a rudder in the wind, he came having a letter from the Prince of the vile
Kush2
32 he said to Thy Majesty with his own mouth: The
water has come in it to 12 cubits, 4 cubits of them are in the depth ....
33 ... it beyond as the god did in fulfilling thy
heart of thy wishes. Never was done ....
34 .... Akita3
rejoicing in the great names of HORUS. Went along ....
35 .... the ruler of the water which is in the empyreal gate, he listened making
the water out of the (rock) ....
36 ..... he has as the Prince sending. They were
good in ....
37 .... gracious were the plans, excellent the
examinations, said ....
38 ... that well to be the tank of AMEN-MERI RAMESES victorious in4
....
_______
1 Lacunae.
2 Ethiopia.
3 Unknown site close to Gism Haifa.
4 Amen-meri Ramessu, name of the well or tank.
{p.81}
DECREE OF CANOPUS
TRANSLATED BY
S. BIRCH. LL.D.
THE inscription was found by Professor Lepsius at San, the ancient Tanis, in 1866, and an account of it given to the Zeitschrift fur agyptische Sprache, 1866, p. 49. It was written on a tablet of calcareous stone with a rounded top, having above the winged disk with pendent uraei, wearing the upper and lower part of the crown pshent and holding feather flabella. The tablet was about seven feet high, had on its face 37 lines of hieroglyphs, 76 lines of Greek, and 74 lines of demotic or enchorial at the right edge. It was completely without injury, and was subsequently removed to the Museum of Boulaq, where it now is preserved. It is dated on the 17th the month Tybi, of the 8th year of Ptolemy III, or Ptolemy Euergetes I., BC 238, and is {p.82} nearly a century older than the Rosetta Stone. Invaluable for the demonstration of the truth of the mode of interpreting the hieroglyphs the greater part of the words had their meaning already discovered. It has been published by Professor Lepsius, Das bilingue Dekret von Kanopus, fo., Berlin, 1866; by Professors Reinisch and Roessler, Die zweisprachige Inschrift van San, 8vo., Wien, 1866; and Mr. S., Sharpe, The Decree of Canopus, 8vo., London, 1870. The present inscription is taken from the hieroglyphic text, but as the original language in which the decree was drawn up was in the Greek language, of which the hieroglyphic and demotic versions were paraphrastic translations, it may be necessary hereafter to give a translation of the Greek text. As a Greek inscription alone it is one of the longest and most important hitherto discovered, and its contents are new and important for the history, calendar, internal condition of the priesthood of Egypt upon which the text throws great light. Amongst other new historical information it gives that of the association of the Princess Berenike into the government by her parents, and her death on the 20th February, BC 239-8.
{p.83}
DECREE OF CANOPUS
1 In year IX 7 the month Apellaios1 the 17 Tybi according to
the Egyptians under the King of Upper and Lower Egypt PTOLEMAIOS, the Everliving,
Beloved of PTAH, son of PTOLEMAFOS and ARSINOE, the Brother-gods, when the
Priest of King ALEXANDER the justified, of the Brother-Gods and of the
Benevolent2 Gods was APOLLONI-
2 DES, the son of MOSCHION, and MENEKRATEIA, the daughter of PHILAMMON, was
Basket-bearer3 before Queen ARSINOE, the Brother-loving. On this day followed
the Decree. The Temple-wardens, the Prophets, the Hierodoules Priests, all who
enter
3 in the sanctuary of the gods to clothe them, the Sacred Scribes, knowing
things, the Divine Fathers, and the (other) Priests in their rank assembled from
Upper and Lower Egypt on 5 of the month Dios,4 when was celebrated the birthday
fete of His Majesty, and to the 25 day of that month, when His Majesty assumed
4 the dignity from his father: they assembled in the temple of the Benevolent
Gods, which is in Petkutha5 and declared. Since King PTOLEMAIOS, the Everliving,
the Beloved of PTAH, son of PTOLEMAIOS and ARSINOE, the Sister-gods, ahd the
Ruler BERENIKE his sister and wife, the Benevolent Gods, have made benefits
5 many and great to the temples of Egypt for all time: since they have ordered
very greatly to the gods: since they have taken perpetual care of the things of
the glorious
_______
1 Apellaios, a month of the lunar Macedonian year, corresponding to the Athenian
Maimacterion; here the I7th March.
2 Or "beneficent." Euergetes, Euergetai in the plural.
3 The names of these eponymi controlled the date of the vague year.
4 Another Macedonian month corresponding to the Athenian Pyanepsion, 3rd or 4th
February.
5 Kanopos.
{p.84} APIS, MNEVIS, and all animals of the temple which are
protected in Egypt, for whom they assigned great things supplying numerous
things.
6 They took care of the statues of the gods, which had been robbed by the
barbarians of the land Persia1 from temples of Egypt, since His Majesty had won
them back in his campaign against the two lands of Asia,2 he brought them to
Egypt, and placed them on their places in the temples, where they had previously
stood. He has kept up peace in Egypt advantageously
7 by warring for its weal in vallies and plain foreign parts, and marched
against many peoples and their Chiefs who commanded them, they were rendering
fortunate those who live as his subjects, not only inhabitants of Egypt, but
also of all lands subject to their Majesties. When moreover there happened a
year of a deficient water of Nile during
8 their reign, and all the inhabitants of Egypt became faint-hearted at this
event, for fear, memory made them think of the dearth which once did occur in
the time of the former Kings, in consequence of the deficiency of the Nile to
the inhabitants of Egypt in their time. His Majesty and his sister
9 and wife had cared in their hearts, which glowed for the inhabitants of the
temples and the natives of Egypt in its entire extent, who were very much
distressed and bent down. They remitted considerable taxes, in order to save
men's lives, and took care for importations of corn into Egypt from the Eastern Rutennu3 from the land Kafatha,4 from the island Nabinaitt,5
which lies in the midst of the Great Sea,6
10 and from many other lands, since they expended much white gold7 for the
purchase thereof. They transported
________
1 By Cambyses.
2 The Sat.
3 Syria.
4 Phoenicia.
5 Cyprus.
6 Mediterranean.
7 Or "silver."
{p.85} the importation of provisions, to save those living in the
land of Egypt, that these might know their goodness for ever, and their many
virtuous turns whereby both those who are living, and their posterity and for
which the gods grant them maintenance of their dignities and rule over Upper and
Lower Egypt in reward
11 thereof and their reward of goods of all kinds for ever: with blessing and
weal. It came in the heart of the Priests of Egypt, they increased the numerous
things of the King PTOLEMAIOS, the Everlivmg, the Beloved of PTAH, and the Ruler
BERENIKE, the Benevolent Gods in the temples, and what (things) were for the
parents, the Sister-Gods, their progenitors, and what was for
12 the Saviour Gods, and have ordered an increase of the Priests thereof in all
the temples of Egypt in its full extent, and that they should be called Priests
of the Benevolent Gods in their name, that they should occupy a higher rank
through the name of their office: and of their place as Prophet thereof1
writing their name in all documents, and there shall be incised the title of the
Prophet of the Benevolent Gods in the ring which they wear in their hand, and
that they shall form another
13 caste of the existing Priests, who are in all the temples and besides the
four castes which exist to this day; and it shall be called the fifth caste of
the Benevolent Gods. Inasmuch as it occurred fortunately with weal and blessing
that King PTOLEMAIOS, the Everliving, Beloved of PTAH, son of the Sister-Gods
was born on the 5th of the month Dios,2 so from this day, as it was
14 already a source of much weal to all living it is granted that the Priests
who had been placed by the
________
1 Or "to the Prophet."
2 Another Macedonian month corresponding' to the Athenian Pyanepsion, 3rd or 4th
February.
{p.86} King in the temples from this first year of His Majesty, and
those who had been appointed also up to the month Mesore1 of the 9th year,
should be counted as of this caste, and so their children for ever: but the
Priests, who had been appointed before the first year should be in the castes
15 they were before, as also to their children from this day for ever, are to be
inserted in the registers in the castes of their fathers. And instead of the
twenty Priest Counsellors, who are yearly elected for one year from the four
castes being five men from each caste, there shall be nominated twenty-five
Priests
16 for Counsellors, as five men are to be added out of the fifth caste of the
Benevolent Gods, is to be given a proportion to the number of the fifth caste of
the Benevolent Gods of all dues that arise from the offerings in the temples and
of all things under their charge in the temples, and their President shall be of
the caste a Chief Prophet, as is now the case with the four other castes.
Inasmuch as was celebrated the festival
17 of the Benevolent Gods in all temples in each month on the 5, 9, and 25th
days in consequence of a decree established before, and similarly as is
celebrated1 a panegyry of the Great Gods, and a general feast in Egypt is
celebrated yearly in its time so shall similarly be prepared a great festival in
its time to King PTOLEMAOIS the everliving, the beloved of PTAH,
18 and to Queen BERENIKE, the Benevolent Gods, in the Upper and Lower country
and throughout Egypt in its entire extent, on the day of the rising of the
Divine Sothis2 which is called the New Year in his name in the writings of
house of life. At present it occurs in this 9th year on 1st day of Payni, in
which month is celebrated the festival of
_______
1 Last month of the Egyptian year.
2 Sirius, or the "dogstar."
{p.87} New Year, of the goddess BAST1 and the great festival of the
goddess BAST in this month, and also it is the time for the
19 collection of all fruits and rise of the Nile. But as the case will occur,
that the rise of Sothis advances to another day in every 4 years, the day of the
celebration of this feast, shall not pass along but it shall be celebrated on
first day of Payni and the feast shall be celebrated as in the ninth year.
20 This festival is to be celebrated for 5 days: placing wreaths of flowers on
their head, and placing things on the altar, and executing the sacrifices and
all ceremonies ordered to be done. But that these feast days shall be celebrated
in definite seasons for them to keep for ever, and after the plan of the heaven
established on this day
21 and that the case shall not occur, that all the Egyptian festivals, now
celebrated in winter, shall not be celebrated some time or other in summer, on
account of the procession of the rising of the Divine Sothis2 by one day in the
course of 4 years, and other festivals celebrated in the summer, in this
country, shall not be celebrated in winter, as has occasionally occurred
22 in past times, therefore it shall be, that the year of 360 days and the 5
days added to their end, so one day as feast of Benevolent Gods be from this day
after every 4 years added to the 5 epagomenae3 before the new year, whereby all
men shall learn, that what was a little defective in the order as regards the
sea-
23 sons and the year, as also the opinions which are contained in the rules of
the learned on the heavenly orbits, are now corrected and improved by the
Benevolent Gods. And since a daughter has been born to King PTOLEMAIOS the
everliving beloved of PTAH and to the Mistress of
_____
1 Called the "Bubasteia."
2 Sirius, or the "dogstar."
3 Additional or intercalary days.
{p.88} both lands BERENIKE, the Benevolent Gods, who was likewise
called BERENIKE and proclaimed as Ruler,
24 as it has happened that this goddess had already returned unexpectedly to
heaven in her virgin state suddenly, so have the Priests who came from the
country to the King, stopping a year in the house of His Majesty, ordained a
great mourning directly at this event and came praying to the King and Queen, to
lay it to their heart and to permit them
25 to place this goddess with the god OSIRIS in the temple of Phaqotha1 which
is a sanctuary amongst the temples of the first rank, inasmuch as it is the most
important and is equally honoured by King and inhabitants of Egypt in its full
extent. The entry of OSIRIS in the holy barque takes place here yearly at the
defined time, at the temple at Akar-
26 bamara2 in the month Choiak 29th day, and the inhabitants of temples of first
rank throughout make burnt offerings on the altars of the temples of the first
rank, right and left, in dromos of this sanctuary. And after all ceremonies are
usually performed, which they had performed to her as the goddess, they purified
themselves from mourning for her, which they had prepared
27 and hallowed their hearts by flaming fire, as the custom is for the burial of
APIS and MNEVIS, and they decree causing that there should be uttered an
adoration for ever to the glory of Queen BERENIKE, daughter of the Benevolent
Gods, to be proclaimed in the temples of Egypt in its entire length. As her
re-union with the gods occurred in the month Tybi, in the same month
28 and same day wherein entered the daughter of RA into heaven, when he3 called
her "the eye of the sun and the uraeus serpent on its front"4 byname, and out
of love
________
1 Kanopos.
2 Herakleion.
3 The god Ra.
4 Ar en Ra Mahen em ha.tf.
{p.89} to her ordered her feasts and a procession to her celebrated
in the chief temples and in the sanctuaries of the first rank in the month,
wherein the apotheosis of the goddess originally occurred. So shall be ordered a
feast and procession for the Queen BERENIKE, the daughter
29 of the Benevolent Gods, in the temples of both lands in their extent on month Tybi, from the
17th day, when happened the procession for her, and purification
on account of her mourning for four days.1 There shall also be erected a statue
of the goddess in gold, studded with all precious stones in the temples of the
first rank and sanctuaries of the second rank throughout and the
30 site thereof shall be the sanctuary of the temple. A Prophet or one of the
Priests is selected to perform the great lustrations, and the Priests who enter
the sanctuary of the gods to clothe them, may carry it in (his) hands on the day
of the crowning and feasts of the gods throughout, so that all men adoring it
prostrate on the earth may see it prostrate in its honour, and it shall be
called the statue of BERENIKE
31 the Queen of Virgins. And the crown to be placed on the head of this statue
is not to be like the crown of the statue of her mother Queen BERENIKE, but is
to be made of two ears of corn, and the uraeus serpent between them, and a
papyrus sceptre of their height is behind this uraeus serpent, just as the
sceptres in the hands of goddesses, and the tail of the uraeus serpent be
entwined round
32 this sceptre, to announce by this combination the renown of the name BERENIKE
from its profound meaning in hieroglyphics. And when are solemnized the days of
KAAUBEK2 back in the month Choiak before the procession of OSIRIS, that the
virgin daughters and wives of the Priests shall get ready another statue of
BERENIKE,
________
1 Literally from first day to days four.
2 The Kikellia of the Greek version.
{p.90} of the Queen of Virgins, and there shall be made to her a
burnt offering and things
33 as is proper to be done on the days of this feast: and other virgins are
allowed to show the proper respect to this goddess as they choose. And female
singers shall chant the praise of this goddess, who are selected for divine
service, and wear the crowns of the gods, being their Priestesses. And if an
early harvest occurs then shall the Priestesses bring ears of corn in the
sanctuaries
34 and place them at the divine statue of this goddess, and chant to her divine
figure by a chorus of singing men and women, as happens at the feasts and
panegyrics of the gods, in a hymn which the Sacred Scribes shall have written
and given over to the precentor, and the same shall be inscribed in the sacred
writings. Also shall be given provisions to the Priests in the temple after they
have been installed by
35 the King in the temple: henceforward there may be provisions for Priestess's
daughters from their birthdays, from the divine supplies for support, accords by
the Priests, Counsellors in the temples throughout in proportion of the divine
supplies. And the bread shall be given
36 to the Priests' wives, its preparation shall be stamped as a loaf and be
called "The bread of BERENIKE" by name. This decree written by the Priests
Counsellors in the temple, and by the Presidents of the temple and the Scribes
of the temple and shall be incised in a stele
37 of stone or bronze in hieroglyphics in writings of the books,1 and writings
of the Greeks, and the stele shall be erected in the great assembly hall, open
to all men in the temples, first second and third rank, so that all men may know
the honour given Priests of the temples of Egypt to the benevolent gods and
their children, as it is appointed to be done.
_________
1 Also called epistolary, enchorial or demotic.
{p.91}
THE GREAT MENDES STELE
XXXIInd DYNASTY
TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN VERSION OF BRUGSCH-BEY.
THE following inscription is upon a tablet at present in the Museum at Boulaq, discovered by Brugsch-Bey in 1871, amidst the ruins of Tmai-el-Amdid. The tablet is rounded above, and has twenty-eight horizontal lines of hieroglyphs, six of which are destroyed and seven are in part wanting. Above is the Hut or winged disk with the following inscription: "HUT, the great god, Lord of the heaven, the giver of beams, who comes out of the horizon on the side of Upper Egypt, and gives a pure life!"
{p.92}
And on the other side is mentioned instead, "The coming out of Lower Egypt." The snakes are called "Neheb of Eileithyia" and "Uati of Buto." In the area are represented a ram wearing a disk and horns and covering on a pedestal, and the following inscription: "The sacred Ram-god, the Great God, the Life of RA, the Generative Ram, the Prince of young women, the beloved of the King's daughter and King's sister, and Regent of the land, ARSINOE the ever-living." and on the other side, "The life, the Lord of the land, the Lord of might, MER-AMEN, the Son of RA of his loins who loves him, the Lord of diadems, PTOLEMAIOS the Ever-living," that is Ptolemy II Philadelphos. The legend referring to the ram is: "The King, the RAM, the Life of RA, the RAM, the Life of SHU, the RAM, the Life of SEE, the RAM, the Life of OSIRIS, the RAM of Rams, the Prince of Princes, the heir in the town of Tanen," or Mendes. Behind the ram is a small figure of Harpocrates seated on a throne, with the following inscription: "HARPACHRUT, the Great God of Mendes, on his throne in Mendes, to whom the world and all that belongs to it is handed over."
{p.93}
After him is the god Mendes in his human form wearing the
atef crown. "BA-NEB-TAT the great god the life of RA, the Generative Ram, the
Prince of young women, Lord of Heaven, King of the Gods, the Giver of Life for
to-day and ever."
He says:
"I let before thee the kings of all lands bow themselves in respect."
A goddess wearing on her head the fish standard, emblem of the Mendesian nome,
follows Mendes. She is called "HAEMEHETI, the mighty of Mendes, the wife of the
god in the temple of the RAM, the Eye of the Sun, the Lady of heaven, the Ruler
of all gods."
She says:
"I give to thee the love in the heart of the god, annihilated is the intention
of thy enemies."
The Queen Arsinoe ends the row of figures, she is called:
"The Daughter, Sister, Great wife of a King, who loves him, the god-like PHILADELPHOS ARSINOE."
The tablet has been published by Mariette-Bey, Monument Divers, fo., Paris,
1875, pp. 43, 44, and the whole has been described and translated by Brugsch-
{p.94} Bey, Die grosse Mendes-Stele aus der Zeit des Zweiten Ptolemaers, in
the Zeitschrift fur aigyptische Sprache uid Alterthumskunde, 1875, S. 33, and
foll. This description has been drawn up from Brugsch-Bey's article, and the
text of the tablet translated by Mr. Drach from the German translation.
S. BIRCH.
{p.95}
THE GREAT MENDES STELE
1 Long live the SUN-HORUS, the strong youth, the Lord of the
diadems, the glorious, the golden HORUS, who has crowned his father, the King of
Upper and Lower Egypt, the Lord of the country, the friend of AMEN, to whom the
SUN has granted victory, the Son of the Sun, the Lord of the diadems, PTOLEMAIOS,
who loves the RAM, who is the Lord of the city of Mendes, the Great God, the
Life of RA, the Generator, the Prince of young women, the Only God, the Original
male power of gods and men, who reveals himself in the region of light with four
heads, (that re-
2 present him as) the illuminator of heaven and earth by his solar splendour, as
the one coming in the Nile-stream, as the one granting life to the terrestrial
world, and as the air for all men: whom the gods praise, whom the goddesses
praise in his form of the Living RAM, who is rich in male power, who is the
Prince of the Deities.
This excellent god1 the image of the divine RAM, the living portrait of him, who
dwells in the region of light, the divine efflux of the prolific RAM, the
generator of .....2 (was anxious)
3 to preserve the temples, and to adorn the sacred landscapes with edifices, he
the eldest son of the RAM, the creator of that which exists, who is enthroned on
the seat of the Prince of the gods, the splendid symbol of the divine
throne-heir of the nomes, who was received3 through him.
_______
1 The King.
2 Lacuna.
3 Conceived.
{p.96} to become Lord and King, the son of a King, born of a Queen,
to whom was given the royal dignity over the land, when still in the maternal
womb. Before he was born he had already become possessed (of the rule).
4 On the day of his election he became King, resting on the breast of the
beauteous and amiable Mistress.1 His father's manly power, of the holy RAM in
the meadows of Mendes, was equal to that of the King. For he is victorious, a
master of strength, strong of hand. When he takes his (sword), he combats in the
open field, strong amidst the battle fray. With victorious hand he conquers his
adversaries. He is of shrewd spirit, of virtuous heart, repelling repulsive
things, full of truthfulness, and a friend of legal order. Thoughtful of
(bringing back)
5 quietude to Egypt, he protects the holy houses and is an iron protector of her
natives. Powerful in virility, universally adored and feared in all lands,
(adoration is granted to him) and all men shout at his appearance; he being
their (protector) loving (to execute) his (good intents) for their welfare. All
sanctuaries are filled with his gifts, and both parts (of the
6 country rejoice in his special kindnesses. This King therefore turned (his
cares to)
7 the holy RAM, the Lord of the city of Mendes, since he knew it is this god
that is invoked for the kingdom, which is in his hands. On account of his
predilection for the royal holy rams, there should be elevated to the throne a
(new appearing) live ram, as it occurred from the beginning of his royal
accession. The holy animal was to be elevated on his seat and his accession
solemnized in the way as for former Kings.
8 Thus began the (festival) of accession. His Majesty occupied the fore part of
the Ram-boat of this god,
________
1 His mother.
{p.97} descending the great stream, and upwards on the canal Aken,1
just as his royal predecessors did, to complete all things customary in the
accession, as it is prescribed. On arriving in the city of Mendes and in Anep,2
His Majesty ordered him3 to be led forth to his throne chamber. And behold, he
was behind this god, thus showing his love to his Lord (Thus did they arrive at)
9 the holy place Ap-Nuterui,4 the seat of his enthronement from oldest time.
His Majesty visited the edifice of the holy rams, finding the ram-temple still
building as His Majesty had ordered. Excluding the foreign workmen His Majesty
ordered the edifice, for eternal use, to be completed (speedily). His Majesty
(besides) inspected the inmost dwelling chamber of the splendid RAM, which was
also to be renewed. And he ordered one (of the superior Officers of his retinue
to execute all the work in the best manner)
10 for the Holy RAM in Anep, where he is enthroned on his seat. His Holiness5
then went through all the prescribed customs in the temple, desiring to show in
every form honour to the holy Rams, corresponding (to the ceremonies as ordered)
by the god THOTH. This being finished, His Holiness went to his residence, and
his heart was overjoyed on all that he had done for his father the royal the
dignified the living Rams of Anep; may they grant him a long life and a joyous
reign. When His Majesty (returned home, he wished
11 to unite) the first of his (consorts) NETEF-ANKH with the goddess BA-ABET.
And he gave her the following title of honour "The amiable Princess, the
beauteous, loveliest, fairest, the crowned one, who has received the double
diadem, whose glory fills the palace, the friend of the holy
_________
1 Of the Mendesian nome.
2 The Ram-quarter.
3 The Ram.
4 Undetermined site of the Mendesian nome.
5 The king Ptolemy.
{p.98} RAM and (of the name of his Priestess) UTA-BA, sister of the
King and wife of the King, who loveth him, the Princess of the country, ARSINOE. In the year 15, month Pachons (the l0th day was appointed
12 for the Queen's holy consecration and her introduction into) the temple after
the divine Lady had received the holy anointing, during an interval of four
days, she reappeared as a consecrated soul, and there were rejoicings for her in Anep,1 when her festival was solemnized, to enliven her holy soul at the place
of the living Rams, as was always customary to the Rams of all gods from ancient
times unto this day. (Thereupon another ceremony was performed
13 in honour of the Queen, in the form granted) to all goddesses, who there
received life a second time, scattering the fumes of incense over her and each
first day of the ten-day week. His Majesty (further) commanded that her
Ram-image should be placed in all temples. This was very pleasing to her
Prophets, that she should be found like the deities on account of her benevolent
thoughts for all mankind. And (she) was crowned (in the presence of the
assembled crowd,
14 and rejoicing in her) were the women who were amongst them, and she received
the name of "The Beloved of the Holy RAM, Goddess, The Beloved of her royal
brother (PHILADELPHUS) ARSINOE." As for His Majesty, he chose out of his suite
the fairest youths amongst the children of the Egyptian guards, (but chose)
their Captains from the children (of the warrior caste) of the Mendesian nome.
15 Further the King showed his favour to the same nome after this manner (as
regards namely) the navigation-toll of all Egypt, which they had to pay to the
royal house: His Majesty ordered, that no ship-toll should be
_________
1 The city-quarter.
{p.99} demanded on the vessels of the Mendesian meadow in its entire
extent, since they (its dwellers) had spoken before His Majesty, that they had
never paid the toll from the times (of the god to the accession
16 of His Majesty. Further) corresponding to what had been done by his father,
the Divine King, in former times as regards the apportionment of bread of all
the cities to be sent as tribute to the royal house, His Majesty ordered that no
bread-tribute should be paid as regards the Ram-temple and its district, nor in
its name, just as was done by THOTH (the model) of the Kings. And see, they had
spoken (fuller to the King regarding the revenues of
17 the temple of MENDES, serving to pay for) the sacred offerings to extend the
district of its sanctuary, and to complete all that was needed for its temple.
If there was a deficiency in its products for a long time, sorrow prevailed
amongst the people: if there was plenty of provision, joy prevailed amongst
them. For the entire wealth of the soil rests on the inundation of the Nile that
brings its products (therefore His Majesty ordered, that the inhabitants of the
Mendes-
18 ian nome should not pay more than) 70,000 (pieces of money)1 at the
beginning of each year, to be their tax to the royal house for ever afterwards.
Such a thing never happened in the time of any of the Kings who lived before
him. The whole country rejoiced unto heaven, and burst into hymns of thanks at
the royal name of His Majesty. And another proof (of his favourable care for the
temple of the Mendesian
19 deity was exhibited by His Majesty in this deed. Namely) in the year 21,2
it was announced to His Majesty, "The temple of thy father, of the Holy RAM, of
the Lord of Mendes, is
_____
1 Drachms.
2 BC 264.
{p.100} completed in all its edifices. It is much fairer, than it
ever was before, in compliance with the orders of Thy Majesty. The inscriptions
were chiselled in thy name, in the name of thy father and in that of the Divine
Lady PHILADELPHOS ARSINOE. (May it please Thy Majesty, to execute the
solemnity of consecrating the sanctuary to the god.)"
20 In the year 101 of the month 4 of the 10th day occurred the festival in the
temple till the 16th day. Then did heaven and earth rejoice. The holy royal RAM
was led into his temple, to be enthroned in his place of honour. And all the
other (deities) assembled in their chambers in their Ram-shapes, for the whole
country had for each town its Ram-deity, and every vale had its ram-headed hawk
shape ....2 Thus was the command ordered by His
21 Majesty. And the rest of the festival was solemnized in the presence of the
officials) of His Majesty. When the temple was thus most solemnly handed over to
its divine possessor, and when they3 had left for the royal residence, to
rejoice the heart of His Majesty, and in their suite the Prophets, who carried
flowers pleasing to His Majesty, then His Majesty presented to the temple much
native gold, wheat, robes (and with all other good things, to dignify the god
and his sanctuary.)
22 In year 10 and month 4 it was announced to His Majesty in these words: "Please to let the Living Holy RAM be brought from the field in the West of the
city of Mendes. The place where it was found, is in the neighbourhood of the
pylons, lying near the place ....4 that Thy Majesty may place it on its
throne. Let the sacred scribes of the temple approach (from certain places of
the country that they
23 may examine the holy animal. And there assembled)
______
1 BC 275.
2 Lacuna,
3 The officials.
4 Unknown site.
{p.101} five Kem-sep1 from their cities. After the sacred scribes of
the temple had inspected the animal, they acknowledged its symbolical meaning,
after the rules of the divine prescriptions, and it received the following title: "The RAM, the Life of RA, the RAM, the Life of SHU, the RAM, the Life of SET,
(the RAM, the Life of
24 OSIRIS." After this was done, His Majesty's officials came, to tell him that)
"Given to him are his holy titles by Thy Majesty's scribes of the temple, his
dwelling is entirely completed according to Thy Majesty's orders. May Thy
Majesty order the Holy RAM to be placed on its throne." Then did His Majesty
think like the god THOTH. He thought over by himself of a plan regarding the
King of royal animals (and came to this decision. There should be placed next to
the divine Ram-images a portrait of the
25 Queen) ARSINOE, holding in her hand an ear of corn, and the holy animals
should be known thereby, by the symbol of life on their necks for the Lords of
the country. And His Majesty commanded, that these deities should be led in
procession to the city of Mendes by the hand of the Prophets who had devoted
themselves to them. And the Captains of the warriors Nefami2 of His Majesty were
to be in their suit (and complete all prescribed customs)
26 just as His Majesty would do from the moment, when he would embrace the
animal, as soon as it had taken its place on its father's throne. It was on the
16th of the month Mechir, when these deities entered the city Mendes: the
consecrated Prophets, His Majesty's grandees, and the Captains of the Nefami
warriors were in their suite, and they fulfilled all the customs (prescribed in
the sanctuary of
27 the Holy RAM. After this occurrence) happened on the 18th of the month Mechir,
the fete of the transference
_______
1 Experts.
2 Unknown kind of troops.
{p.102} (of the edifice) took place in his temple and they remained
united there with him for four days. And the city of Mendes solemnized her new
birth and Anep was in festive adornment. Its inhabitants were jubilant, and all
hearts were overflowing with song, the Mendes-mead was full of ecstasy, and
jubilant were (all its inhabitants, they
28 crying out:) "The city Mendes is born again, may the Holy RAM of all Gods
recompense what His Majesty has done, by prolonging his years as King for a long
period. May the Divine HORUS improve always the kingdom which is placed under
his name, may his son take the throne to all eternity, may destruction never
find an entrance thither, since (the King has on the God) believed."
{p.103}
THE LITANY OF RA
TRANSLATED BY
EDOUARD NAVILLE.
THE following Litany of Ra is the translation of a long text
which is to be found at the entrance of several of the largest tombs of the
kings, in the valley called Biban el Moluk at Thebes. It is a kind of
introduction to the long pictures which adorn the walls of the royal sepulchres,
and which generally represent the course of the sun at the different hours of
night.
Although very nearly connected with the Book of the Dead, this text has not yet
been found complete in any funereal papyrus; the second section of the fourth
chapter only, is contained in a papyrus of the British Museum.
{p.104}
The importance of this text consists in this, that it gives
us an idea of the esoteric doctrine of the Egyptian priests, which was clearly
pantheistic, and which certainly differed from the polytheistic worship of the
common people.
The present translation has been made from my book La Litanie du Soleil
(Leipzig, 1875, avec un vol. de XLIX planches), where this text has been first
translated in French, with a commentary. Among the different tombs where this
inscription was collected, that of Seti I, commonly called Belzoni's tomb, has
been chosen as the standard text.
{p.105}
THE LITANY OF RA
CHAPTER I
Title. The beginning of the book of the worship of RA in the
Ament,1 of the worship of TEMT2 in the Ament. When any one reads this book, the
porcelain figures are placed upon the ground, at the hour of the setting of the
Sun, that is of the triumph of RA over his enemies in the Ament ... Whoso is
intelligent upon the earth, he is intelligent also after his death.
1 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the master of the hidden spheres who
causes the principles to arise, who dwells in darkness, who is born as3 the all
surrounding universe.
2 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the beetle that folds his wings, that
rests in the empyrean, that is born as his own son.
3 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, TONEN4 who produces his members,5 who
fashions what is in him, who is born within his sphere.
4 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who discloses the earth and lights the Ament, he whose principle has (become) his manifestation, and who is born under
the form of the god with the large disk.
5 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the soul that
_______
1 The heavenly region.
2 The universal being.
3 Under the form of.
4 The earth.
5 Gods.
{p.106} speaks, that rests upon her high place, that creates the
hidden intellects which are developed in her.
6 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the only one, the courageous one, who
fashions his body, he who calls his gods (to life), when he arrives in his
hidden sphere.
7 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who addresses his eye, and who speaks
to his head,1 he who imparts the breath of life
to the souls (that are) in their place ; they receive it and develop.
8 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the spirit that walks, that destroys its
enemies, that sends pain to the rebels.
9 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who shines when he is in his sphere,
who sends his darkness into his sphere, and who hides what it contains.
10 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who lights the bodies which are on the
horizon, he who enters his sphere.
11 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who descends into the spheres of Ament,
his form is that of TUM.
12 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who descends into the mysteries of
ANUBIS, his form is that of CHEPRA (ATMU).
13 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he whose body is so large that it hides
his shape, his form is that of SHU.
14 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who leads RA into his members, his
form is that of TEFNUT.
15 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who sends forth the plants in their
season, his form is that of SEB.
16 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the great one who rules what is in him,
his form is that of NUT.
17 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who goes
________
1 Who speaks to himself.
{p.107} always towards him who precedes him, his form is that of
Isis.
18 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he whose head shines more than he who is
before him, his form is that of NEPHTHYS.
19 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the urn1 of the creatures, the only one,
that unites the generative substances, its form is that of HORUS.
20 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the brilliant one who shines in the
waters of the inundation, his form is that of NUN.
21 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who creates the water which comes from
within him, his form is that of REMI.2
22 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the two vipers that bear their two
feathers, their form is that of the impure one.
23 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who enters and comes forth continually
from his highly mysterious cavern, his form is that of Ar.3
24 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the spirit that causes his disappearance,
his form is that of NETERT.4
25 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the spirit that sets up (those whom he
has created), that creates5 his descendants, his form is that of NTUTI.6
26 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who raised his head and who lifts his
forehead, the ram, the greatest of the creatures.
27 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the light that is in the infernal
regions, its form is that of Ament.
_________
1 Crater.
2 The weeper.
3 A fish, most likely the phagros, the appearance of which was connected with
the inundation.
4 The divine eye.
5 Vivifies.
6 The meaning of this name is doubtful.
{p.108}
28 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the penetrating spirit
who is in the Ament, his form is that of KERTI.1
29 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the timid one who sheds tears, his form
is that of the afflicted.
30 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who raises his hand and who glorifies
his eye,2 his form is that of the god with the hidden body.
31 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the spirit who is raised upon the two
mysterious horizons, his form is that of CHENTAMENT.3
32 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the god with the numerous shapes in the
sacred dwelling, his form is that of the beetle.
33 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who puts his enemies into their person,
his form is that of the lion.
34 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the ray of light in his sarcophagus, its
form is that of the progenitor.
35 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the covering of the body, which
develops the lungs, its form is that of TEE-ATI.4
36 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who calls the bodies into the
empyrean, and they develop, who destroys their venom, his form is that of the
transformer.
37 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the being with the mysterious face, who
makes the divine eye move, his form is that of SHAI.
38 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the supremely great one who embraces the
empyrean, his form is that of the spirit who embraces (space).
39 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who hides his
__________
1 The god of the spheres.
2 Glorifies himself.
3 A title of Osiris, literally "He who resides in the West."
4 The covering of Ati, the air(?).
{p.109} body within himself, his form is that of the god with the
hidden body.
40 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who is more courageous than those who
surround him, who sends fire into the place of destruction, his form is that of
the burning one.
41 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who sends destruction, and who causes
the development of his body, in the empyrean, his form is that of the inhabitant
of the empyrean.
42 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the wonderful one who dwells in his eye,1 who lights the sarcophagus, his form is that of SHEPI.2
43 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who unites
the substances, who founds3 AMTO, his form is that of one who joins substances.
44 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who invents4 secret things, and who
begets bodies, his form is that of the invisible (progenitor).
45 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who furnishes the inhabitants of the
empyrean with funeral things, when he enters the hidden spheres, his form is
that of APERTO.5
46 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, his members rejoice when they see his
body, the blessed spirit who enters into him, his form is that of the joyful
one.
47 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the adult who dilates his eyeball, and
who fills his eye,6 his form is that of the adult.
48 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who makes the roads in the empyrean,
and who opens pathways in the sarcophagus, his form is that of the god who makes
the roads.
________
1 Solar disk.
2 The splendid one.
3 Gives a body to.
4 Creates.
5 Perhaps Anubis.
6 Solar disk.
{p.110}
49 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the moving spirit who
makes his legs stir, his form is that of the moving one.
50 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who sends forth the stars and who
makes the night light, in the sphere of the hidden essences, his form is that of
the shining one.
51 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who makes the spheres and who creates
bodies; from thy person emanating from itself alone, thou hast sent forth, RA,
those who are and those who are not, the dead, the gods, the intellects; his
form is that of creator of bodies.
52 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the mysterious, the hidden one, he whom
the spirits follow as he conducts them, he gives the step to those surrounding
him, his form is that of AMENI.
53 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the horn, the pillar of the Ament, the
lock of hair that shines in ....1 its form is that of the horn.
54 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the eternal essence who penetrates the
empyrean, who praises the spirits in their spheres, his form is that of the
eternal essence.
55 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, when he arrives in the good Ament, the
spirits of the empyrean rejoice at sight of him, his form is that of the old
man.
56 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the great lion that creates the gods,
that weighs words, the chief of the powers inhabiting the holy sphere, his form
is that of the great lion.
57 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, when he
speaks to his eye and when he addresses his eyeball, the bodies shed tears ; his
form is that of the being who speaks to his eye.2
_______
1 Lacuna.
2 Who speaks to himself.
{p.111}
58 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme
power, he who raises his soul, and who hides his body, he shines and he sees his
mysteries, his form is that of HERBA.1
59 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the high spirit who hunts his enemies,
who sends fire upon the rebels, his form is that of KABA.2
60 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the substance which hides the intestines
and which possesses the mind and the limbs, its form is that of AUAI.3
61 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the great eldest one who dwells in the
empyrean, CHEPRI who becomes two children, his form is that of the two children.
62 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the great walker who goes over the same
course, the spirit who anoints the body, SENEKHER, his form is that of SENEKHER.4
63 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who creates his body and who detaches
his members by the sacred flame of AMTO, his form is that of the flame of AMTO.5
64 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the master of the hooks (who struggles)
against his enemies, the only one, the master of the monkeys, his form is that
of ANTETI.6
65 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who sends the flames into his
furnaces, he who cuts off the head of those who are in the infernal regions, his
form is that of the god of the furnace.
66 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the parent who destroys his children, the
only one who names7 the earth by his intelligence, his form is that of
Tonen.
67 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who sets up
_______
1 "He who raises his soul."
2 "The high spirit."
3 Flesh, or substance.
4 Literally, "the shining face."
5 "He who is on the ground."
6 Doubtful meaning.
7 Creates, fashions.
{p.112} the urshi1 themselves upon their foundations, no one sees
their mysteries, his form is that of the urshi.
68 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the vessel of heaven, the door of the
empyrean, he who makes the mummy come forth, his form is that of BESI.
69 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the monkey
....2 the being in his nature, his
form is that of the monkey of the empyrean.
70 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who opens the earth and who
shows the
interior of it, the speaking spirit who names his members, his form is that of
SMATO.3
71 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, he who is armed with teeth, who consumes
his enemies, the flame that lights the wick, his form is that of NEHI.4
72 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the walker, the moving luminary, who
makes darkness come after his light, his form is that of the walker.
73 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the master of souls who is in his
obelisk, the chief of the confined gods, his form is that of the master of
souls.
74 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the double luminary, the double obelisk,
the great god who raises his two eyes, his form is that of the double luminary.
75 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, the master of the light, who reveals
hidden things, the spirit who speaks to the gods in their spheres, his form is
that of the master of the light.
76 Homage to thee, RA! Supreme power, O RA of the sphere, O RA who speakest to
the spheres, O RA who art in thy sphere, homage to thee RA KESCHI, four times
They sing praises to the spirit KESCHI,5 the spheres honour
________
1 The genii of the watches of the night.
2 Lacuna.
3 He who opens the earth.
4 He who is armed with teeth.
5 Doubtful meaning.
{p.113} his spirit, they glorify thy body which is in thee, saying,
Homage to thee, great KESCHI! four times. They sing praises in thy honour,
spirit KESCHI in thy 75 forms which are in thy 75 spheres. The royal OSIRIS
knows them by their names, he knows what is in their bodies, all their hidden
essences. The royal OSIRIS speaks to them in their forms, they open to the royal
OSIRIS, they display the hidden doors to his spirit which is like thy spirit,
thou Greatest them, thou Greatest the royal OSIRIS; the development of his body
is like thine because the royal OSIRIS is one of thy companions, who are in
their spheres, and who speak in their caverns, those who are blessed through thy
creation and who transform themselves when thou commandest it. The royal OSIRIS
is like one of those who speak in their hidden spheres. Ha! he has arrived, he
advances in the train of the spirit of RA. Ha! he has completed the journey
from Chepri.1 Hail! he has arrived. The royal OSIRIS knows all that concerns
the hidden beings. Hail! he has arrived in the midst of you; homage to his
spirit KESCHI! four times.
77 Oh! RA of the Ament, who hast created the earth, who lightest the gods of
the empyrean, RA who art in thy disk, guide him on the road to the Ament, that
he may reach the hidden spirits; guide him on the road which belongs to him,
guide him on the Western road; that he may traverse the sphere of Ament, guide
him on the road to the Ament, that the king may worship those who are in the
hidden dwelling, guide him on the road to the Ament, make him descend to the
sphere of NUN. Hail, RA! the royal OSIRIS is NUN. Hail, RA! the royal OSIRIS
is thyself and reciprocally. Hail, RA! thy spirit is that of OSIRIS, thy course
is his in the empyrean. Hail, RA! he dwells in the empyrean, he traverses the
______
1 Ra under the form of a scarab.
{p.114} good Ament. Such as thou art, such is the royal OSIRIS. Thy
intellect, RA, is his. OSIRIS worships the hidden gods, he praises their
spirits, these latter say to one another that thy course (RA!) is that of
OSIRIS, that thy way is his, great god who dwellest in the empyrean. Hail! god
of the disk with the brilliant rays, praise be to the spirit KESCHI! four
times.
78 Hail to thee, universal covering, who Greatest thy soul and who makest thy
body grow; the King traverses the most secret sphere, he explores the mysteries
contained in it. The King speaks to thee like RA, he praises thee with his
intelligence, the King is like the god; and reciprocally. He moves by himself,
he moves by himself. The all surrounding universe says: Ah, guide him into the
interior of my sphere; four times.
79 This chapter is said to the most mysterious god, these words are written like
those upon the two sides of the door of the empyrean .....1 this book is read every
day, when he has retired in life, according to custom,
perfectly.
_______
1 Lacuna.
{p.115}
CHAPTER II
1 Worship of the Spheric Gods, when RA sets in life. Hail,
gods of the spheres, gods who are in the Ament, perfect gods ....1 the enemies of
RA, you make the universal covering2 grow ... you worship the god who is in his
disk .... thou commandest thy enemies, great god who art upon the horizon; four
times. Thou commandest thy enemies, OSIRIS TEMT; four times.
2 The royal OSIRIS commands his enemies in heaven and upon earth, by authority
of all the gods and all the goddesses, by authority of OSIRIS CHENTAMENT,
because the royal OSIRIS is RA himself, the great inhabitant of the heavens, he
speaks in the presence of Ament. The King governs by favour of the great powers.
The royal OSIRIS is pure, what is in him is pure, the royal OSIRIS governs the
two worlds, the royal OSIRIS commands his enemies; four times.
3 He is powerful, RA in the empyrean, he is powerful, RA in the empyrean. He
traverses the empyrean with joy, for he has struck APAP;3 there is joy for
thee, god of the horizon, OSIRIS, King of the Ament, there is joy for thy
triumphant spirit, for thou destroyest his enemies; thou art delighted, TESHERTI, red spirit who openest the Ament. Thou givest thy hand to OSIRIS, thou
art received in the good Ament, and the gods rejoice over thee. OSIRIS gives
thee his hand, thou art received by CHENTAMENT. He is brilliant, the spirit of
RA in the empyrean, he is brilliant the body of TEB TEMT. RA commands in the
empyrean, because he has struck APAP. TEB TEMT
_______
1 Lacunae.
2 Teb Temt.
3 Apophis, the great serpent of evil.
{p.116} commands; he worships the spirit of the two horizons : the
spirit of the two horizons worships him.
4 The royal OSIRIS receives dominion over his enemies from the great powers of
the mysterious avenger, he who reveals the mysterious empyrean, who dissipates
the darkness, who chases away the rain, he who hurries, and who makes the
blessed servants of RA come forth. He1 sees the body of the god when he assumes
forms with a mysterious name, when he sheds his rays in obscurity, and when he
hides the uncovered bodies; when he traverses the mysterious spheres and when
he gives eyes to their gods; they themselves see him, and their spirits are
blessed.
5 Hail, RA! give eyes to the royal OSIRIS, give him divine eyeballs, and may
they guide the royal OSIRIS. Hail, RA! give a heart to the royal OSIRIS; he
traverses the earth, he traverses the world like RA.
6 Thou takest care that what thou commandest to exist, exists; thou rulest the
royal OSIRIS like CHUTI2 and the King honours thy spirit, he glorifies thee.
7 Thou commandest OSIRIS to be like KHUTI, the brilliant triangle which appears
in the shining place.
8 Thou commandest OSIRIS to be like the mysterious spirit which comes forth from
the mysterious place.
9 Thou commandest OSIRIS to be like the blessed spirit which comes forth from
the blessed place.
10 Thou commandest OSIRIS to be like the destructive spirit which comes forth
from the place of destruction.
11 Thou commandest OSIRIS to be like the revealing spirit which comes forth from
the opening.
12 Thou commandest OSIRIS to be like the elevated spirit which comes forth from
the high place.
__________
1 The royal Osiris.
2 The god of the two horizons.
{p.117}
13 Thou commandest OSIRIS to be like the hidden spirit which
comes forth from the Ament.
14 Deliver him from the crocodiles which frighten the spirits, like geese; let
them not do their work upon
the royal OSIRIS, in the presence of the gods armed with swords; may OSIRIS
never fall into their furnaces, may their nets never entangle him; his spirit
flies away and soars into the heavens, his spirit returns and enters into the
empyrean, because the royal OSIRIS knows the mysteries which are in the
empyrean, the secret forms of OSIRIS, that none of his servants know, in the
secret of his hidden dwelling. Hail! the royal OSIRIS knows thy form, great and
mysterious god.
15 Deliver the royal OSIRIS from the agile demons furnished with legs, from the
cruel gods who pluck out hearts and who throw them into their furnaces. May they
never do their work upon the royal OSIRIS, may they never put him in their
furnaces, because OSIRIS is RA; and reciprocally. His soul is that which is in
the disk. His body is in the middle of the hidden gods; they make OSIRIS rule,
OSIRIS makes them rule; he commands, and he rests as you rest in the Ament.
16 The soul of RA shines in his shape, his body rests amid the invocations which
are addressed to him; he enters into the interior of his white disk, he lights
the empyrean with his rays, he creates it, he makes the souls remain in their
bodies, they praise him from the height of their pedestal. He receives the
acclamations of all the gods who open the doors, the hidden essences who prepare
the way for RA's soul, and who allow the King of souls access to the fields. He
traverses his disk himself; he calls (to life) the body of KAT;1
he places the gods of the stars upon their legs; these latter make the god AN2
_______
1 Unknown constellation.
2 The moon.
{p.118} come at their hours; the two sisters join themselves to him,
they decorate his head, as a spirit worthy of
adornment.
17 Oh, RA, place the royal OSIRIS in thy train; he is the divine key which opens
his haunts, he knows admirable means of obtaining the great victory over his
enemies; OSIRIS is powerful through thy two eyes; walking god, the course of
OSIRIS is thy course. RA, the journeys of OSIRIS are thy journeys, OSIRIS makes
thee rule over thy enemies, thou makest OSIRIS rule over his enemies, by means
of the great splendour which is the splendour of RA in the empyrean, they cry to
him: Bull of the country of the dead, thou art RA, thy body rests in peace,
thou art blessed in thy mysteries.
{p.119}
CHAPTER III
1 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. Highly glorious TEB TEMT.
2 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. Thou makest thy soul young again and thou
givest birth to thy body.
3 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. Lead him into the holy dwelling.
4 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. Guide him on the good ways.
5 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. Guide him on the roads of NUN.
6 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. Guide him on the roads of NUT.
7 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. He restores the body of OSIRIS.
8 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. He places the corpse upon its foundation, in
its place that no one knows.
9 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. He calls his body OSIRIS.
10 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. He sees him who is in the sarcophagus.
11 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. The rays of ATEN1 are upon his person.
12 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. He has taken the good ways.
13 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. He worships thy soul upon the horizon.
14 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. Thou speakest to him as to the god who is
upon the ground.
15 Oh, RA, come to the King! truly. He is one of thy Nine Gods.
_______
1 The solar disk.
{p.120}
CHAPTER IV
SECTION I
1 Thou art what he is, RA, thou givest birth to the royal
OSIRIS, thou makest him exist like thyself, god of the two horizons; the birth
of OSIRIS is the birth of RA in the Ament, and reciprocally; the birth of
OSIRIS in the heavens is the birth of the soul of RA in the heavens, and
reciprocally; the life of OSIRIS is the life of RA, and reciprocally; the
development of his body is the development of RA's body. RA conceived, TUM gave
birth to OSIRIS; it is the young CHEPRA; NUT brings OSIRIS into the world, she
nourishes OSIRIS like RA's soul which issued from her.
2 Oh, RA who art in the Ament ....1 who art in the empyrean, deliver OSIRIS from thy
conductors who separate souls from their bodies, the agile beings who move
quickly in thy places of torment. May they never seize OSIRIS, may they never
take him, may they never quicken their steps towards him, may they never put him
in their places of torture, may they never cast their toils round him, may they
never place him upon their altars, may he never tremble in the land of the
condemned, may he never be lost in the Ament. He walks as the god of the horizon
walks, he takes RA's steps, he worships the god who is on the earth, he honours
the mysterious bodies ... they say to OSIRIS: HU and SA; they call him this,
because he is like the spirit of HU and SA2 in his creations; he makes the
sacred tree grow he is not ignorant of it. There are cries of joy in the
mysterious region, for RA sets under the form of OSIRIS, and re-
_________
1 Lacunae.
2 Hu, the creative life; Sa, the intelligence.
{p.121} ciprocally. Rejoice, you the dead, render praises to RA, and
RA renders praises to you. RA comes forth from the cow MEHUR,1 he sets in NETUR;2 OSIRIS comes forth from MEHUR like the sun, he sets in NETUR like TEMT. The
name of the King is the name of RA, AMMEHUR,3 the setting of OSIRIS, it is his
setting, AMNETUR.4
3 The gods of the empyrean bless him, the hidden gods rejoice over him; they
say to him: thy person is the god of the country of the dead, thy form is TEB
TEMT. The hidden gods speak to the royal OSIRIS, they rejoice on seeing him;
(they say to him:) Hail, blessed and perfect one, who comest forth from Tonen,
the god who destroys the forms; it is great, thy essence, spirit, shadow that
no one destroys, that lives where you live. He knows the essences of the
primitive beings, he knows the mysterious flames of the empyrean, for he attains
to holy and mysterious things.
4 The two gods speak to the royal OSIRIS, they rejoice on seeing him, this
blessed, perfect spirit; (they say to him:) This is one of us. The gods speak
to the royal OSIRIS, they rejoice when they see him, him, the splendour of RA,
the splendour of the two goddesses that appears in HESET,5 the supplicant HESET
addresses the guardians who watch over the doors, who devour souls and who
swallow the shades of the dead; when they approach them, they are led by them
to the place of destruction: Oh, guardians who watch over your doors, who
swallow souls and devour the shades of the dead; when they approach you, you
lead them to the place of destruction; Oh ! allow this blessed this most holy
spirit, to be in the
_______
1 The water of the East.
2 The water of the West.
3 He who comes forth from Mehur.
4 He who is in Netur.
5 One of the halls of the empyrean, which is here personified as a goddess.
{p.122} dwelling of the Akher;1 it is a spirit like RA glorious
like OSIRIS. This is what HESET the supplicant says before the royal OSIRIS.
5 Oh, HESET, make him come, oh HESET, guide the royal OSIRIS, oh HESET open to
him the empyrean, give him the lot of the god of the empyrean; he puts the veil
nems2 upon his head at the bottom of the dwelling of the Ament. Hail to thee,
he has reached thee; HESET, guide him on the good way, he speaks to thee, he
glorifies thee by his invocations, and thou rejoicest on seeing his spirit; HESET, the supplicant, open the doors which are in the empyrean, open his
spheres to him, for the club is in the hand of OSIRIS, and he grasps his lance;
his club strikes the enemies, and his lance destroys the rebels; his dwelling
is that of the god of the two horizons; his throne is RA's throne; for he is
the HORUS of the two
horizons.3 He is beautiful, this spirit, he is perfect, he is powerful in both
his hands.
6 The two great gods speak to the royal OSIRIS; they rejoice on his account;
they celebrate his victorious strength, they give him their protection, they
send him their spirit of life; (they say to him:) He is brilliant like the
spirit of the horizon that is the dwelling of RA in the heavens;4 they
communicate their words to him, they give him the power by their authority. He
opens the door of heaven and earth like his father RA; a spirit shining in the
place where they burn the offerings, in the arms of OSIRIS. The royal OSIRIS
rests in the mysterious dwelling, he shines like the god of the luminary, the
dwelling of RA of the horizon. The royal OSIRIS is RA; and reciprocally; he
is the spirit of OSIRIS; he rests (in him).
_________
1 The lower region.
2 The striped headdress generally worn on the statues of the kings.
3 The planet Mars.
4 Thoth.
{p.123}
7 He reaches the gods of the pyramid; these latter praise
him on seeing the happy arrival of OSIRIS; they address him as RA of the
horizon; praise be to RA! cheers for the spirit of the horizon, praises to the
spirit of RA! Praise his spirit that inhabits the empyrean, invoke him who is
in his disk, bear him to him who created you, carry him unto the pyramid, since
you are the gods who accompany RA OSIRIS. Here is OSIRIS, carry him into the
hidden sanctuary of OSIRIS, the lord of years1 who is under the care of the two Rehti. Carry him into the hidden dwelling where OSIRIS resides, carry him into
the funeral monument which is in the Ament, the mysterious sanctuary of the god
who is at rest; bear him, open your arms to him, stretch out your hands to him,
take off your veils before him, for he is the great essence whom the dead
spirits do not know; it is RA, the god of the two horizons, and OSIRIS, the
King of the Ament, who send him.
8 The royal OSIRIS is one of you, for his diadem is n vulture; his face is a
sparrow-hawk, his head is RA; his eyes are the REHTI, the two sisters; his
nose is HORUS of the empyrean; his mouth is the King of the Ament; his lungs
are NUN; his two hands are the god SECHENI;2 his fingers are the gods who seize
him; his body is CHEPRA; his heart is HORUS, the creator; his chest is the
goddess of life; his spleen is the god FENTI;3 his lungs are the goddess HETI;
his stomach is APU; his intestines, the god with the mysterious names;4 his
back is the corpse-god; his elbows are MAKATI; the nape of his neck, HORUS
THOTH; his lips MEHUR; his phallus is TONEN;5
....6 the goddess of Cher; .... the two
________
1 The eternal being.
2 He who embraces.
3 The god of the nose. Each part of the body of the deceased becomes a god. The
same is found in the funereal texts, and especially in the Book of the Dead, ch.
xlii.
4 Osiris.
5 The Osiris is a hermaphrodite being.
6 Lacunae.
{p.124} hidden gods; his sitting posture the two goddesses; his legs, he who traverses the hidden places; his shin-bones are uraeus. His members are gods, he is throughout a god, no one of his members is without a god, the gods are of his substance. The royal OSIRIS is an intelligent essence, his members guide him, his flesh opens the way to him, those who are born of him create him, they rest when they have given birth to him. The royal OSIRIS is he who gives them birth, it is he who begets them, it is he who makes them exist; his birth is that of RA in the Ament, RA gives birth to the royal OSIRIS, he causes his own birth.
SECTION II
1 Oh, RA, open to his spirit, for the royal OSIRIS knows what
there is in the empyrean, he is the great mummy, OSIRIS, the King of the Ament;
he is OSIRIS, he is perfect like OSIRIS, he is blessed like OSIRIS, his club is
that of OSIRIS, his sword is that of CHENTAMENT, his sceptre is that of SAHOU,
he is the great one, the King of the blessed, for he is the original one, he who
knows the mysteries, the greatest of the holy ones in the empyrean. He is happy,
the spirit KESCHI who makes his own law in the Ament, he speaks to what is born
of him,1 OSIRIS CHENTAMENT.
2 Hail to thee, inhabitant of the empyrean, praised be what is in thee; hail to
thee, inhabitant of the empyrean, the weeping gods cut their hair in honour of
thee, they clap their hands, they revere thee, they weep before thee, thy spirit
rejoices in their fear, thy body is blessed.
3 Hail to thee, inhabitant of the empyrean, god seated upon his throne, who holdest the sceptre
hik2 King of the
_______
1 His own form.
2 The sceptre which has the form of a hook, and commonly held in the hand of
Osiris.
{p.125} empyrean, Prince of the Aker, great Prince crowned with the
urer,1 great god who hides his dwelling, Lord of wisdom, Chief of the powers.
4 Hail to the inhabitant of the empyrean, thy son HORUS rests in thee, thou communicatest thy orders to him, thou permittest him to shine like AN of the
empyrean, the great star who creates his names2 who knows the empyrean and who
traverses the interior of it, he, the son of RA, proceeding from TUM. The royal
OSIRIS is thy son, thou communicatest thy orders to him, thou permittest him to
shine like AN of the heavens, the great star who creates his names, who knows
the empyrean and who traverses the interior of it, he the son of RA, proceeding
from TUM. He rests in the empyrean, he rejoices in the dusk, he enters in there
and comes forth, the arms of TONEN receive him, the blessed lift him, they
stretch out their hands towards him, the ....3 guide him. Praise him ye
blessed, exalt the royal OSIRIS, ye blessed! Rejoice over him, as over RA,
extol him like OSIRIS, he has placed your offerings before you, he accords you
the favour of receiving your portion as his father RA commanded. He is his
darling, he is his descendant upon the earth, and the blessed show him the way.
Let him arrive in the empyrean, and let him penetrate into the good Ament. The
royal OSIRIS fixes the crown upon the head of OSIRIS, he offers his casket to
SEB, he presents SAH with the sceptre, he gives the royal diadem to him whose
name is AMMON.
5 Look at him, ye blessed, let him receive a perfect intelligence, let him shine
like the god of mysteries, deliver him from the gods of the pillory who fasten
to
__________
1 The white and red crown, which is the emblem of dominion over both Upper and
Lower Egypt.
2 His existences.
3 Tonen.
{p.126} their posts. May they never bind OSIRIS to their posts, may
they never put him in the place of destruction, for he is the descendant of
OSIRIS who permits him to receive the diadem in the empyrean.
6 He is sublime, the spirit of RA in the Ament, his body is blessed there, the
spirits rejoice when they develop their forms in the zones of the empyrean,
before the soul of RA, the inhabitant of the empyrean, and TEB TEMT who rests in
his covering. Hail, yes, hail! Hail spirit of RA, hail, spirit of the royal
OSIRIS like TEMT! Hail, royal OSIRIS who art RA, and reciprocally! Oh TEMT who
art RA, and reciprocally, hail!
7 The royal OSIRIS is one of you. He gives birth to you, he gives you your
names, he makes you perfect; ha! he sends his body into you; ha! he is your
creator. Look at him, he shines like him who proceeds from you; he honours his
father, perfect, blessed, blessing his mother; look at him, make his essence
sublime and make him like him who destroys his forms; ...1 show the way to his
spirit, set him upon your pedestals, make him rest in his members, show him his
dwelling in the midst of the earth, open your doors to him, unfasten the bolt.
8 Oh RA, oh TEB-TEMT, guide the royal OSIRIS following the direction of the
spirits, following the course of the gods. The royal OSIRIS is in his gateway
(in presence of the) navigating gods; the royal OSIRIS is the only one, the
guardian of his doors, he who puts the gods in their place. He is upon his
pedestal in the empyrean, he is the possessor in the midst of the possessors, he
is at the extremities of the empyrean, he is blessed in the infernal regions. He
rests in the Ament amongst the spirits who are in the members of the Ament. The
royal OSIRIS is RA's darling, he is the mysterious phoenix, he enters in
______
1 Tonen.
{p.127} peace into the empyrean, he leaves NUT in peace; the royal
OSIRIS has his throne in heaven, he traverses the horizons in RA's train, he is
at peace in the heavens, in RA's fields, his share is upon the horizon in the
fields of AALU; he traverses the earth like RA, he is wise like THOTH, he walks
at will, he hastens in his course, like SAHU with the mysterious names, who
becomes two divinities. The royal OSIRIS becomes two divinities. What RA
produces, the royal OSIRIS produces; he gives a spiritual existence to what he
loves; he does not give it to what he hates. The royal OSIRIS is the Chief of
the gods who make offerings to the spirits, he is powerful in his course, he is
the courageous being who strikes his enemies.
9 Oh ye gods, oh ye blessed who precede RA and who escort his spirit, do to the
royal OSIRIS as to RA, tow him with you in the same way that you conduct RA and
the two navigating gods in the heavens; the royal OSIRIS is RA himself, and
reciprocally; he is the Chief of his worshippers who gives life to the forms.
SECTION III
1 Oh, Ament, oh Ament, oh good, oh good, oh strong, oh
strong, oh powerful, oh powerful, oh protecting, oh protecting, oh mysterious,
oh mysterious (Ament), the royal OSIRIS knows thee, he knows thy form, he knows
the name of thy companions. Ament, hide my corpse, good Ament, hide my body. Oh
resting place, let me rest in thee; oh strong one, may the royal OSIRIS be
strong with thy strength, oh powerful one, may
he be powerful with thy power! Oh Ament, open thy arms to him; oh protectress,
cover his body; oh mysterious being, stretch out thy hand to him. Hail, holy Ament of OSIRIS with the mysterious names, the most holy of the gods, thou who
art the most hidden of {p.128} all mysteries. Hail! the royal OSIRIS worships thee; he
addresses the great god who is within thee. Hail! he worships thee; open thy
mysterious doors to him. Hail! he worships thee; (open to him) thy hidden
spheres, for he has his dwelling in the heavens like RA, and his throne is upon
the earth like SEB; he is seated upon the throne of SEB, upon the seats of HORCHUTI; his spirit soars into the heavens, it rests there; his body descends
to the earth in the midst of the gods. He walks with RA, he follows TUM, he is
like CHEPRA, he lives as thou livest in truth.
2 When this book is read he who reads it purifies himself at the hour when RA
sets, who rests in the Ament of the Ament, when RA is in the midst of hidden
things, completely.
{p.129}
HYMN TO RA-HARMACHIS
TRANSLATED BY
E. L. LUSHINGTON, LL.D., D.C.L.
THE Hymn to Amen-Ra-Harmachis (the Sun identified with
the Supreme Deity), of which a translation is here attempted, is found, with
other compositions of a similar nature, among the Berlin papyri. (No. 5,
published in Lepsius, Denkmaler, Abth. VI., Bd. 12, p. 115-117.)
It probably belongs to the Ramesside period; the writing is careful and for the
most part very distinct; some lacunae are met with towards the end, and in a
few passages the characters baffle the present translator's skill in decyphering.
Citations from this hymn occur not unfrequently in the writings of eminent
Egyptian scholars, as Brugsch, Deveria, and others; compare especially Chabas,
Le Nom de Thebes, p. 16, where the long antithesis of {p.130} epithets bestowed
on Ra and his adversaries is described as "furnishing a page of the Egyptian
dictionary."
As far as I am aware, no complete translation of it was published till the
appearance of Professor Maspero's Histoire Ancienne, Paris, 1875; where the
whole is rendered into French, pp. 32-35. My own translation was made before I
had the opportunity of seeing this work; since consulting it I have modified my
version of one or two passages in accordance with M. Maspero's views.
HYMN TO RA-HARMACHIS
ADORATION to RA-HARMACHIS at the front of the morning.1
1 Say:
Thou wakest beauteous AMEN-RA-HARMACHIS, thou watchest in triumph, AMEN-RA, Lord
of the horizon, blessed one beaming in splendour, towed by thy mariners who are
of the unresting gods, sped by thy mariners of the unmoving gods. Thou comest
forth thou ascendest, thou towerest in beauty, thy barge divine careers wherein
thou speedest, blest by thy mother NUT each day, heaven embraces thee, thy foes
fall as thou turnest thy face to the West of heaven. Counted are thy bones,
collected thy limbs, living thy flesh, thy members blossom, thy soul blossoms,
glorified is thy august form, advanced thy state on the road of darkness. Thou
listenest to the call of thy attendant gods behind thy
10 chamber; in gladness are the mariners of thy bark, their heart delighted,
Lord of heaven who hast brought joys to the divine Chiefs, the lower sky
rejoices, gods and men exult applauding RA on his standard, blest by his mother
NUT; their heart is glad. RA hath quelled his impious foes, heaven rejoices,
earth is in delight, gods and goddesses are in festival to make adoration to RA-HOR,
as they see him rise in his bark. He fells the wicked in his season, the abode
is inviolate, the diadem mehen in its place, the uraeus hath smitten the wicked.
_________
1 "At the front of the morning." Some prefer rendering the words "every
morning."
{p.132}
O let thy mother NUT embrace thee1 Lord RA, those who are
with her tell thy glories. OSIRIS and NEPHTHYS have uplifted thee at thy coming
forth from the womb of
20 thy mother NUT. O shine RA-HARMACHIS, shine in thy morning as thy noonday
brightness, thy cause upheld over thy enemies, thou makest thy cabin speed
onward, thou repellest the false one in the moment of his annihilation: he has
no rest2 in the moment when thou breakest the strength of the wicked enemies of
RA, to cast him into the fire of Nehaher,3 encircling in its hour the children
of the profane. No strength have they, RA prevails over his insensate foes, yea,
putting them to the sword thou makest the false one cast up what he devoured.
Arise O RA from within thy chamber, strong is RA, weak the foes: lofty is RA,
down-stricken the foes: RA living, his foes dead: RA full of meat and drink,
his foes a-hungered and athirst: RA bright, his foes engulfed: RA good, his
foes evil: RA mighty, his foes puny: RA hath despoiled APAP.
30 O RA thou givest all life4 to the King, thou givest food for his mouth,
drink for his throat, sweet oil for his hair. blessed RA-HARMACHIS thou
careerest by him in triumph, those in thy bark exult to quell and overthrow the
wicked. Cries of joy in the great seat, the divine
_______
1 Perhaps "Approach thou thy mother Nut." Neb Ra, "Lord Ra," seems clearly
the reading of the text given in Lepsius, unless the scribe has twice put the
hieratic character for nuter instead of the usual form of h; neb heh, "lord of
eternity," as Maspero renders it, is what might rather have been expected. In
the following "Isis and Nephthys" is the version of M. Maspero; the text appears
to me to give Osiris.
2 Perhaps "he cannot advance."
3 Nehaher, "ghastly-faced," an infernal demon, sometimes represented as a
serpent. Compare T. B. 125, 18; Bon., 11a, 31, 32; Pierret, Et. Eg., 2. 1 14.
4 "Thou givest life," this may be understood also as imperative, "give life."
{p.133} cabin is in gladness, acclamation in the bark of millions of
years. RA's sailors are charmed at heart to see RA hailed as supreme of the
order of great gods, they gain delight in doing adoration to the great bark,
homage in the mysterious chamber. O shine AMEN-RA-HARMACHIS self-sprung, thy
sister goddesses stand in Bech,1 they
40 receive thee, they uplift thee into thy bark, which is perfect in delights
before Lord RA, thou begettest blessings. Come RA, self-sprung, thou lettest
PHARAOH receive plenty in his battlemented house, on the altar of the god whose
name is hidden. Glory to thee, Prince coming forth in thy season, Lord of many
faces, diadem producing rays, scattering darkness, all roads are filled with thy
splendours, apes make to thee salutations with their arms, they praise thee,
they cry aloud to thee, they tell thy glories, their lips exalt thee in heaven,
in earth; they conduct thee at thy splendid arising, they open or drive back
the gate of the Western horizon of heaven, they let RA be embraced in peace and
joy by his mother NUT; thy soul is approved by the tenants of the lower heaven,
the divine spirits rejoice at
50 the twofold season of brightness: thou turnest gloom into repose2 thou sweetenest pain of OSIRIS, thou givest breezes in the valley, illuminest earth
in darkness, sweetenest pain of OSIRIS. All beings taste the breath, they make
to thee acclamations in thy changes, thou who art Lord of changes, they give
adoration to thy might in thy forms of beauty in the morn. Gods hold their arms
to thee, those whom thy mother NUT bore.
____________
1 Bech, the Eastern hill of sunrise. See Brugsch, Z.A. 1864, p. 73, etc. Its
opposite height was called Manu.
2 "Thou turnest gloom into repose." I am not confident that the meaning of the
original ta-k neshen enti ster is correctly given in these words; perhaps "thou makest the adversary prostrate" may more truly convey the sense.
{p.134}
Come to the King O RA, stablish his glories in heaven his
might on earth.
O RA heaven rejoices to thee, O RA earth trembles at thee, O blessed RA-HARMACHIS
thou hast raised heaven to elevate thy soul, the lower sky has hidden thee in
thy mystic forms. Thou hast uplifted heaven to the expanse of thy outstretched
arms, thou hast spread out earth to the width of thy stride. Heaven rejoices to
thee at thy
60 greatness of soul, thy terror fills earth at thy figure, princely hawk of
glittering plume, many coloured frame, mighty sailor god, self-existing,
traversing paths in the divine vessel, thou roarest in smiting thy foes, making
thy great bark sweep on, men hail thee, gods fear thee, thou hast felled thy
foes before it. Courier of heaven outstript by none, to illumine earth for his
children, uplifted above gods and men, shining upon us; we know not thy form
when thou lookest on our faces, thy bulk passes our knowledge. O blessed RA-HARMACHIS
thou penetratest Bull at night, Chieftain by day, beauteous orb of mafek, King
of heaven, Sovran of earth, great image in the
70 horizon of heaven. RA who hast
made beings, TATANEN giving life to mankind, PHARAOH son of RA has adored thee
in thy glories, he has worshipped at thy gracious rising brightness on the
Eastern horizon, he makes tranquil thy path, he beats down thy foes before thee
in his turning back all thy adversaries, he assigned to thee the Uta on her
seat, he makes them .... he assigned to thee honours .... he cleared the way for
thee. he established thy rites in Abydos; he opens to thee roads in Rusta,
76
he beats down evil.
{p.135}
THE INSCRIPTION OF DARIUS
AT THE TEMPLE OF EL-KHARGEH
TRANSLATED BY
S. BIRCH, LL.D.
THE inscription, which is inedited, was copied
by Mr. Robert Hay from the south-western wall of
the second chamber of the temple of Amen at El-Khargeh.1 The representations which occur after the
first line of the original are those of the four elements
divided into the male and female principle, and described by M. Lepsius in a paper written by him for
the Berlin Academy.2 They are represented snake-headed and frog-headed, holding their hands up in
adoration. They are as follows:
Lines 2-4
Nu (Han) .... water, male.
Nut (Han.t.) .... water, female.
Hehu .... fire, male.
Hehu t .... fare, female.
____________
1 The copy is at present in the British Museum, Add. Manuscript,
No. 29,847, fol. 89.
2 Unter die Gotter d. vier Elementen, in the Abhandlungen. d. K. Akad.
d. Wissensch. 4to., 1856.
{p.136}
Kakiu .... earth, male.
Kakiu t ..... earth, female.
Karh ..... air, male.
Karh t .... air, female.
In this series they follow the ordinary order,
and have their usual names, the only exception
being that of instead of the word Nan, for "air,"
the inscription of El-Khargeh gives KarJi. This
word has no philological analogy with any of the
Egyptian expressive of air. It has been supposed to
mean "care;"1 the word nearest to it in sound is
karh "the night." The inscription which is really a
highly pantheistic hymn consists of forty-six lines,
and contains the address of the Elements to the god
Amen Ra. It has been numbered in the copy
inversely, the 46th being the first list. It is of the
nature of some of the hymns already published and
relating to that god, and may be compared with the
Litany of the Sun already contained in this volume.
This translation, together with the original text has
been published by myself in the Transactions of the Society of Biblical
Archaeology, vol. V, p. 293, foll.
_____________
1 Pleyte, Etudes Egyptiennes, p. 113.
{p.137}
THE INSCRIPTION OF DARIUS AT THE TEMPLE OF EL-KHARGEH
1 SAID by the adorers in praying to their father AMEN
RA, lord of Hab,1 great god, powerful with the scimitar,
5 in his type of RA2 to
....3 self-produced,4 his
bones of silver, his skin of gold, his head of real lapis, his
joints of turquoise, a perfect god, making his body, giving
birth to
6 it. He has not come out of a womb, he has come out of
cycles: he has given light to the world (and) the circle of
the gods is adoring before him; they proclaim him to
the height of heaven, (they) adore .... his birth. He
has passed
7 the secret places, they rejoice at him under their divine
types, they are careful to make their adorations to the
bull. We pray to him in (our abodes), we worship him .... in their (places). We adore him
8 in the form of hands. They acknowledge his majesty as
their lord, for the greatness of his type is the greatest of
all of them. He has had a title of .... (heaven) earth
and waters AMEN, the firm in all things, that noble
9 god, the earth came from his devices, regulating each for
the gods, old age and youth, procession, age, mystical
______
1 The Oasis.
2 The Sun.
3 Lacunae.
4 Grebaut, Hymne a Ammon, p.xiii., "self-transformed."
{p.138}
were the causes, acute the .....1 extended his favours, his
limbs in the air of heaven upon his youthful head, the
water under his
10 head, a child the water under his feet, the Divine Majesty2
of a hawk on his head, he confines the winds under the boat
of MANU when he goes to the unknown region of the
morning. The apes of THOTH adore, saying oh
11 the god in the disk concealing himself in his body, the
soul gleaming from his two symbolic mortal eyes, the
type of types, the honoured, not falling to his enemies,
giving light to his transformation, he supports them by
the light of his two mystical eyes, unknown is
12 his ..... Hail to thee in the bosom of heaven, ordering
thy divine births, the goddess TRUTH is united to thy
mystical throne. Honoured has been thy image by thy
lovers, thou hast shone, distributing the light
13 in the morning, thou hast circled the two lands in thy
gleaming. Thou hast touched at the hill of the land of Akar,3 the types in it adore, the light of the body of thy
beams .... has been illumined4 the bosom of the
jackals hauling thy boat in the hidden gap
14 of the land of Sesen,5 and the Spirits of the West,
adoring thee, they tremble at thee at the light of thy
disk. The spirits of the land of Pe6 salute thee at the
appearance of thy light. Thou shinest in their faces,
thou traverses!
15 thy two heavens; annihilated are thy opponents. They
open the house of thy majesty; tame are the crocodiles,
quiet are the herons in the waters of thy boat; thou hast
..... the fish. HORUS has pierced SET, his arrow is in
him. He has conquered heaven and earth
________
1 Lacunae.
2 Perhaps "the plumes."
3 A region of Hades.
4 Or, "received."
5 Hermopolis.
6 Buto, or the North.
{p.139}
16 in his cloud, and his pursuit. Prevailing by overthrowing his opponent, he
...1 a sword ... Akar2
saves him, he makes his companion hidden he .... him;
his eye
17 gives them light from him, it feeds off flame of fire.
Thou hast passed the turns of the river, thou navigatest
with a fair wind the Mau .... at rest ..... the ....
which
18 they .... the .... those never at rest and
incorruptible constellations, thou perambulatest the earth justified. Thou hast
joined a new skin, thy mother has been embraced ....
19 thy reception adored by all beings. Thou art at rest in
the abode Tuaut3 during the hours of darkness, thou awakest OSIRIS by thy beams, thou shinest over the heads
of those who are in their cells, thou hast traversed
20 their hidden buildings on purpose. Thou hast been
typified by thought, thou hast made to be illumined thy
own disk, thou hast set up the .... in their places. Thou
hast gone against the night chambers
21 in the darkness, thy left eye is in the disk at night,
thou shinest in the morning out of the east of the heaven, thou hast been woven in thy disk. Thy right
eye is in the essence, thou hast made the passage, thy
secret
22 is the depths of thy secret waters and unknown. Thou
hast come on the road, thou hast given light in the path,
thou hast prevailed over difficulties like the mysterious
forms, thy type than every god
23 exalted and magnified by the divine circles. Each god
has assumed thy skin, without shape is their type compared to thy form. Thou art the majesty .... which is,
________
1 Lacunae.
2 A region of Hades.
3 Morning.
{p.140} thou hast ruled, lord; heaven and earth, under thy
plumes, the gods
24 under thy hands, men under thy legs; where is
a god like thee. Thou art the SUN over the gods,
crowned sweet and delightful, oh soul from in .....1
by terrors
25 of the disk, thy uraei are tall, thy horns are pointed,
twisted are the horns, lamps are the light of the two
symbolic eyes, gold and crystal are the decorations,
turquoise the face,
26 gilded are the limbs. Thou hast placed thy throne
wherever thou delightest to multiply thy name, places and districts carrying thy
beauty. Corn has never failed to be tall under thy form. Thy place is arranged,
in the time of a division2
27 of an hour thou traversest the earth from the Manu.3
Thou risest from the waters as the hidden egg,
the female AMEN is in thy company. Thou hast rested
in the cow, thou seizest the horns, thou hast been immerged in
28 the cow MEHUR. No germ grows, rising from its entirety to earth from the ether, sound in the roots. Thou
perambulatest the earth to the district of Sutenkhen.4
Thou hast gone there to its confines.
29 Thy likeness is there as the one of terrible face.5 Thy
great soul is in the nome of Lycopolis at rest among the
ten thousands and thousands of gods which come out of
it. Thy fluid is SHU, thy drop is TEFNUT.6 Thou hast
made to grow
30 the nine gods at the first of typification.7 Thou art the
________
1 Lacuna.
2 Kamta, "fragments."
3 Ocean.
4 Herakleopolis.
5 Harshaf, a title of the god Ptah, "creator."
6 Or, Tef.
7 At the time they began to assume their types or forms.
{p.141} lion of the double lions, thou hast tied the bellies of the
circle of the gods, thou hast extended the earth under
their power. They make festivals to thee in their temples.
Thy soul .....1 is in
31 Tattu2 altogether, the four gods in Ansatp engendering,
lord of the gods, bull of his mother, rejoicing in the cow,
her husband, engendering with his beautiful generation.
Thou passest to the place thou choosest to thy
32 hall of the Saite nome. Thy form is at rest in the temple
of Lower Egypt, in the nest of the lord3 of Sais. Thy
mother NEITH has been pleased by her son tenderly beloved, binding him all the limbs in the region of the
South and North, thy
33 ....4 on the limbs of the crocodiles. Thou hast
opened the nest, thou restest on the lower country. Thy
heart rests in the roads of Hai,5 making Buto to rejoice
in a moment, and Mehenu6
34 to follow thee. Thou hast come in the heart of NAUSAAS.
Thy soul is at rest in Hetep.7 Thou art the
youth and the old one hidden amongst those of the temple in the great house of
An.8 Thougoest in (peace)
35 the uraeus on thy head; in a moment thou hast united
the two countries under the sides of thy throne. Thou
art the place of Sebennytus, thy place is pure in the
town of the abode of the Sycamore.9 Thy abode is
in Khent-ta-net,10 thy dominions in Memphis,
gods and goddesses .....
36 above in the rays of An to spie thy form in Menkat.
_________
1 Or, Bull.
2 Busiris or Abusir.
3 Or Lady, "Neith."
4 Lacunae.
5 Or the papyrus, the Lower Country.
6 The uraeus on the diadem of the Sun.
7 Place of pools in Elysium.
8 Heliopolis.
9 Arsinoe.
10 Unknown site.
{p.142}
Thou hast presented the peace of the hidden places.
Thy births have gone round the gods who are demiurgos
37 the circle of them O thou hawk of the nome of Heliopolis, sacred is thy temple in the city of Kar,1 thy first
birth is established in the face of the darkness.
38 Thy second birth thou hast appointed there after thee
to overthrow thy enemies at their rising. Thou hast
gone opposite to the court-yard to the South, a demiurgos to elevate the youth2
39 in his gate. Thou hast made the two countries in the
town of the White Wall3 as PTAH, chief essence to ....4
Thou hast placed thy throne in the life of the two countries
as AMEN RA. Thy soul is the ark and four pillars of the
two heavens.
40 Thy form emanated at first while thou shinest as AMEN
RA and PTAH. Thy heart is at rest in thy city of Uas.5
Thy two uraei, thy eyes, thy sceptre, thy whip open the
doors of the heaven in
41 Thebes, SHU, TEFNU, MUT and KHONS are thy forms
dwelling in thy shrine under the types of the god KHEM,
raising his tall plumes, king of the gods, lifting the hand,
lord of the crown,
42 powerful by it, all fear emanates from the fear of him,
the Kamutf6 who resides in his fields, horned in all his
beauty, engendering the depths. Black and crystal the
faces of those attached to him, the two mystical eyes, the
decorations of
43 the Har-ti nome7 dwelling in the nome Pe8 over
________
1 Babylon.
2 Hainiu, perhaps the Nut or Firmament.
3 Memphis.
4 Lacuna.
5 Thebes.
6 Bull of his mother.
7 Coptites.
8 Buto.
{p.143} his strong house, TUM the great lord of created beings.
He is the hawk1 created at first, MENTU RA in
Uas.2
The powerful bull, he is the arm striking.
44 of the cowards of Nahi, PTAH in Uas, the luminous
body ever golden for an age and ever. Thou art SEKAR, thy transformations are
into the Nile, the person greater than the other gods. Thou art youth and age.3
45 They repose in the merits of thee. Thou givest life to
the earth by thy stream. Thou art heaven, thou art
earth, thou art fire, thou art water, thou art air in the
midst of them. Thou hast hailed things to be done of
him who is indefatigable, the orderer of the visible and invisible.4
46 Thou givest life to them as thou increasest them, thy
soul prepares them under thy type of AMEN RA, lord of
all existences, thy heart is strong, thy body makes festive,
thou increasest thy son who is on thy throne, thou makest
young his lips up-
47 on earth. Thou honourest him, thou crownest him
with thy title, thy gracious form thou makest to shine as
the Sun, thy son, the beautiful face5 doing all thy wish,
thou findest for him victory to his hands, the king of the
Upper and Lower Country, the Son of the Sun.
48 NTARIUSH,6 the Ever Living, Born of the Sun, the
support of those who are in Uas, the Son of the Sun NTARIUSH the assistant, his attached fourfold AMEN RA,
Lord of the thrones of the world, resident in Thebes,
powerful with the scimitar
49 Son of the Sun, NTARIUSH, HORUS, son of Isis, son of
_________
1 χeprr, same as the "scarabaeus."
2 Thebaid.
3 Or the Hannu or Ether.
4 Existent or non-existent
5 Title also of Ptah.
6 Darius I.
{p.144} OSIRIS, beloved of AMEN, save thou the Son of the Sun
NTARIUSH1 the Ever Living, from every sword, every
arrow; may the terror of him, the fear of him, the victorious power of him, be in the hearts of all men and
every land, like thy victory thy fears and thy terrors in
the hearts of gods and men.
________
1 Darius I.
{p.145}
THE PRAISE OF LEARNING
TRANSLATED BY
S. BIRCH, LL.D.
THIS composition is found on two papyri in the British Museum, Sallier II, pl. iii, 1. 9-pl. xi, 1. 4, and Anastasi VII, pl. i. 1. 1-pl. vii. 1. 4, Select Papyri, pl. xv-xx, cxxviii-cxxxiv, and also on a slice of calcareous stone in the same institution, published in Inscriptions in the Hieratic and Demotic Characters published by the British Museum, pl. xi. It has long attracted the attention of students; a précis of the contents and translation of a small portion having been given by Mr. Goodwin in the Cambridge Essays, 1858, p. 272-275; but the first critical translation of the whole has been given by M. Maspero, Le Genre Epistolaire chez les Anciens Egyptiens, 1872, p. 48. The present translation is made after that of M. Maspero, and follows it in nearly all the passages; but the difficult and obscure nature of many sentences is such that they can hardly be interpreted, except conjecturally, owing principally to two reasons, viz., the extreme conciseness of the language in which it is {p.146} written, accompanied by the use of colloquial phrases, and the abnormal employment of determinative Hieroglyphs in Hieratic compositions. This long text appears to be a poetical one, and the lines of poetry are indicated by red spots. That these do not mark off sentences is evident from the spots occasionally being placed in the middle of a sentence, the end of which passes into the following line. The composition is attributed to the period of the XIIth Dynasty; but the name of Pepi, the same as that of a monarch of the VIth Dynasty, may indicate that it is of the earlier period. The manuscripts in which it is found are not older than the age of Rameses II of the XIXth Dynasty. Two dedications are found on the papyri; that of the Sallier Papyrus is, "To the perfect bard, the very wonderful, the scribe of the treasury, Qakabu, of the treasury of the Pharaoh," while Anastasi VII has "To the scribe of the treasury, Qakabu, the scribe Paharpet, the scribe Autha, the scribe Rameriu, made by the scribe Anna, (or Ann-ann) the master of instructions, in the 6th year the 25th of the month Payni when one was in the house of Rameses (II). Loving Amen, the Living, the great portrait of Ra-Harmachis," by which last expression is meant the king Rameses II. It should be observed that these dedications are also marked with red spots, but they were also drawn up in poetical form, so as to make the entire composition uniform.
{p.147}
THE PRAISE OF LEARNING
1 THE commencement of the instructions
2 made by a person of Tsaru1
3 TUAUFSAKHRAT is his name
4 to his son PEPI2 is his name
5 He went to Khennu3
6 to place himself in the place of instruction of letters.
7 The children of elders did not surpass him
8 who are in the town of Khennu
9 He was saying to him
10 I have seen violence, I have seen violence4
11 give thy heart after letters
12 I have seen one free from labours5
13 Consider there is not anything beyond letters
14 As it is done in the water
15 plunge in the bosom of Kami6
16 You are finding this sentence in it in words
17 Should there be a scribe whose entire residence is in Khennu
18 He is not inactive in it
19 He is giving satisfaction to another
20 He does not come forth an inactive person
21 I have seen labours likewise ....
22 the words of this sentence in it
________
1 Perhaps Tanis, as he evidently was not a native of Silsilis. Maspero
reads "threshingfloor," barn.
2 Shows the composition to date from the VIth Dynasty.
3 Silsilis.
4 Rather manual labour.
5 Service.
6 Books.
{p.148}
23 Love letters as thy mother
24 I make its beauty go in thy face
25 it is greater possession than all employments1
26 It is not a word2 on this earth
27 He who has commenced to avail himself is from
his infancy a counsellor3
28 He is sent to perform commissions4
29 He who does not go he is in sackcloth
30 I have not seen a blacksmith on a commission
31 a founder who goes on an embassy
32 I have seen the blacksmith at his work
33 at the mouth of his furnace
34 his fingers like things of crocodiles5
35 he stinks worse than the eggs of fishes
36 every carpenter carrying tools
37 is he more at rest than the labourers
38 his fields are of wood his tools of metal
39 at night (when) he is free
40 he does in addition of his hands in making
41 at night the lighting of his house6
42 The stone cutter he searches for employment
43 in all kinds of hard stones
44 He has made the completion of the things
45 his arms are fatigued, he is at rest
46 seated at the bread7 of the Sun
47 his knees and his back are broken
48 The barber is shaving till evening
49 when he places himself to eat he places himself on his
elbows.
50 he places himself at street after street
51 to seek after his shaving
________
1 Dignities or honours.
2 A mere word.
3 A counsellor, a net' χet.
4 Receives a civil employment.
5 So black and hard.
6 Cutting wood or torches.
7 Obscure.
{p.149}
52 he wearies his hands to fill his belly
53 as bees feed by their labours.
54 The boatman1 he navigates to
55 At'hu2 that he may have taken his price
56 he has done beyond the power of his hands in doing
57 to kill geese and flamingos
58 he has suffered his suffering
59 he approaches his orchard3
60 he approaches his house at night
61 for he must go4
62 The little labourer having a field
63 he passes his life amongst rustics5
64 he is worn down for vines and pigs
65 to make his kitchen of what his fields have
66 his clothes are heavy with weight
67 he is tied as a forced labourer6
68 he goes into the air he suffers
69 coming forth well from his fireplace
70 He is bastinadoed by a stick on his legs
71 He saves himself
72 Shut against him is the hall of every house
73 drawn are the chambers.7
74 I tell you also of the builder of precincts
75 Disease tastes him
76 For he is in draughts of air
77 He builds in slings
78 Tied as the lotus8 of the houses
_______
1 A rare word, tu-ti, apparently the poulterer or preparer of birds.
2 The marshlands, Delta, or Fayoum.
3 Or avenue of trees before the house.
4 Again to his labours.
5 An\u, either "natives" or "beasts."
6 Satepu, "one selected" to do work for nothing.
7 Bolts or doors of the rooms against his entry.
8 Obscure phrase, either as a lotus is tied to a house, or to the "lotus of
the house," perhaps the roof. Cf. 1.88.
{p.150}
79 To go along to his end
80 his hands are worn with labour
81 Disordered are his clothes
82 He eats himself, the bread his fingers
83 He washes himself at one time only
84 He lowers himself to examine all directions
85 His passage1 is from place to place
86 which is from ten to six cubits
87 his passage is from month to month
88 upon the beams of the lotuses of the houses
89 doing all its work
90 Should there be bread for him, he gives it his house
91 Exhausted2 are his children.
92 The gardener brings me gazelles3
93 all his yokes have weight
94 His hands are chiefly on his neck
95 when he has done the manuring
96 He passes the morning watering vegetables
97 The evening vines
98 He has done every day
99 his belly is wretched
100 Ignorant of his mother is his name4
101 more tranquil than any employment
102 The farmer his garments are for eternity5
103 He elevates his voice like a bird6
104 His fingers aid me for his arms are dry in the wind
_________
1 Maspero, 1. c. p. 54 n. 3, reads, "he is a pawn (seneii) from square to
square."
2 Or "beaten are his children," i.e., his children are starved; it can
hardly be that he beats them because he has obtained bread.
3 Mautu, probably for mahu "wreaths," as the gazelle was not under
the charge of a gardener.
4 Ignorant of literature, "an ignoramus."
5 He wears the same clothes a very long time.
6 "As a bird," or "to the birds." To drive them away.
{p.151}
105 He reposes at the middle1 of the marshes
106 For he is a forced labourer2
107 He is in good health with the beasts
108 Illness tastes him
109 he resides amongst them
110 He arrives at his garden3 in He comes to his house in the evening
112 He must go out
113 The weaver inside the houses
114 is more wretched than a woman
115 his knees are at the place of his heart4
116 he has not tasted the air
117 Should he have done little in a day of his weaving
118 he is dragged as a lily in a pool5
119 he gives bread to the porter
120 that he may be allowed to behold the light
121 The maker of weapons suffers extremely
122 going forth to foreign countries
123 he gives a great deal for his asses
124 more than the labours (of his hands)
125 he gives a great deal for their being in a field
126 He gives on the road
127 He arrives at his garden
128 he reaches his house at night
129 he must be off.
130 The courier going to foreign countries
131 bequeathes his goods to his children
132 because of the fears of beasts and Asiatics
133 What happens to him when he is in Kam6
134 he arrives at his garden
_______
1 Matr, "at a place examined" or "selected."
2 Sulep, "one chosen" or "conscribed" for the service.
3 Or avenues of 1.59.
4 Owing to his being seated on the ground.
5 Either he is overcome or punished.
6 Egypt.
{p.152}
135 he goes to his house in the evening
136 he must be off
137 His heavy bond comes forth
138 No joys come
139 The dyer his fingers stink
140 The smell of bad fish
141 his two eyes are weary with very fatigue
142 his hand does not stop
143 he watches at the rent of the old garment
144 abominable1 are the clothes
145 The sandal maker is very miserable
146 he is always begging
147 his health is as my health of a bad fish2
148 he gnaws the leather
149 The washerman washing on the quay
150 Traverses the ground approaching the crocodiles3
151 The father of the water brings out the dirt
152 his hand does not stop
153 a quiet employment is not before you
154 easier that any employment.
155 his draughts4 are mixed up with his clothes
156 not a limb of him is clean
157 there is given to him the bonds5 of women
158 For as he is in misfortunes
159 I lament to thee he passes his time with a bat6
160 I have brought to thee
161 has been said to him
162 Shouldst7 thou delay to bring them
163 Thy lips will then be struck
164 The fowler of birds suffers very much
__________
1 To the dyer.
2 Or invalid of some kind.
3 One text reads, "in many approaches."
4 Sbab, applied to draught of water.
5 Tie or affliction.
6 To full the linen.
7 Doubtful reading.
{p.153}
165 The confines of NUM1 are before thee
166 when he says "Let the net refuse"
167 The god wills not to show his forms
168 vain are his2 plans
169 I tell you the fisherman
170 suffers more than any employment
171 consider is he not toiling on the river
172 he is mixed up with the crocodiles
173 Should the clumps of papyrus diminish
174 Then he is crying out for help
175 If he has not been told a crocodile is there
176 Terrors blind him
177 Comes forth the father out of the waters3 it is the net
178 Then like the spirits4 which are from god
179 Consider there it is not an employment destitute of
superior ones
180 Except the scribe who is the first
181 For he who knows letters
182 he then is better than thee
183 Not so the employments before thee
184 Consider a companion despises his companion
185 It has not been said Labour for that person
186 Do not transgress that which said to thee
187 Consider I made it in going up to Khennu5
188 Consider I made it out of love for thee
189 (If) thou hast profited a day in the school
190 It is for ever its works are mountains
191 they are my precepts6 which I let you know
________
1 There are different readings in the versions of this line: as, "he does
not see the birds (ari-em-pe) should Num pass to the upper heaven."
2 The fisher's plans or skill.
3 "The father makes to come the net out of the water." Maspero.
4 His destiny is in the hands of God. Maspero.
5 Silsilis.
6 Ast determined by a packet. Maspero reads, "quick, quick."
{p.154}
192 I let you love them they
drive away worms,1
193 I tell thee some other words
194 for thy instruction and knowledge
195 so that thou art not opposed
196 Thou art of those who are weighty in plans
197 Should the weight of my precepts be taken away
198 There is not known anything of counsel
199 When in the hands (is) lapis lazuli for beasts2
200 Vain replies are made to him
201 Should thou walk after great men
202 Thou art to proceed with good knowledge
203 if thou goest in is the master3 in his house
204 the hands of another are not before thee
205 Fit thy hand in thy mouth
206 do not ask any thing for thee
207 Who has done as to say give
208 Is as breaking a switch against a stake4
209 Irritating against thee the master of good
210 Do not speak words of dissimulation
211 He who dissimulates his heart acts against it
212 Do not say proud words
213 Be sealed in thyself that is alone
214 When you come out of school
215 Should you have been told it is now
216 To pay respects in the halls
217 I recommend to thee do not go in their places
218 If a master comes to thee on a mission
219 What he says let it be as he says it
220 Do not detract about what has been laid down
221 When he has left after paying respects
222 He has not laid aside his heart
_______
1 Tennu "enemy, opponents," Maspero; perhaps "cares."
2 Like pearls before swine.
3 One version, "mistress, lady."
4 Or, "pen."
{p.155}
223 He is full of all his admiration
224 Nothing is hidden from him
225 None of all his places holds him1
226 He does not tell lies to his mother2
227 Against the wishes of that Chief.3
228 After things come to (hand)4
229 The hands of a person will be strengthened his trouble
soothed
230 Do not let it be about those with thee that is to say
alone
231 Are they kept low
232 the bowels, thou hast been heard.
233 When three loaves have been eaten
234 and two pots of beer swallowed
235 (If) thy stomach is not full, contend against that.
236 Should another be satiated with it do stand
237 as if breaking a pen against a pike
238 Consider thou passest (by) multitude
239 Thou hearest the words of chiefs
240 Ah could I make like thee the children of men5
241 Thou goest to receive them.6
242 The scribe who listens7
is seen8
243 Those who are attentive are heard
244 Combat the words which are against them
245 Hasten thy feet, thou hast gone
__________
1 A very obscure passage, apparently to respect the tutor or master.
2 Letters or literature.
3 Old person or instructor. Maspero refers this to Osiris.
4 Very difficult passages, apparently referring to the unremunerative
nature of literature.
5 I.e., could the children of common people do as thou doest through literature.
6 He wishes to make the ignorant like him.
7 Attentive.
8 Conspicuous.
{p.156}
246 Do not turn back thy heart
247 Uniting the road to it
248 The elder of a (another) person are thy juniors
249 Consider RANEN is on the road of the god
250 RANEN a scribe (has) on his shoulder
251 The day of his birth.1
252 He approaches the halls
253 of the assembly2 men have made.
254 Truly no scribe is without eating
255 The things of the royal palace of the king
256 MESCHENT3 supplies a scribe
257 Placed at the head of the assembly
258 Adores RA4 the
father his mother5
259 Those placed on the path of the living
260 Consider what I have placed before thee
261 The children of his children
262 Happily finished.6
_________
1 That he is destined or has the goddess as his good genius.
2 Jury or council.
3 The goddess of new birth or the metempsychosis.
4 Maspero reads, "Duau (Tuau) is his father and mother." Tuau is
the morning.
5 His mother literature.
6 It has gone out well in peace.
{p.157}
THE PAPYRUS
OF
MORAL PRECEPTS
XXXIInd DYNASTY
TRANSLATED BY
M. THEOD. DEVERIA.
THESE moral precepts are written in the demotic
script on a palimpsest papyrus in the collection of
the Musée du Louvre, X 9, No. 2114. The other
side of the papyrus has a Greek inscription contained
in three columns, which has been published by MM.
Egger et Brunet de Presle in Papyrus grecs du Musée
du Louvre et de la Bibliotheque, No. 56, and the
Egyptian text has been published and annotated by
M. Pierret in the Recueil Egyptologique, 1re Livraison,
and also again by M. Theod. Deveria in Catalogue des
Manuscripts Egyptiens au Musée du Louvre, 8vo.,
Paris, 1875, p. 139, and from that latter source
the following translation is taken. These wise {p.158}
admonitions which are almost the latest that occur
in Egyptian literature should be compared with
those of the scribe Pthah-hept which were written
in the time of the VIth Dynasty, and which have
been translated both by M. Chabas in Le plus Ancien
livre du Monde, 1857, and by the Rev. Dunbar Heath,
under the title of The Proverbs of Aphobis.1
____________
1 A translation of these ancient proverbs will shortly appear in the
Records of the Past.
{p.159}
LOUVRE PAPYRUS
No. X, 9
1 Make it not in a heart of a
mother to enter into bitterness1
2 Kill not, nor expose thyself to be killed
3 Make not a companion of a wicked man2
4 Do not do after the advice of a fool
5 Do not build up thy tomb above those who command you
6 Do not .....3 to your children till they are old they
have increased in age and strength
7 May it not happen to thee to maltreat an inferior and
may it happen to thee to respect the venerable
8 May it not happen to you to maltreat your wife whose
strength is less than thine but may she find in you a
protector4
9 Do not curse thy master before God
10 Do not curse him who ......
11 Do not speak against thy master .....
12 Do not save thy life at the cost of that of another's
13 Desire not that thy son .... and his sons
_________
1 See Ritual, cap cxxv., "I have not made to weep."
2 Cf. Pro. iv. 14 and xxviii. 7.
3 Lacunae.
4 Cf. the fine old Sanskrit Proverb, "Strike not a wife even with a
flower."
5 This admonition sounds almost Buddhistic in its tendency. If the view
could be safely entertained that the doctrine of Sakyamunya had reached
Greece, then an Egyptian priest educated in the Greco-Egyptian School
of Alexandria might have heard of such a precept.
{p.160}
14 May it not happen to thee to cause thy infant to suffer
if he is weak, (on the contrary) assist him
15 Do not abandon one son to another of thy sons, who is
stronger or more courageous
16 That is the cause of vexation which comes from
.....1
17 Do not amuse thyself or play upon those who are
dependent upon you
18 Do not allow thy son to be familiar with a
married woman2
19 Do not build thy tomb in thine own estate3
20 Do not build your tomb at the approaches to the
Temples
21 Do not go out with a foolish man4
22 Do not stop to listen to his words
23 Do not pervert the heart of thy acquaintance if he is pure
24 Do not take a haughty attitude
25 Do not mock the venerable man who is thy superior.
.........
Cetera desunt. .......
_________
1 Lacuna.
2 Cf. Ecclus. ix. 9 and Prov. vi. 29.
3 That such a caution should have become necessary demonstrates
plainly how much in the Ptolemaic period the Egyptians had declined from
the love of their old faith, since a tomb in the consecrated mountains of the
West was at one time the last and highest comfort that religion could
bestow.
4 Cf. Prov. xiv. 7 and xiii. 20.
This page last updated: 29/06/2009