Sinuhe

Nederhof (R) - English

Created on 2006-11-04 by Mark-Jan Nederhof. Last modified 2009-06-08. Transliteration and translation for "Sinuhe", following the transcription of Koch (1990), version R. Only fragments are given where R is the main version, or where it deviates substantially from the main version. The transliteration throughout follows Hannig (1995). Transcription of proper names, except names of kings given by Hannig (1995), follows Parkinson (1997). For published translations, see Gardiner (1916), pp. 168-176; Lichtheim (1975), pp. 222-235; Parkinson (1997), pp. 21-53; Simpson (1972), pp. 57-74. Also considered were the examples from Graefe (1994) and Loprieno (1995).

Bibliography
J.W.B. Barns. Some readings and interpretations in sundry Egyptian texts. The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 58:159-166, 1972. J.W.B. Barns. The Ashmolean Ostracon of Sinuhe. Oxford University Press, London, 1952. A.M. Blackman. Middle-Egyptian Stories -- Part I. Fondation gyptologique Reine lisabeth, Brussels, 1932. W.V. Davies. Readings in the story of Sinuhe and other Egyptian texts. The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 61:45-53, 1975. R.O. Faulkner. A Concise Dictionary of Middle Egyptian. Griffith Institute, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1962. A.H. Gardiner. Notes on the story of Sinuhe. Librairie Honor Champion, Paris, 1916. A. Gardiner. Egyptian Grammar. Griffith Institute, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1957. E. Graefe. Mittelgyptische Grammatik fr Anfnger. Harrassowitz Verlag, Wiesbaden, 1994. R. Hannig. Grosses Handwrterbuch gyptisch-Deutsch: die Sprache der Pharaonen (2800-950 v.Chr.). Verlag Philipp von Zabern, 1995. R. Koch. Die Erzhlung des Sinuhe. Fondation gyptologique Reine lisabeth, Brussels, 1990. M. Lichtheim. Ancient Egyptian Literature -- Volume I: The Old and Middle Kingdoms. University of California Press, 1975. A. Loprieno. Ancient Egyptian: a linguistic introduction. Cambridge University Press, 1995. R.B. Parkinson. The Tale of Sinuhe and Other Ancient Egyptian Poems 1940-1640 BC. Oxford University Press, 1997. W.K. Simpson (editor). The Literature of Ancient Egypt: An Anthology of Stories, Instructions, and Poetry. Yale University Press, 1972.

Nederhof (B) - English

Created on 2006-11-04 by Mark-Jan Nederhof. Last modified 2009-06-08. Transliteration and translation for "Sinuhe", following the transcription of Koch (1990), version B. Only fragments are given where B is the main version, or where it deviates substantially from the main version. Indication of the beginning of line 237 is missing from Koch (1990), and was added following Blackman (1932). The transliteration throughout follows Hannig (1995). Transcription of proper names, except names of kings given by Hannig (1995), follows Parkinson (1997).

Bibliography
i

 R. Hannig. Grosses Handwrterbuch gyptisch-Deutsch: die Sprache der Pharaonen (2800-950 v.Chr.). Verlag Philipp von Zabern, 1995. R. Koch. Die Erzhlung des Sinuhe. Fondation gyptologique Reine lisabeth, Brussels, 1990. R.B. Parkinson. The Tale of Sinuhe and Other Ancient Egyptian Poems 1940-1640 BC. Oxford University Press, 1997.

Nederhof (AOS) - English

Created on 2006-11-04 by Mark-Jan Nederhof. Last modified 2009-06-08. Transliteration and translation for "Sinuhe", following the transcription of Koch (1990), version AOS. Only fragments are given where AOS is the main version, or where it deviates substantially from the main version. The line numbers AOS will here be preceded by 'r' (recto) or 'v' (verso) to avoid clashes. The transliteration throughout follows Hannig (1995). Transcription of proper names, except names of kings given by Hannig (1995), follows Parkinson (1997).

Bibliography
R. Hannig. Grosses Handwrterbuch gyptisch-Deutsch: die Sprache der Pharaonen (2800-950 v.Chr.). Verlag Philipp von Zabern, 1995. R. Koch. Die Erzhlung des Sinuhe. Fondation gyptologique Reine lisabeth, Brussels, 1990. R.B. Parkinson. The Tale of Sinuhe and Other Ancient Egyptian Poems 1940-1640 BC. Oxford University Press, 1997.

Nederhof (BA) - English

Created on 2006-11-04 by Mark-Jan Nederhof. Last modified 2009-06-14. Transliteration and translation for "Sinuhe", following the transcription of Koch (1990), version BA. Only fragments are given where BA deviates substantially from the main version. The transliteration throughout follows Hannig (1995).

Bibliography
R. Hannig. Grosses Handwrterbuch gyptisch-Deutsch: die Sprache der Pharaonen (2800-950 v.Chr.). Verlag Philipp von Zabern, 1995. R. Koch. Die Erzhlung des Sinuhe. Fondation gyptologique Reine lisabeth, Brussels, 1990.

Nederhof (G) - English

Created on 2006-11-04 by Mark-Jan Nederhof. Last modified 2009-06-14. Transliteration and translation for "Sinuhe", following the transcription of Koch (1990), version G. Only fragments are given where G deviates substantially from the main version. The transliteration throughout follows Hannig (1995).

Bibliography
R. Hannig. Grosses Handwrterbuch gyptisch-Deutsch: die Sprache der Pharaonen (2800-950 v.Chr.). Verlag Philipp von Zabern, 1995. R. Koch. Die Erzhlung des Sinuhe. Fondation gyptologique Reine lisabeth, Brussels, 1990.

Nederhof (L) - English

Created on 2006-11-04 by Mark-Jan Nederhof. Last modified 2009-06-13. Transliteration and translation for "Sinuhe", following the transcription of Koch (1990), version L. Only fragments are given where L deviates substantially from the main version. The transliteration throughout follows Hannig (1995). Transcription of proper names, except names of kings given by Hannig (1995), follows Parkinson (1997).

Bibliography
R. Hannig. Grosses Handwrterbuch gyptisch-Deutsch: die Sprache der Pharaonen (2800-950

ii

v.Chr.). Verlag Philipp von Zabern, 1995. R. Koch. Die Erzhlung des Sinuhe. Fondation gyptologique Reine lisabeth, Brussels, 1990. R.B. Parkinson. The Tale of Sinuhe and Other Ancient Egyptian Poems 1940-1640 BC. Oxford University Press, 1997.

iii

R
1

jrj-pat HAtj-a
Prince-regent and count,

R AOS AOS R R R R

xtmw-bjtj smr watj

royal seal-keeper and sole companion,

sAb aD-mr spAwt

magistrate and commissioner of the domains

jty m tAw stjw

of the sovereign in the lands of the bedouin,
2

R
2

rx-nsw mAa mry=f Sms[w sA-n]ht Dd=f

true and beloved acquaintance of the king, follower Sinuhe1 says:

1 Meaning 'son of the sycamore'. 3

R R AOS AOS

jnk Smsw
3

Sms nb=f

bAk n jpAt-nsw bAk n{t} nswt nsw

a servant of the royal thrones,
4

'I was a follower who followed his lord, a servant of the royal harem

R R R R AOS AOS R R

jrt-[pat] wrt Hswt

4

Hmt-nsw s-n-wsrt m Xnm-swt

and of the regentess, greatly praised, royal wife of Sesostris in Khnemsut,

5

sAt-nsw jmn-m-HAt
5

m qAj-nfr nfrw nbt jmAx sb.tj r jmAx

who has passed to blessedness.

royal daughter of Amenemhet in Qanefru, Nefru, revered.

HAt-sp 30 Abd 3 Axt sw 7

Year 30, month 3 of the Season of Inundation, day 7.

R
6

ar nTr r Axt=f aq.n nTr r Axt=f

The god entered into his horizon,
7

nsw-bjtj sHtp-jb-ra

R AOS AOS R
7

The god departed to his horizon, the king of Upper and Lower Egypt Sehotepibre

sHr=f r pt Xnm m jtn

ascended to heaven and united with the sun,

R AOS AOS

sarj m1 pt
was let to ascend to heaven

1 Emend to sarj=f

r following Gardiner (1916).

8

R R R R AOS

Ha-nTr
8

Abx(.w) m jr-sw

the divine body merging with him who created him.

9

jw Xnw m sgr
9

jbw m gmw
hearts were in mourning,

The residence was in silence,

jw Xnw{tj} a.w.s. m sgr

10

AOS The residence (l.p.h.!) was in silence, R R

rwtj-wrtj xtm.w

[Sny]t m [tp] Hr mAst

10

the great double gate was shut, courtiers were grieving,

11

R R AOS

pat

m jmw
11

jsT rf sb.n Hm=f

Now, His Majesty had sent

patricians were wailing.

pat m jwgrw1

AOS patricians were in the necropolis.

1 Following Barns (1952) and Gardiner (1957), p. 209, note 7. 12 13

R R G G

mSa
8

r tA-TmH
12

sA=f smsw

m Hrj jrj
13

an army to the Libyan land,

with his eldest son in command;

mSa aSA r tA-TmH

a numerous army to the Libyan land,

14

R R R R R R R R

nTr nfr s-n-wsrt

tj sw hAb(.w) r Hwt xAswt

14

the good god Sesostris had been sent

to smite the foreign lands,

r sqr jmjw THnw

to slay the inhabitants of Libya,
15 16

tj sw Hm jy=f jn.n=f sqrw-anx

15

n THnw
16

and was now returning, having carried off captives from Libya
17

mnmnt nbt nn Drw=s

smrw nw stp-sA hAb=sn

17

and countless of all kinds of cattle. The companions of the palace sent a message
18

R R R R R R R R R R AOS

r gs jmntj
to the western border,
19

r rDjt rx sA-nsw sSm xpr

m aXnwtj
19

to inform the king's son of the affair that had happened in the cabinet.
20

gm.n sw wpwtjw Hr wAt

pH.n=sn sw r tr n xAwj
20

The messengers found him on the road, reaching him at nightfall.

21 22

n sp sjn.n=f rsj

bjk aX=f Hna

Smsw=f
22

He never hesitated at all and the falcon flew off with his followers,
23

nn rDjt rx st mSa=f nn rDjt rx{t}=sn mSa=f

jsT hAb

r msw nsw
23

without informing his army of it. Now, a message had been sent to the king's children

AOS without informing his army.

24

R R AOS

wnw m-xt=f [m] mSa pn wnnyw m-xt=f (m) mSa pn jsT wj aHa.kw sDm.n=j [xr]w=f

njs.n.tw n wa jm
24

who were following him [in] this army, and one of them was called.

nn njs.[n.tw] wa jm=sn
and none of them was called.

AOS who were following him in this army, B B B

2

Now, I was standing by and heard his voice,

2

jw=f Hr mdt jw=j m ar wA

and as he spoke I was close to a conspiracy1.

1 Consistent with note 1 of Davies (1975). 3

B B B B R R

psx jb=j
3

sS awj=j sdA xr(.w) m at nbt

My heart fluttered, my arms dropped, and trembling befell every limb.

4

nfa=j {r} wj m nftft r HH n=j st dg

I stole away leaping to find myself a hiding-place.
29

r jw.tw wAt Smw=s

until the road and its traveller were separated.
5

B B AOS

rDjt(=j) wj jmjt bAtj

5

r jrt wAt Smw=s r jsq Hr wAt Smt=sn

7

I placed

myself between two bushes to clear the road for its traveller.

rDj.n=j (wj) r jmjtw bAtj

6

AOS I placed (myself) between two bushes to wait near the road where they were walking. B B B B AOS

jrt=j Smt m xntyt n kA(=j) spr r Xnw pn

I then went south; I did not intend to come to this residence,

xmt.n=j xpr HAayt

since I expected there would be contention

n xmt=j xpr m HAayt

AOS since I didn't intend to become involved in contention

B B AOS

n Dd=j anx r-sA=f

8

nmj.n=j mAatj
I crossed Maati

that I didn't think I would survive.

n Dd.n(=j) anx r-sA pfA

9

nTr pn mnx

AOS and I didn't think I would survive that one, this excellent god. B B B B

m hAw nht
9

smA.n=j m jw-snfrw

in the vicinity of the Sycamore, and I arrived on the Island of Snofru.

10

wrS.n=j m aD n

sxt
10

HD.n=j wn hrw

I spent the day at the edge of a field, and departed early the next day.
11

B B AOS AOS

xp.n=j s aHa(.w)

m rA-wAt twr.n=f wj snD n=f

11

I met a man standing on the road and he saluted me, one who feared him.

twr.n=f wj snDw.n=j n=f

and he saluted me but I feared him.
12 13

B B

xpr.n

tr n msyt sAH.n=j r dmj n [g]Aw

12

After it had become dinner time, I reached the port of Negau.

14

B B AOS AOS

DA.n=j m wsxt nn Hm=s

[m s]wt n jmntj
14

I crossed in a boat without a rudder, by means of the west wind.

m swHw nw jmntt
by means of the west winds.
15

B B B B AOS AOS

swA.n=j Hr jAbtjw jkw

[m H]ry[t] [nb]t Dw-dSr

15

I passed east of the quarry above the Mistress of the Red Mountain.
16 17 17

rDjt=j

wAt n rdwj=j m xd dmj.n=j jnbw-HqA

16

Then I made my way northward.

I reached the Walls of the Ruler,

dmj.n(=j) jnbw-jt=j
I reached the Walls of my Father,

R R B B R R B B B B

r ptpt nmjw-Saj
and trample the bedouin.

44 44 18

jry r xsf stjw

made to restrain the bedouin.
45

Ssp.n=j ksw=j m bAt

I crouched down in a bush,

wrSy
19

tp jnb jmj hrw=f

45

the guard on the wall who was on duty.

m snD mAA
20

wr Syw tp Hwt jmj{t} hrw=s

for fear of being seen by the guards in the settlement who were on duty.

jr=j Smt tr n xAw

20

HD.n tA pH.n=j ptn

I travelled during the night and the next morning I reached Peten.
21 22

B B B B AOS

xn.kw r jw n km-wr
21

xr n jbt

As.n=f wj
22

I halted on an island of Kemur. An attack of thirst overtook me;

23

ntb.kw xx=j xm.w

r18

Dd.n=j dpt mwt nn

23

I was parched and my throat was dry. I thought: "This is the taste of death."

nDA.kw xxw{t}=j1 xm.w

r18

AOS I was thirsty and my throat was dry.

1 Read

as .
49

R R B B

Tst=j jb=j Ha=j

I lifted my heart and my body
24

sDm.n=j

nmj n mnmnt
49 25

when I heard the bellowing of cattle

Tst=j jb=j sA q=j Haw=j

sDm.n=j xrw nmj n mn mnt

I lifted my heart and collected myself when I heard the sound of bellowing of cattle

26

B B AOS

gmH.n=j stjw
r19

sjA.n wj mTn jm pA wnn Hr kmt

and caught sight of bedouin. Their leader, who had been in Egypt, recognized me.

[g]mH.n(=j) wj stjw
r19

AOS and caught sight of bedouin.

27 28

B B B B AOS

aHa.n rDj.n=f n=j mw ps n=j jrTt

Sm.n=j Hna=f n wHwt=f

28

He gave me water and boiled milk for me. I went

with him to his tribe

29

nfr jrrt.n=sn
and what they did was good.

rDj.n wj xAst n xAst fx.n=j r kpnj

29

Land gave me to land. I departed from Byblos

nfr jrrt n=j

30

AOS and what was done for me was good. B B AOS

Hs.n=j r qdm Hsj.n=j r qdSw

jr.n=j

rnpt gs jm
30

and returned to Qedem. I had spent a year and a half there

AOS and returned to Kadesh.

31

B B B B AOS

jn wj amw-nnSj

HqA pw

n rTnw Hrt
31

Dd=f n=j

when Amunenshi fetched me, who was ruler of Upper Retjenu. He said to me:
32

nfr Tw Hna=j
"You will be happy with me,

sDm=k rA

n kmt
32

for you'll hear the language of Egypt."

nfr Tw aA wn=k Hna=j

33

AOS "You will be happy here with me, B B B B

Dd.n=f nn rx.n=f qd=j

sDm.n=f

SsA=j
33

He said this because he knew my character and had heard of my experience,

34

mtr.n wj rmT kmt ntjw jm Hna=f

for the Egyptians who were there with him had borne witness to me.

R R B B R
59

pH.n=k] nn Hr sj jSst
"Why [have you come] here?
35

aHa.n Dd.n=f n=j pH.n=k nn Hr-m jSst pw

Then he said to me: "Why is it that you have come here?
59

aHa.n Dd.n=j n=f

Then I said to him:
36

R B B AOS AOS B B AOS AOS

37

jn-jw wn xprt m

Xnw
36

Has anything happened in the residence?"

aHa.n Dd.n=f n=j

Then he said to me:

nsw-bjtj

sHtp-jb-ra wDA.w r Axt

r23

"The king of Upper and Lower Egypt Sehotepibre has gone to the horizon.

sHtp-jb-ra pw wDAw r Axt

r23

"It is Sehotepibre who has gone to the horizon."

B B AOS AOS B B B B AOS

n rx.n.tw xprt Hr=s

37

Dd.n=j swt m jwms Ddw n=j swt m jwms

but I was deceived.

The circumstances of it are unknown." But I fabricated:

n rx.n.tw xprt nn Hr st
It is unknown why this happened,
38

[j]j.n=j m mSa {tA} tA-TmHw

38

"When I had returned from an expedition (to) the land of the Libyans,
39

wHm.tw n=j wHm.n.tw n=j

jb=j

Ahd.w
39

HAtj=j n ntf m Xt=j

and my heart was not in my body.

it was reported to me. My mind became weak

jb(=j) hAm.w

AOS it was reported to me. My heart became tormented.

64

R R
40

n psg.tw=j
64

although I was not spat on,

B B AOS AOS R R B B B B B B AOS AOS

jn.n =f wj Hr wAwt wart

n wfA.tw=j n w{s}fA{t}.tw
although there was no reproach,

It brought me to the ways of flight, although I was not talked about,

n wfA.tw r Hr=j
I was not talked about in my presence,
41

n psg .t[w r Hr]=j

my face was not spat on,

n sDm Ts-Hwrw
a reproach was not heard,
42

n sDm.tw rn=j m rA

wHmw
42

and my name was not heard from the mouth of a herald.

43

n rx=j jn wj r xAst tn

jw mj sxr nTr
43

I do not know what brought me to this land; it is like a plan of god."

jw=j mj sSmw rswt

I was like in a dreaming state,
66

R R R R B B

mj mAA sw jdHy

m Ab[w]
66

s n XAt m tA-stj

as if a marsh-dweller saw himself in Elephantine, a man from the Delta in Taseti."

67

aHa.n Dd.n=f xft=j

67

Then he said to me:

44

wnn jrf tA pf mj-m m-x mt=f nTr pf mnx

"How will that land be without him, that excellent god,

R R
45

[...] wrt1 rnpt jAdw

[...] the Great One in a year of pestilence?"

B B

wnnw snD=f xt

xAswt
45

mj sxmt rnpt jAdw

fear of whom was throughout the lands, like of Sekhmet in a year of pestilence?"

1 Cf. wrt in B 64. 46

B B AOS

Dd.kw r=j n=f wSb=j n=f

46

nHm.n sA=f aq(.w) r aH

"His son has already entered the palace

I said to him,

answering him:

sDd.n=f n=j wSb.n=j n=f

47

AOS After he had spoken to me, I answered him: B B B B B B B B R R B B AOS AOS B B

jT .n=f jwat nt jt=f

48

nTr pw grt nn snnw=f

and has assumed the inheritance of his father. Now, he is a god without equal,

nn ky xpr Xr-HAt=f
48

nb sAt pw

there is no other before him. He is possessor of wisdom,

49 50

jqr

sxrw mnx wDwt-mdw prt hAt xft

49

wD=f
50

excellent of plans, effective of orders, coming and going are by his command.

ntf dAr xAswt smj=f n=f SAt=f xpr

jw jt=f m-Xnw aH=f

It was he who subjugated the foreign lands, while his father was within his palace,

and he reported to him what he ordered to be done.

51

smj=f SAt.n=f xpr

51

and he reported what he had ordered to be done.

smj.tw SA{a}.n=f xpr

and what he had ordered to be done was reported.
52

nxt pw grt

jr m xpS=f
52

pr-a nn twt n=f

Now, he is a hero who acts with his own arm, a champion without equal

10

53

B B B B AOS AOS B B

mAA .tw=f hA=f rA-pDtjw

54

Xam=f rA-DAw

when he is seen attacking barbarians and approaching combat.

waf ab pw
54

sgnn Drwt

He is one who bends down horns and weakens hands,

waf dbw pw
He is one who bends down horns
55

n Ts.n xrw yw=f skw

so that his enemy cannot marshal troops.
56

B B AOS

ja Hr pw tSA wpwt
He is vengeful, one who smashes heads.

n aHa.n.tw
r30 r30

m hAw=f
56

One cannot stand near him.

wmt jb pw hA=f jAbtjw

AOS He is stout-hearted when he attacks the easterners.

81

R R B B

pD nmtt pw st=f bhAw

81

He is far-striding when he shoots the fugitive.

pD nmtt pw sk=f bhAw

He is far-striding when he annihilates the fugitive.
57

B B AOS

nn pHwj n DD n=f sA
57

There is no good end for him who shows him his back.

nn pHwj n{n} DD n=f sA

58

B B B B B B

aHa-jb pw m At sA sA
He is steadfast at the moment of forcing retreat.

anw pw n rDj.n=f sA=f

He is one who disables without showing his back.
59

wmt jb pw

mAA=f aSAt
59

n rDj.n=f Hms HA jb=f

He is stout-hearted when he sees multitudes. He doesn't let laziness near his heart.

11

85

R R B B AOS AOS

wd Hr pw hA=f
60

jAbtjw
85

He is eager when he attacks the easterners.

wd Hr pw mA=f jAbt1
60

He is eager when he sees the east.

r31

sxm jb pw

hA=f jAbtjw
r31

He is stout-hearted when he attacks the easterners.

1 Uncertain. 61

B B B B AOS

rS=f pw h At=f rA-pDtjw

His joy is his attacking barbarians,

TAA=f jkm=f tjtj=f

as he clasps his shield he strikes down.

TAy.n=f jkm=f rf r tjtj=f

62

AOS when he has clasped his shield so that he may strike down. B B AOS

n wHm.n=f a r Xdb=f nn wHm.tw a rf Xdby

nn wn rwj aHAw=f

He doesn't repeat the slaying, as there is no one who escapes his arrow,

AOS The slaying is not repeated, R R

63

bhA pDtjw Xr-HAt=f

The barbarians flee before him,

B B B B B B AOS

nn jtH pDt=f
64

bhA pDtjw awj=fj

and no one who draws his bow. The barbarians flee from his arms,

mj bAw n wrt
64

aHA=f xmt.n=f pHwj

as
65

from the might of the Great One. He fights having foreseen the outcome,

n sAw.n=f n spyt
heedless of all else.

nb jmAt pw aA bnjt
He is beloved, great of charm,

nn swA.n=f sp

AOS he will not evade the matter.

12

66

B B B B

jT.n=f (m) mrwt

66

mr sw njwt=f r Haw

he has conquered through love, his city loves him more than itself,
67

Ha st jm=f r nTr=sn
it rejoices over him more than over its god.
68

B B AOS

swA TAyw Hmwt Hr rnn wt jm=f

Men and women pass by, cheering him.

wnn TA[yw mj Hmwt] Hr rnnw{=f} jm=f Hr=f r=s Dr ms.tw=f

his mind was set to it since he was born.
69

AOS Men [as well as women] are cheering him. R R B B B B

jw=f m nsw jT.n=f m swHt

jw Hr=f Dr ms.tw=f
69

He is a king who conquered in the egg, he was dedicated since he was born.
70

saSA pw msy.tw Hna=f

wa pw n DD nTr
70

He is one who makes those born with him plentiful. He is the unique gift of god.
71

B B AOS

rS.wj tA pn HqA.n=f rS.wj tA HqA.n=f jm=f

72

swsx tASw pw
71

How joyful is this land that he rules! He is one who extends borders,

AOS How joyful is the land that he rules! B B AOS

jw=f r jTt tAw rsw [jw=f r] jT[t] m tAw rsj

nn kA=f xAswt mHtwt nn kA.n=f r xAswt mHtt

73

he will conquer southern lands, not considering the northern lands,

AOS [he will] conquer southern lands, not considering the northern lands, B B

jr.n.tw=f r Hwt stjw

r ptpt nmjw-Saj
73

as he was made to smite the Asiatics and trample the bedouin.

13

R R B B B B AOS

hAb n=f
Send a message to him
74

hA n=f jm rx =f rn=k
Go down to him and let him know your name,

m Snj wA r Hm=f
as someone far from His Majesty who inquires.

[...] jry=f n=k jrrt jt=f1

AOS [...] he will do for you what his father had done.
1 Assuming one of two possible corrections suggested by Koch (1990). 75

B B B B B B AOS

nn tm=f jr bw -nfr n xAst

76

wnn.tj=sj Hr mw=f

He will not fail to do good to a foreign land that will be loyal to him."

Dd.jn=f xft=j
77

xr Hm kmt nfr.tj (n-)ntt sj rx.tj rwD=f

Then he said to me: "But then Egypt is happy, since it knows his ability.

mk Tw aA wnn=k Hna=j
77 r36

nfr jrrt=j n=k

You are here, and you will stay with me. What I shall do for you is good."

nfr Tw aA wn=k Hna=j

r36

nfr jr.tw n=k

What will be done for you is good."
79

AOS You will be happy here with me.

78

B B AOS AOS B B AOS AOS

rDj.n=f wj m-HAt Xrdw=f

78

mnj.n=f w j m sAt=f wrt

He placed me at the head of his children, and he married me to his eldest daughter.

rDj.n=f wj r-HAt wHyt=f

He placed me at the head of his tribe,
80

rDj.n=f stp=j n=j m xAst=f

m stpw n wnt Hna=f

80

He let me choose for myself of his land, from the pick of what was his,

m stpw n{t} wn m-a=f

from the pick of what was his,

14

81

B B B B AOS

Hr tAS=f n

kt xAst
81

tA pw nfr jAA rn=f

on his border with another land. It was a good land, called Araru.
82

jw dAbw jm=f Hna jArrwt

82

Figs

were in it, and grapes.

nn wn mjtt=f m tA
83

AOS It was without equal on earth. B B B B B B AOS

wr n=f jrp r mw

aA bjt=f aSA bAq=f

84

It had more wine than water. Its honey was plentiful and its moringa oil was abundant.

dqr nb Hr xtw=f

jw jt jm Hna bdt
84

Every kind of fruit was on its trees. Barley was there, and emmer.
85

nn Drw mnmnt nbt

There was no limit to all kinds of cattle.
r38

[nn Dr w]w n mnmnt=f nbt

86

AOS [There was no limit] to all kinds of its cattle. B B

aA grt dmjt r=j m jj n m rt=j1

rDjt=f wj m HqA wHyt

Much came to me because of the love of me. He made me the ruler of a tribe

1 Contra note 4 of Barns (1972), for which no support can be found in Hannig (1995). 87

B B AOS

m stp

n xAst=f jr n=j aqw m mjnt

87

of the finest of his land. Provisions were made for me consisting of daily fare,

m stpw n wHyt=f
88

jw jr n(=j) aqw myt

89

AOS of the finest of his tribe. For me were prepared bread, myt-drink,

B B

jrp m Xrt-hrw

jwf ps Apd m ASr Hrw-r awt xAst

a daily supply of wine, cooked meat, roast fowl, as well as desert game.

15

90

B B AOS AOS

jw gr g.tw n=j

jw wAH.tw n=j jw HAm.tw n=j

and fish for me,
91

One would snare for me and lay it out for me,

B B AOS AOS B B AOS

Hr{r}w-r jnw n Tsm w=j jw jr.tw n=j

in addition to the catch of my hounds.

jw jr n=j bnrw aSA jrTt m pst [nbt]

Many sweet things were prepared for me, and milk was
93

jr.n=j rnpwt aSAwt

I spent many years,

Xrdw =j xpr(.w) m nxtw

while my children became strong,
r40

jr[.n=j] rnpwt aSAw jm{=j}

nxtw-a
r40

AOS in [every] dish. [I] spent many years there,

94

strong,

B B B B AOS

s nb m dAr

wHyt=f
94

each man controlling his tribe.

95

wpwtj xdd xnt r Xnw wpwtj m xd m xntyt m Xnw

96

Ab=f Hr=j
95

A messenger who came north or went south to the residence tarried for me;

Abw=f Hr=j

AOS A messenger who came north or went south to the residence tarried for me. B B AOS

jw sAb=j rmTt nbt

I let everyone tarry.

jw=j Dj=j mw n jb
96

I gave water to the thirsty,

jw jmA.tw n=j m jxt nb

97

AOS One was well-disposed towards me in all respects. B B

rDj.n=j tnm Hr wAt

I showed the way to the stray,

16

B B AOS

nHm.n=j awA
and I rescued the robbed.
r41

[n]Hm [.n=j] wAww m-a xAstjw

AOS and [I] rescued those who were far away1 from the foreigners.
1 Uncertain. 98

B B B B B B AOS

stjw

wA r Stm r {s}xsf-a HqAw xAswt

98

The bedouin who were preparing to fight and to oppose the rulers of the lands,
99 100

DAjs.n=j Smt=sn
99

jw HqA pn n rTnw
100

I countered their movements. This ruler of

Retjenu
101

Dj=f jry=j rnpwt aSAw

let me spend many years

m Tsw

n mSa=f
101

as commander of his army.

Dj=f jry=j jpwt=f aSAwt

jw=j m Tsw n mSa=f

102

AOS let me carry out his many expeditions as commander of his army. B B AOS

xAst nbt rwt.n=j r=s xAst nb jyj.n=j jm=sn

jw jr.n=j hd =j jm=s jr[.n=j] hd=j1 jm=sn

I had defeated,

Every land against which I advanced I defeated,

AOS Every land from which I returned

1 Read

as .
103

B B

dr.tj1 Hr smw Xnmwt=s

HAq.n=j mnmnt=s
103

it being driven from its pastures and wells. I seized its cattle,

1 Written ddt. 104

B B AOS AOS

jn.n=j Xrw=s

nHm wnmt=sn
104

smA.n=j rmT jm=s

I slew its people

I carried off its inhabitants, and took away their food.

nHm.n=j wnmt=sn nbt

and took away all their food.

17

105

106

B B AOS AOS

m xpS=j m pDt=j
105

m nmtt=j

sxrw=j jqrw
106

with my arm, with my bow,

with my movements, and with my excellent plans.

m pDt(=j)1 m xpS=j
with (my) bow, with my arm,

1 Following Barns (1952),

is graphic error for .

107

B B B B AOS

Ax n(=j) m jb=f

mr.n=f wj rx.n=f qnn=j

107

In his heart I was beneficial, and he loved me for he knew that I was valiant.
108 109

rDjt=f wj rDj.n=f n=j

m-HAt Xrdw=f
108

mA.n=f rwD awj=j

He placed me at the head of his children, for he had seen my arms were proficient.

r-HAt wHyt=f
110

AOS He placed me at the head of his tribe, B B AOS

jwt nxt n rTnw jyj nxt r rTnw

111

mTA=f w j m jmA=j r mTA m jmAw=j

There came a strong man of Retjenu to challenge me in my tent;

AOS There came a strong man to Retjenu to issue a challenge in my tent; B B B B AOS

pry pw nn snnw=f

dr .n=f sj r-Dr=s
112

he was a hero without equal and he had entirely annihilated it.

Dd.n=f aHA=f Hna=j

He said he would fight with me.

xmt.n=f

Hwtf=f wj
112

He intended to rob me,

Dd.n=j n=f aHA=f Hna=j

113 114

AOS I said to him that he should fight with me. B B AOS

kA.n=f HAq mnmnt=j kA.n=f HAq=f mnmnt=f1

Xr sH n wHyt=f
113

HqA pf nDnD=f

Hna=j
114

planning to seize my cattle on the advice of his tribe. That ruler conferred with me.

AOS planning to seize my cattle

1 Read =j.

18

B B AOS AOS

Dd.kw n rx=j sw

n jnk tr smA=f jn-jw jnk pA wn smA

Am I his companion

I said: "I do not know him, I am not his companion

115

116

B B AOS AOS

wsTn=j m afAj=f
115

jn nt-pw wn.n =j sA-pr=f

Is it the case that I have opened his hurdle

that I could walk freely in his camp.

jyj {jw} m jmA=f pw

117

jn-jw jnk pA wnw Hr sA-pr=f

that I could come into this tent of his? Have I opened his hurdle?

B B AOS

sb.n=j jnbwt=f
r46

rqt-jb pw [...]
r46

or climbed over his walls? It is resentment

bw khb [...]

AOS [...] aggression [...] [...]

142

R R B B AOS AOS R R

Hr mAA=f wj Hr jrt jp[wt]=k

142

because he sees me carrying out your affairs.

Hr mAA=f wj Hr jrt jpwt=f

because he sees me carrying out his affairs.

Hr mAA.n=f (wj) Hr jrt jpwt=k

because he sees (me) carrying out your affairs.

ky jdr
another herd,
118 119

B B B B B B

n Hm.n wj mj jH n Hww m Hrj-jb

ky jdwt
119

I have become like a bull of cattle in the midst of other cows,

120

hd sw kA n awt

ngAw Hr Am r=f
120

whom the bull of the herd attacks, whom the longhorn is charging.
121

jn-jw wn twA

mrrw n SA n tp Hr
121

Is an insignificant man loved as a superior?

19

122

B B B B B B B B B B B B

nn pDtj smA

m jdHw
122

There is no barbarian who associates with a marsh-dweller.

123

ptr smn Dyt r Dw

jn-jw kA mr=f aHA

123

What can papyrus achieve on a mountain? Does a bull want to fight

124

pry mr =f wHm sA m Hrt nt mxA=f sw

or does the fighting bull want to sound the retreat for fear of being equalled?
125

jr wnn jb=f r aHA

125

jm Dd=f xrt-jb=f

If it is his wish to fight, let him express his desire.

126 127

jn-jw nTr xm(.w) SAt.n=f

126

rx(.w) nt-pw mj- m

Is a god ignorant of what he has ordained, or does he know what the situation is?"
128

sDr.n qAs.n=j pDt=j wd.n=j aHAww=j Dj.n=j sS n bAgsw=j

128

At night, I strung my bow, shot

129

my arrows, sharpened my dagger,

B B B B B B AOS AOS

sXkr .n=j xaw=j

130

HD.n tA rTnw jj.tj

131

and polished my weapons. When the day dawned, Retjenu had come.

Ddb.n=s wHwyt=s
130

sHw.n=s xAswt nt gs=sj

It had assembled its tribes and had gathered its neighbouring lands,

kA.n=s aHA pn
planning this battle.

jyj nxt n rTnw

There came a strong man of Retjenu.
156

R R

jwt pw jr.n=f n=j aHa.kw

156

Dj.n=j wj m hAw=f

Then he came at me, while I waited having positioned myself near him.

20

132

133

B B AOS AOS

HAtj nb mA X(.w) n=j

Hmwt TAyw Hr aaj, jb nb mr(.w) n=j jbw nb mr.{k}w

and all hearts were sorry,
134

Every heart burned for me, wives were jabbering, and every heart was sorry for me,

B B AOS

Dd=sn jn-jw wn ky Hr
135

nxt aHA r=f

134

aHa.n jkm=f mjnb=f

thinking: "Is there another hero who could fight him?" Then his shield, his axe,

AOS thinking:
136

B B AOS AOS

Hpt=f nt nswwt xr(.w)

135

m-xt spr .n=j xaw=f m-xt rf pr.n=j m xaw=f

After I had evaded his weapons,
163

and an armful of his spears came down. After I had made his weapons miss,

xr.w n=j
on me.

R R
137

aHa.n jr.n=f [...]

163

Then he made [...]

B B AOS

rDj.n=j swA Hr=j aHAw=f sp n jwtt wa Hr Xn m wa

I let his arrows pass by me to no effect, one close to the other.

rDj.n=j swA Hr=f aHAw

164 164

AOS I let arrows pass by him R R B B B B

xmt.n=f Hwt=f wj
He intended to smite me.

138

Xam.n=f

wj st.n=j sw
138

When he approached me, I shot him,

139

aHAw=j mn(.w) m nH bt=f

sbH.n=f xr.n=f Hr fnD=f

and my arrow was stuck in his neck. He cried out and fell on his face.

21

140

141

B B AOS

sx r.n=j {n} sw (m) mjnb=f wd.n=j jSnn=j

I slew him with his axe

Hr jAt=f
141

and uttered my war-cry on his back,

sxrw.n=j sw m mjnbw=j

Dj.n=j psD=j Hr Snbt=f

and put my backside on his chest,
142

AOS I slew him with my axe B B B B

aAm nb Hr nmj

rDj.n=j Hknw n mnTw

142

while every Asiatic was shouting. I gave praise

to Month,
143

mrw=f Hb(.w) n=f

HqA pn amw- nnSj

whose supporters celebrated a triumph through him.1 This ruler Amunenshi

1 Following note 3 of Davies (1975).

B B AOS

rDj.n=f wj r Hpt=f
took me in his arms.

rDj.n=f wj m qnj=f wn.jn=f Hr snnj=j Hr Hptj=j

and was kissing1 me in my clasp.

AOS took me in his arms,

1 Uncertain. 144

145

B B B B B B AOS AOS

aHa.n jn.n=j jxt =f

HAq.n=j mnmnt=f kAt.n=f jr t st r=j

146

Then I carried off his property and seized his cattle. What he had planned to do to me

jr.n=j st r=f jT.n=j ntt m jmA=f

I did to him.

kf.n=j afAy=f
146

I took what was in his tent and despoiled his encampment.

147

aA.n=j jm

wsx.n m

aHa=j
147

With this I became great, grew wealthy in goods,

wsx.tw1 pr=j m-Hr=j

my house was made wealthy before me,

1 Corrupt. 148

B B AOS AOS

aSA.n m mnmnt=j

xr jrt nTr r Htp xr {n}Hm nTr r Htpw

thus the god again became merciful

and grew rich in cattle; thus the god acted to be merciful

22

B B AOS

n Ts.n=f jm=f
to one with whom he had been angry,
r57

n{n} [SA{a}.n=f sksk]t

r57

AOS to B B B B AOS

[one to whom destruction had been ordained.]

149

th.n=f r

kt xAst
149

jw mjn jb=f ja(.w)

one whom he had led astray to another land. Today his heart is glad.
150

war war

n hAw=f
150

jw mtr=j m Xnw

A fugitive flees because of his environment, while my fame is in the residence.

war.n=j war [...]

151 152

AOS I fled [...] B B AOS AOS

sAA sAAy n Hqr

151

jw=j Dj=j t n gs y=j

A creeping man creeps because of hunger, while I give bread to my neighbour.

SmA [...]
A vagrant [...]
153

B B AOS

rww s tA=f n HAwt rwj s m tA=f n HAt

154

jnk HDt pAqt

153

A man leaves his land because of nakedness, while I have white and fine linen.

AOS A man leaves his land because of nakedness,

155

B B AOS AOS B B AOS AOS

btA s n gAw hAb=f

154

jnk

aSA mrt
155

A man runs because of the lack of someone to send, while I have many servants.

bT s
A man runs
156

nfr pr=j wsx st=j

sxAwy=j m aH
156

My house is fine, my grounds are extensive, and memory of me is in the palace.

sxAy=j m aHt=f
and memory of me is in his palace.

23

157

B B B B AOS

nTrw nb SA wart tn
158

Htp=k Dj=k wj r Xnw

All the gods who ordained this flight, may you be merciful and bring me home.

smwn =k r rDjt mA=j bw wrSw jb=j jm

Perhaps you will let me to see the place where my heart dwells.
r60

[...] Tsw.n=k n=j nn rx(=j) sw

r60

sfnD.kw m-mAat {xrw}2

AOS [...] that you reproached me for, without me knowing it. I am truly despised1.
1 Uncertain. 2 Emendation uncertain. 159 160

B B AOS

ptr wrt r jabt XAt=j

159 r61

m tA ms .kw jm=f

What matters more than my corpse being buried in the land where I was born?

[r jabw] n XAwt=k
r61

m tA msw=k jm=f
in the land where you were born?
161

AOS [than] your corpse [being buried] B B AOS AOS B B AOS

mj m-sA pw

xpr sp nfr

Dj n=j nTr Htp

This is a call for help, that a good event may occur, that the god may give me grace.

mjn xpr=s pw ntj nTr Hr mw=j

happens that the god is my ally.

jrr=f mj-jxt r smnx pHwj n sfn.n=f

May he act as to make well the end of one whom he had grieved,

jrr=f st {mj-jxt}1 r mnxt [...]

AOS May he do this excellently [...]

1 Passage corrupt. 162

B B AOS

jb=f mr(.w) n dqr.n=f

162 r62

r anx Hr xAst

as his heart feels pity for one whom he had compelled to live in a foreign land.

[...] n rqyw=f
r62

r anx m-xt xAst

to live throughout the land.

AOS [...] his enemies

24

163

B B AOS

jn mjn

rf ntt=f Htp(.w)
163

sDm=f nH n wA sDm.n=f nHt nt wAw

may he hear the prayer from afar,

Is it today that he is so gracious as to hear the prayer from afar,

jr wn ntf pw m mAat
189

AOS If it is really him, R R B B R R B B

wDb=f a
164

m Hw.n=j tA jm=f
189

and exchange the region where I had roamed the earth

wDb =f a r Hw.n=f tA jm=f

and as to exchange the region where he had roamed the earth

r bw jn.n=f sw jm
for the place from which he had brought him away?

r bw jn.n=f sw jm
for the place from which he had brought him away?
165

B B B B B B B B AOS

Htp n=j nsw n kmt

165

anx=j m Htpt=f

May the king of Egypt be merciful to me, that I may live by his mercy!
166

nD=j xrt Hnwt tA ntt m aH=f

166

May I greet the mistress of the land who is in his palace!

167 168

sDm =j jpwwt nt Xrdw=s

jx rnpy Haw=j
169

May I hear the messages of her children! Then my body will become young again,

(n-)ntt (r)f jAw hA.w

for old age has come,
r65

wgg

As.n=f wj
169

jrtj=j dns(.w)

weakness has overtaken me, my eyes are heavy,

Hr-ntt rf {jw} jAwt hA.w

r65

AOS for

old age has come,

25

170

B B AOS AOS

awj=j nw(.w)

rdwj=j fx.n=sn Sms

170

jb wrD(.w) Smsw jb=j m-Xnw1

my arms are weak, my legs have ceased to follow, the heart is weary,

rdwj=j fx(.w) r Smt

my legs have ceased to walk, and following my desire is [???]

1 Reading uncertain. 171

B B AOS

tkn.kw1
r67

n wDA
171

and I am near to passing away.

[t]k[n].kw n wDAw
r67

nHt pw nt pXrw xAswt r jrt [...]

AOS and I am near to passing away. a prayer for traversing the lands to do [...]
1 Omission of k is scribal error. 172

B B B B B B AOS

sb=sn {n} wj r njwwt n nHH

Sms=j

nbt-r-Dr
172

May they lead me to the cities of eternity! May I follow the Mistress of All!
173

jx Dd=s n=j nfr n msw=s

sb=s nHH Hr=j

Then she will tell me that her children are well. May she pass eternity above me!

jsT rf Dd n Hm nsw-bjtj xpr-kA-ra mAa-xrw

Now, the majesty of the king of Upper and Lower Egypt Kheperkare, justified, was
v1

aHa.n wHm mdwt tn

v1

n Hm n nsw-bjtj

AOS Then, this matter was recounted to the majesty of the king of Upper and Lower B AOS told
v2

xpr-kA-ra mAa-xrw sA-ra s-n-wsrt mAa-xrw

v2

AOS Egypt: Kheperkare, justified,

174

son of Re: Sesostris, justified,

175

B B AOS

Hr sSm pn ntj wj Xr=f

about this state in which I was,
v3

wn.jn Hm=f hAb=f

n=j
175

and His Majesty sent a message to me

mj sSmw pn ntj tw=j jm=f

AOS according to this state that I was in,

26

B B AOS AOS

Xr Awt-a nt xr nsw sAw=f jb n bAk-jm

with royal gifts, to gladden the heart of this humble servant,

xr=f sAw{t}=f jb n bAk-jm

and gladdened the heart of this humble servant,
176

B B AOS AOS

mj HqA n xAst nbt

msw nsw ntj m aH=f msw nsw ntjw m-xt=f

The king's children who were following him

like that of a ruler of any land. The king's children who were in his palace

177

B B B B

Hr rDjt sDm=j jpwt=sn

177

had
178

me hear their messages.

mjt n wD jny n bAk-jm

178

Copy of the decree brought to this humble servant

179

B B B B AOS AOS B B B B AOS AOS

Hr jnt=f r kmt

Hr anx-mswt
179

concerning his being brought back to Egypt: "Horus: Living of birth;

nbtj anx-mswt
Two Ladies: Living of birth;
v7

Hr-nbw

anx-mswt
v7

Gold Horus: Living of birth;

nsw-bjtj xpr-kA-ra
180

sA-ra

The king of Upper and Lower Egypt: Kheperkare; Son of Re:

jmn-m-HAt anx(.w) Dt r nHH

180

wD-nsw n Smsw sA-nht

Amenemhet, may he live forever until eternity. Royal decree to follower Sinuhe.

s-n-wsrt mAa-xrw
Sesostris, justified.

27

181

B B AOS AOS B B AOS

mk jn.tw n=k wD pn n nsw

181

This decree of the king is brought to you,

r ntj jn.tw n=k wD pn n nsw

that this decree of the king is brought to you,
182

r rDjt rx=k ntt pXr.n=k xAswt

pr.tj m qdm r rTnw

182 v9

to let you know that your roving through lands, having gone from Qedem to Retjenu,

r rDjt rx=k r ntj pXr.n=k xAswt

pr.tj m qdj r

rTnw
v9

AOS to let you know that your roving through lands, having gone from Qedi to Retjenu,
183

B B AOS AOS B B B B AOS

DD Tw xAst n xAst

Xr sH

n jb=k n=k
183

land giving you to land, was at the counsel of your heart to you.

Hr sxrw n jb=k Ds=k

was under the guidance of your own heart.

ptr jrt.n=k jr.tw r=k

What have you done that one should act against you?

n waA=k xsf.tw mdw=k

You have not cursed that one should reprove your speech,

nn waA=k nn xsf.tw Dd=k

v10

AOS You have not cursed and nothing you said was reproved, AOS

nn sDm.n.tw rn=k
v10

Hr mdwt snD=k jn xsf

AOS one will not hear your name because of speech that you fear will bring reproof,
184

B B AOS AOS

n mdw=k m sH n srw
184

and you have not spoken in the council of officials

nn xmt.n=k m-bAH srw

and you have not been negligent in the presence of officials

28

185

B B AOS

jtn.tw Tsw=k
that one should oppose your utterances.

sxr pn jn.n=f jb=k

185

This idea carried away your heart,

jtnw Tw m Tsw=k n ntf m jb r=k nn st m jb=j r=k

186

AOS who opposed you concerning your utterances. B B AOS

pt=k tn ntt m aH pt=k ntj m aH=j

but it was not in the heart against you. This heaven of yours, who is in the palace,

AOS but it was not in my heart against you. Your heaven, who is in my palace,

B B AOS AOS
1 Read

mn sj rwD sj m mjn
186

skAp.tw1 tp=s m nsyt nt tA m nsyt nt tA2

endures and prospers to this day, her head is covered with the kingship of the land,

jw st mn sj rwD m tpj=s a

endures and prospers as before in the kingship of the land,

2 Emended as suggested by Koch (1990). 187

as .

B B B B B B AOS

msw =s m aXnwtj
and her children are in the cabinet.

wAH=k Spss n DD=sn n=k

You will accumulate precious things that they will give to you,
188

anx=k m Awt=sn
and live on their gifts.

jr n=k jwt r kmt

188

Return to Egypt,

Htpw=k m Awt=sn mA=k Xnw xpr.n=k jm=f

and you will see the residence where you grew up,
189

AOS and be pleased with their gifts. B B B B

sn=k tA r

rwtj-wrtj
189

Xnm=k m smrw

you will kiss the ground at the great double gate, and you will join the companions.

29

190

B B AOS

jw mjn js S Aa.n=k tnj SAa.n=k jAwt

191

fx.n=k bAAwt fx.n=k bnnwt

you have lost potency.

For now you have begun to grow old, you have lost virility.

AOS For you have begun to grow old,

B B AOS

sxA n=k hrw

n qrs
191 v14

sbt r jmAx
and passing to blessedness.

Think of the day of burial

jw sxA.n=k hrw

n qrsj
v14

AOS You have thought of the day of burial

192

B B AOS

wDa.tw n=k xAwj m sfT wDa.tw n=k jfd m Snw1

wtw m-awj tAyt

192

To you will be assigned a night with oils and wrappings from the hands of Tayet.

wtw m-a tAyt

AOS To you will be assigned a magical2 sheet and wrappings from Tayet.
1 Uncertain. 2 Very uncertain. 193

B B B B AOS

jr.tw n=k Sms-wDA

hrw

smA-tA
193

A funeral procession will be held for you on the day of burial,

wj m nbw wjA nbw

tp m xsbD

pt Hr=k

with a mummy sheath of gold and a mask of lapis lazuli, heaven above you,

AOS with a barque of gold

194

B B AOS

Dj.tj m

msTpt
194

jHw Hr jtH=k
v16

Smaww Xr-HAt=k

you having been placed in a hearse, oxen dragging you, musicians preceding you.

an.tj m hbnw{t}

jHw Hr sTA=k
v16

AOS embellished with ebony,

oxen dragging you,

30

195

B B AOS

jr.tw xbb nnyw jr.tw xb nmHw njs.tw n=k dbHt-Htp

r rA js=k

The dance of the inert ones will be performed at the entrance of your tomb,

AOS The dance of the poor will be performed B B B B AOS

the requisites for a mortuary offering will be recited for you,

196

sfT .tw r rA abAw=k

one will slaughter at the entrance of your altar.
v17

sfT .tw (n=)k r rA n wabt=k

197

AOS one will slaughter for you at the entrance of your tomb. B B AOS

jwnw=k xws.w m jnr HD

Your pillars will be built of limestone

m-qAb mj jrrt n msw nsw

msw nsw
197

in the midst of those of the king's children.

DbAt{twn}=k1 xwsj.tj nbw

AOS Your sarcophagus will be built of gold as done for the king's children.
1 Emended as suggested by Koch (1990).

B B AOS AOS

nn wn mwt=k Hr xAst

nn bs Tw aAmw nn qrs Tw aAmw

and Asiatics will not bury you.

You will never die in a foreign land and Asiatics will not bury you.

198

B B AOS

nn Dj.tw=k m jnm n sr
You will not be put in the skin of a ram
v18

jr.tw Dr=k
when your grave is made.

nn Dj.tw=k

m Sn n srj
v18

nn jr.tw Drj=k

AOS You will not be put in the wool of a ram, and your grave will not be made.
199

B B AOS

jw nA Aw r Hwt jw nn r Aw wrt1 Hw tA

tA
199

It has been a long time of roaming the earth.

AOS All of this is important for someone who has roamed the earth.
1 Following Barns (1952), this is a graphic error for wr r.

31

B B AOS

mH Hr XAt jwt=k mH XAt=k jw=k

200

spr.n wD pn r=j

Mind the dead body and return!" This decree reached me

AOS Think of your corpse and return!" B B AOS AOS

201

aHa.kw m

Hrj-jb wHwt=j
200

Sd.n.tw=f n=j Sd.n=j sw

After I had read it,

as I was standing in the middle of my tribe. When it had been read to me,

B B AOS AOS

Dj.n(=j) wj Hr Xt=j

dmj.n=j sA Tw

Dj.n=j sw sS Hr Snbyt=j rDj.n=j sSw Hr Snbt=j

and strewed it over my chest.

I placed myself on my belly, I touched the earth and strewed it over my chest.

202

B B B B AOS

dbn.n=j afAy=j Hr nhm

r-Dd
202

I went around my encampment cheering, saying:

jr.tw nn mj-m n bAk

"How can this be done for a servant

jr.tw nn mj-m bAk-jm

203

AOS "How can this be done (for) this humble servant B B AOS

th.n jb=f r xAswt DrDryt

whose heart led him astray to alien lands?

xr Hm nfr wAH-jb
So, good is the kindness

th.n jb=f Ds=f r xAst DrDrjt

204

AOS whose own heart led him astray to an alien land? B B AOS

nHm wj m-a mwt nHm{n} wj m-a mwt

jw kA=k r rDjt jry=j

pHwj
204

that saves me from death! Your spirit will let me reach the end

AOS that saves me from death!

32

B B AOS AOS B B AOS

Haw=j m Xnw

mjt n smj n wD pn mjt{t} smjw n wD pn jr.n

Copy of the reply to this decree written by
205

with my body at home." Copy of the reply to this decree:

bAk aH sA-nht

Dd m Htp nfr wrt

205

r jxt wart tn
v22

"Servant of the palace Sinuhe says: 'In very good peace! Concerning this flight

bAk n

aHt1

sA-nht Dd

Hr jxt wart tn
Concerning this flight

AOS the servant of the palace Sinuhe:

1 Alternatively Hwt-aAt following Barns (1952).

B B B B AOS AOS AOS

jrt.n bAk-jm m xm=f

that this humble servant made in his ignorance,
206

jn kA=k nTr-nfr nb tAwj

206

mrw ra mr anx-ra
loved by Ankh-Re,

it is your spirit, good god, lord of the Two Lands, loved by Re,

Hs sw anx-ra

nb Axtj
207

AOS and praised by Ankh-Re, lord of the horizon-dwellers, B B B B AOS

Hsw mnTw nb wAst

jmn

nb nst tAwj
207

and praised by Month, lord of Thebes, by Amun, lord of the throne of the Two Lands,

sbk-ra
by Sobek-Re,

Hr Hwt-Hr
Horus, Hathor,

sbk-ra nb smnw
208

nTrw nbw tA-mrj

gods, lords of Egypt,

AOS by Sobek-Re, lord of the supports of heaven, B B AOS

jtm Hna psDt=f

and Atum with his Ennead,
v24

spdw nfr-bAw smsrw Hr-jAbtj

208

by Sopdu-Neferbau-Semseru, the eastern Horus,

jtm psDt=f aAt

v24

AOS and Atum and his great Ennead,

33

209

B B AOS

nbt-jmHt
by Nebet-imhet

Xnm=s

tp=k
209

(may she enfold your head!),

m Hnkw mnTw nbt aHt

Xnm.tw=s m tp=k

AOS with bedouin locks, mistress of the palace, who is united1 with your head,
1 Uncertain.

B B AOS

DADAt tpt nw
the divine council upon the flood,
v25

mnw-Hr Hr-jb xAswt

Min-Horus in the midst of the lands,

DADAt tpj n ym
v25

mnw-Hr Hrj-tp xAswt

AOS the first divine council of the flood,1 Min-Horus, chief of the lands,
1 Passage corrupt. 210

B B AOS AOS

wrrt nbt

pwnt nwt Hr-wr-ra nTrw nbw tA-mrj

210

Wereret, mistress of Punt, Nut, Harwerre, and all the gods of Egypt

nTrw nbw tA-Dst{t}

and all the gods of the necropolis
211

B B AOS AOS B B B B B B AOS AOS

jww nw wAD-wr
211

and the islands of the sea

v26

jww

Hrj-jb wAD-wr{j}
v26

and the islands in the middle of the sea

Dj=sn anx wAs r fnD=k

212

Xnm=sn Tw m Awt-a=sn

(may they give life and dominion to your nostrils, endow you with their gifts,

Dj=sn n=k nHH nn Drw=f

212

Dt nn Hntj=s

wHm snD=k

and give you eternity without limit, forever without end, and may fear of you resound
213

m tAw xAswt
213

in flat lands and mountainous lands,

m tAw nbw
in all lands,

34

B B

waf.n=k Snnt jtn

for you have subjugated what the sun revolves around;
214

B B AOS AOS B B

nH pw n bAk-jm

n nb=f
214

Sd m jmnt Sd sw m jmntt
who saves him from the West),

this is the prayer of this humble servant to his lord, who saves from the West),

nb sjA sjA rxyt sjA=f

lord of perception, perceiver of the people, who perceives
215

B B

m Hm n stp-sA
215

wnt bAk-jm snD(.w) Dd st

as the majesty of the palace what this humble servant was afraid to say.1

1 Parenthetic eulogy suggested by note 4 of Davies (1975). 216

B B AOS AOS

jw mj jxt aA

wHm st nTr aA mjtw ra

216

It is like something too great to recount. O great god, equal of Re

nTr anx mjtt n ra

O living god, equal of Re,
217

B B AOS

Hr sSsA bAk n=f Ds=f

in understanding one who serves him.
v29

swAww1 jb n bAk-jm n=f Ds=f

v29

AOS who praises2 the heart of this humble servant to him himself.
1 Read swAS, following Barns (1952). 2 Doubtful.

B B AOS

jw bAk-jm m a nD-rA Hr{r}=f

This humble servant is in the hands of one who cares for him,

jw bAk-jm Hr nD-rA nTr=f

AOS This humble servant seeks counsel from his god;

35

218

B B AOS

Dj.tw A Xr sxr=f Dj.tw nn m-bAH=k

jw Hm=k

m Hr jT
218

placed under his guidance. Your Majesty is conquering Horus,

AOS this is placed before you. B B AOS

nxt awj=k r tAw nbw{j}

your arms are stronger than all lands.
v30

nxt Tw
v30

njwwt=k tAw nbw

AOS and you are strong. Your towns and all the lands
219

B B AOS AOS B B AOS

wD grt Hm=k rDj.tw jnt=f

219

mkj m qdm r rDjt jn.tw n=k mkj qdj

Now, may Your Majesty command that he be made to bring Meki from Qedem,

wD(.w) Xr Hm=k a.w.s.

220

are governed by Your Majesty (l.p.h.!), to let you be brought Meki of Qadi,

xnt jwaS m-xnt kS

220

mnws
v31

Khen tiuash1 from the interior of Keshu, and Minos

m-xnt jAA

Hr rDjt sSm w=k

putting your guidance

AOS from the interior of Araru,

1 Obscure name. 221

B B AOS AOS

m tAwj fnxw
221

HqAw pw mtrw rnw

from the two lands of Fenkhu1. They are rulers whose names are well known,

m tAw fnxw
in the lands of Fenkhu.

1 Mentioned in the dictionary of Gardiner (1957). 222

B B

xprw m mrwt=k
222

nn sxA rTnw

who live by love of you. Without mentioning Retjenu,

36

223

B B AOS

n=k-jmy sj mjtt Tsmw=k

223

js wart tn jrt.n bAk

it is yours like

your hounds. This flight that the servant made,

jnk js mjtt Tsmw=k

224

AOS I am like your hounds. B B AOS

n xmt=s m xm=f

nn sj m jb=j

n qmd=j sj

it was not intended, it was not in my heart, I did not devise it.

AOS in his ignorance,

225

B B AOS

n rx=j jwd wj r st n rx.tw jn wj r xAs{w}t tn

226

jw mj

sSm rswt
225

I don't know what separated me from the place. It was as a dreaming state,

AOS It is not known what brought me to this land.

B B B B AOS AOS B B B B AOS

mj mAA sw jdHy m

Abw
226

s n XAt m tA-stj

as if a marsh-dweller saw himself in Elephantine, a man from the Delta in Taseti.

227

n snD

n s xs.tw m-sA=j n sxsx.tw m-sA=j

one didn't run after me,
228

n sDm=j Ts-Hwrw

There was no fear, one didn't run after me, I didn't hear a reproach,

n sDm.tw rn=j

m rA wHmw
228

and my name was not heard from the mouth of a herald.

229

wpw Hr nf n Ddf Haw=j wpw nfA n DdA Haw=j

rdwj=j Hr hwhw jb=j Hr xrp=j

229

But, that shuddering of my body, my feet

hastened, my heart drove me,

rdwj=j Hr As
my feet hastened,

AOS But, that fat of my body,

37

230

B B AOS AOS

nTr SA wart tn

Hr sTA{s}=j
230

n jnk js qA sA xnt jn-jw jnk js qA sA xntj=f

Was I haughty before him?

the god who ordained this flight dragged me away. I was not haughty before,

231

B B B B B B AOS

snD s rx tA=f
as a man respects one whom his land knows.

Dj.n ra snD=k xt tA
Re has put the fear of you throughout the land,
232

Hr=k m xAst nbt Xr Hryt=j xt xAswt nbt

233

m wj m Xnw m wj m st tn pwy=j m Xnw pwy=j m st tn

and the dread of you in every foreign land. Whether I am at home or in this place,

AOS in dread of me throughout all foreign lands. Whether I am at home or in this place, B B AOS

ntk js Hbs Axt tn

yours is what this horizon veils.
v35

wbn jtn n mrt=k

The sun rises for your sake,

ntk

js Snt.n jtn
v35

wbn ra n mrwt=k

AOS yours is what the sun revolves around. The sun rises for your sake,
234

B B B B AOS

mw m jtrw swr.tw=f

mr=k
234

the water of the river is drunk when you wish,

TAw m pt xnm.tw=f Dd=k

and the air of heaven is breathed when you say so.
v36

anx.tw m TAw n

DD=k Spssw m wD.n=k

v36

AOS One lives on the breath that you give and delicacies that you have allotted.

38

235

B B AOS

jw bAk-jm r swDt jn1 bAk-jm Hr swD n TAwt=f

TAwt=j
235

This humble servant will entrust his chicks,

AOS This humble servant entrusts his chicks,

1 Emend to jw.

B B AOS

jr.n bAk-jm m st tn
begotten by this humble servant in this place,

jr.n=f m st tn
236

AOS begotten by him in this place, B B AOS AOS

jwt pw jry r bAk-jm

236

now that one has come to this humble servant.

jwt1 pw jr.n bAk-jm m xntyt

now that this humble servant has come southward.

1 Written jw=s.

B B AOS

jrr Hm=k m mrr=f

May Your Majesty do as he wishes.

anx.tw m TAw n DD=k

One lives on the breath that you give.

jr swt Hm=f a.w.s. m mrw[t=f]

237

AOS May His Majesty (l.p.h.!) do as he wishes. B B B B AOS

mr ra Hr Hwt-Hr
237

fnD=k pw Spss

May Re, Horus and Hathor love this noble nose of yours,
238

mrrw mnTw nb wAst anx=f Dt

which Month, lord of Thebes, desires to live forever.' "

mrr{t} nTrw nbw anx=f Dt

AOS which all the gods desire to live forever.' "

39

239

B B AOS AOS

rDj.tw jry=j hrw m jAA

Hr swDt jxt=j n msw=j

239 v38

I was allowed to spend a day in Araru, transferring my property to my children.

Hr swD

jxt=f n msw=f
v38

transferring his property to his children.1

1 Emend to "my property to my children". 240

B B B B AOS AOS B B B B AOS AOS B B AOS

sA=j smsw m-sA wHyt =j

My eldest son was in charge of my tribe,
241

wHyt=j jxt=j nbt m-a=f

Dt=j mnmnt=j nbt nDt=f mnmnt nbt

all his serfs and cattle,
242

my tribe and all my property were in his hands, all my serfs and my cattle,

dqr=j xt=j nb bnr Hdb.n=j Hr wAt-Hr

I halted at the Road of Horus.

jwt pw jr.n bAk-jm m xnt yt

my fruit and each fruit tree of mine. Then this humble servant came southward.

gm.n=j
I found

Tsw jm ntj m-sA pXrt

The commander there in charge of the border patrol

Tsw ntj m-sA pXrw

243

AOS the commander in charge of the border patrol B B AOS AOS

244

hAb=f jpwt r Xnw r rDjt rx.tw

243

sent a message to the residence to let them know.

r [nt]j tw=j jy.kw

that I was coming.

B B

rDj.jn Hm=f

jwt jmj-rA sxtjw mnx n pr-nsw

244

Then His Majesty let the excellent overseer of the peasants of the palace come,

40

245

B B B B B B AOS

aHaw ATpw m-xt=f

Xr Awt-a nt xr nsw
245

accompanied by laden ships bearing royal gifts

n stjw jww m-sA=j

246

Hr sbt=j r wAt-Hr

for the bedouin who had come with me, leading me to the Road of Horus.

dm.n=j wa jm nb m rn=f
246

I mentioned each one of them by his name.

sAw[t]=f jb n bAk-jm
v41

mj HqA n xAst nbt

AOS to gladden the heart of this humble servant, like that of a ruler of any land.

AOS

msw nsw

[ntjw m-xt] Hm=f a.w.s.

v41

AOS The king's children [who were following] His Majesty (l.p.h.!) AOS

Hr rDjt sDm=[j jpwt]=sn nat pw jr.n bAk-jm m xntyt

247

AOS had me hear their messages. Then this humble servant sailed southward. B B AOS

jw wdpw nb Hr jrt=f Hm nb Xr{j} jrj=f Sbb atx tp-mAa=j

Ssp.n=j fA.n=j TAw

247

Every servant was at his duty, and when I set

sail,

AOS Every servant was at his duty, B B AOS AOS

248

r pHt=j dmj n jT r pH dmjt n jTj-tAwj

until reaching the town of Itji-tawi.

there was kneading and straining beside me, until I reached the town of Usu.

B B AOS AOS

HD.n rf tA dwA sp 2
248

jw jw aS n=j

And very early the next morning, they came to call me,

HD-tA
And the next day,

41

249

B B AOS AOS B B AOS

s 10 m jwt s 10 m

Smt Hr sTA=j
249 v43

r aH
to the palace.

ten men came and ten men went, ushering me

[Hr sT]A {sTA}=j As.kw

v43

r [a]Xnwtj

ushering me,

and I hurried to the cabinet.

dhn.n=j tA jmjt Sspww

I touched the ground with my forehead between the sphinxes,

dhn.n(=j) tA r jmjtw Sspww

250

AOS I touched the ground with my forehead between the sphinxes,

B B B B AOS

msw nsw aHa(.w) m wmt Hr jrt xsfw=j

250

as the king's children stood in the gateway to meet me.

251

smrw
v44

sTAww r wAx
251

The companions who ushered to the audience hall

[srw] Hr sTAww=j As.kw

v44

AOS [The officials] ushered me while I hurried, B B AOS

Hr rDjt=j Hr wAt aXnwtj

showed me the way to the cabinet.

Hr [rDjt=j Hr wAt] r aXnwtj

252

AOS and [showed me the way] to the cabinet. B B B B AOS AOS

4

gm.n=j Hm=f Hr st-wrt m wmt nt Damw

252

I found His Majesty on the great throne in the gateway of electrum.

253

wn.kw rf dwn.kw Hr Xt=j

253

xm.n(=j) wj m-bAH=f xAm.n(=j) wj m-bAH=f

and bowed before him.

I was

stretched out on my belly and did not know myself before him.

BA BA

wn.kw r=j dmA .kw Hr Xt=j

I was stretched out on my belly

42

254

B B AOS AOS

nTr pn

Hr wSd=j xnmw jw=j mj s jT.w m axxw

254

This god addressed me kindly, but I was like a man seized in the dusk.

tw=j mj s m jxxw
but I was like a man in the dusk.
255

B B BA BA

bA=j sb.w
255

Haw=j Ad.w
8

HAtj=j n ntf m Xt=j

My soul fainted, my limbs failed, my heart was not in my body

Haw=j Ah d.w
my limbs failed,
256

B B AOS AOS
9

rx =j anx r mwt
that I could distinguish life from death.

n rx=j mwt=j r anx=j

I didn't know whether I was dead or alive.

BA
9

[...] mwt
[...] death,
10

BA

BA BA B B B B B B AOS AOS

n rx(=j) wj r anx

[...]
10

I could not distinguish myself from life. [...]

257

Dd.jn Hm=f n wa m nn n smrw jm mdw=f n=j Dd.jn Hm=f

258

Ts sw mk Tw jw.tj

Then His Majesty said to one of these companions: "Raise him up

and let him speak to me!" And His Majesty said: "You have returned

Hw.n=k xAswt

jr.n wart hd jm=k jr.n wart hd=s jm=k

tnj tnw[.tj]

after roaming foreign lands. Flight has taken its toll of you, old man,

Flight has taken its toll of you, [you have grown] old,

43

259

B B AOS AOS B B AOS

pH.n=k jAwj

nn Srr jabt XAt=k nn nn Srjw jabt [XAwt=k

It is no small matter that [your corpse] be buried

you have reached old age. It is no small matter that your corpse be buried

nn bs=k jn pDtjw
without your interment by barbarians.
v48

nn]

bsy=k jn xAstjw
v48

n jr.tw Drj=k

AOS [without] your interment by foreigners; they will not make your grave. B B AOS

m jr r=k sp 2 gr
Do not act against yourself, do not act against yourself anymore!

jr r=k [...]
260

AOS Do [...] B B AOS

n mdw=k
v49

dm.tw rn=k
260

You did not speak when your name was pronounced.

.tw rn=k Hr mdwt

v49

AOS [...] your name because of speech B B AOS

snD(=k)1 A n xsf
You shouldn't be afraid of punishment!"

snD=k xsf=k

AOS that you should fear your punishment.

1 Following note 5 of Davies (1975).

AOS

n xm=k m-bAH [...]

261

AOS You were not negligent in the presence of [...]." B B

wSb.n=j st m wSb

snDw
261

ptr Ddt n=j nb=j

I answered this with the answer of a frightened man: "What has my lord said to me?

44

262

B B

jr wSb=j st nn Hr=j

a n ntr js pw
262

If I answer it, it is not because of me, but it is the act of a god;1

1 Following note 6 of Davies (1975).

B B B B

Hrt pw wnn=s m Xt=j

mj sxpr wart SAAt

263

it is that there is fright in my body, like that which caused the fated flight.

mk wj m-bAH=k
263

I am before you,
v51

AOS

Smt r pHt=j r dmjt n Hw tA

v51

AOS and the journey of my reaching the city of smiting the land. B B B B AOS AOS B B AOS

ntk anx
264

jrr Hm=k m mrr=f

life is yours, may Your Majesty do as he wishes."

rDj.jn sTA.tw msw nsw

Then the king's children were ushered in
v52

msw nsw mj aSAt=sn

v52

the king's children, as many as they were,

Dd.jn Hm=f n Hmt-nsw

and His Majesty said to the royal wife:

Dd.jn Hm=f a.w.s. n Hmt-nsw Xnm-swt

265

AOS and His Majesty (l.p.h.!) said to the royal wife (in) Khnemsut: B B B B AOS

mT sA-nht jw(.w) m aAm

265

qmA.n stjw

"Sinuhe

has returned as an Asiatic raised by bedouin."

266

wd=s sbH aA wrt aHa.n wdj=sn [...] r aAt wrt

msw nsw m dnywt wat

Then she uttered a very great cry, and the king's children shrieked as one.

AOS Then they uttered [...] very loudly,

45

267

B B AOS AOS B B AOS

Dd.jn=sn

xft Hm=f
267

n ntf pw m mAat jn-jw ntf pw (m) mAat

"Is it really him,
268

Then they said to His Majesty: "Is it not really him,

jty nb=j
sovereign, my lord?"

Dd.jn Hm=f

ntf pw m mAat

And His Majesty said: "It is really him."

j jty a.w.s. nb=n

269

AOS o sovereign (l.p.h.!), our lord?" B B AOS

jsT rf jn.n=sn mnjwt=sn sxmw=sn

Now, they had brought their menits, their sistra,
v55

sSSwt=sn
269

m-a=s1

and their naos sistra with them,

jsTw gr jn.n=sn mnjt=sn sxm=sn

v55

m-a=sn
with them,

AOS Now, they had brought their menits and their sistra
1 Read m-a=sn.

B B AOS

ms.jn=sn st n Hm=f
and they presented them to His Majesty.

ms st n Hm=f a.w.s.
270

Dd.jn=[s]n xft Hm=f a.w.s.

AOS and presented them to His Majesty (l.p.h.!). Then they said to His Majesty (l.p.h.!): B B B B AOS

awj=k

r {r} nfrt
270

nsw wAH

"Your hands upon something good, enduring king,

Xkryt nt nbt pt
ornament of the mistress of heaven!

Dj nbw
May the golden one give

Xkrw n nbt tAwj

271

Dj n=k nbw

AOS ornament of the mistress of the Two Lands! May the golden one give you B B AOS AOS

anx r fnD=k
271

Xnm Tw nbt sbAw xw Tw nb sbAw

life to your nostrils and may the mistress of the stars enfold you!

anx fnD=k

life of your nostrils and may the lord of the stars protect you!

46

272

B B B B

xd Smas smA(.w) twt(.w) m rA n Hm=k

xnt mHw- s

The crown of Upper Egypt travels north and the crown of Lower Egypt travels south,

joined and united by the word of Your Majesty,

273

B B B B B B AOS AOS B B AOS AOS

Dj.tw wADyt m wpt=k Htp n=k ra nb tAwj

sHr .n=k twAw m Dwt

while the cobra is placed on your forehead. You have delivered the poor from evil,

so may Re, lord of the Two Lands, be gracious to you!

274

hy n=k mj nbt-r-Dr
274

ntf ab=k wHa abwj=k

Slacken your bow

sfx Ssr=k

Hail to you, as to the mistress of all! Slacken your bow and lay down your arrow!

hnw n=k
Hail to you,
275

jm TAw (n) ntj m jtmw

275

jm n=n xnt={t}n nfrt jm n=n xnt=n nfrt m hrw pn nfr

Give breath to him who is suffocating, give us our beautiful gift,

give us our beautiful gift on this good day,

276

B B AOS AOS B B AOS AOS

m mtn pn sA-mHyt
276

pDtj msw m tA-mrj

v59

this one who is named 'son of the north wind', the barbarian born in Egypt!

mtn=n m sA-mHyt
one whom we name 'son of the north wind',
277

ms[w] [m tA-mrj]
v59

born

[in Egypt!]

jr.n=f wart n snD=k

277

He took flight through fear of you,

jrw js wart n Hry=k

The flight was made through terror of you,

47

278

B B AOS

rwj.n=f tA n

Hrw=k
278

he left the land through terror of you.

rwj.n=f sw m tA [p]n n [snD]=k nn1 Ayt Hr n mA Hr=k

A face will not pale at the sight of your face,
v60

AOS he turned away from this land through [fear] of you. B B AOS

nn kAw Hr n [mAA

Hm]=k a.w.s.

v60 2 AOS A face will not scheme at [the sight of] Your [Majesty] (l.p.h.!), 1 Read

2 Passage probably corrupt. 279

as .

B B AOS AOS B B

nn snD jrt dgt n=k

279

Dd.jn Hm=f

nn snD=f n snDw=k
"You will not fear,
281

an eye that gazes at you will not fear." And His Majesty said: "He will not fear,

n snDw jrt dgA Tw

an eye that sees you does not fear."
280

n aa=f r Hr
280

jw=f r smr m-m

srw
281

he will not gibber with terror. He will be a companion among the officials,
282 283

B B B B B B B B

rDj.tw=f m-qAb Snyt

wDA Tn r aXnwtj dwAt r jr t aHaw=f

282

and he will be included in the entourage. Proceed to the robing room to wait on him!"
284

prt=j rf m-Xnw a Xnwtj

284

msw nsw Hr rDjt n(=j) aw=sn

Then I came out of the cabinet, while the king's children were giving me their hands.
285

Sm=n m-xt r rwtj-wrtj

285

Afterwards, we went to the great double gate.

286

rDj.kw r pr sA-nsw
286

Spss jm=f

I was assigned to the house of a king's son, in which there were precious things,

48

287

288

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

sqb bwj jm=f aXmw nw Axt

xtmt jm=f nt pr-HD

288

a bathroom, divine images of the horizon, valuables

289

from the treasury,

Hbsw nw sSrw-nsw antjw tpt nsw

289

clothes of royal linen, myrrh,

290

and fine oil of the king.

srw mrr=f m at nbt

wdpw nb Hr jrt=f
291

Officials whom he loved were in every room, and every servant was at his duty.

rDj swA rnpwt Hr Haw=j

TA.kw aab Snw=j

291

Years were made to vanish from my body. I was clothed and my hair was combed.
292

jw rDj sbt

n xAst
292

Hbsw n nmjw-Saj

A reward was given to the foreign land, and clothes to the bedouin.
293 294

sd.kw

m pAqt
293

gs.kw m tpt

sDr .kw Hr Hnkyt

I was clothed in fine linen, was anointed with fine oils, and slept on a bed.

Dj.n=j Sa n jmjw=f
I returned the sand to those who are upon it,
295

mrHt n xt n wrH jm=s

295

and the wood oil to those who are smeared with it.
296

jw rDj n=j pr n nb S=j

For me, (my) house and my garden were given back to the owner,1

1 Grammatical structure is problematic, and translation is uncertain. 297

B B B B

m wn m-a smr

jw Hmww aSA Hr qd=f

297

which had been in the hands of a companion. Many craftsmen rebuilt it

298

xt=f nb srd(.w) m-mAwt

jw jn{n} n=j SAbw

and all of its trees were planted anew. Meals were brought to me

49

299

B B B B L

m aH sp 3 sp 4 n hrw

Hrw-r DDt msw nsw

299

from the palace three or four times a day, in addition to what the king's children gave
300

nn At nt jrt Ab w
1

jw xwsw n=j mr m jnr jw mr=j xws(.w) m jnr

1

without a moment of interruption. A pyramid of stone was built for me

L
301

My pyramid of stone was built

B B L L B B L L B B L L

m-qA b mrw
in the midst of the pyramids.
2

m-Xnw Snw n mr

Xrt jw-nTr
302

in the vicinity of the pyramid of the stonemasons.

jmj-rA mDHw mr mDHw n mr

The masons of the pyramid

Hr Ssp

sATw=f
302

The overseer of the masons of the pyramid took charge of its ground-plan,

psS.n=sn sATw=f
divided its ground-plan,
303

jmj-rA xtmtjw Hr sS
3

qstjw1 Hr

xtt
303

the overseer of the seal makers painted, the sculptors carved,

sSw-qdwt Hr sS jm=f
3

jmj-rA qstjw Hr xtt jm=f

the overseer of the sculptors carved in it,

painters painted

in it,

1 Read

as .
304

B B L L

jmj-rA kAtjw ntjw Hr Hrt jmj-rA kAt ntj r Hrt1

and the overseer of works at the necropolis

Hr DAt tA r=s
304

and the overseer of workers in the necropolis concerned himself with it.

Hr DAt tA r=f
concerned himself with it.

1 Written Tnt.

50

305

B B B B L L B B L L B B B B

xaw nb DDw r rw D jr Xrt=f jm

All required equipment to be put in a tomb shaft was supplied therein.
306

rDj n=j Hmw-kA

Mortuary priests were given to me,
5

jr n=j S Hrt
and a tomb garden was made for me,

jr.n.tw Hmw-kA
5

[...]

Mortuary priests were provided [...]

307

AHwt jm=f m-xntw r dmj

with fields in front in the right place,

mj jrrt n smr tpj

307

as done for a chief companion.

AHwt xntS r dmj=s

with delightful fields in the right place,
308

jw twt=j sXr(.w)

m nbw SnDwt=f m Dam

308

My image was overlaid with gold, its kilt with electrum.

jn Hm=f rDj jr.tw=f

It is His Majesty who let this be done.
309

B B B B B B

nn SwAw jry n=f mjtt

309

There is no commoner for whom the like has been done.

310

jw=j Xr Hswt nt xr nsw

310

r jwt hrw n mnj

I was in
311

the favour of the king until the day of death came.'

jw=f pw HAt=f r pH=fj mj gmyt m sS

311

This was copied from start to finish as found in writing.

51