The Maxims Of Ptahhotep

Line numbering per Devaud & Zaba Sequence and spellings edited by Bob Myers Please send recommendations for improvement to: [email protected]

1

Maxim 1 4.1

2=43;3=45

1 sbAyt nt The instruction of 4 imi-rA niwt TAty ptH-Htp

The venerable mayor and vizier, PtahHotep

6a=4

5 xr Hm n nizw-bit issi anx Dt r nHH

Under the majesty of the King of Uper and Lower Egypt, Isesi, living forever unto eternity 4.2

6b Dd.f Saith he: 7 iti nb.i Sovereign, my lord, 8 Tni xpr iAw HAw As infirmity arrives and old age descends, 4.3

9 wgg iww iHw Hr mAwy Frailty has arrived and weakness accumulates 10 sDr n.f Xdr ra nb

2

One drowses in discomfort every day. 4.4

11 irty nDsw anxwy imrw Eyes serve poorly and ears strain to hear. 12 pHty Hr Aq ni wrdw ib.i Vigor on the wane grants me no relief. 14=11;15=10

13 rA grw ni mdw n.f

The mouth is quiet and he does not speak. 5.1

16 ib tmw sxA n.f sf The heart is void and recalls not yesterday. 23 n Tnw aHa Hmst Worn out, standing or sitting, 17 qs mn n.f Aww His bones ache their length from age. 18 bw-nfr xprw m bw bin What was good has become ill. 22 fnD DbAw ni ssn n.f The nose is blocked and won't smell for him.

3

19 dpt nbt Smti Taste is altogether gone. 5.2

20 irrt iAw n rmT What old age does to people 21

24=18;25=19;26=20;27=21

bin m xwt nbt Is negative in every regard. 5.3

28 wD tw n bAk im irit mdw-iAwy Order that our apprentice, here, serve as a "staff of old age"; [29] di.tw aHa zA.i m st.i Allow my son to stand in my place, 30 ix Dd.i n.f mdw sDmyw And so may I speak to him the words of the auditors, 31 zxrw imyw HAt And the designs of the originators: 32 pAyw sDmw n nTrw The matters heard among the gods,

4

[32a] pAyw bAkw n tpyw aw That were put into effect by the first chiefs. 5.4

33 ix iritw n.k mitt Indeed, this may serve for you as well, 34 dr.tw Snw m rxyt That sufferings may be subdued for the people, 35 bAk n.k idbwy As you govern the two shores. Maxim 2 36 Dd in Hm n nTr pn So said his divine majesty: 5.5

37 sbA ir.k sw r mdt Xr HAt Instruct him then concerning the words from the past, [38] Dr Hmzt.k Until he is trained, 39 ix iri.f biA n msyw srw And so make of him a model for the children of the nobles.

5

40 aq sDm im.f mtyt-ib nb May attentiveness and all honesty enter into him. 5.6

41 ddw.f nin msy sArw If you speak to him, the young one will not come up short. Maxim 3 42 HAty-a m Tzw n mdwt nfrwt Beginning of the collection of fine words 43 Ddt n iri-pat HAty-a iti-nTr mry nTr Spoken by the premier and sheikh, god's father and beloved of the god, 5.7

44 zA nizwt smsw n Xt.f King's eldest natural son, [45a] sDm Hwt wryt sisw Magistrate in the house of the six great ones, [45b] rA shrr m tA r Dr.f Whose utterance is pacifying throughout his land, 46 imi-rA niwt TAty ptH-Htp Overseer of the city, vizier PtahHotep,

6

47 m sbA xmw r rx In teaching the ignorant to be wise, 48 r tp-Hsb n mdwt nfrwt According to the rules of fine words, 5.8

49 m Axt n sDm ty.fy As a benefit to whomever heeds; 50 m wggt n nty r tht.st Yet an impoverishment to whomever disregards it. Maxim 4 51 Dd in.f xr zA.f Said he then unto his son: 52 m aA ib.k Hr rx.k Don't inflate your ego on account of your learning, [53] m mH ib.k Hr ntt tw m rxw Nor drive your mind behind this or that teacher. 5.9

54 nDnD r.k Hna xmw mi rxw Inquire of the unlearned as well as the learned.

7

55 ni in.tw Drw Hmwt The pinnacle of an art is never attained: 56

[57]=55

nin Hmww apr Axw.f And here is no craftsman whose skill is flawless. 5.10

58 dgAw mdwt nfrwt r wAD Rarer is fine speech than malachite, 59 iw gmm tw.s m-a Hmwt Hr bnwt Yet it may be found among women at the grindstone. Maxim 5 60 ir gm.k DAisw m At.f Should you encounter an adversary in his moment, 5.11

61 xrp-ib m iqr r.k One superior in skill to you, 62 xAm awy.k XmsA.k Bend your arms and bow. 63 m TAi ib.k r.f nin r mni n.f n.k Do not raise your heart against him, for you cannot dissuade him.

8

5.12

64 s-anD.k dd bin You can overcome bad talk 65 m tm xsf sw m At.f By not resisting him in his moment. 66 nis tw.f m xm-xt pw He will be dubbed an ignoramus, 5.13

67 rmn n dAir ib.k aHaw.f When your poise has shouldered his exorbitance. Maxim 6 68 ir gm.k DAisw m At.f If you encounter an adversary in his moment, 69 mitw.k nty m rmnwt.k Your equal, a man from your ranks, 5.14

70 didi.k xpr iqr.k r.f m gr Establish your excellence over him with silence. 71 iw.f Hr mdt bint While he is complaining,

9

72 wr wfA in sDmyw In a big huff before the witnesses, 73 rn.k nfr m rx n srw Your name remains good in the estimation of he officials. Maxim 7 6.1

74 ir gm.k DAisw m At.f Should you encounter an adversary in his moment, 75 m Hwrw ni is mitw.k A poor man, and not your equal, 76 m Ad ib.k r.f xft Xzz.f Do not pounce upon him on account of his wretchedness. 6.2

77 imi sw r tA xsf.f n.f Ds.f Draw him onto ground where he will confute himself. 78 m wSd sw r isy ib.k Don't answer him to unburden your mind. 79

80=77

m ia-ib n nty xfty.k Do not wash your heart to an enemy.

10

6.3

81 qsn pw HDDw Hwrw-ib Loathsome is one who oppresses the lowly. 82 tw r irit ntt m ib.k It will work out the way you want: 83 Hww.k sw m xsf n srw As you scourge him with the censure of the officials. Maxim 8 6.4

84 ir wnn.k m sSmyw If you are to be among leaders, 85 Hr wD n zxr n aSAwt In charge of the guidance of the many, 86 HHy n.k zp nb mnx Search thyself for every flaw thoroughly, 6.5

87 r wnt zxr.k nin iw im.f Until there exists in your comportment no fault. 88 wr mAat wAH spdt Great is Maat and ever at the ready.

11

89 ni Xnn tw.s Dr rk wsir It has not been thwarted since the time of Osiris. 90 iw xsf.tw n swA Hr hpw One who skirts laws is punished. 6.6

91 swAt pw m-Hr-n awn-ib Neglect is tantamount to greed: 92 in nDywt iTi.tw aHaw From coarse motives does one seek excesses. 93

94=92

ni pA DAyt mni zp.s Crime does not bring its venture to port. 6.7

95 iw.f Dd.f sxt.i r.i Ds.i He who proclaims, "I snare for myself," 96 ni Dd n.f sxt.i Hr Hnt.i Doesn't mean, "I gather for my needs." 97 wn pHwy mAat wAHt.sy In the end, it is integrity that amounts to something;

12

98 Ddw zi w iti.i pw And a man says, "This (property) is my father's." Maxim 9 6.8

99 im.k iri Hryt m rmT Don't put horror of your schemes into people, 100 xsf nTr m-mitt As God chastises in like fashion. 101 iw zi Dd.f anx im The man who says, "Such is life!" 102 iw.f Sw.f m tAw n tp-rA He will be short of provisions owing to this. 6.9

103

104

105=111

iw zi Dd.f wsr.i im The man who says, "Such is might!" [106] nin Dd HAw.i n.i Hr tp.i Does not mean, "I vintage on my own behalf." 107 iw.f Dd.f sxt.i r.i siAt.i He ultimately will say, "I have been snared by my own perception."

13

108=96;109=101;110=102

111 iw zi Dd.f Hwt.f ky The man who says he will souse another, 112

113=103;114=112

iw.f ph.f rdi tw.f n xm n.f He will end up given to self ignorance. 6.10

115 ni pA Hryt n rmT xpr It is not the scheme of humans that will materialize: 116 wDwt nTr pw xprwt But the commands of God are what manifest. 117 kAy anx m-Xnw hryt So live abiding in serenity, 118 iwyw didit.sn Dsw iry That Their provision may come of its own accord. Maxim10 6.11

119 ir wnn.k m zi n Hmsyw Should you be seated with a man at a gathering, 120 r st Tt wr r.k In place at the table of one greater than you,

14

121 Ssp didit.f diw r fnD.k Accept what he puts in front of your nose, [122] m dgA r nty m-bAH.f Don't stare at what is before him. 123 gmH.k r ntt m-bAH.k Inspect what is before you. 7.1

124 m stiw sw m gmHw aSAw Do not dart him with many glances. 125 bwt kA pw wdt im.f It is an affront to the ka to burden him like that. 126 m mdw n.f r iASt.f Do not speak until he has invited you: 127

128=126,129

ni rx n.tw bint Hr ib One knows know what may seem evil to a mind. 129 mdw.k xft wSd.f tw Speak according to his address to you,

15

130 iw Ddt.k r nfr Hr ib And what you say will please. [131] sbt.k m-xt sbt.f Laugh along when he laughs, [132]

133=130;134=127

wnn nfrw Hr ib.f wrt And it shall please him well. 7.2

135 ir wr wnn.f HA tAw For when a great man dines, 136 sxr.f xft wD kA.f He behaves according to the mandate of his ka. 137 iw.f r rdit n Hssy.f He will give to the one he favors. 138 sxr pw n grH xpr Thus proceeds the night's hap. 139 in kA dwn awy.f It is for the ka to stretch forth his hands.

16

141=139

140 wr di.f ni pH n zi

A great one gives not to a contentious man. 7.3

142

143=138

iw wnm.tw tAw Xr sxr nTr The eating of bread is according to the design of God. 144 in xm anay.f Hr.s But throught ignorance does one contend with it. Maxim 11 145 ir wnn.k m zi n aqyw If you happen to be a man of the public trust, 146 hAbw wr n wr Sent by official to official, 147 mty Hr qd hAb.f tw Be precise in the mission he sends you. 148 iri n.f wpwt mi dd.f Carry out the assignment as he says. 4.4

149 aHA tw m s-Dw m mdwt Guard against causing trouble with words,

17

150 zkn.ti wr n wr Embroiling the great with the great. [153] m am-ib.k Hr Dd ti n.k Do not swallow your heart when speaking to him; [154] sAA ti Hr zp n maht-ib And guard well against the error of negligence. 151 nDrw mAat m zny.sy Hold scrupulously to what is authentic. 152

155=151;156=152;157=149;158=150

ni wHm.tw is ia n ib Yea, a confidence should not be repeated 159 m mdyw rmT nbt Where it might become common talk. 7.5

160 wr ktt bwt kA pw Be one great or otherwise, this is repulsive to the ka. Maxim 12 161 ir skA.k rwD m sxt If you farm and there is bounty in the field,

18

163=170;164=169

162 rdi.st nTr wr m a.k

God grants it to be great by your hand. 165 m-sA rA.k r-gs hAw.k Watch your mouth around your neighbors; 166 wr irit Hrywt nt grw. Great becomes dread of the silent man. 167 ir nb qd m nb xt When a master of character is a master of means, 7.6

168 iTit.f mi msH m qnbt He takes hold like a crocodile before the court of magistrates. 169 m twA n iwtw msw.f Do not chide someone without children, 170 m Hwrw m aba im Do not demean by boasting that way. 171 iw wn wr iti m Ahw There is many a father with trouble;

19

172 mwt mst Htp Hr kt r.s A mother in childbirth more at peace than another. 7.7

173 in waty zi s-xprw nTr For the lone one is brought forth by God, 174 iw nb wHyt nHi.s Smsi.f While the lord of a clan may pray that someone follow him. Maxim 13 175 ir Xzi.k Smsi zi iqr If you are of lowly station, follow a man of excellence, 176 nfr sSm.k nb xr nTr And all your conduct may be good before God. 177 m rx n.k nDsw xntw When you know a man to have been lowly at first, 7.8

178 im.k aA ib.k r.f Do not pride yourself over him 179 Hr rxt n.k im.f xntw Owing to your previous knowledge of him.

20

180 snD n.f xft xprwt n.f Respect him according to what has taken place for him, 181 ni iwy n is xt Ds.s For property does not come on its own: 182 hp.sn pw n mrrwt.sn This is how Their designs unfold. 183 ir Ttf iw sAq n.f Ds Now, this bounty is his own spoil, 184 in nTr iri iqr.f Yet God ordains his excellence, 7.9

185 xsf.f Hr.f iw.f sDr And guards over him even while he sleeps. Maxim 14 186 Smsi ib.k tr n wnn.k Follow your heart during your lifetime. 187 m iri HAw-Hr mddwt Do not take on in excess of what is assigned.

21

188 m xbi tr n Smsi ib Do not squander the season of following the heart. 189 bwt kA pw HDt At.f It is an offense to the ka to violate its moment. 7.10

190 m ngb zp Xrt hrw Don't divert the daily allotments, 191 m HAw n grg pr.k To inflate the furnishing of your house. 192 xpr xt Smsi ib In manifesting things, use good judgment. 193

194=191;195=171;196=172

nin km n xt iw zfA.f Surplus profits not the one overburdened. Maxim 15 197 ir wnn.k m zi iqr If you would be a man of excellence, 7.11

198 iri.k zA n s-imAm nTr Beget thyself a son appeasing to God.

22

199 ir mty.f pXr.f n qd.k If he is careful about participating in your business, [200] sDm.f n sbAyt.k And listens to your instructions, [201] s-iqr s-xrw.f m Xnw pr.k Makes excellent his conduct in the affairs of your house, 202 nwi.f xt.k r st iry Arranging your possessions in their proper place, 203 iri n.f bw-nb nfr Do for him everything good: 204 zA.k pw ns-sw sti kA.k This is your son, who springs from the seed of your ka. 205 im.k iwd ib.k r.f Do not separate your heart from him. 7.12

206 iw mtwt iri.s Snty But ambition can make a rebel;

23

207 ir nnm.f thi.f sxrw.k If he goes astray, if he transgresses your orders, [208] tm.f irt sbAyt.k Or he lacks heed for your instructions, [209] Xzy sxrw.f m-Xnw pr.k Is slack with the regulations of your household, 210 bTn n.f Ddt nbt Rebels against all your mandates, 211 Sm rA.f m mdt Xzt Or His mouth wanders into spoiled speech, [212] wAw m Hr.f ni wnt m awy.fy His destiny is not in your hands. [213] rwi.k sw nin zA.k is pw Quit him, for he is not really your son; [214] nin msi n tw.f is n.k Nor even is he kindred to you.

24

215 bAk.k sw r rA.f mi qd.f Govern him so that his speech represents your designs. 216 wdi r.k m xbd n.sn To mistreat you is to offend Them. 8.1

217 wDd sDb n.f pw m Xt His hubris was ordained in the womb. 218 ni nnm n sSm.sn Never aimless is Their guidance; 8.2

219 ni gm n iww.sn DAt As Their boatless find no passage. Maxim 16 220 ir wnn.k m rwyt If you are in the audience hall, 8.3

221 aHa Hms r nmtt.k Stand and sit at your station, 222 wDd n.k hrw tpy Assigned to you on the first day.

25

223 m swA xpr Sna tw.k Don't presume, or you will eventually be reined in. 8.4

224 spd Hr n aq smi Keen is the countenance when one arrives announced. 226=224

225 wsx st nt iAS n.f Spacious is the seat when one has been called. 8.5

227 iw rwyt r tp Hsb The audience hall follows regulations, 228 sxr nb xft xAyw Every step according to procedure. 229

230=229

in nTr sxnt st By God is awarded a post: 8.6

231 ni irr.tw rdiw kaH One does not secure advancement with the elbow. Maxim 17 232 ir wnn.k hna rmt If you are to be among the people,

26

233 iri n.k mrw n kfA-ib Make for yourself confidants of the trustworthy, 8.7

234 iw kfA-ib nfr Hr rn.k And be honorable behind your good name. 236=239

235 iwtw pXr.f Dd m Xt.f The one without issues twisting in his belly, 237 xpr.f m Tzw Ds.f He becomes a commander, himself. [238] iw snD n.f xft Sfyt.f

There is regard for him in accordance with his eminence. 8.8

239 nb xt mi-m sxr.f The master of means: What of his comportment? 240 rn.k nfr nin mdwy.k Your name is good, you are not involved in controversy, 8.9

241 Haw.k DfAw Hr.k r hAw.k Your limbs are looked after for you more than for your contsituents,

27

242 abwt.tw n.k m xmt n.k And you are praised by those know you not. 243 wnn ib sDm n Xt.f When ones heart hearkens to his belly, 8.10

244 rdi.f knwt.f m st mrwt.f He hands out resentment in place of his love. 245 ib.f Akw Haw.f XsAw His mind is unfocused, his body unkempt; [246] Xr iri ib.f r.f He will become paranoid. 8.11

247 iw wr ib rdiw nTr But greatness of heart is a pronoia of God: 248 iw sDm n Xt.f ns-sw xfty Listening to ones appetites is but allegiance to the enemy. Maxim 18 249 smi sSm.k nin am-ib Report on your responsibilities without swallowing your heart.

28

8.12

250 rdi sxr.k m sH n nb.k Deliver your advice in the council of your master. 251 ir Ttf r.f xft Dd.f For one fully fluent in speaking 252 nin qsn r wpwty smit Will not experience difficulty reporting as a messenger. 8.13

253 nin wSb.tw mi-A rx st He is not answered, "On whose authority?" 254 in wr r xt.f nnm As then the elder's agenda could miscarry: 8.14

255 ir kA.f r xsf.f Hr.s Should someone incline to take him to task him over this, 256 iw.f gr.f Hr iw Dd n.i He will fall silent at, "Thus it was said to me." Maxim 19 257 ir wnn.k m sSmy If you would be a leader,

29

9.1

258 wsTn sXrw m wDyt.k With broad scope in your commission, 259 iri r.k xt Tnw You should do outstanding things, 9.2

260 sxA n.f hrwyw iwy Hr-sA So as to be remembered in days to come. 261 ni iwy mdt m qAb Hswt A litigation does not arise in the midst of praises: 9.3

262 bss kApw xpr sfAt If the monster makes its way in, contention ensues; [263] ann.tw is r Hn And one is turned back from the objective. Maxim 20 264 ir wnn.k m sSmy If you are to be a leader, 9.4

265 hr sDm.k mdw sprw Be patient when you listen to the words of a petitioner,

30

266 m gfn sw r skt Xt.f Do not belittle him before he sweeps out his gut 9.5

267 m kAt n.f Dd n.f st Of what he had planned to say. 268 mr Xr iw iat ib.f One who has been wronged loves a soothing of his heart, 269 r irit iwyt n.f Hr.s Even more than the accomplishment of what he came for. [270] Hai sw im r sprw nb Any petitioner more rejoices from this, [271]

272=276

r xprwt pAyt sDm Than the outcome of the hearing. 9.6

273 ir iri gfnw sprtyw, If one makes rebuffs to petitioners, 274 iw Dd.tw iw tr r mi thi.f st It will be said, "Why pray tell did he trample thus?"

31

9.7

275 nin sprt n.f nbt Hr.s m xprty.sn Not everything for which one petitions can come about, 276 s-naa ib pw sDm nfr But a good hearing smoothes out the heart. Maxim 21 9.8

277 ir mri.k swAH xnms Should you desire a lasting friendship. 278 m-Xnw pr aq.k r.f Within the house you may enter, 9.9

279 m nb m sn m xnms rA-pw Whether as master, brother, or friend, 280 r bw nb aq.k im Or anywhere you may go, 281 aHA tw m tkn m Hmwt Guard against approaching the women. 9.10

282 ni nfr n bw irrw st im There is no benefit where this may happen.

32

283 ni spd n Hr Hr pxA st There is no prudence in starting it. 9.11

284 iw ngb.tw zi xA r Axt n.f Man by the thousand is blocked from his blessing. [285] s-wxa.tw m awt tn ti Hnwt As limbs hewn of horn-stone [286] aHa sxpr ti m Hrst Arise and become carnelian. 287 At kitt mitt rswt, A brief moment, like a dream, 9.12

288 iw pH.tw mwt Hr rx.st And death comes from having known her. [288b] mdw pfA aA Such behavior is arrogance. [289] m isyw biAwt Do not debase your conduct;

33

290=284

[291] nin st Ax m irit There is no advantage such conduct. 292 Tz pw Xz sti xfty It is a coarse custom to provoke enmity. 9.13

293 prr.tw Hr irt.f ib Hr win.f Proceeding to do so, ones heart abandons him. [294] m iri.st bwt ms pw Avoid that tragedy, surely; [295] Swi.k m HAt ib n ra nb And be free of grief in every day. 296 ir whh m snk Hr.s Should one blunder in such selfishness, 297 ni mar n sxr nb m a.f No project could flourish in his hand. Maxim 22 10.1

298 ir mri.k nfr sSmw.k If you wish to excel in leadership,

34

299 nHm.tw m-a Dwt nbt And be preserved indeed from all evil. 300 aHA.tw Hr zp n awn-ib Guard against the mistake of greed. 10.2

301 xAyt pw mrt nt biTitw It is a grievous affliction of the forsaken. 302 ni xpr.n aq im.s Nothing welcome can arise from it. 303 iw.s Hr s-ibt itiw mwwt It is an estrangement of fathers and mothers, 10.3

304 hna snw Hr mwt Brothers from the mother therewith, [305] iw.f s-dH r.f xnms bnr It can bring down for one an agreeable friendship. [306] iw.f swAt.f aq r nb It can wipe out access to ones lord.

35

307=303

308 iw nS.s Hmt TAy It comes between wife and husband, 10.4

309 TAwt pw bint nbt It is a burden of every malady, 311=309

310 arf pw n xbdwt nbwt A bundle of every disgraceful thing. 312 wAH zi aqA.f mAat

The man prospers whose measure is Maat, 313 Sm r nmtt.f And he escapes from entrapments. 10.5

314 iw.f iri.f imt-pr im He may draw up a testament by it; 315 nin wn iz n awn-ib While the rapacious man has no sepulchre. Maxim 23 316 m awn-ib.k Hr pzSt Do not be stingy over an apportion,

36

10.6

317 m Hnt ni is r Xrwt.k Nor covet what is clearly not your lot. 318 m awn-ib.k r hAw.k And, don't be greedy with your neighbors; 10.7

319 wr twA n sfA r nxt For greater is the claim of mercy than of might. 320 and pw prr Xr hAw.f Wretched is one who wrails against his kith, 321 Sw m int n mdt Void of conciliatory manner: 10.8

322 in nhyw n awnt Hr.s When a fraction of what is sought 323

324=321

s-xpr Snty m qbb Xt Could transform the contentious into the contented. Maxim 24 325 ir iqr.k grg.k pr.k If you would pursue excellence and establish your own house,

37

10.9

326 mri.k Hmt.k m-Xnw Hsb Love your wife in good faith. 327 mH Xt.s Hbs sA.s Fill her stomach, clothe her back; 328 pXrt pw nt Haw.s mrht The remedy for her limbs is unguent. 10.10

329 s-Awi ib.s tr n wnnwt.k Humor her heart during your lifetime. 330 AHt pw Axt n nb.s She is a field of blessing for her lord. 331 imi.k wDa si ryt Don't be judgmental of her issues, 10.11

332 s-Hry si r sxm ArwD is But do direct her past arduous responsibility. 333 Da.s pw irt.s mAA.s A squall is in her eye when she looks about.

38

[334] s-naa ib.s m xprwt n.k But her attitude will smooth as your affairs take shape. 10.12

335 s-wAH.s pw m pr.k This will keep her in your house: 336 Snay.k si mw pw To over regulate her would be pointless. 337 kAt di tw.s n awy.s The vulva bestows her means: 338 Snnty.s iri n.s mr By her charms she commissions a canal. Maxim 25 339 s-Htp aqw.k m xprwt n.k Satisfy your intimates with what comes to you. 340 xpr n Hzzw nTr It accrues to one favored of God. 11.2

341 ir whh m s-Htp aqw.f If one neglects to provide for his kindred,

39

342 iw Dd.tw kA pw aAbw He will be called selfish. 343 ni rx n.tw xprwt siA.f dwA One knows not how things will turn out as he takes thought for the morrow: 11.3

345=343

344 kA pw kA n mty Htpw im.f

The ka of the scrupulous is the ka that brings one peace. 346 ir xpr zpw nw Hswt When there arises cause for celebration, 11.4

347 in aqw Dd iy.wy It is kindred who say, "Come on over!" 348 ni in.tw Htpt r dmi One does not beckon propitiation from a strange place; 349 iw in.tw aqw wn Aq One seeks intimates in time of trouble. Maxim 26 11.5

350 imi.k wHm mski n mdt You shouldn't engage in malicious gossip,

40

351 ni sDm.k sw Nor should you listen to it. 352 prw pw nt tA-Xt It is the method of the belly acher. 11.6

353 wHm mdt mAA ni sDm n Report what you have seen, not simply heard. 354 st r tA m Dd r-sst What falls to the ground should not be stirred up. 11.7

355 mi.k xft Hr.k rx iqr Take note of good sense when it is before you. 356 iw wD.tw TAwt irit.s When it is ordered that a sanction be carried out, 11.8

357 s-xprw r iTit.s msDt mi hp Its plaintiff may get drawn up by like statutes. [358] iw mski mi zp n rswt Scandal is like a bad dream;

41

359 mi.k sswn rswt pw As if to chase away a nightmare like this, 360

361

Hbs.tw Hr.s One covers his face. Maxim 27 11.9

362 ir wnn.k m zi iqr Should you become a man of excellence, 363 Hmsi m sH n nb.f Sitting in the council of his lord, 364 sAq ib nb r bw iqr Focus your will entirely upon excellence. 11.10

365 gr.k Ax st r tftf Reticence brings more benefit than controversy. 366 mdy.k rx n.k wHa.k Speak up when you understand your own contribution. 11.11

367 in Hmww mdww m sH It is those who are skilled who should speak in the council.

42

368 qsn mdt r kAt nbt Speaking is the trickiest of any responsibility. 369 in wHa sy didi sy r-xt Through sorting a matter out, one brings it under effective control. Maxim 28 11.12

370 ir wsr.k didi.k snD.k If you are successful in commanding respect for yourself, 371 m rx m hrt Dd By knowldege or by gentle speech, 11.13

372 m wD tp ni is r sSmw Don't boss people around except by the regulations. 373 iw Stm ak.f n iwyt The overbearing man welcomes cause for regret. 12.1

374 m qA ib.k tm.f dHi Do not be invasive, for it culminates in disappointment. 375 m gr zAw xnd.k Furthermore, tread carefully

43

12.2

376 wSb.k mdt m n nsrw When you answer the speech of a fiery man. 377 sHri Hr.k Hn tw Avert your face; control yourself, 378 iw nswt nt tA-ib sXr.f That the the missle of the bully may miss. 379 an xndw qd miTn.f For the one gracious in treading, smooth will be his course. 12.4

380 mnS n hrw r Aw.f If he dwell on cares all day long 381 ni-n iri n.f At nfrt One never enjoys a good moment. 382 wnf-ib n hrw r Aw.f If one is gay all day long, 383 ni-n grg n.f pr He will never establish a house.

44

384 stiw mHi An arrow launched 385 mi iri Hmw zp r tA Is like an oar dropped overboard: 386 ky nDrw Another collects it, 12.6

387 iw sDm.n ib.f r Hn A And the heart will hear its cry of regret. Maxim 29 388 m xsf tw m At wr Do not impede the focus of a great man; 12.7

389 m sHDnw ib n nty Atpw Don't vex the heart of him who is burdened. 391 xpr s-Dbi.f r Snt sw It will turn out that he thwarts the one who threatens him, 392 sfx kA m mrr sw As his ka supports the one who would love him.

45

[390]

12.8

393 didi kAw pw Hna nTr This generosity of living spirits is connected with the Divine. 394 mrrt.f irtt n.f What he wills shall be accomplished by him. [396]

395 s-qdi r.k Hr m-xt nSny If he bestows his favor to you again after a tempest, 397 iw Htp xr kA.f There is peace for his ka 12.9

397b iw s-Dbi xr xfty As there arise setbacks for the accuser; 398 kAw pw srwd mrwt For, sowing love yields sustenance. Maxim 30 399 sbA wr r Axt n.f Instruct a great one in what is useful for him; 12.10

400 s-xpr Ssp-a.f m Hry rmT Foster confidence in his policies among the people.

46

401 rdi.k xr sAA.f Hr nb.f Help his contribution to show its worth to his master. [402] iw Ssp r wDwt zf Customary authority is milder than mandates; [403] nfr.tw Xr.s anx... And one lives well under its grace... 12.11

404

405

wnn DfAw n.k xr kA.f Yea, there may be rewards for you before his ka. 406 iw Xt nt mrwt r Htpw The livelihood of loved ones will be nurtured, 407 iw sA.k r Hbs Xr.s Your back will be clothed by it. 12.12

408 wn Ssp-a.f Hr.k r anx n pr.k His patronage will be over you and the life of your house. 409 xr saH.k mrr.k For your patron, the one you love,

47

410b=411a

410 anx sw Xr.s He enlivens by it. 411 iri.f qaH nfr im.k gr

When he makes a benevolent gesture, you should not be silent. 12.13

412 wAH grt mrwt.k pw This, moreover, assures your reciprocity 413 m Xt nt mrrwt tw In the bodies of those loved by you. 414 mi.k kA pw mrr sDm You see; it is the ka who loves to listen. Maxim 31 13.1

415 ir iri.k sA zi n qnbt If you act as the son of a man in the court of magistrates, 416 wpwty n hrt aSAt A messenger for engaging the public, 13.2

417 Sdi mAdw nw wDat Read aloud the words as they appear in the official record.

48

418 mdy.k m rdi Hr gs Speak without taking either side. 13.3

419 sAw Dd.f zxr.f One should be careful when he relates his counsel. 420 srw rdi.f mdt Hr gs iry Should one give his address to the magistrates leaning to one side, 12.4

421 wDb zp.k r wDaty A slip up may turn into an unfavorable decision. Maxim 32 422 ir sfn.k Hr zp xprw Should you incline to lenience on the back of a mishap, 13.5

423 gsA.k n zi Hr aqA.f Value a man for his straightforwardness. 424 swA Hr.f m sxA sw Pass him by; do not bring it up; 13.6

425

426=497, 427=498

Dr gr.f n.k hrw tpy For he might hold his peace for you, some day.

49

Maxim 33 428 ir aAi.k m-xt nDsw.k If you are a magnate having earlier been of lowly estate, 13.7

429

430

iri.k xt m-xt gAwt tp-im Carry on with things as in your previous austerity 431 m niwt rxti n.k In a town where you are recognized, 13.8

432 m zSAw xprt n.k xntw With an appreciation of what happened to you before. 433 m kfA ib.k Hr aHaw.k Do not place your trust in what you have stored up: 434 xprw n.k m rdiw nTr They are arisen to you by the generosity of God; 13.9

435 nin tw HA ky mitw.k That you need not bow to another who is but your peer; 436

437

xprw n.f mitt iry For he has arisen in like manner.

50

[438] zAw Sm nma.k im Take care in passing that you are mindful of him. [439] m zf rn.k xr srw Don't sabotage your reputation with the nobles; [440] tp mdw.k r gs iry For it is formed at your first exchange. Maxim 34 441 Xms sA.k n Hry-tp.k Bow in respect of your superior, 13.10

442 imi-r.k n pr nswt Your superintendent at court. 443 wnn pr.k mn Hr xt.f Your house will be established in its affairs, 13.11

444

445=448

DbAw.k m st iry And you will be equipped according to your position. 446 qsn pw itnw m Hry-tp Wretched is one who is contentious with a chieftan.

51

13.12

447 anx.tw tr n sft.f You thrive while his good will endures. 448

449

ni xAb.n qaH n kfyt.f Nor will bending the shoulder denude it. 14.1

450 m TAwyw pr sAHw Do not appropriate a house of dependants; 451 m dAir xt tkn im.k Nor ravage things close to you. [452] nin st Ax n iri r.st Never does this yield benefit. 14.2

453 imi.f siw r.k r sDmt.k Let no one write you off before you have been heard out. 454 imi pw n ib bqbqw The indolent one has no honor 14.3

455 ir rx.f st iw.f r Sny If he is reputed for his storminess,

52

14.4

456 qsn pw n itnw m st tknt There is vexation for the disagreeable man in his own back yard. Maxim 35 457 imi.k niki Hmt Xrd Do not diddle a lady boy: 14.5

458 rx n.k xsfwt r mw Hr HAty.f You understand the convoluted courses about his heart. 459 nin qbb n ntt m Xt.f What's in his gut never cools down. 14.6

460 imi.f swxAw r irt xsfwt He has no shame about doing what is shameful. 462 qbb.f m-xt HD.f ib.f While he does gratify himself, he impoverishes his heart. Maxim 36 463 ir Dar.k qd n xnms If you would investigate the disposition of a friend, 464

53

461=459?

m Snn r.k tkn im.f Don't probe about for yourself, but approach him about it. 465 iri zp hna.f waw Take the matter up with him, one on one. 14.8

466 r tmt.k mn xrwt.f That you may ride out misunderstanding his concerns. 468-469

467 DAis hna.f m-xt aHaw Confront him with it and, after a while, 14.9

470 wSm ib.f m zp n mdt Test his heart in the difference of opinion; 471 ir pri mAt n.f m-a.f If he will be forthcoming with his point of view. 472 iri.f zp Spt.k Hr.f If he addresses the issues you hold with him, 473<

>

14.10

mi.k xnms sw rA pw Or detect if he is of a friendly disposition toward you. 474

54

m iTi.tw Hr Don't become stingy about it, 475 sAqw m wbA n.f mdt Be refined in your speech that it does not drill him, 14.11

476 m wSb m zp n zhA And do not respond in a tone of hostility. 477 m wiAn.tw r.f m hbw sw Do not negate him with derision, [478] sAw.tw m-awAy And be wary of entrapment. 14.12

479 ni pA zp.f tm iw His time will not fail to arrive: 480 ni whi n.tw m SA sw One cannot default on what is due of him. Maxim 37 481 HD Hr.k tr n wnn.k Let your face beam in the lifetime that is yours;

55

14.13

482 ir pri m miXr ni aq.n For, on leaving this storehouse, we do not return. 483 in tAw n pzSwt Hnty Hr.f At the parceling of provisions one discovers the greedy; 484 srxy pw Sw m Xt.f The bitter man is the one with an empty stomach. 485 xpr itnw m sAhhw Disaffection arises from deprivation. 15.2

486 m iri sw r tkn im.k Don't give someone cause to deplore you. 487 sxAw pw n zi iAmwt The legacy of a man is in his gracious deeds 488 n rnpwt imt-xt wAs In the years that follow his career. Maxim 38 15.3

489 rx Swt.k wnn xt.k Know your audience and your affairs will move forward.

56

490 m Xzi biAyt.k r xnmsw.k Don't test the forbearant humor of your friends: 491 wDb.f pw mHi.f wr sw r Spssw.f They are the prime estate one conserves above his riches. 492 iw xt ky n ky They are the business of one to another. 493 Ax biAyt nt sA zi n.f A forbearant humor is an asset for a man's son, 494 iw qdw nfr r sxAw As good character will make one remembered. Maxim 39 495 xsf Hr tp sbA Hr qdw Regulate with authority but instruct by virtue. 496 iw nDrt xww r mnt biA The redress of wrongdoing demonstrates acumen. 15.6

497 ir zp ni is Hr iyt For when a problem goes uncorrected,

57

498 rdi xpr anay pw m iTnw It allows a complaint to become a dispute. Maxim 40 499 ir iri.k Hmt m Spnt If you marry a party girl, 15.7

500 wnft-ib rxt n niwtyw.s One known as fun-loving to her townfolk, 501 iw.s m hpwy If she is rather unregulated, 502 an n.s nw And indulges for a while, 503

504,505

m nS si imi r.k wnm.s Do not deny her, but let her enjoy herself; 15.8

506 iw wnft-ib s-ip.s aqAA As a light heart makes for navigable waters. Maxim 41 507

58

ir sDm.k nn Dd n.i n.k If you heed these things which I have said to you, 508 wnn sxr.k nb r HAt Your every design will move forward. 15.9

509 ir zp n mAat iry Spss.sn pw If ventures are trustworthy, they will be blessed. 510 rwi sxA.sn m rA n rmT To flourish, they must find merit in the mouths of people. 511 m-a nfr n Tzw.sn Owing to the appropriateness of their arrangement. 512

513=511

in n.tw mdt nbt When every opinion is brought in, 15.10

514 ni ski n m tA pn Dt It does not ever disappear from off this earth. 515 irit.s Ssrt r nfr When something is discussed in good faith 516

59

mdw srw r.s The appraisal of the officials will accord with it. 15.11

517 sbA zi pw r Dd n imyw xtw To instruct a man is thus to speak to posterity; 518 sDm.f st xpr m Hmww sDmw He listens to it and becomes an alert man of skill. 519 nfr Dd n imyw xtw ntf sDm.f st It is good for one to speak to descendants who will pay attention: 15.12

520-1 ir xpr zp nfr m-a wnn m Hry-tp If there issue good deeds from him who becomes a supervisor, 522 wnn.f mnx n nHH He will be an eternal example. 523 iw sAA.f nb r Dt His wisdom will be forever. 524 in rx sm bA.f m smnt When the learned one nurtures his soul with what is lasting, 15.13

525

60

nfr.f im.f tp tA It shall be good to him on the earth. 526 sAi.tw rx Hr rxt n.f The prudent man is recognized for his understanding; 527 in sr Hr zp.f nfr As is the nobleman for his good times. 528 m-a n ib.f nst.f His heart according with his tongue, 16.1

529 aqAy spty.fy iw.f Hr Dd Reliable are his lips whenever he speaks. 530 irty.fy Hr mAA And his eyes when seeing. 16.2

531 anxwy.f twt Hr sDm Axt n sA.f His ears are intent on hearing what is useful for his son: 532 iri r mAat Sw m grg Because to do what is right is to stay free of fraud. Maxim 42

61

533=531?

16.3

534 Ax sDm n zA sDmw Beneficial is listening for the son who hears. 535 aq sDm m sDmw Attention enters into one who listens. 16.4

536 xpr sDmw m sDmi One who listens becomes one who is heard.

<

537

>

nfr sDm nfr wDa mdt Good listening leads to good discernment. 538<

>

539

Sspw sDmw nb Axt He who cultivates attention is ever effective. 16.5

540

<

>

Ax mrr sDm n sDmw Loving to listen well serves the listener. 541 nfr sDm r ntt nbt Better it is to listen than anything, as 542 xpr mrwt nfrt From what is loved comes what is beautiful.

62

543 nfr wy Ssp zA Dd iti.f How good it is when a son grasps what his father says: 544 xpr n.f iAwt Xr.s He attains maturity owing to it. 16.7

545 mrrw nTr pw sDm He who listens will be loved by God: 546

547=546?;548=552;549

ni sDm.n msDDw nTr When we do not listen, it is an affront to God. 550 in ib s-xpr nb.f Now, the heart creates its keeper. 551 m sDm m tm sDm Do not hear from him who will not listen. 552 anx wDA snb n zi ib.f A man's heart to him are life, wholeness, and drive. 16.9

553 in sDmw sDm Dd It is the listener who hears what is said:

63

555

554 mrr sDm pw iri r Ddwt

And loving to listen, will do what is said. 16.10

556 nfr wy sDm zA n iti.f How good it is when a son hearkens to his father! 557 rS wy Dddy n.f nn How happy is he in speaking to such a one. 16.11

558

559

zA an.f m nb sDm The son is magnificent who hearkens to his master. 560 sDmw Ddw n.f st mnx.f m Xt Listening to what is said, there is confidence in his gut. 16.12

561 imAxy xr iti.f One who is reverent in the presence of his father 562 iw sxA.f m rA n anxw Is remembered in the speech of the living. 16.13

563 ntyw tp tA wnnty.sn These in the world are the ones who make progress. Maxim 43

64

564 ir Ssp zA zi Dd iti.f If a man's son receives what his father says, 16.14

565 nin nnm n zxr.f nb None of his designs will miscarry. 566 sbA.k m zA.k sDmw Teach your son to be a listener, 17.1

567 iqr ti.fy Hr ib n srw Who will be thus excellent in the mind of he officials, 568 sSm rA.f r Dddt n.f Guiding his mouth according to what he has been told; 17.2

569 mAw m sDmw Recognized as one who heeds. 570

571

zA iqr.f nmtt.f Tnw The son who excels, his steps are distinguished; 17.3

572 nnm bsiw n tm sDm But apprenticeship goes awry if one fails to heed.

65

573 dwA rx r smnt.f The learned man rises early to organize himself, 17.4

574 iw wxA mDd.f While the unskillful one may become hard pressed. Maxim 44 575 ir wxA iwtw sDm.f Now, as for the slow-wit who doesn't pay attention, 576 nin iri n.f xt nbt He will never accomplish anything. 577 mAA.f rx m xm He will views wisdom as ignorance; 17.6

578 Axwt m mniwt And things that serve well as onerous. 579 iri r.f xbdwt nbwt He is wont to make all kinds of mistakes, 17.7

580 r Tsswt im.f ra nb And and there will daily be complaints against him.

66

581 anx.f m mwtt Xr.s He lives by that from which one dies. 582

583=573?

aqw.f pw xbn Dd His sustenance is twisted talk. 17.8

584 biAt.f im m rx n srw The officials are aware of his mettle in this 585 Hr mwt anx ra nb Owing to his perpetual sluggishness. 17.9

586 swA.tw Hr zpw.f His faults are passed over, 587 m-a aSA n iwywt Hr.f ra nb On account of the sheer abundance of his errors, every day. Maxim 45 17,10

588 zA sDmw m Smsw Hr A son who heeds is a follower of Horus. 589 nfr n.f m-xt sdm.f He does well because he listens throughout.

67

17.11

590 iAww.f pH.f imAx In maturity he attains revered status; 591 s-Dd.f m-mitt n Xrdw.f He will deliver likewise to his children, 17.2

592 m s-mAwy sbAw iti.f In renewing the teaching of his father. 593 zi nb sbA mi iri.f Every man instructs by his example, 17.13

594

<

>

s-Dd.f xr mstyw In speaking to his offspring.

<

595

>

ix Dd n.sn n Xrdw.sn And so, they can tell their children. 18.1

596 iri biA m rddiw aDt.k Show noblesse; do not pass down your prejudice. 18.2

597 s-rwD mAat anx msyw.k Trustworthiness secures the life of your children.

68

18.3

598-9 ir tpi iy Xr isft But, for the principal who arrives with wrongdoing, 600 ix Dd rmT mAAti.sn People declare what they observe: 18.4

601 mitt is pfA pw "This one is just like that one!" 602 Dd n sDmty.sn To say to those who will hear; 18.5

603 mitt is pfA pw gr "He is just like that one!" as well. 604-5 mAA bw-nb sn Everyone sees them, 18.6

605-6 s-grH aSAt And the multitude is pacified. 18.7

607 nin km n Spssw m-xmt.sn There is no lasting benefit in wealth without them.

69

608 m iTi mdt m in.s Do not remove a word, nor add it. 18.8

609 m rdi kiti m st kiti Do not put one in place of another. [610] iw st.s m Xnw n Xt.k Its place is within your belly. 611 aHA tw m wn iniw im.k Resist violation of the safeguards on you. 18.9

612 sAw tw r Dd rx-xt Or be admonished when one worldly-wise says: 16.10

613 sDm r.k mr.k smnt.k "Pay heed, if you wish to advance yourself 614 m rA n sDmyw In the repute of the assessors, 18.11

615 mdwy.k aq n.k m zp ni Hmww You should speak when are familiar with the ways proper to the craftsman."

70

616 mdw.k r zp n qn If you speak with elegant timing, 18.12

617 wnn sxr.k nb r st.f Then every plan of yours will fall into its place. Maxim 46 618 hrp ib.k Hn rA.k Submerge your heart and regulate your mouth. 18.13

619 ix sxr.k mi-m srw Then surely your designs will be in accord with the nobles'. 18.14

620 mtr Hr qd xr nb.k Be upright in character before your lord. 621 iri r Dd n.f zA pfA pw Do as he tells you, as would his son; 19.1

622 r dd n sDmty.sn st So that those who hear it will say, 623 Hsi grt msy n.f sw "A refreshment indeed to him who engendered him."

71

19.2

624 wAH ib.k tr n mdwy.k Be patient of heart at the time that you speak, 625 Dd.k xt Tnw And so say things of distinction, 19.3

626 ix Dd srw sDmty.sn That the nobles who hear may say, 627 nfr wy prw n rA.f "How good is what comes from his mouth!" Maxim 47 628 iri r Ddt nb.k r.k Act so that your master will have said to you: 19.4

629 nfr wy sbA n iti.f "How well he has been taught by his father! 630 pri n.f im.f xnt Haw.f When he came forth from his members, 631 Dd n.f n.f iw.f m Xt r-Aw Of whom it was said of him while yet within the womb,

72

19.5

632 wr irit n.f r Dddwt n.f 'His deeds will exceed what he has been commissioned!'" 633 mi.k zA nfr n didi nTr You see, a good son, by the grace of God, 634 rdi HAw Hr Ddwt n.f xr nb.f Surpasses what he has been asked to do before his lord. 635 iri.f mAat He does what is right; 19.6

636 iri n ib.f r nmtt.f And his heart will follow proper steps. 637 mi pH.k wi Aw.k wDA As you being of sound body succeed me, 638 nizwt Htpw m xprwt nbwt The king at peace with every emergence, 19.7

639 iTi.k rnpwt m anx You should be accomplished in years of life.

73

640 nin Srr irit n.i tp tA Not meagre is what I have accomplished on earth. 641 iTi n.i rnpwt Snt-mD m anx I have betaken 110 years of life; 19.8

642 n didi n.i nizwt By the grace of the Pharaoh; 643 Hswt xnt tpiw awyw Favored before the great chiefs, 644 m-a irit mAat n nizwt r st imAx Having done right by the King unto the Place of Reverence. Colophon: 19.9

645 iwi.f pw HAt.f r pHwy.fy This has arrived from beginning to end, 646

647

mi gmyt m zXA As it was found in writing.

74