Sinuhe
Sinuhe
Sinuhe
i
• R. Hannig. Grosses Handwörterbuch Ägyptisch-Deutsch: die Sprache der Pharaonen (2800-950
v.Chr.). Verlag Philipp von Zabern, 1995.
• R. Koch. Die Erzählung des Sinuhe. Fondation Égyptologique Reine Élisabeth, Brussels, 1990.
• R.B. Parkinson. The Tale of Sinuhe and Other Ancient Egyptian Poems 1940-1640 BC. Oxford
University Press, 1997.
ii
v.Chr.). Verlag Philipp von Zabern, 1995.
• R. Koch. Die Erzählung des Sinuhe. Fondation Égyptologique Reine Élisabeth, Brussels, 1990.
• R.B. Parkinson. The Tale of Sinuhe and Other Ancient Egyptian Poems 1940-1640 BC. Oxford
University Press, 1997.
iii
1
R jrj-pat HAtj-a
1
R Prince-regent and count,
AOS xtmw-bjtj smr watj
AOS royal seal-keeper and sole companion,
2
R rx-nsw mAa mry=f Sms[w sA-n]ht Dd=f
2
R true and beloved acquaintance of the king, follower Sinuhe1 says:
1 Meaning 'son of the sycamore'.
3
R jnk Smsw Sms nb=f bAk n jpAt-nsw
3
R 'I was a follower who followed his lord, a servant of the royal harem
AOS bAk n{t} nswt nsw
AOS a servant of the royal thrones,
4
R jrt-[pat] wrt Hswt Hmt-nsw s-n-wsrt m Xnm-swt
4
R and of the regentess, greatly praised, royal wife of Sesostris in Khnemsut,
5
R sAt-nsw jmn-m-HAt m qAj-nfr nfrw nbt jmAx
5
R royal daughter of Amenemhet in Qanefru, Nefru, revered.
AOS sb.tj r jmAx
AOS who has passed to blessedness.
1
6
R ar nTr r Axt=f nsw-bjtj sHtp-jb-ra
6
R The god departed to his horizon, the king of Upper and Lower Egypt Sehotepibre
AOS aq.n nTr r Axt=f
AOS The god entered into his horizon,
7
R sHr=f r pt Xnm m jtn
7
R ascended to heaven and united with the sun,
AOS sarj m1 pt
AOS was let to ascend to heaven
1 Emend to sarj=f r following Gardiner (1916).
8
R Ha-nTr Abx(.w) m jr-sw
8
R the divine body merging with him who created him.
9
R jw Xnw m sgr jbw m gmw
9
R The residence was in silence, hearts were in mourning,
AOS jw Xnw{tj} a.w.s. m sgr
AOS The residence (l.p.h.!) was in silence,
10
R rwtj-wrtj xtm.w [Sny]t m [tp] Hr mAst
10
R the great double gate was shut, courtiers were grieving,
11
R pat m jmw jsT rf sb.n Hm=f
11
R patricians were wailing. Now, His Majesty had sent
AOS pat m jwgrw1
AOS patricians were in the necropolis.
1 Following Barns (1952) and Gardiner (1957), p. 209, note 7.
12 13
R mSa r tA-TmH sA=f smsw m Hrj jrj
12 13
R an army to the Libyan land, with his eldest son in command;
8
G mSa aSA r tA-TmH
G a numerous army to the Libyan land,
2
14
R nTr nfr s-n-wsrt tj sw hAb(.w) r Hwt xAswt
14
R the good god Sesostris had been sent to smite the foreign lands,
15 16
R tj sw Hm jy=f jn.n=f sqrw-anx n THnw
15 16
R and was now returning, having carried off captives from Libya
17
R mnmnt nbt nn Drw=s smrw nw stp-sA hAb=sn
17
R and countless of all kinds of cattle. The companions of the palace sent a message
18
R r gs jmntj
R to the western border,
19
R r rDjt rx sA-nsw sSm xpr m aXnwtj
19
R to inform the king's son of the affair that had happened in the cabinet.
20
R gm.n sw wpwtjw Hr wAt pH.n=sn sw r tr n xAwj
20
R The messengers found him on the road, reaching him at nightfall.
21 22
R n sp sjn.n=f rsj bjk aX=f Hna Smsw=f
22
R He never hesitated at all and the falcon flew off with his followers,
23
R nn rDjt rx st mSa=f jsT hAb r msw nsw
23
R without informing his army of it. Now, a message had been sent to the king's children
AOS nn rDjt rx{t}=sn mSa=f
AOS without informing his army.
3
24
R wnw m-xt=f [m] mSa pn njs.n.tw n wa jm
24
R who were following him [in] this army, and one of them was called.
AOS wnnyw m-xt=f (m) mSa pn nn njs.[n.tw] wa jm=sn
AOS who were following him in this army, and none of them was called.
2
B jw=f Hr mdt jw=j m ar wA
2
B and as he spoke I was close to a conspiracy1.
1 Consistent with note 1 of Davies (1975).
3
B psx jb=j sS awj=j sdA xr(.w) m at nbt
3
B My heart fluttered, my arms dropped, and trembling befell every limb.
4
B nfa=j {r} wj m nftft r HH n=j st dg
B I stole away leaping to find myself a hiding-place.
29
R r jw.tw wAt Smw=s
R until the road and its traveller were separated.
5
B rDjt(=j) wj jmjt bAtj r jrt wAt Smw=s
5
B I placed myself between two bushes to clear the road for its traveller.
AOS rDj.n=j (wj) r jmjtw bAtj r jsq Hr wAt Smt=sn
AOS I placed (myself) between two bushes to wait near the road where they were walking.
6 7
B jrt=j Smt m xntyt n kA(=j) spr r Xnw pn
B I then went south; I did not intend to come to this residence,
4
8
B n Dd=j anx r-sA=f nmj.n=j mAatj
8
B that I didn't think I would survive. I crossed Maati
AOS n Dd.n(=j) anx r-sA pfA nTr pn mnx
AOS and I didn't think I would survive that one, this excellent god.
9
B m hAw nht smA.n=j m jw-snfrw
9
B in the vicinity of the Sycamore, and I arrived on the Island of Snofru.
10
B wrS.n=j m aD n sxt HD.n=j wn hrw
10
B I spent the day at the edge of a field, and departed early the next day.
11
B xp.n=j s aHa(.w) m rA-wAt twr.n=f wj snD n=f
11
B I met a man standing on the road and he saluted me, one who feared him.
AOS twr.n=f wj snDw.n=j n=f
AOS and he saluted me but I feared him.
12 13
B xpr.n tr n msyt sAH.n=j r dmj n [g]Aw
12
B After it had become dinner time, I reached the port of Negau.
14
B DA.n=j m wsxt nn Hm=s [m s]wt n jmntj
14
B I crossed in a boat without a rudder, by means of the west wind.
AOS m swHw nw jmntt
AOS by means of the west winds.
15
B swA.n=j Hr jAbtjw jkw [m H]ry[t] [nb]t Dw-dSr
15
B I passed east of the quarry above the Mistress of the Red Mountain.
16 17
B rDjt=j wAt n rdwj=j m xd dmj.n=j jnbw-HqA
16 17
B Then I made my way northward. I reached the Walls of the Ruler,
AOS dmj.n(=j) jnbw-jt=j
AOS I reached the Walls of my Father,
5
44
R r ptpt nmjw-Saj
44
R and trample the bedouin.
18
B jry r xsf stjw Ssp.n=j ksw=j m bAt
B made to restrain the bedouin. I crouched down in a bush,
45
R wrSy tp jnb jmj hrw=f
45
R the guard on the wall who was on duty.
19
B m snD mAA wr Syw tp Hwt jmj{t} hrw=s
B for fear of being seen by the guards in the settlement who were on duty.
20
B jr=j Smt tr n xAw HD.n tA pH.n=j ptn
20
B I travelled during the night and the next morning I reached Peten.
21 22
B xn.kw r jw n km-wr xr n jbt As.n=f wj
21 22
B I halted on an island of Kemur. An attack of thirst overtook me;
23
B ntb.kw xx=j xm.w Dd.n=j dpt mwt nn
23
B I was parched and my throat was dry. I thought: "This is the taste of death."
r18
AOS nDA.kw xxw{t}=j1 xm.w
r18
AOS I was thirsty and my throat was dry.
1 Read as .
49
R Tst=j jb=j Ha=j sDm.n=j nmj n mnmnt
49
R I lifted my heart and my body when I heard the bellowing of cattle
24 25
B Tst=j jb=j sA q=j Haw=j sDm.n=j xrw nmj n mn mnt
B I lifted my heart and collected myself when I heard the sound of bellowing of cattle
6
26
B gmH.n=j stjw sjA.n wj mTn jm pA wnn Hr kmt
B and caught sight of bedouin. Their leader, who had been in Egypt, recognized me.
r19
AOS [g]mH.n(=j) wj stjw
r19
AOS and caught sight of bedouin.
27 28
B aHa.n rDj.n=f n=j mw ps n=j jrTt Sm.n=j Hna=f n wHwt=f
28
B He gave me water and boiled milk for me. I went with him to his tribe
29
B nfr jrrt.n=sn rDj.n wj xAst n xAst fx.n=j r kpnj
29
B and what they did was good. Land gave me to land. I departed from Byblos
AOS nfr jrrt n=j
AOS and what was done for me was good.
30
B Hs.n=j r qdm jr.n=j rnpt gs jm
30
B and returned to Qedem. I had spent a year and a half there
AOS Hsj.n=j r qdSw
AOS and returned to Kadesh.
31
B jn wj amw-nnSj HqA pw n rTnw Hrt Dd=f n=j
31
B when Amunenshi fetched me, who was ruler of Upper Retjenu. He said to me:
32
B nfr Tw Hna=j sDm=k rA n kmt
32
B "You will be happy with me, for you'll hear the language of Egypt."
AOS nfr Tw aA wn=k Hna=j
AOS "You will be happy here with me,
33
B Dd.n=f nn rx.n=f qd=j sDm.n=f SsA=j
33
B He said this because he knew my character and had heard of my experience,
34
B mtr.n wj rmT kmt ntjw jm Hna=f
B for the Egyptians who were there with him had borne witness to me.
7
R pH.n=k] nn Hr sj jSst
R "Why [have you come] here?
35
B aHa.n Dd.n=f n=j pH.n=k nn Hr-m jSst pw
B Then he said to me: "Why is it that you have come here?
59
R aHa.n Dd.n=j n=f
59
R Then I said to him:
36
B jn-jw wn xprt m Xnw
36
B Has anything happened in the residence?"
AOS aHa.n Dd.n=f n=j
AOS Then he said to me:
37
B n rx.n.tw xprt Hr=s Dd.n=j swt m jwms
37
B The circumstances of it are unknown." But I fabricated:
AOS n rx.n.tw xprt nn Hr st Ddw n=j swt m jwms
AOS It is unknown why this happened, but I was deceived.
38
B [j]j.n=j m mSa {tA} tA-TmHw
38
B "When I had returned from an expedition (to) the land of the Libyans,
39
B wHm.tw n=j jb=j Ahd.w HAtj=j n ntf m Xt=j
39
B it was reported to me. My mind became weak and my heart was not in my body.
AOS wHm.n.tw n=j jb(=j) hAm.w
AOS it was reported to me. My heart became tormented.
8
64
R n psg.tw=j
64
R although I was not spat on,
40
B jn.n =f wj Hr wAwt wart n wfA.tw=j
B It brought me to the ways of flight, although I was not talked about,
AOS n w{s}fA{t}.tw
AOS although there was no reproach,
R n wfA.tw r Hr=j
R I was not talked about in my presence,
41
B n psg .t[w r Hr]=j n sDm Ts-Hwrw
B my face was not spat on, a reproach was not heard,
42
B n sDm.tw rn=j m rA wHmw
42
B and my name was not heard from the mouth of a herald.
43
B n rx=j jn wj r xAst tn jw mj sxr nTr
43
B I do not know what brought me to this land; it is like a plan of god."
AOS jw=j mj sSmw rswt
AOS I was like in a dreaming state,
66
R mj mAA sw jdHy m Ab[w] s n XAt m tA-stj
66
R as if a marsh-dweller saw himself in Elephantine, a man from the Delta in Taseti."
67
R aHa.n Dd.n=f xft=j
67
R Then he said to me:
44
B wnn jrf tA pf mj-m m-x mt=f nTr pf mnx
B "How will that land be without him, that excellent god,
9
R [...] wrt1 rnpt jAdw
R [...] the Great One in a year of pestilence?"
45
B wnnw snD=f xt xAswt mj sxmt rnpt jAdw
45
B fear of whom was throughout the lands, like of Sekhmet in a year of pestilence?"
1 Cf. wrt in B 64.
46
B Dd.kw r=j n=f wSb=j n=f nHm.n sA=f aq(.w) r aH
46
B I said to him, answering him: "His son has already entered the palace
AOS sDd.n=f n=j wSb.n=j n=f
AOS After he had spoken to me, I answered him:
47
B jT .n=f jwat nt jt=f nTr pw grt nn snnw=f
B and has assumed the inheritance of his father. Now, he is a god without equal,
48
B nn ky xpr Xr-HAt=f nb sAt pw
48
B there is no other before him. He is possessor of wisdom,
49 50
B jqr sxrw mnx wDwt-mdw prt hAt xft wD=f
49 50
B excellent of plans, effective of orders, coming and going are by his command.
52
B nxt pw grt jr m xpS=f pr-a nn twt n=f
52
B Now, he is a hero who acts with his own arm, a champion without equal
10
53
B mAA .tw=f hA=f rA-pDtjw Xam=f rA-DAw
B when he is seen attacking barbarians and approaching combat.
54
B waf ab pw sgnn Drwt
54
B He is one who bends down horns and weakens hands,
AOS waf dbw pw
AOS He is one who bends down horns
55
B n Ts.n xrw yw=f skw
B so that his enemy cannot marshal troops.
56
B ja Hr pw tSA wpwt n aHa.n.tw m hAw=f
56
B He is vengeful, one who smashes heads. One cannot stand near him.
r30
AOS wmt jb pw hA=f jAbtjw
r30
AOS He is stout-hearted when he attacks the easterners.
81
R pD nmtt pw st=f bhAw
81
R He is far-striding when he shoots the fugitive.
B pD nmtt pw sk=f bhAw
B He is far-striding when he annihilates the fugitive.
57
B nn pHwj n DD n=f sA
57
B There is no good end for him who shows him his back.
AOS nn pHwj n{n} DD n=f sA
58
B aHa-jb pw m At sA sA
B He is steadfast at the moment of forcing retreat.
59
B wmt jb pw mAA=f aSAt n rDj.n=f Hms HA jb=f
59
B He is stout-hearted when he sees multitudes. He doesn't let laziness near his heart.
11
85
R wd Hr pw hA=f jAbtjw
85
R He is eager when he attacks the easterners.
60
B wd Hr pw mA=f jAbt1
60
B He is eager when he sees the east.
r31
AOS sxm jb pw hA=f jAbtjw
r31
AOS He is stout-hearted when he attacks the easterners.
1 Uncertain.
61
B rS=f pw h At=f rA-pDtjw
B His joy is his attacking barbarians,
62
B n wHm.n=f a r Xdb=f nn wn rwj aHAw=f
B He doesn't repeat the slaying, as there is no one who escapes his arrow,
AOS nn wHm.tw a rf Xdby
AOS The slaying is not repeated,
64
B mj bAw n wrt aHA=f xmt.n=f pHwj
64
B as from the might of the Great One. He fights having foreseen the outcome,
65
B n sAw.n=f n spyt nb jmAt pw aA bnjt
B heedless of all else. He is beloved, great of charm,
AOS nn swA.n=f sp
AOS he will not evade the matter.
12
66
B jT.n=f (m) mrwt mr sw njwt=f r Haw
66
B he has conquered through love, his city loves him more than itself,
67
B Ha st jm=f r nTr=sn
B it rejoices over him more than over its god.
68
B swA TAyw Hmwt Hr rnn wt jm=f jw=f m nsw jT.n=f m swHt
B Men and women pass by, cheering him. He is a king who conquered in the egg,
AOS wnn TA[yw mj Hmwt] Hr rnnw{=f} jm=f
AOS Men [as well as women] are cheering him.
70
B saSA pw msy.tw Hna=f wa pw n DD nTr
70
B He is one who makes those born with him plentiful. He is the unique gift of god.
71
B rS.wj tA pn HqA.n=f swsx tASw pw
71
B How joyful is this land that he rules! He is one who extends borders,
AOS rS.wj tA HqA.n=f jm=f
AOS How joyful is the land that he rules!
72
B jw=f r jTt tAw rsw nn kA=f xAswt mHtwt
B he will conquer southern lands, not considering the northern lands,
AOS [jw=f r] jT[t] m tAw rsj nn kA.n=f r xAswt mHtt
AOS [he will] conquer southern lands, not considering the northern lands,
73
B jr.n.tw=f r Hwt stjw r ptpt nmjw-Saj
73
B as he was made to smite the Asiatics and trample the bedouin.
13
R hAb n=f
R Send a message to him
74
B hA n=f jm rx =f rn=k
B Go down to him and let him know your name,
B m Snj wA r Hm=f
B as someone far from His Majesty who inquires.
75
B nn tm=f jr bw -nfr n xAst wnn.tj=sj Hr mw=f
B He will not fail to do good to a foreign land that will be loyal to him."
76
B Dd.jn=f xft=j xr Hm kmt nfr.tj (n-)ntt sj rx.tj rwD=f
B Then he said to me: "But then Egypt is happy, since it knows his ability.
77
B mk Tw aA wnn=k Hna=j nfr jrrt=j n=k
77
B You are here, and you will stay with me. What I shall do for you is good."
r36
AOS nfr Tw aA wn=k Hna=j nfr jr.tw n=k
r36
AOS You will be happy here with me. What will be done for you is good."
78 79
B rDj.n=f wj m-HAt Xrdw=f mnj.n=f w j m sAt=f wrt
78
B He placed me at the head of his children, and he married me to his eldest daughter.
AOS rDj.n=f wj r-HAt wHyt=f
AOS He placed me at the head of his tribe,
80
B rDj.n=f stp=j n=j m xAst=f m stpw n wnt Hna=f
80
B He let me choose for myself of his land, from the pick of what was his,
AOS m stpw n{t} wn m-a=f
AOS from the pick of what was his,
14
81
B Hr tAS=f n kt xAst tA pw nfr jAA rn=f
81
B on his border with another land. It was a good land, called Araru.
82
B jw dAbw jm=f Hna jArrwt
82
B Figs were in it, and grapes.
AOS nn wn mjtt=f m tA
AOS It was without equal on earth.
83
B wr n=f jrp r mw aA bjt=f aSA bAq=f
B It had more wine than water. Its honey was plentiful and its moringa oil was abundant.
84
B dqr nb Hr xtw=f jw jt jm Hna bdt
84
B Every kind of fruit was on its trees. Barley was there, and emmer.
85
B nn Drw mnmnt nbt
B There was no limit to all kinds of cattle.
r38
AOS [nn Dr w]w n mnmnt=f nbt
AOS [There was no limit] to all kinds of its cattle.
86
B aA grt dmjt r=j m jj n m rt=j1 rDjt=f wj m HqA wHyt
B 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 m stp n xAst=f jr n=j aqw m mjnt
87
B of the finest of his land. Provisions were made for me consisting of daily fare,
AOS m stpw n wHyt=f jw jr n(=j) aqw myt
AOS of the finest of his tribe. For me were prepared bread, myt-drink,
88 89
B jrp m Xrt-hrw jwf ps Apd m ASr Hrw-r awt xAst
B a daily supply of wine, cooked meat, roast fowl, as well as desert game.
15
90
B jw gr g.tw n=j jw wAH.tw n=j
B One would snare for me and lay it out for me,
AOS jw HAm.tw n=j
AOS and fish for me,
91
B Hr{r}w-r jnw n Tsm w=j jw jr.tw n=j
B in addition to the catch of my hounds.
AOS jw jr n=j bnrw aSA jrTt m pst [nbt]
AOS Many sweet things were prepared for me, and milk was
93
B jr.n=j rnpwt aSAwt Xrdw =j xpr(.w) m nxtw
B I spent many years, while my children became strong,
r40
AOS jr[.n=j] rnpwt aSAw jm{=j} nxtw-a
r40
AOS in [every] dish. [I] spent many years there, strong,
94
B s nb m dAr wHyt=f
94
B each man controlling his tribe.
95
B wpwtj xdd xnt r Xnw Ab=f Hr=j
95
B A messenger who came north or went south to the residence tarried for me;
AOS wpwtj m xd m xntyt m Xnw Abw=f Hr=j
AOS A messenger who came north or went south to the residence tarried for me.
96
B jw sAb=j rmTt nbt jw=j Dj=j mw n jb
96
B I let everyone tarry. I gave water to the thirsty,
AOS jw jmA.tw n=j m jxt nb
AOS One was well-disposed towards me in all respects.
97
B rDj.n=j tnm Hr wAt
B I showed the way to the stray,
16
B nHm.n=j awA
B and I rescued the robbed.
r41
AOS [n]Hm [.n=j] wAww m-a xAstjw
AOS and [I] rescued those who were far away1 from the foreigners.
1 Uncertain.
98
B stjw wA r Stm r {s}xsf-a HqAw xAswt
98
B The bedouin who were preparing to fight and to oppose the rulers of the lands,
99 100
B DAjs.n=j Smt=sn jw HqA pn n rTnw
99 100
B I countered their movements. This ruler of Retjenu
101
B Dj=f jry=j rnpwt aSAw m Tsw n mSa=f
101
B let me spend many years as commander of his army.
AOS Dj=f jry=j jpwt=f aSAwt jw=j m Tsw n mSa=f
AOS let me carry out his many expeditions as commander of his army.
102
B xAst nbt rwt.n=j r=s jw jr.n=j hd =j jm=s
B Every land against which I advanced I defeated,
AOS xAst nb jyj.n=j jm=sn jr[.n=j] hd=j1 jm=sn
AOS Every land from which I returned I had defeated,
1 Read as .
103
B dr.tj1 Hr smw Xnmwt=s HAq.n=j mnmnt=s
103
B it being driven from its pastures and wells. I seized its cattle,
1 Written ddt.
104
B jn.n=j Xrw=s nHm wnmt=sn smA.n=j rmT jm=s
104
B I carried off its inhabitants, and took away their food. I slew its people
AOS nHm.n=j wnmt=sn nbt
AOS and took away all their food.
17
105 106
B m xpS=j m pDt=j m nmtt=j m sxrw=j jqrw
105 106
B with my arm, with my bow, with my movements, and with my excellent plans.
AOS m pDt(=j)1 m xpS=j
AOS with (my) bow, with my arm,
108 109
B rDjt=f wj m-HAt Xrdw=f mA.n=f rwD awj=j
108
B He placed me at the head of his children, for he had seen my arms were proficient.
AOS rDj.n=f n=j r-HAt wHyt=f
AOS He placed me at the head of his tribe,
110
B jwt nxt n rTnw mTA=f w j m jmA=j
B There came a strong man of Retjenu to challenge me in my tent;
AOS jyj nxt r rTnw r mTA m jmAw=j
AOS There came a strong man to Retjenu to issue a challenge in my tent;
111
B pry pw nn snnw=f dr .n=f sj r-Dr=s
B he was a hero without equal and he had entirely annihilated it.
112
B Dd.n=f aHA=f Hna=j xmt.n=f Hwtf=f wj
112
B He said he would fight with me. He intended to rob me,
AOS Dd.n=j n=f aHA=f Hna=j
AOS I said to him that he should fight with me.
113 114
B kA.n=f HAq mnmnt=j Xr sH n wHyt=f HqA pf nDnD=f Hna=j
113 114
B planning to seize my cattle on the advice of his tribe. That ruler conferred with me.
AOS kA.n=f HAq=f mnmnt=f1
AOS planning to seize my cattle
1 Read =j.
18
B Dd.kw n rx=j sw n jnk tr smA=f
B I said: "I do not know him, I am not his companion
AOS jn-jw jnk pA wn smA
AOS Am I his companion
115 116
B wsTn=j m afAj=f jn nt-pw wn.n =j sA-pr=f
115
B that I could walk freely in his camp. Is it the case that I have opened his hurdle
AOS jyj {jw} m jmA=f pw jn-jw jnk pA wnw Hr sA-pr=f
AOS that I could come into this tent of his? Have I opened his hurdle?
117
B sb.n=j jnbwt=f rqt-jb pw
B or climbed over his walls? It is resentment
r46
AOS bw khb [...] [...]
r46
AOS [...] aggression [...] [...]
142
R Hr mAA=f wj Hr jrt jp[wt]=k
142
R because he sees me carrying out your affairs.
B Hr mAA=f wj Hr jrt jpwt=f
B because he sees me carrying out his affairs.
AOS Hr mAA.n=f (wj) Hr jrt jpwt=k
AOS because he sees (me) carrying out your affairs.
R ky jdr
R another herd,
118 119
B n Hm.n wj mj jH n Hww m Hrj-jb ky jdwt
119
B I have become like a bull of cattle in the midst of other cows,
120
B hd sw kA n awt ngAw Hr Am r=f
120
B whom the bull of the herd attacks, whom the longhorn is charging.
121
B jn-jw wn twA mrrw n SA n tp Hr
121
B Is an insignificant man loved as a superior?
19
122
B nn pDtj smA m jdHw
122
B There is no barbarian who associates with a marsh-dweller.
123
B ptr smn Dyt r Dw jn-jw kA mr=f aHA
123
B What can papyrus achieve on a mountain? Does a bull want to fight
124
B pry mr =f wHm sA m Hrt nt mxA=f sw
B or does the fighting bull want to sound the retreat for fear of being equalled?
125
B jr wnn jb=f r aHA jm Dd=f xrt-jb=f
125
B If it is his wish to fight, let him express his desire.
126 127
B jn-jw nTr xm(.w) SAt.n=f rx(.w) nt-pw mj- m
126
B Is a god ignorant of what he has ordained, or does he know what the situation is?"
128
B sDr.n qAs.n=j pDt=j wd.n=j aHAww=j Dj.n=j sS n bAgsw=j
128
B At night, I strung my bow, shot my arrows, sharpened my dagger,
129
B sXkr .n=j xaw=j HD.n tA rTnw jj.tj
B and polished my weapons. When the day dawned, Retjenu had come.
130 131
B Ddb.n=s wHwyt=s sHw.n=s xAswt nt gs=sj
130
B It had assembled its tribes and had gathered its neighbouring lands,
B kA.n=s aHA pn
B planning this battle.
AOS jyj nxt n rTnw
AOS There came a strong man of Retjenu.
156
R jwt pw jr.n=f n=j aHa.kw Dj.n=j wj m hAw=f
156
R Then he came at me, while I waited having positioned myself near him.
20
132 133
B HAtj nb mA X(.w) n=j Hmwt TAyw Hr aaj, jb nb mr(.w) n=j
B Every heart burned for me, wives were jabbering, and every heart was sorry for me,
AOS jbw nb mr.{k}w
AOS and all hearts were sorry,
134
B Dd=sn jn-jw wn ky nxt aHA r=f aHa.n jkm=f mjnb=f
134
B thinking: "Is there another hero who could fight him?" Then his shield, his axe,
AOS Hr
AOS thinking:
135 136
B Hpt=f nt nswwt xr(.w) m-xt spr .n=j xaw=f
135
B and an armful of his spears came down. After I had made his weapons miss,
AOS xr.w n=j m-xt rf pr.n=j m xaw=f
AOS on me. After I had evaded his weapons,
163
R aHa.n jr.n=f [...]
163
R Then he made [...]
137
B rDj.n=j swA Hr=j aHAw=f sp n jwtt wa Hr Xn m wa
B I let his arrows pass by me to no effect, one close to the other.
AOS rDj.n=j swA Hr=f aHAw
AOS I let arrows pass by him
164
R xmt.n=f Hwt=f wj
164
R He intended to smite me.
138
B Xam.n=f wj st.n=j sw
138
B When he approached me, I shot him,
139
B aHAw=j mn(.w) m nH bt=f sbH.n=f xr.n=f Hr fnD=f
B and my arrow was stuck in his neck. He cried out and fell on his face.
21
140 141
B sx r.n=j {n} sw (m) mjnb=f wd.n=j jSnn=j Hr jAt=f
141
B I slew him with his axe and uttered my war-cry on his back,
AOS sxrw.n=j sw m mjnbw=j Dj.n=j psD=j Hr Snbt=f
AOS I slew him with my axe and put my backside on his chest,
142
B aAm nb Hr nmj rDj.n=j Hknw n mnTw
142
B while every Asiatic was shouting. I gave praise to Month,
143
B mrw=f Hb(.w) n=f HqA pn amw- nnSj
B whose supporters celebrated a triumph through him.1 This ruler Amunenshi
1 Following note 3 of Davies (1975).
B rDj.n=f wj r Hpt=f
B took me in his arms.
AOS rDj.n=f wj m qnj=f wn.jn=f Hr snnj=j Hr Hptj=j
AOS took me in his arms, and was kissing1 me in my clasp.
1 Uncertain.
144 145
B aHa.n jn.n=j jxt =f HAq.n=j mnmnt=f kAt.n=f jr t st r=j
B Then I carried off his property and seized his cattle. What he had planned to do to me
146
B jr.n=j st r=f jT.n=j ntt m jmA=f kf.n=j afAy=f
146
B I did to him. I took what was in his tent and despoiled his encampment.
147
B aA.n=j jm wsx.n m aHa=j
147
B With this I became great, grew wealthy in goods,
AOS wsx.tw1 pr=j m-Hr=j
AOS my house was made wealthy before me,
1 Corrupt.
148
B aSA.n m mnmnt=j xr jrt nTr r Htp
B and grew rich in cattle; thus the god acted to be merciful
AOS xr {n}Hm nTr r Htpw
AOS thus the god again became merciful
22
B n Ts.n=f jm=f
B to one with whom he had been angry,
r57
AOS n{n} [SA{a}.n=f sksk]t
r57
AOS to [one to whom destruction had been ordained.]
149
B th.n=f r kt xAst jw mjn jb=f ja(.w)
149
B one whom he had led astray to another land. Today his heart is glad.
150
B war war n hAw=f jw mtr=j m Xnw
150
B A fugitive flees because of his environment, while my fame is in the residence.
AOS war.n=j war [...]
AOS I fled [...]
151 152
B sAA sAAy n Hqr jw=j Dj=j t n gs y=j
151
B A creeping man creeps because of hunger, while I give bread to my neighbour.
AOS SmA [...]
AOS A vagrant [...]
153
B rww s tA=f n HAwt jnk HDt pAqt
153
B A man leaves his land because of nakedness, while I have white and fine linen.
AOS rwj s m tA=f n HAt
AOS A man leaves his land because of nakedness,
154 155
B btA s n gAw hAb=f jnk aSA mrt
154 155
B A man runs because of the lack of someone to send, while I have many servants.
AOS bT s
AOS A man runs
156
B nfr pr=j wsx st=j sxAwy=j m aH
156
B My house is fine, my grounds are extensive, and memory of me is in the palace.
AOS sxAy=j m aHt=f
AOS and memory of me is in his palace.
23
157
B nTrw nb SA wart tn Htp=k Dj=k wj r Xnw
B All the gods who ordained this flight, may you be merciful and bring me home.
r60
AOS [...] Tsw.n=k n=j nn rx(=j) sw sfnD.kw m-mAat {xrw}2
r60
AOS [...] that you reproached me for, without me knowing it. I am truly despised1.
1 Uncertain.
2 Emendation uncertain.
158
B smwn =k r rDjt mA=j bw wrSw jb=j jm
B Perhaps you will let me to see the place where my heart dwells.
159 160
B ptr wrt r jabt XAt=j m tA ms .kw jm=f
159
B What matters more than my corpse being buried in the land where I was born?
r61
AOS [r jabw] n XAwt=k m tA msw=k jm=f
r61
AOS [than] your corpse [being buried] in the land where you were born?
161
B mj m-sA pw xpr sp nfr Dj n=j nTr Htp
B This is a call for help, that a good event may occur, that the god may give me grace.
AOS mjn xpr=s pw ntj nTr Hr mw=j
AOS happens that the god is my ally.
162
B jb=f mr(.w) n dqr.n=f r anx Hr xAst
162
B as his heart feels pity for one whom he had compelled to live in a foreign land.
r62
AOS [...] n rqyw=f r anx m-xt xAst
r62
AOS [...] his enemies to live throughout the land.
24
163
B jn mjn rf ntt=f Htp(.w) sDm=f nH n wA
163
B Is it today that he is so gracious as to hear the prayer from afar,
AOS jr wn ntf pw m mAat sDm.n=f nHt nt wAw
AOS If it is really him, may he hear the prayer from afar,
189
R wDb=f a m Hw.n=j tA jm=f
189
R and exchange the region where I had roamed the earth
164
B wDb =f a r Hw.n=f tA jm=f
B and as to exchange the region where he had roamed the earth
R r bw jn.n=f sw jm
R for the place from which he had brought him away?
B r bw jn.n=f sw jm
B for the place from which he had brought him away?
165
B Htp n=j nsw n kmt anx=j m Htpt=f
165
B May the king of Egypt be merciful to me, that I may live by his mercy!
166
B nD=j xrt Hnwt tA ntt m aH=f
166
B May I greet the mistress of the land who is in his palace!
167 168
B sDm =j jpwwt nt Xrdw=s jx rnpy Haw=j
B May I hear the messages of her children! Then my body will become young again,
169
B (n-)ntt (r)f jAw hA.w wgg As.n=f wj jrtj=j dns(.w)
169
B for old age has come, weakness has overtaken me, my eyes are heavy,
r65
AOS Hr-ntt rf {jw} jAwt hA.w
r65
AOS for old age has come,
25
170
B awj=j nw(.w) rdwj=j fx.n=sn Sms jb wrD(.w)
170
B my arms are weak, my legs have ceased to follow, the heart is weary,
AOS rdwj=j fx(.w) r Smt Smsw jb=j m-Xnw1
AOS my legs have ceased to walk, and following my desire is [???]
1 Reading uncertain.
171
B tkn.kw1 n wDA
171
B and I am near to passing away.
r67
AOS [t]k[n].kw n wDAw nHt pw nt pXrw xAswt r jrt [...]
r67
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 sb=sn {n} wj r njwwt n nHH Sms=j nbt-r-Dr
172
B May they lead me to the cities of eternity! May I follow the Mistress of All!
173
B jx Dd=s n=j nfr n msw=s sb=s nHH Hr=j
B Then she will tell me that her children are well. May she pass eternity above me!
B told
v2
AOS xpr-kA-ra mAa-xrw sA-ra s-n-wsrt mAa-xrw
v2
AOS Egypt: Kheperkare, justified, son of Re: Sesostris, justified,
174 175
B Hr sSm pn ntj wj Xr=f wn.jn Hm=f hAb=f n=j
175
B about this state in which I was, and His Majesty sent a message to me
v3
AOS mj sSmw pn ntj tw=j jm=f
AOS according to this state that I was in,
26
B Xr Awt-a nt xr nsw sAw=f jb n bAk-jm
B with royal gifts, to gladden the heart of this humble servant,
AOS xr=f sAw{t}=f jb n bAk-jm
AOS and gladdened the heart of this humble servant,
176
B mj HqA n xAst nbt msw nsw ntj m aH=f
B like that of a ruler of any land. The king's children who were in his palace
AOS msw nsw ntjw m-xt=f
AOS The king's children who were following him
177
B Hr rDjt sDm=j jpwt=sn
177
B had me hear their messages.
178
B mjt n wD jny n bAk-jm
178
B Copy of the decree brought to this humble servant
179
B Hr jnt=f r kmt Hr anx-mswt
179
B concerning his being brought back to Egypt: "Horus: Living of birth;
B nbtj anx-mswt
B Two Ladies: Living of birth;
v7
AOS Hr-nbw anx-mswt
v7
AOS Gold Horus: Living of birth;
180
B jmn-m-HAt anx(.w) Dt r nHH wD-nsw n Smsw sA-nht
180
B Amenemhet, may he live forever until eternity. Royal decree to follower Sinuhe.
AOS s-n-wsrt mAa-xrw
AOS Sesostris, justified.
27
181
B mk jn.tw n=k wD pn n nsw
181
B This decree of the king is brought to you,
AOS r ntj jn.tw n=k wD pn n nsw
AOS that this decree of the king is brought to you,
182
B r rDjt rx=k ntt pXr.n=k xAswt pr.tj m qdm r rTnw
182
B to let you know that your roving through lands, having gone from Qedem to Retjenu,
v9
AOS 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 DD Tw xAst n xAst Xr sH n jb=k n=k
183
B land giving you to land, was at the counsel of your heart to you.
AOS Hr sxrw n jb=k Ds=k
AOS was under the guidance of your own heart.
v10
AOS nn sDm.n.tw rn=k Hr mdwt snD=k jn xsf
v10
AOS one will not hear your name because of speech that you fear will bring reproof,
184
B n mdw=k m sH n srw
184
B and you have not spoken in the council of officials
AOS nn xmt.n=k m-bAH srw
AOS and you have not been negligent in the presence of officials
28
185
B jtn.tw Tsw=k sxr pn jn.n=f jb=k
185
B that one should oppose your utterances. This idea carried away your heart,
AOS jtnw Tw m Tsw=k
AOS who opposed you concerning your utterances.
186
B mn sj rwD sj m mjn skAp.tw1 tp=s m nsyt nt tA
186
B endures and prospers to this day, her head is covered with the kingship of the land,
AOS jw st mn sj rwD m tpj=s a m nsyt nt tA2
AOS endures and prospers as before in the kingship of the land,
1 Read as .
2 Emended as suggested by Koch (1990).
187
B msw =s m aXnwtj
B and her children are in the cabinet.
188
B anx=k m Awt=sn jr n=k jwt r kmt
188
B and live on their gifts. Return to Egypt,
AOS Htpw=k m Awt=sn
AOS and be pleased with their gifts.
189
B sn=k tA r rwtj-wrtj Xnm=k m smrw
189
B you will kiss the ground at the great double gate, and you will join the companions.
29
190
B jw mjn js S Aa.n=k tnj fx.n=k bAAwt
B For now you have begun to grow old, you have lost virility.
AOS SAa.n=k jAwt fx.n=k bnnwt
AOS For you have begun to grow old, you have lost potency.
191
B sxA n=k hrw n qrs sbt r jmAx
191
B Think of the day of burial and passing to blessedness.
v14
AOS jw sxA.n=k hrw n qrsj
v14
AOS You have thought of the day of burial
192
B wDa.tw n=k xAwj m sfT wtw m-awj tAyt
192
B To you will be assigned a night with oils and wrappings from the hands of Tayet.
AOS wDa.tw n=k jfd m Snw1 wtw m-a tAyt
AOS To you will be assigned a magical2 sheet and wrappings from Tayet.
1 Uncertain.
2 Very uncertain.
193
B jr.tw n=k Sms-wDA hrw smA-tA
193
B A funeral procession will be held for you on the day of burial,
194
B Dj.tj m msTpt jHw Hr jtH=k Smaww Xr-HAt=k
194
B you having been placed in a hearse, oxen dragging you, musicians preceding you.
v16
AOS an.tj m hbnw{t} jHw Hr sTA=k
v16
AOS embellished with ebony, oxen dragging you,
30
195
B jr.tw xbb nnyw r rA js=k
B The dance of the inert ones will be performed at the entrance of your tomb,
AOS jr.tw xb nmHw
AOS The dance of the poor will be performed
196
B sfT .tw r rA abAw=k
B one will slaughter at the entrance of your altar.
v17
AOS sfT .tw (n=)k r rA n wabt=k
AOS one will slaughter for you at the entrance of your tomb.
197
B jwnw=k xws.w m jnr HD m-qAb msw nsw
197
B Your pillars will be built of limestone in the midst of those of the king's children.
AOS DbAt{twn}=k1 xwsj.tj nbw mj jrrt n msw nsw
AOS Your sarcophagus will be built of gold as done for the king's children.
1 Emended as suggested by Koch (1990).
198
B nn Dj.tw=k m jnm n sr jr.tw Dr=k
B You will not be put in the skin of a ram when your grave is made.
v18
AOS nn Dj.tw=k m Sn n srj nn jr.tw Drj=k
v18
AOS You will not be put in the wool of a ram, and your grave will not be made.
199
B jw nA Aw r Hwt tA
199
B It has been a long time of roaming the earth.
AOS jw nn r Aw wrt1 Hw tA
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 mH Hr XAt jwt=k spr.n wD pn r=j
B Mind the dead body and return!" This decree reached me
AOS mH XAt=k jw=k
AOS Think of your corpse and return!"
200
B aHa.kw m Hrj-jb wHwt=j Sd.n.tw=f n=j
200
B as I was standing in the middle of my tribe. When it had been read to me,
AOS Sd.n=j sw
AOS After I had read it,
201
B Dj.n(=j) wj Hr Xt=j dmj.n=j sA Tw Dj.n=j sw sS Hr Snbyt=j
B I placed myself on my belly, I touched the earth and strewed it over my chest.
AOS rDj.n=j sSw Hr Snbt=j
AOS and strewed it over my chest.
202
B dbn.n=j afAy=j Hr nhm r-Dd
202
B I went around my encampment cheering, saying:
203
B th.n jb=f r xAswt DrDryt xr Hm nfr wAH-jb
B whose heart led him astray to alien lands? So, good is the kindness
AOS th.n jb=f Ds=f r xAst DrDrjt
AOS whose own heart led him astray to an alien land?
204
B nHm wj m-a mwt jw kA=k r rDjt jry=j pHwj
204
B that saves me from death! Your spirit will let me reach the end
AOS nHm{n} wj m-a mwt
AOS that saves me from death!
32
B Haw=j m Xnw mjt n smj n wD pn
B with my body at home." Copy of the reply to this decree:
AOS mjt{t} smjw n wD pn jr.n
AOS Copy of the reply to this decree written by
205
B bAk aH sA-nht Dd m Htp nfr wrt r jxt wart tn
205
B "Servant of the palace Sinuhe says: 'In very good peace! Concerning this flight
v22
AOS bAk n aHt1 sA-nht Dd Hr jxt wart tn
AOS the servant of the palace Sinuhe: Concerning this flight
1 Alternatively Hwt-aAt following Barns (1952).
206
B jn kA=k nTr-nfr nb tAwj mrw ra
206
B it is your spirit, good god, lord of the Two Lands, loved by Re,
AOS mr anx-ra
AOS loved by Ankh-Re,
207
B Hsw mnTw nb wAst jmn nb nst tAwj
207
B and praised by Month, lord of Thebes, by Amun, lord of the throne of the Two Lands,
B sbk-ra Hr Hwt-Hr
B by Sobek-Re, Horus, Hathor,
AOS sbk-ra nb smnw nTrw nbw tA-mrj
AOS by Sobek-Re, lord of the supports of heaven, gods, lords of Egypt,
208
B jtm Hna psDt=f spdw nfr-bAw smsrw Hr-jAbtj
208
B and Atum with his Ennead, by Sopdu-Neferbau-Semseru, the eastern Horus,
v24
AOS jtm psDt=f aAt
v24
AOS and Atum and his great Ennead,
33
209
B nbt-jmHt Xnm=s tp=k
209
B by Nebet-imhet (may she enfold your head!),
AOS 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.
210
B wrrt nbt pwnt nwt Hr-wr-ra nTrw nbw tA-mrj
210
B Wereret, mistress of Punt, Nut, Harwerre, and all the gods of Egypt
AOS nTrw nbw tA-Dst{t}
AOS and all the gods of the necropolis
211
B jww nw wAD-wr
211
B and the islands of the sea
v26
AOS jww Hrj-jb wAD-wr{j}
v26
AOS and the islands in the middle of the sea
212
B Dj=sn n=k nHH nn Drw=f Dt nn Hntj=s wHm snD=k
212
B and give you eternity without limit, forever without end, and may fear of you resound
213
B m tAw xAswt
213
B in flat lands and mountainous lands,
AOS m tAw nbw
AOS in all lands,
34
B waf.n=k Snnt jtn
B for you have subjugated what the sun revolves around;
214
B nH pw n bAk-jm n nb=f Sd m jmnt
214
B this is the prayer of this humble servant to his lord, who saves from the West),
AOS Sd sw m jmntt
AOS who saves him from the West),
215
B m Hm n stp-sA wnt bAk-jm snD(.w) Dd st
215
B 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 jw mj jxt aA wHm st nTr aA mjtw ra
216
B It is like something too great to recount. O great god, equal of Re
AOS nTr anx mjtt n ra
AOS O living god, equal of Re,
217
B Hr sSsA bAk n=f Ds=f
B in understanding one who serves him.
v29
AOS 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.
35
218
B Dj.tw A Xr sxr=f jw Hm=k m Hr jT
218
B placed under his guidance. Your Majesty is conquering Horus,
AOS Dj.tw nn m-bAH=k
AOS this is placed before you.
219
B wD grt Hm=k rDj.tw jnt=f mkj m qdm
219
B Now, may Your Majesty command that he be made to bring Meki from Qedem,
AOS wD(.w) Xr Hm=k a.w.s. r rDjt jn.tw n=k mkj qdj
AOS are governed by Your Majesty (l.p.h.!), to let you be brought Meki of Qadi,
220
B xnt jwaS m-xnt kS mnws
220
B Khen tiuash1 from the interior of Keshu, and Minos
v31
AOS m-xnt jAA Hr rDjt sSm w=k
AOS from the interior of Araru, putting your guidance
1 Obscure name.
221
B m tAwj fnxw HqAw pw mtrw rnw
221
B from the two lands of Fenkhu1. They are rulers whose names are well known,
AOS m tAw fnxw
AOS in the lands of Fenkhu.
1 Mentioned in the dictionary of Gardiner (1957).
222
B xprw m mrwt=k nn sxA rTnw
222
B who live by love of you. Without mentioning Retjenu,
36
223
B n=k-jmy sj mjtt Tsmw=k js wart tn jrt.n bAk
223
B it is yours like your hounds. This flight that the servant made,
AOS jnk js mjtt Tsmw=k
AOS I am like your hounds.
224
B n xmt=s nn sj m jb=j n qmd=j sj
B it was not intended, it was not in my heart, I did not devise it.
AOS m xm=f
AOS in his ignorance,
225
B n rx=j jwd wj r st jw mj sSm rswt
225
B I don't know what separated me from the place. It was as a dreaming state,
AOS n rx.tw jn wj r xAs{w}t tn
AOS It is not known what brought me to this land.
226
B mj mAA sw jdHy m Abw s n XAt m tA-stj
226
B as if a marsh-dweller saw himself in Elephantine, a man from the Delta in Taseti.
227
B n snD n s xs.tw m-sA=j n sDm=j Ts-Hwrw
B There was no fear, one didn't run after me, I didn't hear a reproach,
AOS n sxsx.tw m-sA=j
AOS one didn't run after me,
228
B n sDm.tw rn=j m rA wHmw
228
B and my name was not heard from the mouth of a herald.
229
B wpw Hr nf n Ddf Haw=j rdwj=j Hr hwhw jb=j Hr xrp=j
229
B But, that shuddering of my body, my feet hastened, my heart drove me,
AOS wpw nfA n DdA Haw=j rdwj=j Hr As
AOS But, that fat of my body, my feet hastened,
37
230
B nTr SA wart tn Hr sTA{s}=j n jnk js qA sA xnt
230
B the god who ordained this flight dragged me away. I was not haughty before,
AOS jn-jw jnk js qA sA xntj=f
AOS Was I haughty before him?
231
B snD s rx tA=f
B as a man respects one whom his land knows.
B Dj.n ra snD=k xt tA
B Re has put the fear of you throughout the land,
232
B Hr=k m xAst nbt m wj m Xnw m wj m st tn
B and the dread of you in every foreign land. Whether I am at home or in this place,
AOS Xr Hryt=j xt xAswt nbt pwy=j m Xnw pwy=j m st tn
AOS in dread of me throughout all foreign lands. Whether I am at home or in this place,
233
B ntk js Hbs Axt tn wbn jtn n mrt=k
B yours is what this horizon veils. The sun rises for your sake,
v35
AOS ntk js Snt.n jtn wbn ra n mrwt=k
v35
AOS yours is what the sun revolves around. The sun rises for your sake,
234
B mw m jtrw swr.tw=f mr=k
234
B the water of the river is drunk when you wish,
v36
AOS 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 jw bAk-jm r swDt TAwt=j
235
B This humble servant will entrust his chicks,
AOS jn1 bAk-jm Hr swD n TAwt=f
AOS This humble servant entrusts his chicks,
1 Emend to jw.
B jr.n bAk-jm m st tn
B begotten by this humble servant in this place,
AOS jr.n=f m st tn
AOS begotten by him in this place,
236
B jwt pw jry r bAk-jm
236
B now that one has come to this humble servant.
AOS jwt1 pw jr.n bAk-jm m xntyt
AOS now that this humble servant has come southward.
1 Written jw=s.
237
B mr ra Hr Hwt-Hr fnD=k pw Spss
237
B May Re, Horus and Hathor love this noble nose of yours,
238
B mrrw mnTw nb wAst anx=f Dt
B which Month, lord of Thebes, desires to live forever.' "
AOS mrr{t} nTrw nbw anx=f Dt
AOS which all the gods desire to live forever.' "
39
239
B rDj.tw jry=j hrw m jAA Hr swDt jxt=j n msw=j
239
B I was allowed to spend a day in Araru, transferring my property to my children.
v38
AOS Hr swD jxt=f n msw=f
v38
AOS transferring his property to his children.1
1 Emend to "my property to my children".
240
B sA=j smsw m-sA wHyt =j
B My eldest son was in charge of my tribe,
241
B wHyt=j jxt=j nbt m-a=f Dt=j mnmnt=j nbt
B my tribe and all my property were in his hands, all my serfs and my cattle,
AOS nDt=f mnmnt nbt
AOS all his serfs and cattle,
242
B dqr=j xt=j nb bnr jwt pw jr.n bAk-jm m xnt yt
B my fruit and each fruit tree of mine. Then this humble servant came southward.
B Hdb.n=j Hr wAt-Hr
B I halted at the Road of Horus.
AOS gm.n=j
AOS I found
243
B hAb=f jpwt r Xnw r rDjt rx.tw
243
B sent a message to the residence to let them know.
AOS r [nt]j tw=j jy.kw
AOS that I was coming.
244
B rDj.jn Hm=f jwt jmj-rA sxtjw mnx n pr-nsw
244
B Then His Majesty let the excellent overseer of the peasants of the palace come,
40
245
B aHaw ATpw m-xt=f Xr Awt-a nt xr nsw
245
B accompanied by laden ships bearing royal gifts
246
B dm.n=j wa jm nb m rn=f
246
B I mentioned each one of them by his name.
v41
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.!)
247
B jw wdpw nb Hr jrt=f Ssp.n=j fA.n=j TAw
247
B Every servant was at his duty, and when I set sail,
AOS Hm nb Xr{j} jrj=f
AOS Every servant was at his duty,
248
B HD.n rf tA dwA sp 2 jw jw aS n=j
248
B And very early the next morning, they came to call me,
AOS HD-tA
AOS And the next day,
41
249
B s 10 m jwt s 10 m Smt Hr sTA=j r aH
249
B ten men came and ten men went, ushering me to the palace.
v43
AOS [Hr sT]A {sTA}=j As.kw r [a]Xnwtj
v43
AOS ushering me, and I hurried to the cabinet.
250
B msw nsw aHa(.w) m wmt Hr jrt xsfw=j
250
B as the king's children stood in the gateway to meet me.
251
B smrw sTAww r wAx
251
B The companions who ushered to the audience hall
v44
AOS [srw] Hr sTAww=j As.kw
v44
AOS [The officials] ushered me while I hurried,
252
B gm.n=j Hm=f Hr st-wrt m wmt nt Damw
252
B I found His Majesty on the great throne in the gateway of electrum.
253
B wn.kw rf dwn.kw Hr Xt=j xm.n(=j) wj m-bAH=f
253
B I was stretched out on my belly and did not know myself before him.
AOS xAm.n(=j) wj m-bAH=f
AOS and bowed before him.
4
BA wn.kw r=j dmA .kw Hr Xt=j
BA I was stretched out on my belly
42
254
B nTr pn Hr wSd=j xnmw jw=j mj s jT.w m axxw
254
B This god addressed me kindly, but I was like a man seized in the dusk.
AOS tw=j mj s m jxxw
AOS but I was like a man in the dusk.
255
B bA=j sb.w Haw=j Ad.w HAtj=j n ntf m Xt=j
255
B My soul fainted, my limbs failed, my heart was not in my body
8
BA Haw=j Ah d.w
BA my limbs failed,
256
B rx =j anx r mwt
B that I could distinguish life from death.
AOS n rx=j mwt=j r anx=j
AOS I didn't know whether I was dead or alive.
9
BA [...] mwt
9
BA [...] death,
10
BA n rx(=j) wj r anx [...]
10
BA I could not distinguish myself from life. [...]
257
B Dd.jn Hm=f n wa m nn n smrw Ts sw
B Then His Majesty said to one of these companions: "Raise him up
258
B Hw.n=k xAswt jr.n wart hd jm=k tnj
B after roaming foreign lands. Flight has taken its toll of you, old man,
AOS jr.n wart hd=s jm=k tnw[.tj]
AOS Flight has taken its toll of you, [you have grown] old,
43
259
B pH.n=k jAwj nn Srr jabt XAt=k
B you have reached old age. It is no small matter that your corpse be buried
AOS nn nn Srjw jabt [XAwt=k
AOS It is no small matter that [your corpse] be buried
B nn bs=k jn pDtjw
B without your interment by barbarians.
v48
AOS nn] bsy=k jn xAstjw n jr.tw Drj=k
v48
AOS [without] your interment by foreigners; they will not make your grave.
B m jr r=k sp 2 gr
B Do not act against yourself, do not act against yourself anymore!
AOS jr r=k [...]
AOS Do [...]
260
B n mdw=k dm.tw rn=k
260
B You did not speak when your name was pronounced.
v49
AOS .tw rn=k Hr mdwt
v49
AOS [...] your name because of speech
B snD(=k)1 A n xsf
B You shouldn't be afraid of punishment!"
AOS snD=k xsf=k
AOS that you should fear your punishment.
1 Following note 5 of Davies (1975).
261
B wSb.n=j st m wSb snDw ptr Ddt n=j nb=j
261
B I answered this with the answer of a frightened man: "What has my lord said to me?
44
262
B jr wSb=j st nn Hr=j a n ntr js pw
262
B 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).
263
B mk wj m-bAH=k
263
B 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.
264
B rDj.jn sTA.tw msw nsw
B Then the king's children were ushered in
v52
AOS msw nsw mj aSAt=sn
v52
AOS the king's children, as many as they were,
265
B mT sA-nht jw(.w) m aAm qmA.n stjw
265
B "Sinuhe has returned as an Asiatic raised by bedouin."
266
B wd=s sbH aA wrt msw nsw m dnywt wat
B Then she uttered a very great cry, and the king's children shrieked as one.
AOS aHa.n wdj=sn [...] r aAt wrt
AOS Then they uttered [...] very loudly,
45
267
B Dd.jn=sn xft Hm=f n ntf pw m mAat
267
B Then they said to His Majesty: "Is it not really him,
AOS jn-jw ntf pw (m) mAat
AOS "Is it really him,
268
B jty nb=j Dd.jn Hm=f ntf pw m mAat
B sovereign, my lord?" And His Majesty said: "It is really him."
AOS j jty a.w.s. nb=n
AOS o sovereign (l.p.h.!), our lord?"
269
B jsT rf jn.n=sn mnjwt=sn sxmw=sn sSSwt=sn m-a=s1
269
B Now, they had brought their menits, their sistra, and their naos sistra with them,
v55
AOS jsTw gr jn.n=sn mnjt=sn sxm=sn m-a=sn
v55
AOS Now, they had brought their menits and their sistra with them,
1 Read m-a=sn.
B ms.jn=sn st n Hm=f
B and they presented them to His Majesty.
AOS ms st n Hm=f a.w.s. 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.!):
270
B awj=k r {r} nfrt nsw wAH
270
B "Your hands upon something good, enduring king,
271
B anx r fnD=k Xnm Tw nbt sbAw
271
B life to your nostrils and may the mistress of the stars enfold you!
AOS anx fnD=k xw Tw nb sbAw
AOS life of your nostrils and may the lord of the stars protect you!
46
272
B xd Smas xnt mHw- s
B The crown of Upper Egypt travels north and the crown of Lower Egypt travels south,
273
B Dj.tw wADyt m wpt=k sHr .n=k twAw m Dwt
B while the cobra is placed on your forehead. You have delivered the poor from evil,
274
B hy n=k mj nbt-r-Dr ntf ab=k sfx Ssr=k
274
B Hail to you, as to the mistress of all! Slacken your bow and lay down your arrow!
AOS hnw n=k wHa abwj=k
AOS Hail to you, Slacken your bow
275
B jm TAw (n) ntj m jtmw jm n=n xnt={t}n nfrt
275
B Give breath to him who is suffocating, give us our beautiful gift,
AOS jm n=n xnt=n nfrt m hrw pn nfr
AOS give us our beautiful gift on this good day,
276
B m mtn pn sA-mHyt pDtj msw m tA-mrj
276
B this one who is named 'son of the north wind', the barbarian born in Egypt!
v59
AOS mtn=n m sA-mHyt ms[w] [m tA-mrj]
v59
AOS one whom we name 'son of the north wind', born [in Egypt!]
277
B jr.n=f wart n snD=k
277
B He took flight through fear of you,
AOS jrw js wart n Hry=k
AOS The flight was made through terror of you,
47
278
B rwj.n=f tA n Hrw=k
278
B he left the land through terror of you.
AOS rwj.n=f sw m tA [p]n n [snD]=k
AOS he turned away from this land through [fear] of you.
1 Read as .
2 Passage probably corrupt.
279
B nn snD jrt dgt n=k Dd.jn Hm=f nn snD=f
279
B an eye that gazes at you will not fear." And His Majesty said: "He will not fear,
AOS n snDw jrt dgA Tw n snDw=k
AOS an eye that sees you does not fear." "You will not fear,
280 281
B n aa=f r Hr jw=f r smr m-m srw
280 281
B he will not gibber with terror. He will be a companion among the officials,
282 283
B rDj.tw=f m-qAb Snyt wDA Tn r aXnwtj dwAt r jr t aHaw=f
282
B and he will be included in the entourage. Proceed to the robing room to wait on him!"
284
B prt=j rf m-Xnw a Xnwtj msw nsw Hr rDjt n(=j) aw=sn
284
B Then I came out of the cabinet, while the king's children were giving me their hands.
285
B Sm=n m-xt r rwtj-wrtj
285
B Afterwards, we went to the great double gate.
286
B rDj.kw r pr sA-nsw Spss jm=f
286
B I was assigned to the house of a king's son, in which there were precious things,
48
287 288
B sqb bwj jm=f aXmw nw Axt xtmt jm=f nt pr-HD
288
B a bathroom, divine images of the horizon, valuables from the treasury,
289
B Hbsw nw sSrw-nsw antjw tpt nsw
289
B clothes of royal linen, myrrh, and fine oil of the king.
290
B srw mrr=f m at nbt wdpw nb Hr jrt=f
B Officials whom he loved were in every room, and every servant was at his duty.
291
B rDj swA rnpwt Hr Haw=j TA.kw aab Snw=j
291
B Years were made to vanish from my body. I was clothed and my hair was combed.
292
B jw rDj sbt n xAst Hbsw n nmjw-Saj
292
B A reward was given to the foreign land, and clothes to the bedouin.
293 294
B sd.kw m pAqt gs.kw m tpt sDr .kw Hr Hnkyt
293
B I was clothed in fine linen, was anointed with fine oils, and slept on a bed.
B Dj.n=j Sa n jmjw=f
B I returned the sand to those who are upon it,
295
B mrHt n xt n wrH jm=s
295
B and the wood oil to those who are smeared with it.
296
B jw rDj n=j pr n nb S=j
B 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 m wn m-a smr jw Hmww aSA Hr qd=f
297
B which had been in the hands of a companion. Many craftsmen rebuilt it
298
B xt=f nb srd(.w) m-mAwt jw jn{n} n=j SAbw
B and all of its trees were planted anew. Meals were brought to me
49
299
B m aH sp 3 sp 4 n hrw Hrw-r DDt msw nsw
299
B from the palace three or four times a day, in addition to what the king's children gave
300
B nn At nt jrt Ab w jw xwsw n=j mr m jnr
B without a moment of interruption. A pyramid of stone was built for me
1
L jw mr=j xws(.w) m jnr
1
L My pyramid of stone was built
301
B m-qA b mrw
B in the midst of the pyramids.
2
L m-Xnw Snw n mr Xrt jw-nTr
L in the vicinity of the pyramid of the stonemasons.
302
B jmj-rA mDHw mr Hr Ssp sATw=f
302
B The overseer of the masons of the pyramid took charge of its ground-plan,
L mDHw n mr psS.n=sn sATw=f
L The masons of the pyramid divided its ground-plan,
303
B jmj-rA xtmtjw Hr sS qstjw1 Hr xtt
303
B the overseer of the seal makers painted, the sculptors carved,
3
L sSw-qdwt Hr sS jm=f jmj-rA qstjw Hr xtt jm=f
3
L painters painted in it, the overseer of the sculptors carved in it,
1 Read as.
304
B jmj-rA kAtjw ntjw Hr Hrt Hr DAt tA r=s
304
B and the overseer of workers in the necropolis concerned himself with it.
L jmj-rA kAt ntj r Hrt1 Hr DAt tA r=f
L and the overseer of works at the necropolis concerned himself with it.
1 Written Tnt.
50
305
B xaw nb DDw r rw D jr Xrt=f jm
B All required equipment to be put in a tomb shaft was supplied therein.
306
B rDj n=j Hmw-kA jr n=j S Hrt
B Mortuary priests were given to me, and a tomb garden was made for me,
5
L jr.n.tw Hmw-kA [...]
5
L Mortuary priests were provided [...]
307
B AHwt jm=f m-xntw r dmj mj jrrt n smr tpj
307
B with fields in front in the right place, as done for a chief companion.
L AHwt xntS r dmj=s
L with delightful fields in the right place,
308
B jw twt=j sXr(.w) m nbw SnDwt=f m Dam
308
B My image was overlaid with gold, its kilt with electrum.
309
B nn SwAw jry n=f mjtt
309
B There is no commoner for whom the like has been done.
310
B jw=j Xr Hswt nt xr nsw r jwt hrw n mnj
310
B I was in the favour of the king until the day of death came.'
311
B jw=f pw HAt=f r pH=fj mj gmyt m sS
311
B This was copied from start to finish as found in writing.
51