Egyptian religious poetry

II4 EGYPTIAN RELIGIOUS POETRY

They are his own images: proceeding from his flesh.

He arises in the heavens at their desire: he made for them grass and cattle, food and fish, to nourish them.

He slew his enemies, and destroyed his own children : because of their plots in making rebellion.

He maketh the dawn at their desire : and saileth past in order to see them.

When they weep, he heareth.

He made for them rulers : supporters to support the back of the weak.

He made for them magic as weapons to ward off evil events : dreams by day and by night.

Why hath he slain the froward of heart? Even as a man smiteth his son for his brother’s sake. For God knows every name. [J-B.A., 1 (1914), p. 34]

5 Gop knoweth the froward: he requiteth their sins in blood. More acceptable to God is the virtue of one that is just of heart than the ox of him that doeth iniquity. [RE.L., pp. 77, 93]

6

From the evil-doer the quay slips away, He is carried away by his flooded land, The north wind comes down to end his hour, It unites with the tempest. The thunder is loud, the crocodiles are vicious, O Man, who givest way to thy passions, what is thy condition ? He cries out, his voice reaches to heaven. O Moon, accuse him of his crimes. [J-B.A., xii (1926), p. 200]