Egyptian religious poetry

THE PHARAOH 69

5

Water of Life which is in Heaven! Water of Life which is on Earth! Heaven burned for thee, Earth trembled for thee before the birth of God. When the mountains divided God existed and had command over his body, and when the mountains divided Nefer-ka-Ré existed and had command over his body. Behold Nefer-ka-Ré, his feet are kissed by the pure waters which belong to Atum. .. . Thou bearest the heaven in thy hand and spreadest out the earth with thy foot. [p.t., Spr., 685]

6 Verse transcription of No. 5

O Water of Life in the Heavens ! O Water of Life upon Earth ! Trembled the earth at God’s presence, The heavens famed at His birth.

Ere ever the hills were divided God and the King were alone ; God and the King were together, For God and the King are but one.

So He stands, with the waters kissing The ground where His footsteps trod ;

With one hand He upholds the heavens, Earth spread out by the feet of God.