Egyptian religious poetry

THE PHARAOH 77 (b) As the Conqueror

27

To Egypt has come great joy, and the towns of Ta-mery rejoice. The people speak of the victories which King Meren-ptah has won against the invaders: “ How beloved is he, our victorious ruler! How great is our King among the gods ! How fortunate is he, the commanding Lord !_ Sit down happily and talk, for now there is no fear in the hearts of the people.” The fortresses are abandoned, the wells are re-opened ; the messengers loiter under the battlements, cool from the sun, until the watchmen wake. The soldiers lie asleep, even the border-scouts walk in the fields as they wish. The herds of the pastures need no herdman when crossing the fullness of the stream. No more is there the raising of a shout in the night, “Stop! Behold, someone is coming! Someone is coming, speaking a foreign language !”’ Everyone comes and goes with singing, and no longer is heard the sighing lament of men. The towns are settled anew, and the husbandman eats of the harvest that he himself sowed. God has turned again towards Egypt, for King Mer-en-ptah was born, destined to be her protector. [B.H.E., p. 470]

28

Tue good God, strong like Mentu, victorious King, who issued from Ré, child and likeness of the Bull of Heliopolis. He stands on the field of battle, and in his valour fights like the Mighty One [Setekh]. He has captured the foreign lands by his victories, he has subdued the Two Lands by his designs. The Nine Archer Tribes are trodden under his feet. He has no adversaries, for the