[227] _I. e.,_ the kings, who were always reckoned divine, and as ruling by divine right. [228] _I. e._, "make holiday." [229] Title of a priest of Amen. [230] God of the setting sun. [231] An expression of utter bewilderment; _lit._, "I know not the estate which is upon me." [232] To these thinkers, thirst (since the presence of water would induce putrefaction of the body) and suffocation were the chief material sufferings of the dead. [233] From this curious expression it is evident that the Egyptians considered it necessary that a deity should be visibly represented by statue or animal, in order that he should receive the offerings presented to him. They never personified a god of Death, only a god of the Dead. [234] The sunshine may be taken for granted in Egypt. [235] Our "on the verge of intoxication" is an almost identical expression, but without a poetical significance. [236] A slight correction of the original would give "in captivity" (kidnapped). [237] The advantages of the life beyond seem to consist in being like gods and in full communion with the greatest of them, Ra. [238] This closing speech of the soul is barely intelligible. [239] Or perhaps "my kindred." [240] Or what is "unprofitable" or "treason." [241] This and the two following asseverations seem rather to read: "I have not caught animals by a bait of their herbage." "I have not trapped birds by a bait of 'gods' bones.'" "I have not caught fish by a bait of fishes' bodies." [242] _Lit._, "in its moment." [243] _I. e._, "I am not hot of speech." [244] Compare the story of Sanehat (above, p. 5237 _seq._) for an indication of the place which Amenemhat retained for himself in the government of the kingdom during the joint rule. "He [Usertesen] curbs the nations while his father remains in his palace, and he [Usertesen] accomplisheth for him what is commanded him." [245] Compare 2 Timothy ii. 15. [246] "To exist" often means to have a solid position. [247] A proverbial word for nullity, worthlessness. [248] Egypt, the lassoed ox, helpless in the hands of its oppressors, is now free, but fails to appreciate its good fortune. [249] Perhaps this means that Amenemhat lay still but ready to rise instantly and fight. [250] "_Me voila!_"--after drawing the picture of his helpless state, surprised alone in the night. [251] _I. e._, "be thy counselor." [252] A difficult passage. [253] Meaning doubtful. [254] _I. e._, upon others in consequence of me. [255] Elephantine and Natho are often named as the extreme north and south points of Egypt; compare the Biblical "from Dan even unto Beersheba." [256] Or perhaps "its centre."