The Instruction of Ptahhotep

Ptahhotep

Transliteration Page 6

 

ir wnn=k m sSm.y hr sDm=k mdw sprw If you become a leader, be pleased when you hear the speech of a petitioner.
m g<nf>(fn) sw r sk.t Xt=f m kAt.n=f Dd n=k st Do not rebuff him before his belly is cleansed of what he planned to say to you.
mr(i) Xr.(y)-iw ia.t ib=f r ir.t ii.t.n=f Hr=s A victim of wrong desires venting his feelings more than accomplishing what he came for.
ir ir g(f)n.w sprw.t iw Dd tw iw tr r m th(i) st As for one who lets petitions be rebuffed (without a fair hearing), one will say: "Why is it rejected?"
nn spr.t.n=f nb.t Hr=s m xpr.t=sn Never will all that is petitioned for come to pass,
s.naa ib pw sDm nfr (but) a good hearing is a soothing of the heart.
ir mr(i)=k swAH xnms m Xnw aq=k r=f If you desire to prolong friendship in (any) home you may enter,
m nb m sn m xnms r-pw r bw nb aq=k im as Lord, as Brother, as friend , or indeed any place you go,
aHA.t m tkn m Hm.wt Guard against approaching the women.
n nfr n bw ir.w st im n spd n Hr Hr pxA st It is no good for the place in which it is done, and not skillful to the face who reveals it.
iw ngb.tw s xA r Axt.n=f At kt.t mt.t rsw.t A thousand men are turned aside from what is beneficial to then (by) a short moment, the likeness of a dream.
iw pH tw m(w)t Hr rx st One reaches death on account of knowing it.
---- {Sethe leaves out some text here}

Hieroglyphic version of this page


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