No sooner does a donkey pause, or even pass, by a field of
corn than he snatches a mouthful, and in a delay or altercation such
as this the beast is sure to take the advantage. Donkeys carrying
loads by cornfields are usually muzzled with rope nets, to prevent
their feeding; and even sheep and goats are also fended in the same
way.
The proverb, "A poor man's name is only his own matter," refers to the
independent _fellah_ having no patron or protector who will take up and
defend his name from accusations, as the interests of clients and serfs
would be protected. This being the case, Hemti therefore seizes on the
property, and drives the asses into his own pasture field.
The scene of Meruitensa laying the case before the nobles who sat with
him is interesting as showing that even simple cases were not decided by
one judge, but referred to a council. Similarly, Una lays stress on the
private trial of the queen being confided to him and only one other
judge. Apparently, referring cases to a bench of judges was the means of
preventing corruption.
The speeches of the Sekhti were given at full length in the papyrus, but
owing to injuries we cannot now entirely recover them; they are all in
much the same strain, only the first and last are translated here, and
the others are passed over. The style of these speeches was evidently
looked on as eloquent in those days, and this papyrus really seems to
show the time when long-drawn comparisons and flowery wishes were in
fashion.
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