It is far different from later compositions, as it is also from
the earlier simple narration of crude marvels in the tales of the
magicians.
The close of the tale is defective, but from the remains it appears to
have ended by the gift of the Hemti's property to the oppressed Sekhti
and the triumph of the injured peasant.
GOING TO WAWAT
XIITH DYNASTY
THE SHIPWRECKED SAILOR
The wise servant said, "Let thy heart be satisfied, O my lord, for
that we have come back to the country; after we have long been on board,
and rowed much, the prow has at last touched land. All the people
rejoice, and embrace us one after another. Moreover, we have come back
in good health, and not a man is lacking; although we have been to the
ends of Wawat, and gone through the land of Senmut, we have returned in
peace, and our land--behold, we have come back to it. Hear me, my
lord; I have no other refuge. Wash thee, and turn the water over thy
ringers; then go and tell the tale to the majesty."
His lord replied, "Thy heart continues still its wandering words! but
although the mouth of a man may save him, his words may also cover his
face with confusion. Wilt thou do then as thy heart moves thee? This
that thou wilt say, tell quietly."
The sailor then answered, "Now I shall tell that which has happened to
me, to my very self I was going to the mines of Pharaoh, and I went down
on the sea on a ship of 150 cubits long and 40 cubits wide, with 150
sailors of the best of Egypt, who had seen heaven and earth, and whose
hearts were stronger than lions.
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