[One of the most complete documents existing on papyrus is the
'Story of the Shipwrecked Sailor.' The tale itself seems to date
from a very early period, when imagination could still have full
play in Upper Nubia. In it a sailor is apparently presenting a
petition to some great man, in hopes of royal favor as the hero
of the marvels which he proceeds to recount.
The Papyrus, which apparently is of the age of the XIth Dynasty,
is preserved at St. Petersburg, but is still unpublished. It has
been translated by Professors Golenisheff and Maspero. The
present version is taken from 'Egyptian Tales,' by W. M.
Flinders Petrie.]
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[13] and gone through the land of Senmut,[14] 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 fingers,
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."