[This is another collection of proverbs, in sixteen pages, and
with the rubrics marked. Small fragments from a duplicate copy
of this book of proverbs show considerable variation from the
Prisse text, and prove the corruptness and uncertainty of the
latter. It is however quite complete. We are able to give a
list of the contents of the sections, most of which are very
brief, and to append to the headings translations of a
considerable proportion of the whole. Further study will
doubtless throw light on much that is still obscure.
General Title and Introduction: The wazir Ptahhetep addresses
the King, and recounts the evils of old age.[268] Having
received the command to take his son into his office of wazir,
he desires to teach him the rules of conduct observed in the
time when the gods reigned over Egypt. The King approves, and
bids him commence his instruction.]
_Instruction of the governor of the royal city, and wazir Ptahetep,
before the majesty of King Assa, who liveth forever and ever_