CHAPTER CLII.
The Chapter of building a house([1]) on earth.
O rejoice, Seb, N. has been set in motion with his vital power ... he has given to men and gods their creative strength.
There is cheering, when it is seen that Seshait([2]) has come towards Seb; when Anubis has commanded to N.: build a house on earth, the foundations of which be like On, and the circuit like Cher-ābā; let the god of the sanctuary be in the sanctuary. I also decree that it should contain the sacrificial victim, brought by slaves, and held up by ministrants.
Said by Osiris to the gods in his following: come hastily, and see the house which has been built for the glorified, the well equipt, who cometh every day. Look at him, hold him in awe, and give him praise, which is well pleasing to him.
([3])You see what I have done myself, I the great god who cometh every day. Look ye, Osiris brings me cattle, the south wind brings me grain, the north wind brings me barley as far as the end of the earth.
I have been exalted by the mouth of Osiris([4]), applause surrounds him([5]) on his left and on his right.
Look ye, men, gods, and Chus, they applaud him, they applaud him, and I am well pleased.
Notes.
The text here translated is that of the Papyrus of Nu, with a few variants taken from contemporary texts.
[1.] The
here mentioned is the abode of the
, where it is worshipped and receives offerings. In the vignette of Pap. Busca (Ik), the plan of this abode is like the funerary constructions discovered at Nagadah and Abydos.
[2.] The goddess
is often connected with building (Chapter 52).
[3.] Here the deceased begins to speak himself.
[4.] I translate
the beating in measure as the musicians do, the regular applause so often heard in the East.
[5.] The person changes, as is often the case in such texts. The deceased speaks of himself in the third person.