"'That is one thing which Thou must not touch; if Thou do, Thou wilt lose all thy property.'
"'Ai!' cried the scribe. 'That may remain a thousand years there; I will not trouble it. With permission of thy honor, what estate is that over there?' and he bent through the hut window.
"'Thou hast spoken wisely,' said Amon, 'for that is an estate, and even a fine one. It is composed of fifty measures of land. There is a spacious house on it, some tens of cattle, and ten slaves belong to the establishment. If Thou prefer that estate.'
"The scribe fell at the feet of the deity.
"'Is there,' inquired he, 'a man under the sun who instead of a barley cake would not prefer a loaf of wheaten bread?'
"When he heard this, Amon repeated a formula, and that moment both were in the mansion.
"'Here Thou hast,' said the god, 'a carved bed, five tables, and ten armchairs; Thou hast embroidered clothing, Thou hast pitchers, and glass bottles for wine, a lamp for olive oil, and a litter.'
"'And what is this?' asked the scribe, pointing to a figure robed in muslin and standing in a corner.
"'Thou must not touch that or Thou wilt lose all thy property.'
"'Were I to live ten thousand years I would not touch it. For, after wisdom, I consider wealth the highest blessing.'