[[20]] The greater part of this section is a play upon the root 'sôdem, which in its meaning includes our hear (listen) and obey. This tiresome torture of words is frequent in Egyptian, especially in old religious texts.
[[21]] The "Followers of Horus" are a legendary dynasty of demigods, believed by the Egyptians to have ruled for about 13,400 years after the reign of Horus, and before that of Mênês. There is also an order of spirits of this name.
[[22]] A word of unknown meaning; apparently some kind of plant. Such a word seems out of place here, and may be idiomatic, like our "flowery language." But the preceding line obviously refers to this book.
THE INSTRUCTION OF KE'GEMNI
On Avoiding Offence
1.[[1]] The cautious man flourisheth, the exact one is praised; the innermost chamber openeth unto the man of silence. Wide[[2]] is the seat of the man gentle of speech; but knives are prepared against one that forceth a path, that he advance not, save in due season.