CHAPTER XXI.
Chapter whereby the mouth of a person is given to him in the Netherworld.
Hail to thee, Lord of Light, who art Prince of the House which is encircled by Darkness and Obscurity. I am come to thee glorified and purified.
My hands are behind thee; thy portion is that of those who have gone before thee.([1])
Give me my mouth that I may speak with it; and guide([2]) my heart at its hour of Darkness and Night.
Notes.
The oldest papyrus containing this chapter is that of Ani, and the translation is based upon it. But the text differs both from those written on the very ancient coffins of Heru and Set-Bastit, copied by M. Maspero,[[34]] and from the later texts.
The second paragraph seems to be spoken by the god, the first and third being from the deceased.
“My hands are behind thee” is a formula implying protection.