upils in high
places, if their schooldays have been pleasant. The last sentence of
this section, as of sections 23 and 25, is somewhat _a propos des
bottes_.

[16] An obscure phrase is here.

[17] Literally, "It is that which preventeth the heart from advancing
(?)" A curious phrase.

[18] Literally, after his stick or sceptre.

[19] Who knows them.

[20] The greater part of this section is a play upon the root _'sodem_,
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 Menes. 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.

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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.

2. If thou sit with a company of people, desire not the bread that
thou likest: short is the time of restraining the heart, and gluttony
is an abomination; therein is the quality of a beast. A cup of water
quencheth the thirst, and a mouthful of melon supporteth the heart. A
good thing standeth for goodness, but some small thing standeth for
plenty.[3] A base man is he that is governed by his belly; he
departeth only when he is no longer able to fill full his belly in
men's houses.

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3. If thou sit with a glutton, eat with him, then depart (?).

If thou drink with a drunkard, accept [drink], and his heart shall be
satisfied.

Refuse not meat when with a greedy man. Take that which he giveth
thee; set it not on one side, thinking that it will be a courteous
thing.

4. If a man be lacking in good fellowship, no speech hath any
influence over him. He is sour of face toward the glad-hearted that
are kindly to him; he is a grief unto his mother and his friends; and
all men [cry], 'Let thy name be known; thou art silent in thy mouth
when thou art addressed!'