PRAYER to THOT

 

Come to me Thot, O noble Ibis,

O God who loves Khmun;

O letter-writer of the Ennead,

Great one who dwells in Heliopolis!

 

Come to me and give me counsel,

Make me skillful in your calling;

Better is your calling than all callings,

It makes followers great.

 

He who masters your calling is fit to hold office,

I have seen many benefit by your action;

They are now among the Tribunal of Thirty,

They are strong and rich through your help.

 

You are the one who offers wisest counsel,

I am a servant of your house.

Let me tell of your valiant deeds,

Wheresoever I may be.

 

Then the multitudes will say:

“Great are they, the deeds of Thot!”

Then they’ll come and bring their children,

To assign them to your calling,

A calling that pleases the lord of strength,

Happy are they who perform it!

 

Papyrus Anastasi V. 9,2 - 10,2. Gardiner, L.E.M. P. 60

 

This prayer was used as a school-text in Ramesside Period, New Kingdom.