[2] The letter gives examples of what a scribe was supposed to be able to do: calculating the number of rations which have to be doled out to a certain number of soldiers digging a lake, or the quantity of bricks needed to erect a ramp of given dimensions,[3] assessing the number of men needed to move an obelisk or erect a statue, and organizing the supply of provisions for an army.
[4] In a long section Hori discusses the geography of the Mediterranean coast as far north as the Lebanon and the troubles which might beset a traveler there.
[5] This papyrus is important to historians and Bible scholars above all for the information it supplies about towns in Syria and Canaan during the New Kingdom.
[6] There is a long list of towns which run along the northern border of the djadi or watershed of the Jordan in Canaan, which bound Lebanon along the Litani River and upper retnu and Syria along the Orontes.
The border lands of Egypt's province of Caanan with Kadesh are defined on page XIX: Come let me tell thee of other towns, which are above(??)
Thou hast not gone to the land of Kadesh, Tekhes, Kurmeren, Temenet, Deper, Idi, Herenem.
Thou dost not know the name of Kheneredj which is in the land of Upe, a bull upon its boundary, the scene of the battles of every warrior.
[8] Hori then relates an imagined anecdote where Amenemope experiences an adventure of a maher.
"[9] The composition of the satirical interchange between the scribes comes across as quite well written especially where Hori describes Amenemope as incompetent toward the end, giving as an example his poor management of not just his chariot but his character.
Hori makes clear that these involve routes that should be well known to the scribes operating as mahers or messengers and scouts.
[9] Illustrations from the Battle of Kadesh provide an excellent background for Hori's tale showing the form of the chariots, and the size of the Shashu.
Hori sets this up as an incident in which the incompetence, inexperience and fear of Amenemope results in damage to his chariot.
), thy chariot on its side.Hori piles on the results of Amenemope's inexperience and lack of expertise to show his state of mind clearly, including the part where he releases his pain and fear by forcing his way to the maiden who keeps watch over the gardens when he reaches Joppa: Thou fearest to crush(?)
Thou hast entered Joppa, and findest the flowers blossoming in their season.