Death does not fulfill the hope for peace and justice, as the tradition promises: it is instead the separation from life, pain, tears and man’s destiny remains unknown: “ Pass a happy day, forget the worry!”, it’s the only advice, the only solution that the living have. Live until the good of life is given: that’s what the “lyric in Antef’s tomb in front of the harp-player” suggests. The text has reached us from a copy from the ramses period, in the manuscript (Papyrus Harris 500 in the British Museum), that has handed down to us a collection of love lyrics.


Lyric in Antef’s tomb, in front of the harp-player

It’s the good sovereign’s testament, of a happy destiny:

The generations perish and pass,
Others take their place, since the time of the ancestors:
The kings that once were
Rest in their pyramids,
They are buried in their tombs
As the noble and the glorified.
Those that have built edifices,
That no longer exist,
What has happened to them?
I have heard words
By Imhotep and Hergedef,
Many are mentioned in their sayings:
What has become
Of their sites?
The walls have fallen
Their sites are no longer,
As if they have never been.
Nobody comes from there,
Who can tell us of their condition,
Who can tell us of their needs,
Who can calm our heart,
Until we reach that place
Where they have gone.
Delight your heart:
Oblivion is good for you.
Follow your heart
As long as you live!
Put myrrh on your head,
Dress of fine linen,
Perfumed of the real wonders
That are in the divine offer.
Increase your happiness,
May your heart not languish.
Follow your heart and your happiness,
Fulfill your destiny on earth.
Don’t worry your heart,
until the day of lament does not come for you.
But he doesn’t hear their lament
Who has a tired heart:
Their tears,
save nobody from the tomb. Think about it, pass a happy day.
And don’t tire over it.
You see, nobody brings with him his belongings,
You see, nobody who has gone returns.

 from Ommseti