The Story of the Eloquent Peasant
Eloquent Peasant, which was inscribed on four Middle Kingdom (2055 - 1650 B.C) papyri, is a well-known work of ancient Egyptian literature. The plot revolves around Nemtynakht, a corrupt local official's son who asks the gods for a powerful vision in order to take a peasant's donkey and all the commodities it transports, as well as the upright peasant who seeks retribution. Nemtynakht lays a piece of linen across the narrow path so that the fringe hits the lake on one side and the hem touches the field of barley on the other as the farmer and his donkey approach.
He then yells at the peasant to save his clothing. The donkey approaches the field and eats some barley as he walks towards the field to escape the linen. Nemtynakht yells that in retaliation for the donkey eating even one mouthful of grain, he would take the donkey and all the cargo it is hauling. The peasant is beaten by him, then sent on his way.
The peasant speaks elegantly when he meets the chief steward, Remi, to plead for justice. Oh high steward, my lord, Greatest of the Great Leaders of All! he says as he starts. You are the widow's husband, the orphan's father, and the brother of the rejected lady. He emphasises how similar the steward is to a father who provides for his family. The steward makes apologies by giving the peasant 10 loaves of food and 2 jugs of beer, but his donkey and possessions are not returned.
The peasant begs the authorities nine times over the course of time, appealing for the restoration of his donkey and valuables in each instance. His beautiful remarks initially make them happy, and the monarch even listens the peasant's request. Yet when the officials become weary of him, they remind the peasant that he owes them something because they gave him bread and drink and sent food to his wife and family. Yet he keeps trying. The persuasive peasant asks his master to be patient in the seventh petition so that a man may appeal to him on behalf of his just cause. It's not for you, so try not to get furious.
The lengthy face develops into a short fuse. Don't bemoan what hasn't arrived yet or celebrate what hasn't yet happened. The peasant speaks more persuasively each time he makes a request. He claims, however, that he has stated his case before you and that you have not listened after the eighth petition, when justice is not served. I'll go talk to Anubis about you! (god of the cemetery and embalming).
The farmer prays to God for help since the authorities are refusing to give him justice. The steward Rensi changes his mind as the disgruntled peasant walks away, thinking perhaps the gods had intervened. He calls for the farmer to return and assures him not to be alarmed. The king compliments the peasant's eloquence and orders that his donkey and possessions be returned when the steward Rensi calls for the petitions and reads them aloud to him.
