Ancient Egyptian Literature – Great Dispenser of Pleasure
A recitation of poems from Papyrus Harris 500, the ‘love songs’ from Ancient Egypt.
The Papyrus Harris 500 is an ancient Egyptian manuscript from the Ramesside Period (1292–1077 BC). It contains a collection of texts, including The Doomed Prince, The Taking of Joppa, love poems, and the Harper’s Song from the tomb of King Intef. The papyrus was originally part of the collection of Anthony Charles Harris and was later acquired by the British Museum. Unfortunately, parts of the original manuscript were lost due to an explosion that damaged the house where it was kept.
The love poems in Papyrus Harris 500 offer a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s emotions and romantic ideals. These poems, written in Late Egyptian hieratic script, celebrate themes of beauty, longing, devotion, and the joys of love. They often use nature imagery, comparing lovers to flowers, birds, and the Nile, and emphasize the intensity of desire between partners.
One poem describes a lover’s yearning:
“My heart longs for you, like the lotus thirsts for water.”
Another speaks of the pain of separation:
“I am like a captive bird, waiting for your return.”
These poems reflect the deep emotional connections valued in ancient Egyptian society and show that love—its joys and sorrows—has remained timeless across cultures and centuries.
