INSCRIPTION COVERING THE BACK OF THE STATUE

The noble Chief, First Prophet pf Amen, Bak-en-Khonsou, the justified, says : 1 was équitable and truthful, a favourite of my master, honouring the precepts of my god, walking in his track, performing acts of beneficence within his temple. I was the great superintendent of public works in Pa-Amen1, beloved by my master. Oh ail men having reflection in their minds, oh créatures who are upon earth and corne after me from millions of years to millions of years, after âge and decay, whose hearts are contented at the sight of glorious acts, I will inform ye who I was upon earth, in ail the functions I filled from the time of my birth. I was four years in extreme infancy ; I was twelve years in youth ; I was made steward by King Ra-men-ma [Seti I] ; I was priest of Amen for four years ; I was divine father of Amen for twelve years ; I was third prophet of Amen for fifteen years ; I was second prophet of Amen, for twelve [years]. He [the King] rewarded me ; he distinguished me for my merit ; he appomted me first prophet of Amen, [which I was] for twenty-seven years. I was a good father to my temple servants, providing for their families, tendering the liand to those who were misérable, sustaining those who were inferior, and performing glorious acts in his [the king’s] temple. I was the great superintendent of public works of the Khent of Thebes to his son, issued