Oh, I'm bound downstream on the Memphis ferry,
like a runnaway, snapping all ties,
With my bundle of old clothes over my shoulder.
I'm going down there where the living is,
going down there to that big city,
And there I'll tell Ptah (Lord who gives justice):
"Give me a love tonight!"
Look at the River! eddying,
in love with the young vegetation.
Ptah himself is the life of those reedshoots,
Lady Sakhmet of the lillies-
Yes, Our Lady of Dew dwells among lily pads-
and their son, Nefertem, sweet boy,
Blossoms newborn in the blue lotus,
Twilight is heavy with gods...
And the quiet joy of tomarrow,
dawn whitening over her loveliness:
O Memphis my city, beauty forever!-
you are a bowl of love's own berries,
Dish set for Ptah your god,
god of the handsome face.
