The Stela of Sobekkhu
This stela was found at Abydos, where it had been set up by Sobekkhu as a funerary monument outlining his achievements during his life, although he was not buried there. Sobkkhu had an exceptionally long life, and served as a high official under several of the kings of the Twelfth Dynasty.
(Translated from Ägyptische Lesestücke by Kurt Sethe)
The hereditary lord and count, steadfast of sandal, calm of stride, he who adheres to the path of he who promoted him, he whom the Lord of the Two Lands has given splendour, whose love promoted his place, the great administrator of the city of Djaau, he says;
For myself did I make this monument, it being caused to be beneficial and its place established at the stairway of the great god, Lord of Life, and Head of Abydos at the district Mistress of Offerings, and at the district Mistress of Life, that I might breathe the incense which comes forth therefrom and that I might be provided with fragrance of the god.
The great administrator of the city, Sobekkhu, he says;
I was born in the 27th regnal year under the majesty of the king of Upper and Lower Egypt, Nubkaure, justified. The majesty of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Khakaure, justified, appeared in glory with the white and red crowns upon the Horus throne of the living. His majesty caused me to do service as an armed warrior beside his majesty with 7 men of the residence [royal guards]. Then I displayed my skill beside him. His majesty caused me to be appointed as a Follower of the ruler, and there was given to me 60 men.
His majesty proceeded southwards to cast down the tribesmen of Nubia. Then did I fell a Nubian in Kenkef beside my city. Then I travelled northwards performing escort duty with 6 men of the residence. Then he appointed me as Inspector of Followers and there were given to me 100 men as a reward.
His majesty proceeded northwards to cast down the Montju of Asia. His majesty reached the country called Sekmem. His majesty made a success of proceeding to the residence of life, prosperity and health. Then did Sekmem fall, together with vile Retjenu. I acted as rearguard of the army. Then the braves of the army mustered in order to fight the Asiatics. Then did I fell an Asiatic. Then did I cause there to be taken his equipment by two braves of the army, without desisting from fighting, my face turned (to the enemy). I did not put my back to an Asiatic. As Senwosret lives for me, in truth have I spoken. Then did he give to me a bracelet of electrum for my hand, a tepet-dagger, and a bagsu-dagger inlayed with electrum, together with (a handful of arrows?)