Egyptian Literature / Comprising Egyptian tales, hymns, litanies, invocations, the Book of the Dead, and cuneiform writings

Royal Letters

Dusratta's Letters

No. 9 B. M.—“To Neb-mat-ra (Amenophis III) King of Egypt my brother, by letter, thus Tuseratta365 King of Mitani366 thy brother. I am at peace. Peace be to thee; to Gilukhipa my sister be peace. To thy house, thy wives, thy sons, thy lords, thy terrible army, thy horses, thy chariots, and in thy land, be much peace. Since I have sat on my father's throne, and have conquered. But (Pirkhi?) made a lawless command in my land, and smote his Lord; and because of these things, they have striven to right me, with who so loved us well; and because my land submitted to this lawless order I was not afraid, but the chiefs who supported Artasu-mara my brother, with all that were theirs, I slew. As thou wast well with my father, and because of these things, I send this. I say to you, as my brother hears, and will rejoice; my father loved thee, and thou therefore didst love my father; and my father, as he saw this, gave thee my sister; and now ... as thou wast with my father. When my brother saw these things, he brought all those in the land of the Hittites as foes to my land; and Rimmon my Lord gave them to my hand; and I slew him among them, so that not one returned to his land.367 Now I have sent thee a chariot with two horses, a young man and a young woman, of the spoil of the land of the Hittites. I have sent thee, as a present to my brother, five chariots, and five yoke of horses; and as a present to Gilukhipa368 my sister, I have sent her (trinkets?) of gold, a pair of gold earrings, and ... of gold, and goodly stones, each(?). Now Gilia, a prudent man, and Tunipripi369 I send to my brother; speedily let him reply to me; so I shall hear my brother's salutation, and shall rejoice. Let my brother wish [pg 280] me well; and let my brother send envoys: so my brother's salutation shall come to me, and I shall hear.”370

22 B.—The salutation calls Amenophis III his “kinsman,” but does not name his sister.

“Mani my brother's envoy has come to honor me: to take my brother's wife the Queen of Egypt;371 and I received the letter that came: I learned the declaration of his (order?). My heart has been much gladdened by my brother's message, as my brother will see; and it rejoiced that day exceeding much: that day and night they made (rejoicings?).

“And, my brother, all the message that Mani came to bring has been performed. This same year behold, my brother, I will ... his wife, the Queen of Egypt, and I will send ... hence forth the land of Khanirabbe and the land of Egypt. And because of these things that Mani has spoken, I send back, my brother, Gilia and Mani with speed, to ... these things; and let not my brother blame them ... as to delay in being despatched; for there was no delay to ... for my brother's wife; and lo! delay is.... In the sixth month I have sent Gilia my envoy, and Mani my brother's envoy: I will send my brother's wife to my brother. So may Istar the Lady of Ladies my Goddess, and Amanu372 my brother's God, give peace ... I have sent to my brother; and my brother as ... increased his (love?) very much, and ... as the heart of my brother was satisfied; and ... (for our children?) my brother ... more than before ... I have despatched Khai, my brother, trusting his ... and I give the letter to his hands ... and let him bear his message ... I have sent ... going to my brother ... my brother, are not his soldiers...”

The next five lines referring to the wife are too broken to read. The back of the tablet continues:

“... which my brother sent ... all that my brother has caused to be collected ... in presence of all of them they have been (given?) us ... all these things, beyond expectation thereof, and the gold ... which they have paid—and he has indeed lavished very much [pg 281] ... them, any or all these things; was not the gold ... They say ‘In the land of Egypt there is plenty more gold for thee my brother, because he loves thee very much ... and will love (and being so?) is not there, behold, anything needful, anything beside, from the land of Egypt in addition? So send to me, accordingly, him by whom these are given, and there shall be no lack.’ Thus indeed (said) I ‘As to anything (further?) do not I say to your faces—He loves me, and my land, exceeding much, does this King of Egypt?’

“And my brother has taken me to his heart: all is as my heart desired; and is it not understood; when he sends shall not I hasten me for my brother: shall not I increase in longing toward my brother: as my brother does also? Mani, my brother's envoy, has brought my brother's ... which was with Mani. I have honored their ... and I have honored them very much. Now Mani will take this; and my brother we direct him to ... how I have received from him very much: he will tell my brother this, and my brother will hear what we have done (as I have sent list of gifts of this and that, and he shall not refuse it?).

“And may my brother send untold gold; and may my father's power increase with me, as my brother has increased my favor, as my brother has cherished me much, in the sight of my country, in the sight of the whole of my brethren. May Rimmon and Amanu appoint that my brother's wishes be ever fulfilled; and for myself, my brother, that my wishes may be fulfilled, as men whom the Sun-God loves. And so now the Gods shall indeed decree for us this prayer, ... we shall join as friends forever.

“For my brother's present I have sent to my brother a (double-edged weapon?) ... and (?) of emeralds, and pure gold ... enclosed in a box, and ... of alabaster, and pure gold, for a box ...”

21 B.—“To Amenophis III, the Great King, King of Egypt, my brother, my kinsman373 whom I love, and who loves me, by [pg 282] letter thus Dusratta, the Great King, King of Mitani, thy brother, thy kinsman who also loves thee. I am at peace, etc.

“To my brother whom I love I have given his young wife.374 May the Sun-God and Istar ... her face. As my brother desires: may ... and may my brother rejoice, in the day when ... the Sun-God and the God ... giving joy to my noble brother, ... let them grant it to be ... and may my brother ... forever.

“Mani my brother's envoy, and Khani375 my brother's interpreter, as you cause them to be sent, plenty of (provisions?) I shall give them ... them much; as they performed their orders I made all the people protect them. If they do not may my Gods, and my brother's Gods, guard them. Now I have sent Nahramani who is careful in my brother's affairs, and I have sent (an ornament?) of precious stones—of precious stones and gold, as a present to my brother; and may my brother be granted to live a hundred years.”

8 B. M.—The salutation is the same as before, but the writer's name is spelt “Tusratta” instead of Dusratta. The letter is the best preserved in the whole collection.

“Since your forefathers were friendly with my forefathers, thou therefore wast very greatly friendly with my father. So you love me: we are zealous friends. Ten times more you increase it than to my father. The heavenly Gods shall decree that we shall be friends. May Rimmon my God, and Amanu, so pronounce, even forever.

“And so my brother sent Mani his envoy. Thus indeed my brother (said) ‘Does not my brother's heart desire that thy daughter (be) the wife of my young son376—as a princess of Egypt’ and I spoke as to my intention about it; and my brother desiring that she should be made ready for Mani, and to show her, so he beheld her, and praised her much. And may they lead her in peace into the land of my brother. May Istar and Amanu make her agreeable to my brother's heart.

“Gilia, my envoy, set forth my brother's message before [pg 283] me. So I heard and it was very good; and so I rejoiced very much. Thus truly I say ‘This is thus arranged between us so that we may be zealous friends.’ Now with firm faith forever let us be friends.

“So I shall send to my brother, and I say thus myself, so let us be much more friendly; and do not you respond to us? And I say thus, that my brother has enriched me ten times more than my father.

“And I have asked much gold of my brother: so he has given me more than to my father. My brother indeed sent to me; and to my father you sent much gold: much (merchandise?) of gold; and besides all the gold you sent him you have sent me bricks of gold (lavished?) like copper.

“I sent Gilia (humbly?) to my brother, and asked for gold. Thus indeed I (said) ‘Truly my brother has given me more than to my father, and may he send me untold gold.’

“May my brother send me more than to my father; and now I say thus to my brother: the (loan?) that my grandfather made, so I may (say), as (one thinking little of wealth?) he made it for thee; and now as regards (what) I say, the gold that my brother shall send, let him send it when he likes.

“Lo my brother has sent the gold saying ‘It is due to you,’ But no. No more was due; and he had satisfied the account; and when he had satisfied the account I was glad thereof exceedingly; and whatever my brother sends I have been very glad thereof.

“Now behold I sent to my brother—and may my brother extend his kindness to me more than to my father; now I asked gold of my brother, and whatever gold I asked of my brother, he has sent the double of what was asked. One (sum) for the (loan?), and a second of good-will.

“And may my brother send me untold gold; and may he send me more than to my father; and so may the Gods decree, that much more gold beside be in my brother's land, as there now is in my brother's land; and ten times more than there now is, may it increase.377 And let not my brother refuse the gold that I ask by my brother's wish; and, as for me, let me not refuse my brother's wish; and may my brother send me [pg 284] very much gold uncounted; and whatever my brother needs let him send and take. Let me return the gift that my brother desires for his household. This land is my brother's land, and this house is my brother's house.

“Now I send Gilia my envoy to my brother. Let him not refuse him. Let him speedily command him: let him send him away. So hearing my brother's salutation let me rejoice exceeding much. Let me ever hear my brother's salutation. And these messages that we send, let my God Rimmon and Amanu decree that they may arrive through their mercy. And as now it is prayed therefor, so we are friends; and as now so forever may we be friends.

“Now as to the gifts for my brother: I have sent as my brother's gifts a quantity of solid gold, and precious stones: (its value?) includes the amount of twenty precious stones, and nineteen pieces of gold. The weight of precious stones and gold remaining includes the amount of forty-two precious stones and twenty pieces of gold Zuzas of Istar: (this is) the weight of precious stones and gold remaining; and ten yoke of horses, and ten chariots, with all that belongs to them, and thirty female slaves.”

27 B.—This is the longest letter in the collection, including six lines in Aramaic, and 512 lines in Dusratta's native language (see “Journal Royal Asiatic Society,” October, 1892, for my translation). The important passages of the letter appear to me to read as follows, and the meaning is confirmed by statements in other letters by this writer concerning his daughter's marriage. The letter was addressed to Amenophis III, and sent by the same two envoys, Mani and Gilias,378 already noticed.

“Gilias the envoy, who takes the messages is ordered to utter it, his duty being to go out, because Amenophis III the Egyptian (ally?) rules a far off land, and I rule in the city Ikhibin379 the city of the God Simigis380 the paternal deity.

“To proceed: as Mani my brother's envoy says, it is understood that my brother is very desirous that it should be speedily completed.

[pg 285]

“Brother, I gladly empower the envoy to take back this woman, whom Mani says my brother commanded him to bring, when he was ordered as an envoy.

“Understanding that my brother desires now to take her home, is it not necessary, understanding this decision to be preferred; as twenty-three months have gone by, is not her taking home to be hastened? My Court having decided to accept, and being satisfied as well as my wife, and resolved to accept the agreement; and the girl being heartily pleased—how happy she is words cannot tell—the decision is from the Gods, brother, for me the decision is from the mighty Gods, my brother. Surely you know whether I do not desire that she should be so brilliantly exalted, the girl being so fortunately (married): surely you know that I shall be glad.

“Proclaim thou for me that whatever people of Khalci,381 west of the Minyan382 country—whatever people of Khalci I have conquered, are made subject.

“I being the great chief of the power of the land of the Hittites taking to me, my brother, all the people that are conquered. Let it extend to the city of Harran383 and let the land possessed by no king be taxed.

“My son-in-law being married in the city of Thebes in presence of the image of the deity.”

“Is it not thus that Dusratta dwelling afar arranges the marriage of Tadukhipa384—Dusratta the favored (friend?) from the Minyan land, consenting to the wish of Amenophis III the Egyptian (friend) that the son of Amenophis III be so married to her, in the presence of the image of the deity.”

As this letter is written in what is called by scholars an “unknown [pg 286] language,” these renderings may be questioned. The dialect appears, however, to be closely related to the Akkadian and to other Mongol dialects of western Asia, and to be also the same used (B. 10) by the Hittites.

10 B. M.—Written, as the Egyptian docket at the bottom of the tablet on the back states, in the thirty-sixth year of Amenophis III which appears to have been probably the last of his reign.

“To Amenophis III King of Egypt my brother, my kinsman whom I love, and who loves me, by letter thus Dusratta King of Mitani who loves thee, thy kinsman. I am at peace. Peace be to thee, to thy house, to the woman Tachikhipa my daughter to the wife thou lovest be peace.385 To thy wives, to thy sons, to thy Lords, to thy chariots, to thy horses, to thy army, to thy land, and to all that is thine, be much, much, much peace.

“Thus (I say) Istar of Nineveh, the lady of the lands, is kind of heart to the land of Egypt. In the land that I love do not they walk after her?386 Do not they cry aloud to her? Now behold it has brought thee prosperity.

“Now from the time of my father they have besought Istar in her land for thy prosperity; and, as of old so now, it continues. They honor her.

“And now may my brother receive of her ten times more than before. Let my brother receive with joy: let it be hastened for him: let it endure.

“Istar is the Lady of Heaven my brother, and as for me let me be guarded by her for a hundred years; and may great joy be given. Let it be granted by her that I may not fail; and as you desire may it (befall?).

“Is not Istar my God, and has not she (prospered?) my brother (or been with my brother?).”

24 B.—The second longest of Dusratta's letters, 185 lines in all, is unfortunately very much damaged, as it is perhaps the most important, giving as it does historical information extending over three generations, during which the kings of Egypt and of Mitani were allied by marriage.

“To ... ya387 my kinsman, whom I love and who loves [pg 287] me ... the great King (King of) Mitani thy kinsman who loves thee. I am at peace ... to the Lady Teie ... to Tadukhipa my daughter thy wife be peace, to ... be peace. To thy sons, to thy Lords, to thy chariots, to thy horses, to thy ... and to all that is thine, be much, much, much peace ... of Amenophis III thy father he sent to me; he explained ... of all that he sent there was no message at all that I ... to your father as to what he sent to me; and Teie the chief wife of Amenophis III your mother knew all of them. All these have been seen by Teie your mother ... the messages that your father caused to be addressed to me.

“... and ten times more than with Amenophis III your father caused him to tell me whatsoever wish ... and whatever message I spoke, faithfully in the same day ... he himself did not turn away his heart from any message ... but faithfully in the same day he caused it to be done.

“... the father of Amenophis III sent to Sitatama388 my grandfather, and ... a daughter. He sent to my grandfather five or six times, and he was not given her, when ... he sent; and at length he was given her. Amenophis III your father sent (humbly?) to Sut(tarna) my father ... and so for my father's daughter, my own sister, his heart was desirous; and five (or six) times he ... her: when he had sent five or six times at length he was given her. So Amenophis III ... sent to me, and so desired a daughter389 and I ... I said in ... of his envoy ‘Thus I say I have (sworn?) to give her: by our wish ... to take, and the ... which he has known: and she is a sister so it is lawful;’ and I give ... Amenophis III thy (father's) ... if these are not truths ... heaven and earth bear witness ... to give her; and [pg 288] Khai390 the envoy of my brother ... to the (Queen?) and to Amenophis III I sent with her ... in three months with the greatest speed ... and the gold ... truly was not ... which I sent.

“When you favored a daughter, and so (sent for) her, and as Amenophis III your father knew her ... I rejoiced being exceeding glad, and he said ‘My brother, is not it thy wish thus to give the handmaid’; and he made public agreement with this his land, in presence of my envoy ... so men ... when they beheld; and I received from him; and Amenophis III established us ... for the future; and so receiving ... I was made great; and in the cities which for Tadukhipa ... in all of them he made us dwell as conquerors,391 and among the envoys who went down ... none that Gilia ... the gold of one (limzu) was given by weight. Truly to Amenophis III for Tadukhipa it was given; and Tadukhipa ... was given ... and ... my envoys Amenophis III with ... I received; there was no one ... Amenophis III sent Nizik his envoy ... myself; and he ... (refusing?) to my face the ... of gold ... the gold which ... of Gilia and ... he established us ... my envoys ... to be despatched ... he did not cease to (deny?) ... and ... he took her... I was not able to refuse to please him ... he sent this to me ... they sent was wonderful, and then ... Amenophis III your father in every message ... the lord of the place to protect her. Did not he order all these as I say ... do not I say that Teie392 ... has known ... and Teie is your mother, ask her if, among the messages that I spake, there is one message which is not vindicated by her, as to these (messages) to Amenophis III your father ... if to Amenophis III your father brotherhood was made by me: if it was said by Amenophis III your father ‘If at all (there is) gold that ... in the land of Khani Rabbe I will despatch it; and order thou thus the ... do [pg 289] not I desire to cause it to be sent’: the ... bore what was ordered to be given of Amenophis III your father; and Amenophis III said to me ‘... the treasures of gold ... all that my ... desires is sent ... and ... to do this I have sent to thee’ ... there by Amenophis III with a message. Never was there a message without a reply. I never refused any of the messages.

“(And when) Amenophis III was obliged to be taken to his fate, and they told (me) ... I tore my cheeks, and I mourned on that same day; I sat (in the dust?); I (took) no food or water that same day; and I was grieved ... I said ‘Let me perish myself from earth, and from my ... and that he loved me God knows, and he was loved’ (and because of) these things we are cast down in our hearts.”

“... to me the eldest son of Amenophis III by his wife Teie ... was made, and I said ‘Has not Amenophis III died ... the eldest son of his chief wife Teie (is) in his stead ... shall not we be sent news ... from her abode as of old.’

“... I say thus Amenophis IV is my brother whom we shall love in our hearts ... the son of Amenophis III more than his father, because of Teie his mother, who was the wife ... as she desires a message to the presence of Amenophis IV (Abkhuriya) the son of Amenophis III her husband. I (rejoice) very exceeding much that we shall be friends

“(As they have sent me this message?) As they have ordered it, Gilias is humbly (sent?) ... they have sent Mani (as an envoy?), and treasures of woods (or trees) my brother has sent, and gold ... without gold and without...”

The next passage is too broken to read, but refers to the continuance of friendship since the time of the ancestors of both kings, and for the future. The back of the tablet is very much broken, the whole of one paragraph, and the greater part of the next, which refers to Teie as the mother of Amenophis IV being destroyed. It continues:

“... the message of your mother which to Gilias ... He has desired a message to be despatched and (as he desires) ... have not I sent my envoys, and have [pg 290] not I ... (and it is not my fault?) and the treasures ... which he asked of him I have caused to be given, not being desired ... my envoys four years since you393 ...”

Eight lines are here almost entirely destroyed, referring to some speedy message, and to the former king, with a reference to certain persons, including the “father of Teie (your elders?) with me,” with professions of friendship. The end of the paragraph (lines 40, 41) contains the words, “as thus he set us up over all her many lands ... all the lands are all hers in his sight.”394 The next paragraph continues:

“... the (treasures?) of gold (allowed to be despatched?) previously by Amenophis III ... he has sent. Lo! very exceedingly my brother has desired that treasures ... to us; and much of his gold ... very exceedingly my brother ... as intending for me ... whatever among ... and your father; was not he given by me; and lo! now let my brother see that I was not at all ... to your father: the treasures that he desired were given, and lo! ... I am sending back my message: there shall be nothing done to cause the heart to turn away ... all the messages ... Teie has been a witness, and Teie your mother ... plenty. Lo! I asked your father, and did not your father grant me? and ... let this gold be given, and let not my brother's heart ... let him not turn from my ... when the (loan?) ... was not made, and what had ...

“... Let Gilia know this day what my brother's heart desires. I have made Gilia travel ... thus I have made my brother's envoys to obey him, travelling with speed. If ever, my brother, my envoys ... if ever I send my envoys ... (the fault is not mine?) ... I have sent Mani and Gilia to my brother as before. If at all by my brother my envoys to him, and if by us they shall be received, I also shall so hasten him ... Lo! as regards messages from my brother, which he makes about anything as to my brother's intentions ... thence; and on the throne of his father he sits this day; and let me do my brother's will.

[pg 291]

“I say thus, my brother, have not I sent my envoys, and much in their keeping which is for thee; and my brother let ... which is for thee. Mazipalali395 my envoy is the paternal uncle of Gilia and for ... my brother I have sent him, and my brother am not I (the surer?) as Gilia is not ... And the other envoy whom I shall send to my brother is the brother of Gilia the son of his mother396 ... I sent him. So my brother have not I despatched him speedily without stopping, and, my brother, as to my wishes that I wish (it is not my fault?) and because of these things did not I send Gilia ... for security, and for all this am not I the surer.

“Mazipalali whom I shall send to my brother is the uncle of Gilia; and the treasures (allowed to be despatched?) ... and plenty of untold gold of the (loan?) which I desire from my brother let my brother give ... and let him not refuse; and with my brother gold in addition ... ten times more may it increase to me exceedingly ... let these things be ordered; and Mani (with) my envoy my brother ... let be given of my brother; and let him send Gilia to me; and ... and all the news about my brother's mother that they shall speak, and (especially?) let me (hear?) ... that they did. And lo! as before I sent not to thee my brother, so let him ... me. Let not my brother ... and to my brother's pleasure ... and I meditate a message of consolation for my brother.

“Let both Artessupa397 and ... thus relate in my brother's land this thing. I have been sent (under escort?) ... Mani (brought?) before me all my wicked slaves, who have dwelt in Egypt, and I examined them398 as to ... and they said ... and I said before them ‘Why is your insolence so great?’ ... So they put them in chains, and ... one of my ... one from my city who has angered the land ... and another ... did not I slay because of these things? My brother, did not he say ... was not I wroth? Behold my brother they were [pg 292] wicked ... and ... my brother it was necessary and now let me (afflict them?).

“As to a present for my brother. My brother's presents (are)—a (weight?) of solid gold from the land Ris Burkhis, a weapon with a stone head399 ... of precious stone ... (an ornament?) for the hands of precious stones, one part of gold: three cloths: three ... three ... (with fastenings?) of gold, ... of refined bronze (or copper) ... two ...

“As a present for Teie your mother an (ornament?) for the hands of precious stones ... earrings ... two cloths.

“As a present for (Tadukhipa) my (daughter) an ornament for the hands ... earrings ... two cloths.”

23 B.—The salutation is the same as in the last, being addressed to Amenophis IV, to Teie and to Tadukhipa.

“Mani my brother's envoy (has come) to (me). I have heard. I liked much the gifts that my brother ... I saw, and I rejoiced very much. My brother utters this message and (says) ‘As with my father Amenophis III you were friends, now behold this day be friends with me thy brother. You will continue to be kind,’ and I have not delayed ... with my brother. Lo! ten times more than to your father I will be a friend.

“And your father Amenophis III spoke this message in his letter (by your ...) Mani, ‘Continue thou the friendship,’400 and when my brother Amenophis III said this, lo! what I had sent was nothing at all, and my brother shall not consider it anything. And I do not send this present, which behold I have sent to thee, as desiring to cause you to send; but (humbly?) whatever my brother desires to be given to his wife, they shall be made to take away. They shall see her,401 and I will send ten times as much.

“And the treasures of gold (allowed to be despatched?) one treasure for me, and another treasure as the treasure of Tadukhipa my daughter, lo! I asked of Amenophis III your [pg 293] father. And your father said ‘Send for the gold that (remains to be remitted?) let the (rest) be given, and the precious stones that are to be given thee, and the gold, because we have increased the gift, which is marvellous with treasure to be given to you.’ And the gold of the treasures all my envoys who were in the land of Egypt beheld with their eyes; and your father lavishly increased the treasures in presence of my envoys. He welcomed them on their way; he maintained them! and lavishly expended the ... on my envoys. They gazed, and so truly they beheld with their eyes his favor poured out.

“And more gold beside, which was marvellous, which he sent to me, he piled up; and he said to my envoys ‘Behold the treasures, and behold the gold in plenty, and the possessions which are marvellous,402 which I shall send to my brother: behold them also with your eyes.’ And my envoys beheld with their eyes.

“But now, my brother, the treasures remitted, which your father sent, you shall not send, but the woods (or trees) have been received.403 You are sending the possessions that your father sent to me. You shall not send them, but shall store them up very much.

“And thinking of all that one has known, how I rejoiced because of my brother, none ever brought salutation from him at any time, my brother, but the same day return was made to him.

“And Khamassi my brother's envoy he sent (humbly?) to my presence, and (humbly?) he spoke my brother's message: I heard and then I said ‘As I was friends with Amenophis III thy father, lo! now ten times more with Amenophis IV (Nabkhuriya) shall I be great friends.’ So then I said to Khamassi your envoy.

“And lo! my brother: the treasures of gold to be remitted you shall not send; and there (shall be) respite of gifts which your father spoke of sending. It is desired that my brother shall not send them.

“Lo! my brother, the treasures of gold which I asked of your father I may say that half of them will be carried off (or stolen) ... The lands are at strife404 ...”

[pg 294]

The rest of this letter, including all the back, is too much broken to be read. It appears to go on to speak of “destruction” and to refer to a state of disturbance. It mentions the envoy Khamassi, and says, “Of what he has brought the fourth part has been robbed.” On the back Gilia is mentioned with gold, and relations between the writer and Amenophis III. He refers again to the message from Amenophis IV and to Teie his mother; and invokes Rimmon and Amanu. The words “unless they are conquered” seem also to occur. This letter contained altogether 113 lines of writing.

26 B.—A list of presents. On the back, at the bottom of the left hand column, is the statement, “These are the things carried by the female slaves, all those things which Dusratta King of Mitani gave to Amenophis III his brother, his kinsman, when he sent his daughter Tadukhipa to the land of Egypt, to Amenophis III for marriage, he gave all these that day.”

The list is a very long and difficult one. It begins with two horses, and a chariot plated with gold and silver, and adorned with precious stones. The harness of the horses was adorned in like manner. Two camel litters appear to be next noticed, and apparently variegated garments worked with gold, and embroidered zones and shawls. These are followed by lists of precious stones, and a horse's saddle adorned with gold eagles.405 A necklace of solid gold and gems, a bracelet of iron gilt,406 an anklet of solid gold, and other gold objects follow; and apparently cloths, and silver objects, and vases of copper or bronze. An object of jade or jasper (Yaspu), and leaves of gold, are noticed (both jade and leaves of gold have actually been found in the oldest ruins at Troy), the former being perhaps noticed as coming from Elam, by trade with central Asia, where jade was found. Five gems of “stone of the great light” (perhaps diamonds) follow, with ornaments for the head and feet, and a number of bronze objects, and harness for chariots. Boxes of strong wood to contain treasures follow next, and apparently a collar with disks and carved lions, objects of silver and gold and strong wood, bronze ornaments [pg 295] for horses. The last noticed objects may be written tablets, including some on the ritual of the gods.

25 B.—A list similar to the last, perhaps part of the same inventory, as it includes women's ornaments. The tablet is much injured. The objects noticed include an earring with gems, and others of gold, with a large number of precious stones, a necklace with 122 gems set in gold, including “green stones”; bracelets and anklets of solid gold with jewels: an umbrella adorned with gold: boxes to hold treasures, and numerous objects of silver: horns of the wild bull, and wooden objects adorned with gold: cups of gold adorned with gems: other bracelets and anklets of gold with pendants and stars of jewels: a pair of gold earrings with pendants and stars of precious stones: silver anklets for women, and earrings with gold pendants. In each case the weight of gold and the numbers of the gems are stated.

These inventories of Tadukhipa's marriage outfit show how far advanced was the civilization of western Asia in the fourteenth century b.c., and indicate not only the native wealth of gold, silver, copper, and bronze, from Asia Minor and the Caucasus, but also a trade which brought jade from central Asia. The art of the age is similar to that of the objects found at Troy and MycenÆ, and represented on the Egyptian bas-reliefs, which give pictures of the tribute from Phoenicia. From other tablets in the collection we obtain similar information, including the use of ivory, as also from the records of tribute to Thothmes III in 1600 b.c.

11 B. M.—“To ... Princess of the Land of Egypt407 thus Dusratta King of Mitani. I am at peace: Peace be to thee.... Peace be to thy son; peace be to Tadukhipa thy daughter-in-law. To thy land and to all that is thine be much, much peace.

“Thou hast known of me how I loved Amenophis III thy husband, and Amenophis III because he was thy husband how he loved me. As for Amenophis III thy husband he heard what I said; and Amenophis III because he was thy husband, sent messages to me; and what he said to thee my ... both Mani has known, and thou ... hast known all of [pg 296] these things—the messages we zealously uttered. There was nothing thus that he has not known of them.

“Now you said to Gilia, ‘Say to your Lord, Amenophis III was friends with your father, and why should his favor be less than to your father? Nay, indeed, what he shall send to our place shall not ... will not you hasten to ... your friendship with Amenophis III ... making it greater; and assure him ... that you will gladly send ...’

“... to your husband friendship ... so now ... your son, ten times more ... and the messages....

“... why from ... our good faith, and ... is given to me ... thus I ... Amenophis IV (Nabkhuriya) ... and now behold ... to give is not....

“... when by your desire I ... and to the presence of Amenophis IV ... and you wished thus ... do not desire, and ... the treasures of gold to be remitted, let Amenophis IV receive. (There is nothing, indeed, he may not desire?) that is not ... ten times more than his father let him increase in friendship toward me, and in power.”

“... you yourself, your envoys, with the envoys of Amenophis IV, with ... let them be sent to Yuni my wife,408 for what is wished; and the envoys of Yuni my wife let them be sent to (thee) as to what is wished.

“Now as to thy present ... a goodly stone, also (a coronet?) and a ... of stones.”

It seems clear from this letter, and from 24 B., that Teie (or Thi) the Queen of Egypt, was related to Dusratta, but it is not clear that she was his sister. Gilukhipa, the sister whom he names, is known from Egyptian sources to have been the daughter of Suttarna, Dusratta's father, and she came to Egypt with 317 ladies in her train.

It is also to be remarked that Dusratta invokes the Egyptian god Amen both when writing to Amenophis III and also when writing to Amenophis IV, so that there does not appear to have been any change of religion in Egypt during the reign of the [pg 297] latter—at least, at the time when he wrote.

Amenophis III also married at least one Babylonian princess, as will appear in the letters that follow.

Rimmon Nirari's Letter

30 B.—“To the Sun God the King my Lord the King of Egypt, thus Rimmon-Nirari409 thy servant. I bow at my Lord's feet. Lo! Manakhbiya (Thothmes IV) made my father King ... to rule in the Land of Markhasse (or Nukhasse), and established men to dwell with him; and as the King of ... was disputing for the kingdom, which has been made ... which he established for him ... he gave him...”

About twenty lines of the letter are here destroyed; the broken lines below continue thus:

“And lo! my Lord ... and the King of the land of the Hittites why ... my Lord the letters ... and fearing ... and lo! the King of Egypt ... and now my Lord against ... and to the hands ... to our Lord ... thy Lord in the years that may come.... Do not scorn, since the land was faithful in service to the King my Lord. And if God commands my Lord to go forth, let my Lord also send a chief, to be sent up to him with his soldiers and with his chariots.”

[pg 298]

Callimmasin's Letters

1 B.—“To Amenophis III the King of Egypt by letter thus (Cal)limmasin410 the King of Carandunias (Babylonia) thy brother. I am at peace. To thee, to thy house, thy wives, thy land, thy chariots, thy horses, thy ... be much peace.

“Because of the youngest of my daughters, whom you send to wed, Irtabi whom you remember, they took this message. My father formerly sent a message. You collected many soldiers, you approved his message, and you sent making a present to my father.

“Now I send thee this envoy. In the sixth year you seek for this, and in the sixth year you send thirty manahs of gold (instead of?) silver for my present. I return the same gold. Casi your envoy has known its (value?) which he has seen. I send thy envoy well instructed as to our opinion. For I followed ... and the present that he is instructed to ... is thirty manahs of gold, which you ... a gift of alliance.”

The rest is too broken to read. It mentions five women sent, and ten wooden chariots—the latter as presents. The next letter is from Egypt. Either a copy or an original never sent.411

1 B. M.—“To Callimmasin King of Carandunias my brother, by letter thus Amenophis III the great King, the King of Egypt thy brother. There is peace to my region. To thy region be peace: to thy house, to thy wives, to thy sons, to thy Lords, to thy horses, to thy chariots, and in thy hands be much peace. I am at peace. There is much peace to my house, to my wives, to my sons, to my Lords, my horses, my chariots, my army; and in my lands there is much peace.

“Now I heard the message you sent about her to me. Thus it was, ‘Now you ask my daughter as your wife, but my sister whom my father gave thee, being good to you, has any seen her whether she has lived or whether she has died?’ This is the message that you send in your letter. But did you ever send as your envoy, one who has known your sister, and who has spoken with her, and understood her? And let one speak with her. The chiefs you send are useless, your envoy Zakara is one who is a chief(?). There is not one among them related to [pg 299] your father, and ... concerning this my envoy is with thee, and has spoken to her ... her heart ... concerning this, and she has given ... to her mother. And lo! you send this, ‘You spoke to my envoys, and they gathered your wives: a lady appeared before you (saying) thus, Behold your queen who is brought out before you all. But my envoys knew her not (to be) my sister.’ Now satisfy yourself as to what you thus send, ‘My envoys knew her not,’ and you say, ‘Who was it that was recognized by her?’ Why do not you send as your envoy one who shall tell you a true message as to the salutation from your sister, I pray you? And you said that they disputed as to her appearance. But you can see her with the King. And lo! you send thus, ‘Who was the princess—a daughter of one who was a native, or was she one of the land of (my neighbors?), or was she the daughter of the Land of Khani Rabbatu, or the princess of the Land of Ugarit, that my envoys so saw, and who was it that spoke to them to satisfy that nothing wrong was done?’ And does not your message say all this? But if she has died—your sister, and I am concealing, as you pretend, her ... in former times, which we ... the God Amanu ... (I rejoice that the wife I love?) ... she has been made queen ... I deny that ... beyond all the wives ... that the Kings of Egypt ... in the land of Egypt. And lo! you send thus ‘Both my daughters ... as wives of the Kings of the land of Carandunias.’ But if the ... of my envoys is friendly, and they have said ‘With these things our Lord has sent us, as a present, to satisfy thee concerning thy message: the princess salutes the Kings, and all her friends your daughters.’ Take thou possession from him of whatever is with them, and send me a letter, and arrange with thy sister who is with me, and make sure of everything; and I have sent to thee an overseer, so to make known to your daughters, in order to perceive the evil that they teach you. And lo! you send ‘The messages that my father has left, do not these messages of his say concerning this, that he established alliance between us?’ This is the message you send. Now you and I have fulfilled the alliance, and the portion is before your envoys as they will say in your presence. Is not all to be given by us to her who (is) to come to the land of Egypt (whom) they shall bring before [pg 300] me? And (choose?) one of them. (Now) I have sent silver, gold, unguents, cloths, all whatsoever the land can give, and the overseer will say what is the value of that which he has brought—every gift to be weighed to you, that my envoy is to give. And we have been shamed by the evils that they speak. They have refuted the abominations—the evil things that they told you of us. And I was grieved when they ... us all these things. For is it not of their deceit that they told you thus? And I appointed them not to ... them about this. And lo! you send thus, you say thus to my envoys, ‘There are no soldiers of my Lord, and is not (a young girl?) to be given them?’ This is thy message: ‘Thy envoys said for thee that none are going forth. It might be done safely if there were soldiers, if there be none it is impossible to arrange for us what I am asked by him. If there are soldiers I grant it you, if there are horses I grant you this.’ This reason your envoy made use of with us, who put me to shame—the evil man whom you sent. I pray thee if they feared to be slain, and lamented evils when she went out, lo! all was in your hands. Thus let my chariots be granted from among the chariots of the ruling chiefs: do not you regard them as a possession? You can send them wherever you please. Are not they all a possession? Are not there, I pray you also, chariots, are not there I pray you horses with me? Demand all my horses: the chariots behold you shall send to meet you at the stations. As for me you shall send me the girl, and send out one to lead (her) to me.”

3 B. M.—This is broken at the top, but supposed to be from Callimmasin.

“... my envoys ... the many ... that they send to me I ... Thou my brother without ... for thy daughter to wed, as I send ... (you say) thus, ‘From of old a daughter of the King of Egypt was not given for anything.’ Why so? Thou art a King, and doest thy will. As they spake this message to me I then sent thus, ‘Many of (your) daughters are grown up. So send one who is grown up as (I ask for) her.’ Who says thus, ‘There is no daughter of the King to give.’ Thou hast sent without enquiring as to this. Thou dost not rebuke alliance and good-will, as you send approaching me eagerly as to a taking to wife. And I sent to you because of these things, in brotherhood and good-will, because [pg 301] eagerly approaching me as to taking a wife. My brother, why not send a woman? Why am I repulsed? I myself have sent like thee, I have intrusted a woman. As there were daughters I did not refuse thee. Why associate by taking a wife as ... I have sent to thee to know this ... all your ... so ... they said your ... Lo! my daughter whom I have sent412 ... you do not take unwillingly, consenting to whatever you desire ... and as for the gold that I send you, your envoy has agreed with me as to the amount of the gold I.... Behold speedily, within this year, whether in the month of June (Duzu) or in the month of July (Ab),413 this message being taken away, let her whom I have taken be.... If within this year, in June or in July, I send you the gold, you shall send ... the daughter whom I am given by you, and you in return shall send the gold for your ... But if in June or in July the gold is not sent, do not cause her whom I have taken to be sent away. And in return for what will you send to be carried away her whom I have taken. Why, indeed, is it necessary to trouble about gold? Truly sending 3,000 (pounds?) of gold have not I completed the exchange for you, and have not I given my daughter to take to wife?”

Assurubalid's Letter

9 B.—“To Amenophis IV (the great King?) the King of Egypt my brother, thus Assurubalid,414 King of Assyria the great King thy brother. Peace be to thee, to thy house, and to thy land. I was very glad when I saw your envoys. Let me send your envoys again with my message. I have sent as a present for you a chariot (of the royal forces?) of my ... and two horses swift and sure. A chariot (without harness?) and a precious stone.

“The sending of gold from your land that has formerly come across to the great King has ceased.415 Why should he be repulsed [pg 302] from your sight? They have taken as much gold as there was; as much as I have received, which also I have needed, is caused to be sent.

“In the time of Assurnadinakhi416 my ancestor they sent to the land of Egypt twenty (pounds?) of gold.

“In the time that the King of Khani-Rabbatu sent to your father, to the land of Egypt, they sent him twenty (pounds) of gold.

“... To the King of Khani-Rabbatu and to me ... you have sent gold. I sent ... and you ... from the hands of my envoys....

“If fortunately your face is favorable send gold, and let him who executes the message take what is needed. In return let our envoys be sent to thee from us. Your envoys who have tarried with me needing men to guide them it is granted, in order that I may send this. They took from me men to guide them as they went down. Do not disgrace my envoys, and do not delay them for me. Why should we not in future send out envoys? In future they will carry news, in future they will be sent out to the King to carry the news. And in future let it be declared ‘Whosoever of us is treacherous let him be destroyed for the King.’ I have received (envoys) thirteen times, why should not other envoys beside from the King in future again...”

Letters from Burnaburias

2 B. M.—“To Amenophis IV (Nibkhuarririya) King of Egypt, by letter thus Burnaburias King of Caradunias417 thy brother. I am at peace. May there be much peace to thee, to thy house, thy wives, thy sons, thy land, thy Lords, thy horses, thy chariots.

[pg 303]

“Since my fathers and thy fathers spoke good things zealously, sending eagerly to make presents, and making friends—and did not they speak eagerly—lo! now my brother has sent two manahs of gold as a present to me. Lo! there is much gold beside, which your father sent, and as this has increased beyond what your father gave, why should you send two manahs of gold? Lo! I have received much, even very much gold, which remains in the temple. Enough gold has been sent. Why should you send two manahs of gold? But as for thee, whatever is needed in thy land send for it, let it be taken of me for thee.

“In the time of Curigalzu418 my father, all the Canaanites sent to him (saying) thus, ‘What sayest thou as to the setting up of the land. It is weak. What sayest thou?’

“My father clave to thy (father). He sent to them thus, ‘It has been sent to me as to your discontent. If you are foes with the King of Egypt my brother, you must cleave to some other. Shall not I go out against you for this? Shall not I destroy you, as if you were discontented with me?’ My father heard them not because of your father. Now behold Assyria has arrayed against me. Did not I send to you, as to their thoughts about your land? Why do they send against me? If you have pity on me it will never be done. They will fail to win these things. I have sent to thee, as a present for thee, three manahs of precious stones, fifteen pairs of horses for five wooden chariots.”

3 B. M.—The salutation is the same as in the preceding.

“Since the time of Caraindas, since your father's envoys to my father came to me, until now there has been good-will. Now I and thou are well with each other. Your envoys have come thrice to me, making also presents, whatever was sent. And I have sent to thee whatever present has been made. As for me, is it not all an honor, and as for thee have not I honored thee in all? Your envoy whom you send, has not he paid the twenty manahs of gold that he has brought? And as for the gifts that remainder, is not the amount five manahs of gold.”

Five lines of the letter are here destroyed. On the back of the tablet it continues:

[pg 304]

“... the forces of the land (of Egypt?) ... these let him gather within the year, which thy envoy says he has sent, and he shall cause the women of the princess to be guided to you, any time that you order. Let me ask for her that the speed may be greater; and having been delayed, when he has made speed let your envoy take (them), and he shall do more than they did before. So I have told my envoy Sindisugab to say. So let them both station the chariots speedily. Let them come to me, and let them make proper arrangements; so let my envoy and your envoy come to me, speedily conveyed.

“As a present for thee I have sent thee two manahs of precious stones; and (to enrich?) your daughter my son's wife419 he gave a ... and (an amulet to cause safety?); and I have sent thee as a present precious stones to the number of one thousand forty and eight; and I sent, as your envoy was sent back with Sindisugab.”

4 B. M.—With the same salutation as before, is very much broken. It contains a list of presents sent in connection with the same royal marriage of a daughter of the King of Egypt to the Babylonian prince. The envoy's name was Sutti; the presents included a throne of strong wood, ivory, and gold, and another of wood and gold, with other objects of gold and strong wood.

6 B.—The salutation is the same, but the Kings' names are spelled “Nabkhururia” and “Burnaburias.” This tablet is very much injured. It refers to a daughter and a promise. It continues:

“He takes her people with (him in) seven chariots, with seven chariots which he took from me; all that belongs to her behold ... let me send her people to you. The Kings who ... of the daughter of the great King, in five chariots ... to your father ... three overseers ... us he (sent?)...”

About half the obverse of the letter is then lost, and about a quarter of the upper part of the back. It then continues:

“If (the arrangements) are already complete ... if there are no previous arrangements let ... to send [pg 305] Zalmu for the Royal Princess, for Zalmu420 was your envoy whom I sent out, let him (come) ... let him take back the soldiers whom he has sought of me, and let him (take?) ... of the people of the neighborhood, who being speedily sent he may take back, and let them add as many as ...

“Khai421 your chief, whom you send, is given soldiers and a chariot of our ... and send plenty of soldiers with Khai, for the King's daughter ... and otherwise do not send the King's daughter to travel.... Do not delay; send speedily ... in the course of this year you shall send a chariot and soldiers, so gathering ... let them unite as many as he says (are necessary?).

“Your father sent much gold to Curigalzu ... of Curigalzu, the quantity thereof increased in the palace ... so, because he heard the Kings (or great men) who gave advice, thus the gold ... the Kings, brotherhood, and good-will, peace, and fealty ... the ... increased the silver, increased the gold, increased....

“As thy present I have sent ... of precious stone. To the Lady of thy house twenty (?) of precious stones: so my wife causes me to send, because very greatly ... and as she desires shall it not be done, as I rejoiced being glad ... let them take of me much gold for thyself ... let them take of me according as I ... may it come quickly; and has not my lord ordered thus, that your envoy should bring to his brother much ... so let me send to thee...”

7 B.—The salutation from Burnaburias is the same as in the preceding letters. The letter continues:

“On the day that my brother's envoy arrived, and brought me this message, his envoy (came) wearied to my presence: he had eaten no food, and (had drunk) no strong drink ... the envoy you send told me the news, that he had not brought to me the caravan422 on account of (wicked men?) from whom it was not (safe?). So he has not brought to me the caravan. The explanation of the (head man?) was, because of fear of being destroyed, which my brother has (known of). Thus as [pg 306] I desired explanation, not ... why the (chief?) did not ... his envoy, why he had not sent it, had not ... my brother's envoy he has caused to say this ... ‘Is it not that the region was at strife?’ thus ... your brother heard this. He has sent you salutation. Who is it that has told my brother thus that the land has risen? Your brother sends with speed to salute you, as wishing to hear this. Does not he send his envoy to thee? I have told him then to say to my brother, ‘A great multitude has arisen, and the land is at strife: the thing is true that thy envoy thus said. As thy brother heard not that the expedition has marched on thee, he has asked. Has not he sent to salute thee?’ So as I asked my envoy he said, ‘As the foe has arisen let him be destroyed.’ My brother, have not I ordered this?423 And so they told me all that has happened in my brother's country, and is not all this explanation necessary? And all has thus happened in my land, and as for me is it not all needful? ‘The lawful command that was previously in the hands of our kingdom has been opposed,’ he said. We have speedily sent salutation: an interchange of messages between us has been established ... to your presence ...”

Several lines are here missing at the top of the tablet on the back, and the letter then continues:

“... my salutation ... and your salutation with ... Thou thyself behold hast (sent?) thy envoy, to make known this message. So I made him wait for this. I have sent my messenger with speed, when he has rested sixty-one days, and as he said to me this ‘I saw the foes (but not) at all was I afraid.’ And to-day he is ... I have sent to thee making many presents. I have sent to my brother's hands, as a present for thee, (eighty?) precious stones; and I have sent to my brother five yoke of horses, which are brought this day by my envoy. I desired to send, making many presents to be sent to my brother. And whatever notification (is) needful let this notification be sent, let them take it for me from their home. I have claimed delay that they may send presenting much gold. I send notice to my brother: truly on account of my delay he has remained. The gold I notify I have sent. I return explanation [pg 307] to your presence. Have not I despatched everything to my brother? Let him behold the notice: let him sign for whatever is sent ... I was anxious lest when I sent a notice my brother did not see (it) ... thus I have returned that which my brother signed, I have sent (it) for the gold that they brought me. As for the gifts I so despatch thou shalt thus (reply?); does not ...

“Zalmu my envoy whom I send to you is responsible to us if ... have plundered. I have made Biriyamaza responsible for ... (If) again they have plundered, I have made Pamakhu responsible in part for ... to your land complete.

“... they have sworn ... let my envoy ... to the presence of my brother ... let him be sent back to me ... his message: let him salute ...”

8 B.—The same salutation from Burnaburias to Amenophis IV. The letter continues:

“For this also my brother we speak with good-will eagerly, and we cause this to be said thus with eagerness (or speed) in reply. As for us we have been troubled indeed. Lo! the merchants who have returned with a charge, from the land of Canaan, have spoken in my hearing. They were anxious on account of the charge from my brother's presence, as Sumatta424 the son of Malumme from the city of Khinnatunu,425 in the land of Canaan, and Sutatna son of Sarratu of the city of Acca426 sent their soldiers: they perceived my merchants, and they spoiled our ... I sent to you ... let him tell you.

“The Canaanites in your country, and the Kings ... in your country have violently cut off ... the silver that they carried—a present ... And the men who are my servants ... has smitten them. He destroyed our (wealth?); and as these chiefs he has caused to be slain, it is clear that the man is, indeed, my foe. And, indeed, they are slaying a chief of your envoys: when he was an envoy between us he was slain, and his people have been hostile to you, and the chief my foe, Sumatta, dogging his steps, caused him to be [pg 308] slain; he saw him and slew him. And the other chief Sutatna the Acchoite (though at first they repelled him?) sent his chiefs against him ... he said thus. Behold this ... ask as to this, truly you know ... I have sent thee as a present one manah of precious stones ... my envoy speedily ... truly my brother has known ... do not (blame?) my envoy ... let him be speedily sent...”

These two last letters of Burnaburias are important as showing the disturbances in Syria, also mentioned by Dusratta (23 B.) early in the reign of Amenophis IV.

28 B.—A very broken tablet containing a long list of presents supposed to have been sent by Burnaburias, and consisting mainly of gold and gems.

Letters from Alasiya

7 B. M.—“To the King of Egypt my brother by letter, thus the King of the Land of Alasyia427 thy brother. I am at peace. Peace be to my brother. May there be much peace to his house, to his wives, to his son, to his horses, his chariots, and in his land. My brother's present (is) fifty (pounds of bronze?) five yoke of horses. I have sent my brother's present (and) my brother's envoy with speed, and let my brother despatch my messenger again with speed, and let me ask a gift which ... and.... In his letter it is directed what to send. He has sent silver. Let him send, not refusing the explanation of my envoy ... Cuniea, Ebiluna, Sirumma, Usbarra, Belraam,428 the explanation which ... these things which are with ... my...”

12 B.—The salutation is the same, mentioning only one son of the King of Egypt.

“My brother has speedily sent my envoys (under escort?), and I heard your salutation. The chief (and) my merchants my brother has despatched speedily (under escort?): has not your chief approached with my merchants and my fleet (or ship)?”

[pg 309]

15 B.—A much broken letter from the same, referring to the sending of copper. The last words appear to be “let him come returning year by year.”

11 B.—The salutation is the same, including “thy house, thy concubines,429 thy sons,” etc. This is a very difficult letter, but appears to read: “Why, my brother, do you utter this message to me? My brother has known nothing at all that I have not done. As for me, behold the Chiefs of the land of the Lucci430 whom you confounded in my land, I (was) glad should be conquered.”

“My brother you say to me, ‘Lo the Chiefs of thy land are with them,’ but I (say) my brother has not known this that they are with them; (or) if they are Chiefs of my land. But send thou to me and do as I wish.

“Do not you know the Chiefs of my land? Do not make this message (even) if they are Chiefs of my land. But do as you wish.

“Lo! my brother, as you do not send my envoy, this letter will speak for me as a brother of the King. It is brought by your envoy.

“Moreover, I have perceived neither hinderance nor evil in what was done, and lo! my brother, are not you at rest in your heart?”

5 B. M.—The salutation is in the fullest form—nine lines. The letter is almost perfect, and continues:

“Lo I have sent to thy presence five hundred pieces of copper (or bronze) as a present for my brother; as brother, little copper is found (is it not so) in your midst. When the power of An-Amar-ut431 my Lord smote the whole of the men of my land, and none made bronze, also my brother it has not been found in thy midst.

“Your envoy with my envoy I hope to despatch, and whatever my brother requires of copper I also have sent thee. A Brother thou art to me. Much gold and silver he has sent to [pg 310] me. My brother, God (Elohim) gives me also gold. And to my brother's presence I have sent thee whatever my brother desires. Moreover, my brother, do not you desire my envoy? And my brother has given me also men of his bosom. My brother has sent me two (precious vases?) and has despatched to me one of the Chiefs of illustrious birth.432

“Moreover, my brother, the Chiefs of my land say to me, that they have walked for me according to the letters of the King of Egypt; and, my brother, the decrees also, and the ...

“Moreover, as a Chief of the land of Alasiya has died in the land of Egypt, and his possessions are in your land, and his son and his wife are with me; and, my brother, the possessions of the Chiefs of Alasiya are ... Give them also, my brother, into the hands of my envoy. My brother, has not he abode in your midst, as your envoy abode three years in my land, because the power of An-Amar-ut is in my land; and with my family (and) my wife, is the son of him who has died even now, my brother. I hope to despatch (under escort?) your envoy with my envoy; and I have sent a present to thee, my brother. Moreover, my brother has sent the gold that I desired of thee—much gold, my brother. And let my brother send the possessions that I ask of thee. And, whatever were the messages, my brother has done all, and as for thee whatever messages you utter to me, I also have done. With the King of the Hittites, and with the King of Shinar, with these I am not familiar. Whatever gifts they have sent to me, and I have rendered twice the amount to thee. Thy envoy has been sent to me to serve, and my envoy has been sent to thee to serve.”

6 B. M.—“Thus the King of Alasiya to the King of Egypt my brother. Let him learn: behold I have been at peace, and my land is mighty; and because of your salutation peace be to you, peace be to your house, your sons, your wives, your horses, your chariots, your land. May there be much peace forever, my brother.

“Lo! you shall send to me. Why do not you send your envoy to my city again; and I heard not. Lo! how much you [pg 311] afflict me, and I am not made acquainted with all in your midst, and I wonder at this. And now I have despatched my envoy to your city, and I have also despatched to you, by the hands of my envoy for you, one hundred (pounds?) of bronze again. And your envoy carries now gifts—a couch of strong wood, enriched with gold, and chariots enriched with gold, and two horses, and forty-two (vases?), and fifty gold (vases?), and two cups, and fourteen pieces of strong wood, and seventeen large vessels of good make ... from the (?); four (vases?), and four gold (vases?) ... the gifts of which none ...”

The next thirteen lines are almost entirely destroyed. The letter continues on the back of the tablet:

“... Alasiya my merchants with thy merchants, and ... with them; and truly there is good faith ... and my envoy will go to your city, and your envoy shall go to my city. Moreover, why will you not despatch for me (unguents and vases?) I (say), and I will order what you wish, and that which is useful (serving well?) in fulfilment of the decree, I order to be given thee. Behold you sit on the throne of your Kingdom.”

13 B.—A short fragment, too broken to read, includes the names of the countries of Egypt and of Alasiya, with salutations. It includes a reference to merchants, and apparently to presents, nine lines in all.

14 B.—The writing and the clay appear to show that this also came from Alasiya. It included twenty-two lines, but is much broken. The following may be read:

“Lo! as a present to thee I have sent five pieces of copper, three (pounds) of good copper, one (?), one (weapon?)—a shipload. Also, my brother, these men of this royal ship ... and as for thee, the ship ... speedily ... is sent. Thou art my brother. You desire a salutation, and I have given it to thee. This man, the servant of the King my Lord, does not he approach before them? and thou, my brother, send him speedily (under escort?).”

16 B.—The ordinary salutation is much broken, but the writing, and the clay of the tablet, seem to show that the letter came from Alasiya. The second paragraph mentions [pg 312] countries called Umdhi ... and Tim ... possibly Hamath and Damascus. The third paragraph continues:

“And now behold why do you ... your fortress more than my fortress; and who is it that has vexed us? It is the abode of a hundred sons of violence. So now ... my brother, because of this, the city Khumme has meditated evil, and if ... why not gather, and ... to preserve, since it is necessary that they should be protected from what ...”

The remainder, including a note for the King's scribe, is too broken to read.

17 B.—A mere fragment, apparently from Alasiya, contains a list of presents, including five wooden thrones (or chairs), objects of silver, a wooden footstool, and a weight of one manah of some other substance.

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