Page:Egyptian Literature (1901).djvu/241

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THE WAR IN PHŒNICIA
213

up over all his land. No allies marched to Abdasherah. But behold this: Aziru has chosen all the men of blood and has said to them: ‘If the city of Gebal is not . . . he has come . . . then Yankhamu is with thee, and . . . if I am not obedient to his wishes. Thou art deceived; Abdasherah has marched without stopping to . . . but he has watched the city of the King his Lord obediently. So now as to Paia . . . and is it not heard from the messages of Kha . . . their father, as he desires . . . This Khaib gave to the city Simyra. Lo! I lament that the King is not able to do this (for) the Paka (general) when behold it has been asked. And Bikhura has not marched from the city Cumidi (Kamid). I have been friends with all the men of thy Government . . . Lo whereas I was upright to the King and he makes no sign (to me?) Despatch soldiers: thou shalt march with every . . . Five thousand men and 3,000 . . . fifty chariots, 1,000 . . . the bitati soldiers, and cause (them) to take captive . . . the land.’”

13 B. M.—The usual salutation, as given in the first letter. “Does the King know? Behold Aziru has fought my chiefs, and has taken twelve of my chiefs, and has insisted on receiving at our expense fifty talents; and the chiefs whom I despatched to the city Simyra he has caused to be seized in the city. Both the city Beruta (Beirût) and the city Ziduna (Sidon) are sending ships to the city Simyra. All who are in the land of the Amorites have gathered themselves. I am to be attacked; and behold this: Yapaaddu has fought for me with Aziru, but afterward behold he was entangled in the midst of the enemy when my ships were taken. And the King sees as to his city and his servant, and I need men to save the rebellion of this land if you will not come up to save from the hands of my enemies (or destroyers). Send me back a message, and know the deed that they have done. Now as they send to thee concerning the city Simyra he now marches. But (give?) me soldiers for . . . and these shall deliver her . . . they have tried but . . . now.”

61 B.—The usual salutation precedes, here much broken. “Does the King my Lord know? Lo! we know that he has fought mightily. Lo! they tell of us in thy presence what the city Simyra has done to the King. Know O King boldly march