The Garbage Eater: Poems

Papyric Fragments

52 PapyricFragments A letter from wife to husband. 168 b.c. Isias to her Hephaestion, greeting. If you are well and all [ ] still well, it accords with my prayers to the gods. Your child is healthy, and all the household, and I myself. I read your letter from Horus—you too, detained in the Serapeum at Memphis. But others have come home. Where are you? I am thoroughly displeased, and your poor mother is annoyed too. [ ] sent nothing during such critical days? If nothing pressing keeps you, please return to the city. Do me just one favor by taking good care of your bodily health. Good-bye. Year 2, Epeiph 30. ***** A son’s letter. Second century b.c. Diogenes to Hicetas. Father, do not be upset that I am called a dog [ ]coarse cloak, a staff in my hand. You should rather be glad, your son is satisfied with so little. [ ] take heart, since the dog is protected by the gods themselves, his clothes the gods’ invention. 53 ***** A toll receipt. a.d. 75 Sarapion has paid the one percent tax for toll dues of the Oasis upon one ass-load of barley and one assload of garlic. Let him pass. The 2nd year of Vespasianus, seventh (7th) day of Mecheir. ***** A notice of death. a.d. 151 To Melanus, [ ] my father Psoiphis, son of Paopis and of Asis, of the said village, exempted priest of the said temple, has died in the month of Tubi of this present 14th year of Antoninus Caesar the lord. I [ ] notice that this name may be struck off, and I swear by Fortune that the given record is true. [ ] this 14th year of the Emperor Caesar Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Augustus Pius. ***** A question addressed to an oracle. a.d. 25 O lord Helios, beneficient one, say if it is fitting that Phanias 54 and his wife [ ] not to agree now with his father, but oppose him and will not make a contract. Tell me this truly. Good-bye. ***** A letter from husband to wife. 1 b.c. Hilarion to his beloved Alis very many greetings. We are still in Alexandria and [ ] but do not be anxious. When I receive my pay, I will surely send it up to you. I beg and entreat you, take special care of the little one. If by chance you bear a child, if it is a boy, let it be, if a girl, cast it out. [ ] Aphrodisias said you said, “Do not forget me.” Could I forget you? Then I beg you, do not be anxious. ...