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Egyptian Texts:  6.9


LETTERS TO AND FROM HORHOTEP


Text:   Saq. 1972/3-DP 19 ,   18 ,   23
Date:   325 - 250 B.C. 
Translated by:   H.S.Smith, C.J. Martin & S. Davies
Format:   see key to translations

Because Horhotep was an unusual name in this period, it is likely that these three letters all refer to the same man; but their subject matter seems to be unrelated. The translations are taken from H.S.Smith, C.J. Martin & S. Davies, "The 'Horhotep Letters' from the Sacred Animal Necropolis at North Saqqara" (2014).  



[A]   To Horhotep.   [The] representative of . . . of . . . Pediese son of Pebik. They have come up into the necropolis. [I] caused them [to come] in haste in order to stand before you. He told me everything . . They calmed her. It is a deed of Amun which has happened [in the] place in which you are . . Let me say a good word to a man here in Memphis, because my heart spoke to me, as follows: 'You did not know it'. Let me see the man who has calmed her. Let them do for him that which is in excess of what was done concerning her. He said: 'They took my property again. They did not leave . . .  with her whom they calmed'. If you have not questioned the one who did it, cause them to send word to me concerning the name of the man who did [it] in order that I might cause him to be brought to Memphis and I might cause him to be questioned concerning it.  

In the writing of the servant Khahap son of Anemher in regnal-year 1, first month of Achet, day 5.

[B]   To Horhotep.   The builders . . . them up . . . We asked for something . . . to cause an oath to be taken, as follows: 'The time of . . . for me, you will do it on [account of] the petition of a man against those who [are] evil'. We will give . . .  to cause that they meet with them in [any place] on earth. Don't let them be obstructed.

  In the writing of Djedher son of A[nkhpe]bik in regnal-year 5, fourth month of A[chet, day] .8.

[C]   Horhotep son of Pediese is the one who speaks before his master Pediese: I am making your blessings before Horus-the- , the great god. Djedher arrived here. He brought me the document/letter. I heard everything which you had sent word to me about. You sent word, saying, 'You will not write from the temple'. I am not writing from the temple. It is because of the need to find clothing that I am not writing from the temple. There is no clothing here for me except one piece of . . clothing, which he traded with me in the third month of Achet, day 26. Let me know from you beforehand regarding not finding clothing. I am inside, while he still does not let me write from the inside. His heart does not take notice of me. That which befalls a man happens to be that which is happening to me here. He continuously speaks to me, as follows: 'When day 10 comes, I will trade clothing with you'. Day 10 came, but he does not trade with me. Behold [his] manner with me since the second month of Achet day 21, when I was at the threshing floor. On the fourth month of Peret, day 15, he confronted me when I was going to the threshing floor. Come here to Horoudja. You know about it, namely these acts of theft . . . I went to the threshing floor and I acted in accordance with everything which he ordered to me. It happened that the wheat belonging to me was reduced in quantity. I had acted to stop him, . . .  for he was stealing. I will go and speak with Horoudja . . .  as follows: 'Behold, that which will be . . . that which will happen . . .  says it to me . . . . . . does not usually . . . to . . everything . . . they said: 'If you leave . . ., he will not let it happen . . . today'. If I leave . . . you will find much wheat for me in the . . .   Many are the things which are shameful . . . here, which I sent word to you about . . . quickly. Don't send word to Horoudja . . . about a matter on earth, which is in accordance with the document . . . This is likewise an important matter. You . . . immediately . . . for you will not approach . . .  you will come . . . you will speak with him . . . without their having considered . . . approaching here . . . before them to satisfy their hearts. Cause [them to send word] to me concerning the well-being of the young-one . . . arrived here. Djedher went . . . meet with him in order that I may supplicate for my food for two days . . . the two days, without my having received bread. I will die of hunger. 

Written in regnal-year 7, first month of Shemu, day 4. Horhotep son of Pediese is the one who says: 'I wrote these words.'


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