P.QI.4.93

Translation quoted from G. Ruffini, The Bishop, The Eparch and The King: Old Nubian Texts from Qasr Ibrim IV (P.QI 4) [= JJP Supplements], Warsaw 2014 with permission from the editors of the JJP.

Tilinngoko, Eparch of Nobadia, to Meskekoussan.

I pay homage to your holy reverence blessed by God (?). May God increase your years. Do I call to God for you, at dawn and dusk? Do I not always say so? I do not know what Eilon-Sali says to the (town’s?) inhabitants for me, but you hear it. May God increase your years. Sali finishes leading your people for me. Ruling for him, rule for me. The Great Ngeshsh ended the camel’s journey. And when he caused him to send it (?), I, proclaiming, coming and ending the winter (?)..., sending it, I took it. What did I say to you to do to the shareholders who are not in a hurry (?)? Behold, they being eparch of Nobadia and eikshil and king, we looked toward them. Taeinen, being tot of the house, continued to do so. For what did he say to do? He takes you and your people. Those who are near eagerly contrive that I should not continue to do this. May the slave finish leading your people for me. I was in the land, having the curses (?) of the disparagers (?). If God always keeps him safe, he will disparage us. When we remained, we were alive through you, God always loving us (?). Do I always say so? I do not know what Eilon-Sali says to the (town’s?) inhabitants for me, but you hear it. And writing this letter to you, he is not asti. It is not an empty letter I write to Tilingoko (but it comes with) 1 gide. And you, give your people to yourself and the eparch. May God bless you.