Petition to Prefect

To Marcus Petronius Honoratus, prefect of Egypt. From Ptolemaios, son of Diodoros alias Dioskoros, of the inhabitants of the Arsinoite nome. I have attached below, my Lord, a copy of the petition I submitted to you and of the sacred subscriptio with which you subscribed it. Since Sarapammon, mentioned below, did not come down to your most sacred assize nor show up at the time of the announcement of proceedings concerning the strategos, in order for you to take hold of him I ask, if it please your Benevolence, to give orders to write to the strategos of the Herakleides district to the effect that, whether Sarapammon is to be found here in the (Αrsinoite) nome or in the Herakleopolite, sufficient security be taken from him so that he appears before your most sacred tribunal. Copy of the petition. “To Marcus Petronius Honoratus, prefect of Egypt. From Ptolemaios, son of Diodoros alias Dioskoros, of the inhabitants of the Arsinoite nome. Of all injustices in life, the most shameful is for free men to be subjected to wanton violence. For this reason I seek refuge with you, my Lord, with the intention also of revealing the manner of this violence. A certain Sarapammon from the Herakleopolite nome who is serving as a komostrategos under Theon, the strategos of the two districts, mishandled me in such a way that I was in danger of death. Accordingly, I investigated his background and previous life and discovered that he was formerly a village scribe who happened to be banished by the illustrious Mamertinus amid numerous charges ... ... and yet, although such things are forbidden, entered the public service. Please be aware that he exercises the function of komostrategos — that is, he administers — while allowing villagers of despicable character to beat, smite and flog free men. Since such matters require retribution during your most liberal governorship, I ask, if it may please you, to write to the strategos of the Herakleides district to take sufficient security so that Sarapammon comes to your sacred assize and I may be avenged to the highest degree.” Copy of the subscriptio. “Having delivered summons on Sarapammon, petition me when I hold judicial proceedings regarding the matters concerning/against the strategos. Year 11, 10th of Thoth (September 8, 147).” Farewell. (hand 2) [Year] 11, [month, day] (hand 2) ... you have ... has been indicated in a subscriptio. (hand 3) Deliver the petition.