Letter from Alexandria about returning to the Arsinoite nome despite tax harassment TM 22703Alexandria29. März 84

[recto] [column 1] … [column 2] […] of the poll tax; for at that time I was wronged by the former village scribe. He lied then, but now you (plural) write the truth. And how can I come to the Arsinoite nome, especially when the season of grain collection is at hand, only to have harassment befall me again as soon as I arrive? If I can find cover or come under someone's protection, write this to me, swearing in your letter that 'if you come, no harassment will befall you', and I will most gladly leave everyone so as not to abandon my friendship with you. But if you have not found some way, write to me so that I do not sail up again on such a journey; for, by the gods, I have decided to stay in Alexandria. For I believe that I shall be able to […]; I do not want to, however, except under necessity. Write me a reply about everything at once; for I am not sailing up to the Arsinoite nome unless I receive a letter from you. If you send me letters, send them to the dried-fruit shop of Theon at the bath of Charidemos, and in the workshop he will find Deios son of Syros, and he will deliver them to me, or to Herakleidion son of Abas. I wanted to write to you about other pressing pending matters too, by the gods, but I did not write in the letter, knowing for myself that you have already taken the lead in the matter. I urge you not to mislead me through your letter, and on arriving immediately […] [verso] […] I sail down again, but write me the truth at once. For I know for myself that you care much about me, and you will care for me as for your own child. ⟦…⟧ ⟦I do not wish to go to the Arsinoite nome …⟧ Farewell. Greet little Aphrodous and all those at home. Farewell. Year 3 of Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus Germanicus, Pharmouthi 3.