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Select Papyri, 1.112


FROM A RECRUIT AT MISENUM

Greek text:   BGU 423
Date:   2nd cent. A.D.

The translation of the second letter, which was not included in the Loeb edition, is adapted from John S. Kloppenborg.   This letter, which was presumably sent some years after the first letter, is addressed to Sabina (Sabinē in Greek), who is called the 'sister' of Antonius Maximus. It would be kinder to think that here this title really does mean 'sister', rather than - as so often in Egyptian letters - 'wife'.


[A]   Apion to Epimachus, his father and lord, very many greetings. Before all else I pray for your health and that you may always be well and prosperous, together with my sister and her daughter and my brother. 1 thank the lord Serapis that when I was in danger at sea he straightway saved me. On arriving at Misenum I received from Caesar three gold pieces for travelling expenses. And it is well with me. Now I ask you, my lord and father, write me a letter, telling me first of your welfare, secondly of my brother's and sister's, and enabling me thirdly to make obeisance before your handwriting, because you educated me well and I hope thereby to have quick advancement, if the gods so will. Give many salutations to Capiton and my brother and sister and Serenilla and my friends. I have sent you by Euctemon a portrait of myself. My name is Antonius Maximus, my company the Athenonica. I pray for your health.

{Postscript}   Serenus son of Agathodaemon salutes you, and . . ., and Turbo son of Gallonius, and . .

{Addressed}   To Philadelphia, to Epimachus from Apion his son.

{Additional address}   Deliver at the camp of the first cohort of the Apameni to Julianus, vice-secretary, this letter from Apion to be forwarded to his father Epimachus.

[B]   Antonius Maximus to his sister, Sabina, many greetings. Before all else I pray that you are healthy, for I myself am healthy. Making mention of you before the gods here, I received a little letter from Antoninus our fellow citizen. And when I learned that you were well I rejoiced much. And I do not hesitate to write to you about my welfare and that of my family at every opportunity. Greet Maximus and Kopres, my lord. My spouse Aufidia greets you and so does Maximus my son, whose birthday is the thirtieth of Epeiph, according to Greek reckoning, as well as Elpis and Fortuna. Greet my lord [. . .] I pray that you may be well.

{Addressed}   To his sister, Sabina, from her brother Antonius Maximus.

papyrus 112A


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