Humor
Talking Back to the Boss
“These three men are all drunkards! When they are intoxicated, nobody can make them turn their iron daggers away from an adversary.” […]
7th Century BC
Humor
Destroyed with a Tablet
Why do you not write me any letters, why do you not send me any oral message? Isn’t it in reality because people might say: “Perhaps that one [i.e. the writer of this letter] is higher in rank than she.” […]
Humor
A King and his Chum
“In reply to Your Majesty’s writing to me concerning the white ceremonial robes: “How many days should I keep on wearing them?” the king should wear them on the 20th and the 21st; two days are more than enough. On the 22nd he can dress normally.” […]
Orient
A Gods Daily Routine
“On the eleventh Nabu comes out to have some exercise; he goes to the park, and kills there wild bulls. He then returns and tales his (usual) place. He then blesses the king.” […]
Human Affairs
The Mask of Civility Slips
“And then the king must not consider it a crime of mine when I will not eat with them, nor drink water with them, nor even rise before your Messenger, not inquire of him about Your Majesty’s health, when they come here.” […]