Theon Θέων
2nd–3rd century · Oxyrhynchus, Roman Egypt · The end of the same letter. In the middle of it he reports: “My mother said to Archelaus, ‘He is upsetting me, take him away!’”
So send for me, I beg you. If you don't send, I won't eat, I won't drink. So there!
λυπὸν πέμψον εἴ[ς] με παρακαλῶ σε. ἂμ μὴ πέμψῃς οὐ μὴ φάγω, οὐ μὴ πείνω· ταῦτα.
Oxyrhynchus Papyri I 119 (P.Oxy. I 119)
In the same thread
Theon Θέων
2nd–3rd century · Oxyrhynchus, Roman Egypt · The boy Theon wrote this when his father left for Alexandria without him. The spelling is full of mistakes and is given as it stands on the papyrus. ⟨ ⟩ marks a word the writer left out, [ ] letters lost to damage and supplied by editors.
A fine thing you did, not taking me with you to the city! If you won't take me with you to Alexandria, I won't write you a letter, I won't speak to you, I won't wish you good health.
καλῶς ἐποίησες οὐκ ἀπενηχες με μετε ἐσοῦ εἰς πόλιν. ἠ οὐ θέλις ἀπενεκκεῖν ⟨με⟩ μετὲ σοῦ εἰς Ἀλεξάνδριαν οὐ μὴ γράψω σε ἐπιστολὴν οὔτε λαλῶ σε οὔτε υἱγενω σε.
Oxyrhynchus Papyri I 119 (P.Oxy. I 119)
Aurelius Dios Αὐρήλιος Δῖος
3rd century · Oxyrhynchus, Roman Egypt · A son away at his studies, to his father Horion. The rest of the letter greets his mother, brothers and sisters one by one by name.
So do not worry, father, about our studies. We are working hard and taking our rest; it will be well with us.
ἀμερίμνη οὖν, πάτερ, χάριν τῶν μαθημάτων ἡμῶν· φιλοπονοῦμεν καὶ ἀναψύχομεν, καλῶς ἡμε[ῖ]ν ἔσται.
Oxyrhynchus Papyri X 1296 (P.Oxy. X 1296)
The mother of Ptolemaios
2nd–3rd century · Oxyrhynchus, Roman Egypt · A mother's letter, written on hearing that her son's teacher had left. The sixth book is taken to be Book 6 of the Iliad. The attendant is the paidagogos, the servant who looked after a boy and took him to his lessons.
I took care to send and ask after your health and to learn what you are reading. He said it was the sixth book, and he had a great deal to say about your attendant.
ἐμέλησε δέ μοι πέμψαι καὶ πυθέσθαι περὶ τῆς ὑγίας σου καὶ ἐπιγνώναι τί ἀναγεινωσκεις. καὶ ἔλεγεν τὸ ζῆτα, ἐμαρτύρει δὲ πολλὰ περὶ τοῦ παιδαγωγοῦ σου.
Oxyrhynchus Papyri VI 930 (P.Oxy. VI 930)
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