re no men of the Egyptian soldiers with us. So now it is desired to
see them sent into the city of _Magiid_(_da_) and let the King see
accordingly whether (it is to be) done. Let not _Labaya_ seize the city.
If there is no word the city will open its gates. (For two years?) he
rebels; and will not the King grant this also--chiefs of his guard as
defenders of his chief city. Let not Labaya take her, though those who
have fled from _Labaya_ have failed in this. Moreover those who disgraced
the city _Ma_ ... are slain."

112 B.--"To the King my Lord and my Sun thus _Labaya_ thy servant, and the
dust of thy feet. At the feet of the King my Lord and my Sun seven times
seven times I bow. I have heard the message which the King sent to me; and
who am I? and the King will afflict his country before me. (I swear?) I am
myself a faithful servant, and I have not sinned, and I have not murmured
at my tribute, and I have not murmured at the wishes of my friends (or
subjects). Lo! this province my destroyers eat up, and I have had no food.
The King my Lord (says) it is my fault. Once more he makes it my fault.
Lo! I strive with the city Gezer (_Gazri_)(308) and I complain of the
young men. The King one hears will march. I restrained the band of
_Milcilu_ and my band desirous to fight. The quarrel of _Milcilu_ against
me is relinquished; as to _Ben Zachariah_ the King has sent not to attack.
Lo! _Ben Zachariah_ with men of blood was known to us to march, and I
marched, and we are conquering him. He gives up _Abukasu_. Once more he
has made peace. The King has sent to my band (saying) 'I order peace.' I
am desirous of peace, since the King has sent to me. Stay thy sword,
ponder in thy heart, and is the peace hollow. Nay, the King's messages
have been done."

59 B. M.--"To the King my Lord and my Sun and my God thus _Yasdata_ a
faithful servant to the King, and (he is) dust of the King's feet. At the
feet of the King my Lord and Sun and my God seven times and seven times I
bow. Let the King my Lord know this. Lo! all whatsoever things the King my
Lord judges for his servant ... him ... the chiefs of the city of
_Tabu_(309) have slain a hundred of my oxen, and they have wasted me. And
with _Biridia_ I have caused (men) to go forth. Let the King my Lord know
this as to his servant."

This letter shows that the writer lived near _Biridia_, who was attacked
by _Labaya_, and that the Hebron hills were inhabited by marauders.

72 B. M.--"L