leaving the city of _Jerusalem_. The chiefs of the garrison have
left--without an order--through the wastings of this fellow whom I fear.
These march to _Addasi_.(356) He has remained in his land (or camp) in the
city of _Gaza_ ... (women?) ... to the land of Egypt..."

This letter was written apparently after the defeat of Ajalon, perhaps
from Makkedah, where the kings hid in the cave. It is clear from this
correspondence that when they fled, after sending away their harems, the
intention was to reach Egypt. Gaza is not mentioned as taken by Joshua,
and it was here that they expected to find safety.

SUYARDATA'S LETTERS FROM (_Keilah_?)(357)

69 B. M.--"To the King my Lord my God my Sun by letter thus (says)
_Suyardata_ thy servant, the dust of thy feet. At the feet of the King my
Lord my God my Sun seven times and seven times I bow. The message which is
sent by the King my Lord the Sun from heaven (has come?). His order shall
be done for the King my Lord the Sun from heaven."

67 B. M.--Is a broken letter. It appears to begin as follows: "To the King
my Lord thus (says) this _Suyardata_ thy servant: at the feet of the King
my Lord seven times and seven times this soul and this body bow. An
announcement to the King my Lord that I am causing one to make to bring
all the soldiers of the King my Lord; and now this _Ra_(358) the overseer,
my prince, has caused the countries of the King my Lord to be stripped. I
am sending them to the King; to (inform myself?) of the King, I am sending
to the King my Lord. Let him know this. Who are we ... of the King my Lord
to the hands ... it is ruled. At the feet of the King my Lord seven times
and seven times I bow."

100 B.--"... to the King my Lord ... my Sun ... letter thus (says)
_Suyardata_ thy servant, the dust of thy feet: at the feet of the King my
Lord my God my Sun seven times seven times I bow. O King (the message?) is
despatched by me, as to there having been made a war. With the city of
_Cielti_ (Keilah) I am warring.(359) My chief city has gathered and has
turned to me: against which has sent _Adonizedek_ who is greedy of
silver--against the chiefs of the city of _Keilah_. And they have marched
on me behind (or to the west of) me. And know O King my Lord lo! he is
marching--_Adonizedek_--to remove my city from my hands. Let the King ask if
he is marching--this chief; and if there is one ox or a beast before
him.(360) And _Labaya_ has deserted his faith. The weak (or th