Sogdian ancient letter 4 text & image of Sogdian merchant
I couldn't locate an image of the fourth letter so I'm going to insert a Sogdian merchant sculpture instead. The letter is dated similar to the others, about the year 313 CE. The Sogdian merchant sculpture is from the Tang period (618-907 CE).
"Translation of the fourth letter:
Address on Verso: To Master, Lord Nevevyart, [the son of] Yodrazmak, sent by his poor servant.
Text of the Letter:
Recto: (1) To Master, Lord Nevevyart, [the son of] Yodrazmak, a thousand greetings, kneeling obeisance (2), the way the Gods receive it. And, o Master, the g[old], that was delivered from you and from (3) Nanak, [this] gold was sold for 800 [staters of silver]. And I, Vagichan, handed (?) 323[ ] bronze [Chinese coins]. And I received a letter from you (4): “Buy vegetables for me.” And I saw this letter. Write me, which (5) vegetables you ordered me to buy, and I will deliver [them] all, wherever you want me to. And so far (?) it is not possible to get the wine [here], (6) for you to sell [it]. But I will probably be able to send the wine [to you]. It is not possible to get cups here. (7) In Drutan [I] did not die. And, o Master, may you have no hardships. And this scoundrel Evyamanvandak (8), let him remember the copper, (he) needs to be told about it.
(On the right margin of the page:)
(9) This letter was written on the 15th day of the tenth month."
-Sogdian "Ancient Letters" translated by Vladimir A. Livšic
Source:
Quote:
Sogdian "Ancient Letters" translated by Vladimir A. Livšic
Comments
Post a Comment