It is Khafset who addresses our lady of law and tradition, the servant of the grand vizier.

Look, you are well aware that Thoth blessed my brother with the art of words and writing, and you know him to be a virtuous man. Even Ahmose, your dog, admits that Setu is a good man. Now, my brother told me he has a dream and I asked, “What is this dream of yours, brother?” so he said, “Oh, Khafset, what wouldn’t I give to serve as a scribe in the temple of Set.”

Now, you understand that to fulfill this ambition, he must train as a clerk within the temple. Thanks to the gold you've given me in exchange for little Hote's medicine, I have the means to pay for his education. But, I require someone of influence to convince High Priest Sethos—may his belly grow as ours shrink—to accept my brother as a clerk.

Look, I told my brother, “Setu, I will turn your dream into reality.” His heart sang with joy, for he knows well that Khafset of Avaris is a man of his word. But, I wonder who I should ask for help. Maybe I should ask someone who also needs my help. Maybe someone whose brother needs my help. Do you know someone who needs my help and whose sweet, innocent little brother will die without my aid?

A further matter: Do not punish any poor soul for the theft of dates from the palm tree near your house. It was I who took the dates.

The warden of Avaris and scribe of the city prefect and grand vizier, Nefiri Minu, communicates to her servant, Khafset, the lowlife of Avaris.

What is the meaning of this? Why did you steal the dates? My brother wanted to eat them. Now, I have to buy dates for him. Do you know how expensive they are? Keep your criminal ways contained to your town, Hyksos.

A further matter concerning Setu. I can’t help you. If I could do something regarding that matter, I would have—not because you asked. Do not entertain that idea. Know your place. Look, I know Setu would be a better scribe than a port worker. Maybe I can do something. Let me see. If I succeed, bring dates for Hote next we meet.

It is the warden of Avaris who addresses her lord, fan-bearer on the king’s right, the royal scribe, the city prefect, and grand vizier, Paser. It is the apprentice who addresses her wise master: In life, prosperity, and health. I call upon Ra, King of the Gods; Ptah, South-of-his-Wall; Thoth, lord of sacred writings; and all the gods and goddesses of the Ennead who are in Karnak to give you favor and to keep you healthy and prosperous.

This is a missive to inform my lord that I have been made aware of a port worker in Avaris who goes by the name Setu. Unlike his untouchable peers, Setu’s work does not leave room for mistakes. When I asked Commander Ahmose about him, he said, “Behold our lady of law and tradition who has been taught skillfully by her lord. Look at my lady who is effective in the way she practices her master’s teachings.” Then he said, “Setu is a filthy untouchable like the animals of Avaris, but he has never told a lie.”

I have also been made aware, through the means of receiving port letters from him, that he is skilled with his words and is aware of the proper manner by which he should make communication with his lords and ladies.

Look, I have met with that Setu, who is an orphan who taught himself the ways of the scribes to the best of his abilities. I kept in mind scribe Nehesy’s words when he told me, “Setu, Lady Nefiri, has been blessed by Thoth in the art of words.”

Now, Setu has told me that he has the means to pay for education at Set’s temple but he lacks a recommendation. So, I, your servant and apprentice, ask you, my lord and master, to consider sending a recommendation to the high priest of Set, Sethos, so that Setu can begin his education for it is better to seek the best of the worst who dwell in Avaris to work at the temple.

If my lord thinks otherwise, then who am I to question the wisdom of my lord?

The clerk Setu communicates to his lady, the warden of Avaris and scribe of the city prefect and grand vizier, Nefiri Minu: In life, prosperity, and health.

This is a missive to inform my lady that the scribe Ramose has dispatched 20 silver bars and 349 bricks of copper to the port to be sent to the Egyptian side of Peramessu.

A further matter: I wish to thank my lady for her help concerning my education. I hope to be to my lady’s satisfaction. I ask upon Ra, the king of gods, to keep you, my lady, and your brother, my lord, healthy and prosperous.

It is Khafset who greets the warden of Avaris and scribe of the city prefect and grand vizier, Nefiri Minu.

You have earned yourself dates and two apples, Egyptian. You have also earned my gratitude.