LETTER III.

Eldest son of sovereignty, I came to read your letter (requesting me) to confer an additional honour upon your fourth son,* for whom you seem to have the greatest affection. It is impossible to bestow such a favour upon a younger brother in supersession to an elder one. (Again) it is strange that considering you are indifferent towards your family, you could have such affection for your son. Anyhow (verse) “May you live long because this (i.e. the fact of your favouring and loving your younger son instead of loving your whole family) is sufficient.” In order to please you I will pay attention to this request of yours in another way.