Simale, mother of Herophantos, to Zenon, greeting. 
	Since I heard that my boy had been quite badly treated, I came to you; and when I came, I desired to complain to you about these matters. When Olympichos hindered me from seeing you, I got admission to the boy as best I could, and , I found him lying in a hardly laughable state; and the first sight of him was enough to grieve me. But when Olympichos joined us, he said that by beating him rotten he would make him-or that he had already made him-as someone who was already nearly decent. Properly, therefore, I beg and beseech you to concern yourself with these matters and to report to Apollonios in what manner my boy has been constantly insulted by Olympichos, so that the latter has been to blame for the sickness as well. For I, in addition to the fact that I have received exactly nothing for a year now except the mina. and three artabs of wheat in the month Dystros, when Herophantos came to you--The boy himself tells me of the good will of Apollonios and yourself which you have constantly shown toward him. I ask you, therefore, and beg that, if Apollonios has given orders to pay him anything, his wages be paid to me. Be assured that as soon as the god frees him [of his sickness], I will bring him back to you in order that I malso see you regarding other matters. The rest please learn from the man ay who brings you the letter. For he is not a stranger to us. 
							Good-by. 
[Verso:] From Simale, mother
of Herophantos. Year 28, 
Peritios 6. In Berenikes 					To Zenon. 
Hormos.