A Letter to Ea-nasir

Ea-nasir, hear Nanni's words, his message clear: "When you arrived, you vowed to me, 'Fine copper ingots, Gimil-Sin shall see.' But promises made were not kept, With inferior ingots, my messenger wept. 'If you want them, take them,' you said with a sneer, 'If not, then leave!' Your contempt was clear. What am I to you, to be treated so low? Gentlemen sent, but back they go. Through enemy lands, empty-handed they tread, While other merchants fill with dread. Only you, Ea-nasir, scorn my plea, For a mina of silver, you've wronged me. To the palace, I've given copper of weight, One thousand and eighty pounds to state. Šumi-abum, too, matched my deed, A sealed tablet in Shamash's temple, agreed. Yet, for that copper, what did you do? My money bag's withheld, in lands untrue. It's your turn now, make it right, Return my full due, end this plight. Be warned, Ea-nasir, from this day on, Only fine copper I'll dawn. In my own yard, I'll make my choice, Reject the bad, in this, I'll voice. For you've shown contempt, without respect, My rights I'll claim, your goods inspect." Yet, for that copper, what did you do? My money bag's withheld, in lands untrue. It's your turn now, make it right, Return my full due, end this plight. Be warned, Ea-nasir, from this day on, Only fine copper I'll dawn. In my own yard, I'll make my choice, Reject the bad, in this, I'll voice. For you've shown contempt, without respect, My rights I'll claim, your goods inspect."