Ea-Naᚣir Reassures Two Men (UET V 72)
In this unpublished tablet, held by the British Museum, we find the copper merchant Ea-Naᚣir and his associate Ilushu-illassu writing to a couple of men to reassure them.  Although the situation is missing some context, there are some real gems in the context of the famous letter to Ea-Naᚣir.
One of the men intimidating the recipients is named Mr. Shorty (kurĂťm).
Ea-Naᚣir complains that people donât believe him.
Ea-Naᚣir mentions giving âthe ingots that we talked aboutâ to someone.
The repeated encouragements â âdonât be scared!â âdonât be critical!â âdonât worry!â â sound a lot like Ea-Naᚣir is trying to reassure someone that a situation hasnât gone sideways (but it has).
Say to Shumun-libshi and the ZabardabbĂť: [1]
Ea-Naᚣir and Ilushu-illassu say:
As for the situation with Mr. âShortyâ and Erissum-matim, who came here, donât be scared.
I made them enter the temple of the Sun-God and take an oath. Â They said, âWe didnât come about these matters; we came for our businesses.â
I said, âI will write to themâ â but they didnât believe me!
He said, âI had a quarrel with Mr. Shumun-libshi.â  He said, â[âŚ] to his partner.  I took, and you did not [âŚ]  You didnât give to me.â
Within 3 days, Iâll come to the city of Larsa.
Also, I spoke with Erissum-matim and said, âWhat is your sign?â [2]
I said to the kettle-maker (?), âGo with Ilum-gamil the ZabardabbĂť, and take the shortfall for me, and put it in the city of Enimma.â
Also, donât neglect your [âŚ].
Also, I have given the ingots that we talked about to the men.
P.S. Donât be critical!  Get the [âŚ] from them!  Donât worry!  Weâll come to you.  [3]
