So you’ve become a “Great King,” have you? But why do you still continue to speak about “friendship” and about coming to Mt. Ammana?.. For what reason should I call you “friend”?..Do those who are not on familiar terms with each other call each other “friend”? Why then should I call you “friend”? Were you and I born of neighbours? As my grandfather and my father did not call the King of Assyria “friend,” you should not keep writing to me (about) “coming” and “Great King-ship.” It displeases me.

• a barely-altered version of the letter Hittite king Mursili III sent to Adad-nārārī I of Assyria