The Epic of Gilgamesh

TRANSLATION.


Col. I.

Gish sought to interpret the dream;
Spoke to his mother:
"My mother, during my night
I became strong and moved about
among the heroes;
And from the starry heaven
A meteor(?) of Anu fell upon me:
I bore it and it grew heavy upon me,
I became weak and its weight I could not endure.
The land of Erech gathered about it.
The heroes kissed its feet.
It was raised up before me.
They stood me up.
I bore it and carried it to thee."
The mother of Gish, who knows all things,
Spoke to Gish:
"Some one, O Gish, who like thee
In the field was born and
Whom the mountain has reared,
Thou wilt see (him) and [like a woman(?)] thou wilt rejoice.
Heroes will kiss his feet.
Thou wilt spare [him and wilt endeavor]
To lead him to me."
He slept and saw another
Dream, which he reported to his mother:
["My mother,] I have seen another
[Dream.] My likeness I have seen in the streets
[Of Erech] of the plazas.
An axe was brandished, and
They gathered about him;
And the axe made him angry.
I saw him and I rejoiced,
I loved him as a woman,
I embraced him.
I took him and regarded him
As my brother."
The mother of Gish, who knows all things,
[Spoke to Gish]:
["O Gish, the man whom thou sawest,]
[Whom thou didst embrace like a woman].


Col II.

(means) that he is to be associated with thee."
Gish understood the dream.
[As] Enki[du] was sitting before the woman,
[Her] loins(?) he embraced, her vagina(?) he opened.
[Enkidu] forgot the place where he was born.
Six days and seven nights
Enkidu continued
To cohabit with [the courtesan].
[The woman] opened her [mouth] and
Spoke to Enkidu:
"I gaze upon thee, O Enkidu, like a god art thou!
Why with the cattle
Dost thou [roam] across the field?
Come, let me lead thee
into [Erech] of the plazas,
to the holy house, the dwelling of Anu,
O, Enkidu arise, let me conduct thee
To Eanna, the dwelling of Anu,
The place [where Gish is, perfect] in vitality.
And thou [like a wife wilt embrace] him.
Thou [wilt love him like] thyself.
Come, arise from the ground
(that is) cursed."
He heard her word and accepted her speech.
The counsel of the woman
Entered his heart.
She stripped off a garment,
Clothed him with one.
Another garment
She kept on herself.
She took hold of his hand.
Like [a god(?)] she brought him
To the fertile meadow,

The place of the sheepfolds.
In that place they received food;
[For he, Enkidu, whose birthplace was the mountain,]
[With the gazelles he was accustomed to eat herbs,]
[With the cattle to drink water,]
[With the water beings he was happy.]


(Perhaps one additional line missing.)


Col. III.

Milk of the cattle
He was accustomed to suck.
Food they placed before him,
He broke (it) off and looked
And gazed.
Enkidu had not known
To eat food.
To drink wine
He had not been taught.
The woman opened her mouth and
Spoke to Enkidu:
"Eat food, O Enkidu,
The provender of life!
Drink wine, the custom of the land!"
Enkidu ate food
Till he was satiated.
Wine he drank,
Seven goblets.
His spirit was loosened, he became hilarious.
His heart became glad and
His face shone.
[The barber(?)] removed
The hair on his body.
He was anointed with oil.
He became manlike.
He put on a garment,
He was like a man.
He took his weapon;
Lions he attacked,
(so that) the night shepherds could rest.
He plunged the dagger;
Lions he overcame.
The great [shepherds] lay down;
Enkidu was their protector.
The strong man,
The unique hero,
To [the shepherds(?)] he speaks:


(About five lines missing.)


Col. IV.

(About eight lines missing.)


Making merry.
He lifted up his eyes,
He sees the man.
He spoke to the woman:
"O, courtesan, lure on the man.
Why has he come to me?
His name I will destroy."
The woman called to the man
Who approaches to him and he beholds him.
"Away! why dost thou [quake(?)]
Evil is the course of thy activity."
Then he opened his mouth and
Spoke to Enkidu:
"[To have (?)] a family home
Is the destiny of men, and
The prerogative(?) of the nobles.
For the city(?) load the workbaskets!
Food supply for the city lay to one side!
For the King of Erech of the plazas,
Open the hymen(?), perform the marriage act!
For Gish, the King of Erech of the plazas,
Open the hymen(?),
Perform the marriage act!
With the legitimate wife one should cohabit.
So before,
As well as in the future.
By the decree pronounced by a god,
From the cutting of his umbilical cord
(Such) is his fate."
At the speech of the hero

His face grew pale.


(About three lines missing.)


Col. V.

(About six lines missing.)


[Enkidu] went [in front],
And the courtesan behind him.
He entered into Erech of the plazas.
The people gathered about him.
As he stood in the streets
Of Erech of the plazas,
The men gathered,
Saying in regard to him:
"Like the form of Gish he has suddenly become;
shorter in stature.
[In his structure high(?)], powerful,
.......... overseeing(?)
In the land strong of power has he become.
Milk of cattle
He was accustomed to suck."
Steadily(?) in Erech .....
The heroes rejoiced.
He became a leader.
To the hero of fine appearance,
To Gish, like a god,
He became a rival to him.
For Ishhara a couch
Was stretched, and
Gish [lay down, and afterwards(?)]
In the night he fled.
He approaches and
[Enkidu stood] in the streets.
He blocked the path
of Gish.
At the exhibit of his power,


(About three lines missing.)


Col. VI.

(About four lines missing.)


Strong(?) ...
Gish
Against him [Enkidu proceeded],
[His hair] luxuriant.
He started [to go]
Towards him.
They met in the plaza of the district.
Enkidu blocked the gate
With his foot,
Not permitting Gish to enter.
They seized (each other), like oxen,
They fought.
The threshold they demolished;
The wall they impaired.
Gish and Enkidu
Seized (each other).
Like oxen they fought.
The threshold they demolished;
The wall they impaired.
Gish bent
His foot to the ground,
His wrath was appeased,
His breast was quieted.
When his breast was quieted,
Enkidu to him
Spoke, to Gish:
"As a unique one, thy mother
bore thee.
The wild cow of the stall,
Ninsun,
Has exalted thy head above men.
Kingship over men
Enlil has decreed for thee.
Second tablet,
enlarged beyond [the original(?)].
240 lines.

TRANSLATION.


(About ten lines missing.)


Col. I.

.................. (my friend?)
[Something] that is exceedingly difficult,
[Why] dost thou desire
[to do this?]
.... something (?) that is very [difficult (?)],
[Why dost thou] desire
[to go down to the forest]?
A message [they carried] among [men]
They carried about.
They made a ....
.............. they brought
..............................
..............................


(About 17 lines missing.)


.............................
................... my friend
................ they raised .....
answer [they returned.]
[To] the woman
They proceeded to the overthrowing


Col. II.

(About eleven lines missing.)

.......... name(?) .............
[The one who is] a rival [to him]
subdue and ................
Wailing ................
The mother [of Gish, who knows everything]
Before [Shamash raised her hand]
Who
Now(?) [why]
hast thou stirred up the heart for my son,
[Restlessness imposed upon him (?)]
............................


(About four lines missing.)


The eyes [of Enkidu filled with tears].
[He clutched] his heart;
[Sadly(?)] he sighed.
[The eyes of En]kidu filled with tears.
[He clutched] his heart;
[Sadly(?)] he sighed.
The face [of Gish was grieved].
[He spoke] to Enkidu:
["My friend, why are] thy eyes
[Filled with tears]?
Thy [heart clutched]
Dost thou sigh [sadly(?)]?"
[Enkidu opened his mouth] and
spoke to Gish:
"Attacks, my friend,
have exhausted my strength(?).
My arms are lame,
my strength has become weak."
Gish opened his mouth and
spoke to Enkidu:


(About four lines missing.)


Col. III.

..... [until] Huwawa, [the terrible],
........................
............ [I destroyed].
[I will go down to the] cedar forest,
................... the jungle
............... tambourine (?)
................ I will open it.
Enkidu opened his mouth and
spoke to Gish:
"Know, my friend, in the mountain,
when I moved about with the cattle
to a distance of one double hour into the heart of the forest,
[Alone?] I penetrated within it,
[To] Huwawa, whose roar is a flood,
whose mouth is fire,
whose breath is death.
Why dost thou desire
To do this?
To advance towards
the dwelling(?) of Huwawa?"
Gish opened his mouth and
[spoke to Enkidu:
"... [the covering(?)] I will destroy.
....[in the forest]
....................
....................
To .................
The dwelling [of Huwawa]
The axe ..........
Thou ..........
I will [go down to the forest]."
Enkidu opened his mouth and
spoke to [Gish:]
"When [together(?)] we go down
To the [cedar] forest,
whose guardian, O warrior Gish,
a power(?) without [rest(?)],
Huwawa, an offspring(?) of ....
Adad ......................
He ........................


Col. IV.

To keep safe [the cedar forest],
[Enlil has decreed for it] seven-fold terror."
Gish [opened] his mouth and
spoke to [Enkidu]:
"Whoever, my friend, overcomes (?) [terror(?)],
it is well (for him) with Shamash for the length of [his days].
Mankind will speak of it at the gates.
Wherever terror is to be faced,
Thou, forsooth, art in fear of death.
Thy prowess lacks strength.
I will go before thee.
Though thy mouth calls to me; "thou art afraid to approach."
If I fall, I will establish my name.
Gish, the corpse(?) of Huwawa, the terrible one,
has snatched (?) from the time that
My offspring was born in ......
The lion restrained (?) thee, all of which thou knowest.
........................
.............. thee and
................ open (?)
........ like a shepherd(?) .....
[When thou callest to me], thou afflictest my heart.
I am determined
[to enter] the cedar forest.
I will, indeed, establish my name.
[The work(?)], my friend, to the artisans I will entrust.
[Weapons(?)] let them mould before us."
[The work(?)] to the artisans they entrusted.
A dwelling(?) they assigned to the workmen.
Hatchets the masters moulded:
Axes of 3 talents each they moulded.
Lances the masters moulded;
Blades(?) of 2 talents each,
A spear of 30 mina each attached to them.
The hilt of the lances of 30 mina in gold
Gish and [Enki]du were equipped with 10 talents each
.......... in Erech seven its ....
....... the people heard and ....
[proclaimed(?)] in the street of Erech of the plazas.
..... Gis [brought him out(?)]
[In the street (?)] of Erech of the plazas
[Enkidu(?)] sat before him
..... [thus] he spoke:
"........ [of Erech] of the plazas
............ [before him]


Col. V.

Gish of whom they speak, let me see!
whose name fills the lands.
I will lure him to the cedar forest,
Like a strong offspring of Erech.
I will let the land hear (that)
I am determined to lure (him) in the cedar (forest) .
A name I will establish."
The elders of Erech of the plazas
brought word to Gish:
"Thou art young, O Gish, and thy heart carries thee away.
Thou dost not know what thou proposest to do.
We hear that Huwawa is enraged.
Who has ever opposed his weapon?
To one [double hour] in the heart of the forest,
Who has ever penetrated into it?
Huwawa, whose roar is a deluge,
whose mouth is fire, whose breath is death.
Why dost thou desire to do this?
To advance towards the dwelling (?) of Huwawa?"
Gish heard the report of his counsellors.
He saw and cried out to [his] friend:
"Now, my friend, thus [I speak].
I fear him, but [I will go to the cedar forest(?)];
I will go [with thee to the cedar forest].


(About five lines missing.)


..............................
May ................... thee
Thy god may (?) ........ thee;
On the road may he guide [thee in safety(?)].
At the rampart of [Erech of the plazas],
Gish kneeled down [before Shamash(?)],
A word then he spoke [to him]:
"I will go, O Shamash, [thy] hands [I seize hold of].
When I shall have saved [my life],
Bring me back to the rampart [in Erech].
Grant protection [to me ?]!"
Gish cried, "[my friend] ......
His oracle ..................
........................
........................
........................
When (?)


(About two lines missing.)


Col. VI.

"[I(?)] Gish, the strong one (?) of the land.
...... A road which I have never [trodden];
........ food ...... do not (?) know.
[When] I shall have succeeded,
[I will praise] thee in the joy of my heart,
[I will extol (?)] the superiority of thy power,
[I will seat thee] on thrones."
.................. his vessel(?)
The masters [brought the weapons (?)];
[bow] and quiver
They placed in hand.
[He took] the hatchet.
................. his quiver.
..... [to] the god(?) a second time
[With his lance(?)] in his girdle,
......... they took the road.
[Again] they approached Gish!
"[How long] till thou returnest to Erech?"
[Again the elders] approached him.
[For] the road they counselled Gis:
"Do [not] rely, O Gish, on thy strength!
Provide food and save thyself!
Let Enkidu go before thee.
He is acquainted with the way, he has trodden the road
[to] the entrance of the forest.
of Huwawa all of them his ......
[He who goes] in advance will save the companion.
Provide for his [road] and [save thyself]!
(May) Shamash [carry out] thy endeavor!
May he make thy eyes see the prophecy of thy mouth.
May he track out (for thee) the closed path!
May he level the road for thy treading!
May he level the mountain for thy foot!
During thy night the word that wilt rejoice
may Lugal-banda convey, and stand by thee
in thy endeavor!
Like a youth may he establish thy endeavor!
In the river of Huwawa as thou plannest,
wash thy feet!
Round about thee dig a well!
May there be pure water constantly for thy libation
Goblets of water pour out to Shamash!
[May] Lugal-banda take note of it!"
[Enkidu] opened his mouth and spoke to Gish:
"[Since thou art resolved] to take the road.
Thy heart [be not afraid,] trust to me!
[Confide] to my hand his dwelling(?)!"
[on the road to] Huwawa they proceeded.
....... command their return


(Three lines missing.)


L.E.

............... were filled.
.......... they will go with me.
...............................
.................. joyfully.
[Upon hearing] this word of his,
Alone, the road(?) [he levelled].
"Go, O Gish [I will go before thee(?)].
May thy god(?) go .........
May he show [thee the road !] .....
Gish and [Enkidu]
Knowingly ....................
Between [them] ................

forest.—Meeting with Khumbaba.—Death of Khumbaba.—Izdubar king.


The wretchedly mutilated condition of the fragments that belong to the
two next tablets or books of the Epic makes it impossible to ascertain
their correct order and arrangement. The arrangement given here,
accordingly, must be regarded as merely provisional. It may, however,
be taken as certain that they all form part of the fourth and fifth
tablets, and relate the contest between Izdubar and Khumbaba.

Khumbaba, the Kombabos of the Greeks, was the prototype of Geryon.
He dwelt far away in the forest of pines and sherbin cedars, where
the gods and spirits had their abode. It was, consequently, in the
cold region of the Accadian Olympus, now Mount Elwend, that he was
placed by the old mythology, and the similarity of his name to that
of the Elamite god Khumba or Khumbume makes it possible that he was
originally identical with the latter. In this case the antagonism
between Khumbaba and Izdubar would have been merely a reflection of
the antagonism that existed between the inhabitants of Babylonia and
the subjects of the Elamite empire. Mr. Smith even thought that the
overthrow of Khumbaba might have been an echo of the overthrow of some
Elamite dynasty by a Chaldean one.

In the case of the fourth tablet Mr. Smith believed that he had found
fragments of all six columns, but some of these fragments are useless
until we have further fragments to complete them.


TABLET IV.

COLUMN I.

1. .... mu ....

2. .... thy ....

3. .... me, return

4. .... the birds shall rend him

5. .... in thy presence

6. .... of the forest of pine trees

7. .... all the battle

8. .... may the birds of prey surround him

9. .... that, his carcass may they destroy

10. .... to me and we will appoint thee king,

11. .... thou shalt direct after the manner of a king
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

12. [Izdubar] opened his mouth and spake,

13. and said to Hea-bani:

14. ... he goes to the great palace

15. .... the breast of the great queen

16. ..... knowledge, everything he knows

17. ...... establish to our feet

18. ....... his hand

19. ....... I to the great palace

20. ......... the great queen

(Probably over twenty lines lost here.)


COLUMN II.

1. .... enter

2. .... he raised

3. .... the ornaments of her ....

4. .... the ornaments of her breast

5. .... and her crown I divided

6. .... of the earth he opened

7. he .... he ascended to the city

8. he went up to the presence of Samas he made a sacrifice?

9. he built an altar. In the presence of Samas he lifted his hands:

10. Why hast thou established Izdubar, in thy heart thou hast given him
protection,

11. when the son .... and he goes

12. on the remote path to Khumbaba.

13. A battle he knows not he will confront,

14. an expedition he knows not he will ride to,

15. for long he will go and will return,

16. to take the course to the forest of pine trees,

17. to Khumbaba of [whom his city may] he destroy,

18. and every one who is evil whom thou hatest ...

19. In the day of the year he will ....

20. May she not return at all, may she not ...

21. him to fix ....

(About ten lines lost here.)

Here we see that Izdubar, impressed with the magnitude of the task he
had undertaken, makes a prayer and sacrifice to Samas to aid him in his
task. The next fragment appears also to belong to this column, and may
refer to preliminaries for sacrificing to Istar, with a view also to
gain her aid in the enterprise.

This fragment of Column II. reads

1. .... neighbourhood of Erech ....

2. .... strong and ...

3. he burst open the road ....

4. and that city ....

5. and the collection ....

6. placed the people together ....

7. the people were ended ....

8. like of a king ....

9. which for a long time had been made ....

10. to the goddess Istar the bed ....

11. to Izdubar like the god Sakim ....

12. Hea-bani opened the great gate of the house of assembly ....

13. for Izdubar to enter ....

14. .... in the gate of the house ............


COLUMN III.

1. the corpse of ....

2. to ....

3. to the rising of ....

4. the angels ....

5. may she not return ....

6. him to fix ....

7. the expedition which he knows not ....

8. may he destroy also ....

9. of which he knows ....

10. the road ....

Five more mutilated lines, the rest of the column being lost.

This fragment shows Izdubar still invoking the gods for his coming
expedition. Under the next column Mr. Smith placed a fragment, the
position and meaning of which are quite unknown.


COLUMN IV.—UNCERTAIN FRAGMENT.

1. he was heavy ....

2. Hea-bani was ....

3. Hea-bani strong not rising ....

4. When ....

5. with thy song? ....

6. the sister of the gods faithful ....

7. wandering he fixed to ....

8. the sister of the gods lifted ....

9. and the daughters of the gods grew ....

10. I Hea-bani .... he lifted to ....

Somewhere here should be the story, now lost, of the starting of
Izdubar on his expedition accompanied by his friend Hea-bani. The
sequel shows they arrive at the palace or residence of Hea-bani, which
is surrounded by a forest of pine and cedar, the whole being enclosed
by some barrier or wall, with a gate for entrance. Hea-bani and Izdubar
open this gate where the story reopens on the fifth column.


COLUMN V.

1. the sharp weapon

2. to make men fear him ....

3. Khumbaba poured a tempest out of his mouth ....

4. he heard the gate of the forest [open]

5. the sharp weapon to make men fear him [he took]

6. and in the path of his forest he stood and [waited]
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

7. Izdubar to him also [said to Hea-bani]

Here we see Khumbaba waiting for the intruders, but the rest of the
column is lost; it appears to have principally consisted of speeches by
Izdubar and Hea-bani on the magnificent trees they saw, and the work
before them. A single fragment of Column VI., containing fragments of
six lines, shows them still at the gate, and when the next tablet, No.
V., opens, they had not yet entered.


TABLET V.

The fifth tablet is more certain than the last; it appears to refer
to the conquest of Khumbaba. Only fragments of this tablet, which
opens with a description of the retreat of Khumbaba, have as yet been
discovered.


COLUMN I.

1. He stood and surveyed the forest

2. of pine trees, he perceived its height,

3. of the forest he perceived its approach,

4. in the place where Khumbaba went his step was placed,

5. on a straight road and a good path.

6. He saw the land of the pine trees, the seat of the gods, the
sanctuary of the angels,

7. in front? of the seed the pine tree carried its fruit,

8. good was its shadow, full of pleasure,

9. an excellent tree, the choice of the forest,

10. .... the pine heaped ....

11. .... for one kaspu (7 miles) ...

12. .... cedar two-thirds of it ...

13. .... grown ....

14. .... like it ...

(About 10 lines lost here.)

25. .... he looked ....

26. .... he made and he ....

27. .... drove to ....

28. .... he opened and ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

29. Izdubar opened his mouth and spake, [and said to Hea-bani]:

30. My friend ....

31. .... with their slaughter ....

32. .... he did not speak before her, he made with him ....

33. .... knowledge of war who made fighting,

34. in entering to the house thou shalt not fear ...

35. .... and like I take her also they ....

36. to an end may they seat ....

37. .... thy hand ....

38. .... took my friend first ....

39. .... his heart prepared for war, that year and day also

40. .... on his falling appoint the people

41. .... slay him, his corpse may the birds of prey surround

42. ...... of them he shall make

43. .... going he took the weight

44. they performed it, their will they established
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

45. .... they entered into the forest


COLUMN II.

(Five lines mutilated.)

6. they passed through the forest ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

7. Khumbaba ....

8. he did not come ....

9. he did not ....

(Seven lines lost.)

17. heavy ....

18. Hea-bani opened his mouth ....

19. .... Khumbaba in ....

20. .... one by one and ....

(Many other broken lines.)

There are a few fragments of Columns III., IV., and V., and a small
portion of Column VI., which reads:

1. .... cedar to ....

2. .... he placed and ....

3. .... 120 .... Hea-bani ....

4. .... the head of Khumbaba ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

5. .... his weapon he sharpened ....

6. .... tablet of the story of fate of ....

It appears from the various mutilated fragments of this tablet that
Izdubar and Hea-bani conquer and slay Khumbaba and take his goods, but
much is wanted to connect the fragments.

The conclusion of this stage of the story and triumph of Izdubar
are given at the commencement of the sixth tablet. The conquest of
Khumbaba gave Izdubar the crown and attributes of his fallen rival,
who seems to have been a sun-god, and this caused Istar, who already
appears as the bride of the sun in the myth of Tammuz, to woo the
triumphant hero.

Triumph of Izdubar.—Istar’s love.—Her offer of marriage.—Her
promises.—Izdubar’s answer.—Tammuz.—Amours of Istar.—His
refusal.—Istar’s anger.—Ascends to Heaven.—The bull.—Slain by
Izdubar.—Istar’s curse.—Izdubar’s triumph.—The feast.—Istar’s
despair.—Her descent to Hades.—Description.—The seven gates.—The
curses.—Atsu-sunamir the Sphinx.—Release of Istar.—The dog of the
dawn.—Lament for Tammuz.


In this chapter are included the sixth and seventh tablets, which both
primarily refer to the doings of Istar.


TABLET VI.

The sixth tablet is in better condition than any of the former ones,
and allows of something like a connected translation.


COLUMN I.

1. .... his weapon, he made bright his weapon.

2. Like a bull his mountain he ascended after him.

3. He destroyed him and clothed himself with his spoils.

4. The ... he put on and the fastening of the crown he tore.

5. Izdubar his crown put on (and the fastening of the crown he tore).

6. For the favour of Izdubar the princess Istar lifted the eyes:

7. I will make thee also Izdubar my husband,

8. thy oath to me shall be thy bond,

9. thou shalt be husband and I will be thy wife.

10. I will make (thy) chariot glisten with crystal and gold,

11. of which the body is gold and its horns are strong.

12. I will cause thy days to find gifts, O judge (?) of the great.

13. Into our house enter, mid the scent of the pines.

14. When thou enterest our house

15. may the river Euphrates kiss thy feet.

16. There shall be under thee kings, lords, and princes.

17. The tribute of the mountains and plains may they bring to thee as
an offering.

18. May thy herds and flocks bring forth twins,

19. may the increase of the cows come unto (thee),

20. may thy (horse) be strong, without ceasing, in the chariot,

21. may (thy steed) in the yoke never have a rival.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

22. (Izdubar) opened his mouth and speaks;

23. (he says) to the princess Istar:

24. .... to thee thy possession

25. .... body and rottenness (?)

26. .... baldness and famine

27. .... I keep back the instruments of divinity

28. .... instruments of royalty

29. .... storm (?)

30. ...... he poured (?)

31. ...... I lingered

32. ...... I took thee

33. ...... caused to enter

34. the door afterwards .... ended wind and showers

35. palace .... the hero

36. mouth .... check her

37. that sign .... carry her

38. body glorious (?) .... carry her

39. grand .... tower of stone

40. they have dwelt (in) the land of the enemy

41. may she .... her lord

42. never may he woo thee for ever

43. never may a god praise thee

44. I took also the torch? .... I loved thee


COLUMN II.

1. Rest thee and .....

2. as for Tammuz the lover of (thy) youth

3. year after year thou hast wearied him with thy love.

4. Allala the eagle also thou lovest and

5. thou didst strike him, and his wings thou didst break;

6. he stood in the forest, he begged for wings.

7. Thou lovest also a lion lusty in might,

8. thou didst tear out by sevens his claws.

9. Thou lovest also a horse glorious in war,

10. he yielded himself and thou didst weary his love overmuch.

11. For seven kaspu (fourteen hours) thou didst weary his love without
ceasing,

12. troubled and thirsting thou didst weary him.

13. To his mother Silele thou didst send him wearied with thy love.

14. Thou lovest also the shepherd Tabulu,

15. of whom continually thou didst ask for thy stibium.

16. Every day he propitiated thee with offerings,

17. thou didst strike him and to a hyena thou didst change him;

18. his own village drove him away;

19. his dogs tore his wounds.

20. Thou lovest also Isullanu the husbandman of thy father,

21. who continually was subject to thy order;

22. each day had he made bright thy dish.

23. The eyes thou didst take from him and didst put him in chains,

24. (saying): O Isullanu, cut thy hand, eat (thy) eyes!

25. And thy hand thou didst bring out and thou didst strike? ....

26. Isullanu says to thee:

27. As for me what dost thou ask of me?

28. My mother, thou art not beautiful, and I eat not.

29. The food I have eaten is plentiful, even pain and waking;

30. trembling and faintness overcome me (?)

31. Thou didst hear also this ....

32. thou didst strike him; to a pillar thou didst change him,

33. thou didst place him also in the midst of the land ....

34. that he rise not up, that he go not ....

35. And as for me dost thou love me, and like to him wilt thou [serve
me]?
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

36. When Istar (heard) this,

37. Istar was angry and to heaven she ascended;

38. Istar went also to the presence of Anu her father,

39. to the presence of Anatu her mother she went and says:

40. My father, Izdubar hates me, and


COLUMN III.

1. Izdubar despises my beauty,

2. my beauty and my charms.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

3. Anu opened his mouth and spake, and

4. says to the princess Istar:

5. My daughter thou shalt remove ....

6. and Izdubar will count thy beauty,

7. thy beauty and thy charms.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

8. Istar opened her mouth and spake, and

9. says to Anu her father:

10. My father, create the bull of Anu and

11. Izdubar ....

12. when he is filled ....

13. I will strike ....

14. I will join ....

15. ........

16. over ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

17. Anu opened his mouth and spake, and

18. says to the princess Istar:

19. .... thou shalt join ....

20. .... of noble names

21. .... _maskhi_ ....

22. .... which is magnified ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

23. Istar opened her mouth and spake, and

24. says to Anu her father:

25. .... I will strike

26. .... I will break

27. .... of noble names

28. .... reducer

29. .... of foods

30. .... of him

(Some lines lost here.)


COLUMN IV.

(Some lines lost.)

1. .... warriors

2. .... to the midst

3. .... three hundred warriors

4. .... to the midst

5. .... slay Hea-bani

6. in two divisions he parted in the midst of it

7. two hundred warriors .... made, the bull of Anu ....

8. in the third division .... his horns

9. Hea-bani struck? .... his might

10. and Hea-bani pierced ........

11. the bull of Anu by his head he took hold of ....

12. by the thickness of his tail ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

13. Hea-bani opened his mouth and spake, and

14. says to Izdubar:

15. My friend, we have strengthened ....

16. when we overthrow ...

17. My friend, I see ....

18. and the might ....

19. may I destroy ....

(Three lines lost.).

23. .... hands .... to Rimmon and Nebo

24. .... _tarka_ .... _um_ ....

25. .... Hea-bani took hold .... the bull of Anu

26. .... he .... also .... by his tail

27. ........ Hea-bani


COLUMN V.

1. And Izdubar like a ....

2. the hero and (his friend)

3. in the vicinity of the middle of his horns ....

4. from the city they destroyed, the heart ....

5. to the presence of Samas ....

6. they had gone to the presence of Samas ....

7. he placed at the side the bulk (?) ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

8. And Istar ascended over the fortress of Erech the lofty,

9. she destroyed the bull, she uttered a curse:

10. Woe to Izdubar who has overthrown me, has slain the bull of Anu.

11. Hea-bani also heard this speech of Istar,

12. and he cut off the member of the bull of Anu and before her he laid
it;

13. And what of it? since I conquered thee when him also (_i.e._
Izdubar)

14. I caused thee to listen to;

15. its skin also I have hung up at thy side.

16. Istar gathered her maidens

17. Samkhati and Kharimati,

18. over the member of the bull of Anu a mourning she made.

19. Izdubar called on the people, the multitude

20. all of them:

21. with the thickness of his horns the young men were glorious,

22. 30 manehs of crystal (was) their substance,

23. the sharpness of the points was destroyed,

24. 6 gurs its mass altogether.

25. For the food of his god Lugal-turda he cut it up;

26. he seethed it and hangs it up in the rising of his fire;

27. in the river Euphrates they washed their hands.

28. They had been taken and gone

29. through the street of Erech riding,

30. the assembly of the warriors of Erech put trust in them.

31. Izdubar to the inhabitants of Erech

32. .... a proclamation made.


COLUMN VI.

1. “If anyone is of ability among the chiefs,

2. if any is noble among the men,

3. Izdubar is able among the chiefs,

4. Izdubar is noble among the men,

5. .... our strength

6. .... he has not

7. .... his ....”
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

8. Izdubar in his palace made a rejoicing,

9. the chiefs reclining lie on couches at night.

10. Hea-bani lies down, a dream he dreams.

11. Hea-bani came and the dream he explains,

12. and says to Izdubar.


TABLET VII.

The seventh tablet opens with the words, “My friend, what is this
counsel the great gods are taking?” It is uncertain if any other
portion of this tablet has been found, but part of a remarkable
fragment, with a continuation of the story of Istar, has been placed
here. It appears that the goddess, failing in her attempt in heaven to
avenge herself on Izdubar for his slight, resolved to descend to hell,
to search out, if possible, new modes of attacking him.

Columns I. and II. are lost, the fragments recommencing on Column III.

ILLNESS AND WANDERINGS OF IZDUBAR.

Hea-bani and the trees.—Illness of Izdubar.—Death of Hea-bani.—Journey
of Izdubar.—His dream.—Scorpion men.—The Desert of Mas.—Siduri
and Sabitu.—Nes-Hea the pilot.—Water of death.—Mua.—The
conversation.—Xisuthrus.


Of the three tablets in this section, the first one is very uncertain,
and is put together from two separate sources: the other two are more
complete and satisfactory.


TABLET VIII.

It is again uncertain if any of this tablet has been discovered;
provisionally some fragments of the first, second, third, and sixth
columns of a tablet which may belong to it are placed here, but the
only fragment worth translating at present is one given in Mr. Smith’s
“Assyrian Discoveries,” p. 176. In some portions of these fragments
there are references to the story of Khumbaba, but as the fragment
appears to refer to the illness of Izdubar it probably belongs here.


K. 3588.

COLUMN I.

1. ....

—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

2. Hea-bani (his mouth opened and spake and)

3. said to ....

4. I went (?) ....

5. in the ....

6. the door ....

7. of ....

8 and 9. ....

10. in ....

11. Hea-bani ..........

12. with the door .... thy ...

13. the door on its sides does not ...

14. the creation of her ears they are not ...

15. for twenty kaspu (140 miles) I climbed up ...

16. as far as the pine tree a shrub (?) I had seen ...

17. thy tree (?) has not another ...

18. Six gars (120 feet) is thy height, two gars (40 feet) is thy
breadth ....

19. thy street, thy blackness (?) thy rain ...

20. I made thee, I raised thee in the city of Nipur ....

21. yea I knew thy door like this ...

22. and this ...

23. I raised its face, I ...

24. I will fill thy bank (?) .....

25. .....

26. for he took ...

27. the pine tree, the cedar, ...

28. in its cover ...

29. thou also ....

30. may take ...

31. in the collection of everything ...

32. a great destruction ...

33. the whole of the trees ..

34. in thy land of the tree manubani ...

35. thy bush? is not strong ...

36. thy shadow is not great ...

37. and thy smell is not agreeable ...
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

38. The manubani tree was angry ...

39. made a likeness?

40. like the tree ...

......

The second, third, fourth and fifth columns appear to be entirely
absent, the inscription reappearing on a fragment of the sixth column.


COLUMN II.

(Many lines lost.)

1. The dream which I saw ....

2. the tops of the mountain ....

3. ... he struck ....

4. he struck when thy royal raiment ....

5. he begat also in ....

6. He recounted to his friend Hea-bani the dream ...

7. My friend, the good omen of the dream ....

8. the dream was deceptive ....

9. My friend, the mountain which thou didst see ....

10. when I captured Khumbaba we ....

11. ... of his helpers Nitakh-garri ....

12. at the time of dawn ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

13. For twenty kaspu they journeyed a stage

14. at thirty kaspu they fixed

15. in the presence of Samas they dug out a pit (?) ....

16. Izdubar ascended also over ....

17. by the side of his house he crossed over ....

18. ... he brought the dream ....

19. he made it and the god ....


COLUMN III.

1. ... he brought the dream ....

2. he made it and the god ....

3. ... turban? ....

4. he cast him down and ....

5. the mountain like corn of the field ....

6. Izdubar at the destruction (?) set up ....

7. Anatu the troubler of men upon him struck,

8. and in the struggle his going he stayed.

9. He spake and said to his friend:

10. My friend thou dost not ask me why I am naked,

11. thou dost not inquire of me why I am spoiled,

12. because the god passed over, wherefore my limbs are hot.

13. My friend I saw a third dream;

14. that dream which I saw entirely disappeared.

15. They prayed; the god thunders on the ground.

16. He burnt up the exit of the darkness;

17. the lightning struck; a fire was kindled;

18. .... they took away; it rained death.

19. The glow also (disappeared), the fire sank,

20. .... they struck; it turned to a palm tree,

21. in the desert also thy lord took (his) path (?).

22. And Hea-bani his dream considered; he said to Izdubar:

23. .... Samas thy lord, the creator ....

The fourth and fifth columns of this tablet are lost. This part of the
legend appears to refer to the illness of Izdubar.


COLUMN VI.

1. My friend ... the dream which is not ...

2. the day he dreamed the dream, the end ...
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

3. Hea-bani lay down also one day ...

4. which Hea-bani on (his) bed ...

5. the third day and the fourth day which ...

6. the fifth, and sixth, and seventh (days) ...

7. the eighth (and ninth, and tenth days) ....

8. when Hea-bani was sick ...

9. the eleventh and twelfth (days) ...

10. Hea-bani on (his) bed ...

11. Izdubar read also ...

12. Did my friend defend me ...

13. whenever in the midst of fight ...

14. I turn (?) to battle and ...

15. my friend who in battle ...

16. I in ......

It must here be noted that Mr. Smith’s grounds for making this the
eighth tablet were extremely doubtful, and it is possible that the
fragments are of different tablets; but they fill up an evident blank
in the story here, and they are consequently inserted pending further
discoveries as to their true position.

In the first column Hea-bani appears to be addressing certain trees,
and they are supposed to have the power of hearing and answering
him. Hea-bani praises one tree and sneers at another, but from the
mutilation of the text it does not appear why he acts so. We may
conjecture he was seeking a charm to open a door he mentions, and that
according to the story this charm was known to the trees. The fragment
of the sixth column shows Hea-bani unable to interpret a dream, while
Izdubar asks his friend to fight.

After this happened the violent death of Hea-bani, which added to the
misfortunes of Izdubar; but no fragment of this part of the story is
preserved.


TABLET IX.

This tablet is in a somewhat better state than the others, and all
the narrative is clearer from this point, not a single column of the
inscription being entirely lost. The ninth tablet commences with the
sorrow of Izdubar at the death of Hea-bani.


COLUMN I.

1. Izdubar over Hea-bani his friend

2. bitterly weeps, and traverses the desert.

3. I have no judgment like Hea-bani here;

4. sickness entered into my stomach;

5. death I feared, and traverse the desert.

6. To the majesty of Xisuthrus, son of Ubara-tutu,

7. the road I am taking, and quickly I go;

8. to the lowlands of the mountains I take (my way) at night.

9. .... a (dream) I saw, and I feared.

10. I (bow) on my face, to Sin (the moon god) I pray;

11. and into the presence of the gods came my supplication;

12. Grant thou (health) to me, even unto me!

13. ....... dream.

14. (Through) the dream (sent by) Sin (my) life had been gladdened.

15. Precious stones (?) ... to his hand.

16. He pulled out ..... his girdle

17. like a ... their ... he struck

18. he struck .... he smote, he broke

19. and .... they rejoiced, and

20. he threw (?) ....

21. he removed ....

22. the former name ....

23. the new name ....

(About eight lines lost here.)

The second column shows Izdubar in some fabulous region, whither he
has wandered in search of Xisuthrus. Here he sees composite monsters
with their feet resting in Hades and their heads reaching heaven. These
beings are supposed to guide and direct the sun at its rising and
setting. This passage is as follows:—


COLUMN II.

1. Of the mountains hearing him as many as ....

2. To the mountain of Masu in his course ....

3. who all day long guard the rising (sun).

4. Their crown was at the lattice of heaven,

5. below Hades was their footing.

6. Scorpion-men guard its gate,

7. burning with terribleness, and their appearance was death,

8. the greatness of their bulk overthrows the forests.

9. At the rising of the sun and the setting of the sun, they guard the
sun, and

10. Izdubar saw them and fear and terror seized his face.

11. He took his counsel and approached before them.

12. The scorpion-man of his female asked:

13. Who has gone to us with his body the flesh of the gods?

14. To the scorpion-man his female answered:

15. His going (is) that of a god, but his feeble gait (is) that of a
man.

16. The scorpion-man of the hero asked,

17. .... of the gods the word he recounts:

18. .... distant road

19. .... up to the presence

20. .... of which the passage is difficult.

21. .... thy .... thou puttest on.

22. .... mountains situated.

23. .... thou puttest on.

The rest of this column is lost. In it Izdubar converses with the
monsters, and where the third column begins he is telling them his
purpose of seeking Xisuthrus.


COLUMN III.

(1 and 2 lost.)

3. He Xisuthrus my father .....

4. who has been established also in the assembly (of the gods)

5. death and life [are known to him].

6. The scorpion-man opened his mouth (and spake);

7. they say to Izdubar:

8. Izdubar was not ....

9. of the mountain ....

10. for twelve kaspu (84 miles) [is the journey];

11. on the boundary of the field did he carry himself, and (there is)
no light.

12. To the rising sun ....

13. to the setting sun ....

14. to the setting sun ....

15. they descended ....

In this mutilated passage, the monster describes the journey to be
taken by Izdubar; there are now many lines wanting, until we come to
the fourth column.


COLUMN IV.

1. In (his) sickness ....

2. in difficulty and ....

3. in lamentation and ....

4. again thou ....

5. the scorpion-man ....

6. (said) to Izdubar ....

7. Go Izdubar ....

8. the mountains of Mas ....

9. the mountains, the path (of the Sun) ....

10. may the women ....

11. the great gate of the land ....

12. Izdubar ....

13. for a memorial ....

14. the road of the sun ....

15. 1 kaspu (he went) ....

16. on the boundary of the field ....

17. he was not able (to look behind him).

18. 2 kaspu (he went) ....

This is the bottom of the fourth column; there are five lines lost at
the top of the fifth column, and then the narrative reopens; the text
is, however, mutilated and doubtful.


COLUMN V.

6. 4 (kaspu he went) ....

7. on the boundary (of the field)....

8. he was not able (to look behind him).

9. 5 kaspu (he went) ....

10. on the boundary of the field ....

11. he was not able (to look behind him).

12. 6 kaspu he went ....

13. on the boundary of the field did he carry himself (and there is no
light).

14. He was not able (to look behind him).

15. 7 kaspu (he went) ....

16. on the boundary of the field was it situated and not ....

17. he was not able to look behind him.

18. 8 kaspu like a .... he mounts up;

19. on the boundary of the field (did he carry himself and) there is no
light.

20. He was not able to look behind him.

21. 9 kaspu he went .... to the north

22. .... his face

23. (on the boundary of the field did he carry himself and) there is no
light;

24. (he was not able) to look behind him.

25. (10 kaspu he went) .... him

26. .... a meeting

27. .... 4 kaspu

28. .... from the shadow of the sun

29. .... sight was established

30. to the forest of the trees of the gods in appearance it was equal.


31. Emeralds it carried as its fruit,

32. the branch refuses not to support a canopy.

33. Crystals they carry as shoots (?)

34. fruit they carry, and to the sight it is glistening.

Some of the words in this fragment are obscure, but the general meaning
is clear. In the next column the wanderings of Izdubar are continued,
and he comes to a country near the sea. Fragments of several lines
of this column are preserved, but too mutilated to translate with
certainty. The fragments are:—


COLUMN VI.

(About six lines lost.)

1. the pine tree ....

2. its nest of stone ....

3. not sweeping away the sea .... jet stones

4. like the tree of Elam and the tree of the prince .... emeralds

5. a locust ....

6. jet stone, ka stone .... the goddess Istar

7. like bronze and .... he carried

8. like .... obstacles

9. which .... the sea

10. it has, and .... may he raise

11. Izdubar [saw this] in his travelling,

12. on this sea he carried ....

13. Colophon. The women Siduri and Sabitu (who on the shore) of the sea
dwelt.

14. .... tablet of the series: “When the hero Izdubar saw the
fountain.”
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

This tablet brings Izdubar to the region of the sea-coast, but his way
is then barred by two women, one named Siduri and the other Sabitu. His
further adventures are given on the tenth tablet, which opens:


TABLET X.

1. Siduri and Sabitu (who in the land beside the sea)

2. dwelt and ....

3. it was the moon, it was the moon ....

4. a covering of fire (?) ye accomplish.

5. Izdubar approached and ....

6. the ulcer covering (his) skin

7. he had the brand of the gods on (his) ....

8. there is shame of face on ....

9. to go on the distant path his face (was set).

10. Sabitu afar off pondered,

11. she counselled to her heart (this) plan.

12. Within herself also she (considered):

13. What is this message ....

14. May no one come straight in (his path).

15. When Sabitu saw him she entered (her gate);

16. her gate she entered and entered her ....

17. And he Izdubar had ears to (hear her);

18. he had struck his hands and made ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

19. Izdubar to her also even said (to Sabitu:)

20. Sabitu what didst thou see (that)

21. thy gate thou barrest ....

22. I force the door ....

The rest of this column is lost, but it must have described the meeting
of Izdubar with a boatman named Ur-Hea or Lig-Hea, called Nes-Hea “the
lion” or “dog of Hea” in Assyrian. In the second column they commence
a journey by water together in a boat. But little of this column is
preserved; two fragments only are given here.


COLUMN II.

1. .... he the word of his friend ....

2. .... the word of Hea-bani ....

3. .... I traverse (the desert).

4. .... (in) the dust he had ....

5. (the friend whom I have loved declared) lovingly; Hea-bani the
friend whom I have loved made ....

6. (I am not as he) and would we had never gone up ....

7. (I did not make) the fortress of ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

8. (Izdubar to) her also speaks, even to Sabit:

9. (Again) O Sabit what is the way to Xisuthrus?

10. Explain the tokens of it to me; yea, explain the tokens of it to me.

11. If it be suitable the sea let me cross,

12. if it be not suitable the desert let me traverse.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

13. Sabit to him also speaks, even to Izdubar:

14. There was no crossing (of the sea), O Izdubar, at any time,

15. and no one from remote times onwards has crossed the sea.

16. From crossing the sea Samas the hero I the mother prevented; (yet)
Samas crossed, whoever

17. his mouth the passage .... its road,

18. and the well of the waters of death which extend before it

19. I approach, and, Izdubar, thou crossest the sea.

20. When thou hast come round to the waters of death, thou contrivest
how

21. for Izdubar there is Ur-Hea the boatman of Xisuthrus.

22. Precious stones with him in the midst of the forest ....

23. .... may they see thy face.

24. .... and to cross with him if it is not suitable hasten behind him

25. .... upon hearing this,

26. .... an axe in the hand.

27. .... to their well he returns.

28, 29, 30. ....

31. .... Izdubar

32. .... and his lower part

33. .... the ship

34. .... (the waters) of death

35. .... wide

36. .... the field

37. .... to the river

38. .... ship

39. .... the well

40. .... the boatman

41. .... he descended

42. .... to thee

Here there are many lines lost, then recommencing the story proceeds on
the third column.


COLUMN III.

1. my friend whom I have loved made ....

2. I am not as he and would we had never gone up ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

3. Izdubar to him also speaks, even to Ur-Hea;

4. Again, Ur-Hea, what (is the way to Xisuthrus?)

5. what are its signs explain to me; yea, explain (to me its signs).

6. If it be suitable the sea let me cross; if it be not suitable the
desert let me traverse.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

7. Ur-Hea to him also speaks, even to (Izdubar):

8. Thy hand, Izdubar, it prevents ....

9. thou hidest among the precious stones thou ...

10. the precious stones (are) a hiding-place [or canopy] and they are
not ...

11. Take, Izdubar, an axe in (thy hands) ....

12. go down to the forest and a clearing of five _gar_ (make).

13. Bury and make a tumulus; carry ....

14. Izdubar on his hearing this,

15. took the axe in his hand ....

16. he went down to the forest and a clearing of five _gar_ (made):

17. he buried and made a tumulus; he carried ....

18. Izdubar and Ur-Hea rode (in the ship);

19. the ship the waves took and they ....

20. a journey of one month and fifteen days. On the third day in their
course

21. Ur-Hea also reached the waters of death ....


COLUMN IV.

1. Ur-Hea to him also speaks, even to Izdubar:

2. The tablets O Izdubar ....

3. The waters of death smite; never mayest thou enter the dome of the
house (of the abyss).

4. The second time, the third time, and the fourth time go, O Izdubar
....

5. the fifth, sixth, and seventh time go, O Izdubar ....

6. the eighth, ninth, and tenth time go, O Izdubar ....

7. the eleventh and twelfth time go, O Izdubar ....

8. on the one hundred and twentieth time Izdubar finished ....

9. and he struck the middle of it ....

10. Izdubar seized the .......

11. on his wings an embankment he completed ...

12. Xisuthrus over him afar off pondered,

13. he counselled (this) plan within his heart.

14. With himself also he considered:

15. Why is the hiding-place of the ship ....

16. and the pilot ....

17. the man who went also is not; and ....

18. I ponder, and I do not ....

19. I ponder, and I do not....

20. I ponder, and I do not....


Here there is a blank, the extent of which is uncertain, and where the
narrative recommences it is on a small fragment of the third and fourth
columns of another copy. It appears that the lost lines record the
meeting between Izdubar and a female being named Mu-seri-ina-namari,
or the “Waters of dawn at daylight.” In the account of the Deluge,
Mu-seri-ina-namari is mentioned as bringing the black clouds from the
horizon of heaven. It was here, beyond the circular boundary of the
earth, and on the shores of the ocean which surrounded it, that Izdubar
is now supposed to be.

It is curious that, whenever Izdubar speaks to this being, the name
Mua is used, while, whenever Izdubar is spoken to, the full name
Mu-seri-ina-namari occurs. Where the story reopens Izdubar is informing
Mua of his first connection with Hea-bani and his offers to him when he
desired him to come to Erech.


COLUMN III. (fragment).

1. for my friend....

2. free thee....

3. weapon....

4. bright star....


COLUMN IV. (fragment).

1. On a beautiful couch I will seat thee,

2. I will cause thee to sit on a comfortable seat on the left,

3. the kings of the earth shall kiss thy feet.

4. I will enrich thee and the men of Erech I will make silent before
thee,

5. and I after thee will take all....

6. I will clothe thy body in raiment and....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

7. Mu-seri-ina-namari on hearing this

8. his fetters loosed ....

The speech of Mua to Izdubar and the rest of the column are lost, the
narrative recommencing on Column V. with another speech of Izdubar.


COLUMN V. (fragment).

1. .... to me

2. .... my ... I wept

3. .... bitterly I spoke

4. .... my hand

5. .... ascended to me

6. .... to me
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

7. .... hyæna of the desert


COLUMN V.

1. Izdubar opened his mouth and said to Mu

2. .... my presence?

3. .... not strong

4. .... my face

5. .... lay down in the field,

6. .... of the mountain, the hyæna of the field,

7. Hea-bani my friend .... the same.

8. No one else was with us, we ascended the mountain.

9. We took it and the city we destroyed.

10. We conquered also Khumbaba who in the forest of pine trees dwelt.

11. Again why did his fingers lay hold to slay the lions?

12. Thou wouldst have feared and thou wouldst not have .. all the
difficulty.

13. And he did not succeed in slaying the same;

14. his heart failed, and he did not strike .... over him I wept,

15. he covered also my friend like a corpse in a grave,

16. like a lion? he tore? him

17. like a lioness? placed .... field

18. he was cast down to the face of the earth

19. he broke? and destroyed his defence? ....

20. he was cut off and given to pour out? ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

21. Mu-seri-ina-namari on hearing this

Here the record is again mutilated, but Izdubar further informs Mua
what he did in conjunction with Hea-bani. Where the story reopens on
Column VI. Izdubar relates part of their adventure with Khumbaba.


COLUMN VI.

1. .... taking

2. .... to thee

3. .... thou art great

4. .... all the account
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

5. .... forest of pine trees

6. .... went night and day

7. .... the extent of Erech the lofty

8. .... he approached after us

9. .... he opened the land of forests

10. .... we ascended

11. .... in the midst like thy mother

12. .... cedar and pine trees

13. .... with our strength

14. .... silent

15. .... he of the field

16. .... by her side

17. .... the Euphrates

Here again our narrative is lost, and where we again meet the story
Izdubar is conversing with Xisuthrus. The conversation is contained
in the broken fifth column of K 3382, first noticed and copied by Mr.
Pinches.


COLUMN V.

1. .... Mua

2. .... my ...

3. .... they are not like.

4. .... before me.

5. .... traversed the desert.

6. .... the glare of the desert.

7. .... the same.

8. .... the mountain.

9. .... we destroy.

10. .... (among) the royal tree (and) the pine they dwell.

11. .... lions.

12. .... times to come.

13. .... were slain, the same.

14. .... over him I wept.

15. .... burial.

16. .... him.

17. .... the desert.

18. .... over me; thou hast gone round ....

19. .... I turned back; the ship (?) I ....

20. (my friend) whom I have loved declared lovingly; Hea-bani my friend
(made) ....

21. (I) am not as he, and would we had never gone up; I did not make a
fortress ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

22. Izdubar to him also speaks, even to Xisuthrus:

23. Thus may I go and Xisuthrus afar off, who has conversed with him,
may I see.

24. I went round, I went through all countries;

25. I passed through difficult lands;

26. I crossed all seas.

27. A good .... they did not dwell before me.

28. I exhausted myself through weakness; with my .... the crown I
filled.

29. .... the house I did not reach, and my clothing was decayed.

30. .... of a leopard, a tiger, a raging winged bull ....

31. their (lairs) I approached; their skins I stripped off ....

32. .... may they bar its gate; with much bitumen ....

33. .... the contents ....

34. .... the sides ....
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

35. (Xisuthrus) to him speaks, even to Izdubar:

36. .... O Izdubar, sickness ....

37. .... gods and men ....

38. .... thy (father) and thy mother made ....

We now come to a fragment which forms the reverse of the tablet already
translated, and recounts the visit of Izdubar to the two women Siduri
and Sabitu. This reads as follows:—

1. I was angry (?) ....

2. If at any time we built a house, if ever we establish ....

3. If ever brothers fixed ....

4. If ever hatred is in ....

5. If ever the river makes a (great) flood.

6. (If ever) reviling within the mouth ....

7. the face that will bow before Samas ....

8. from of old is not ....

9. Spoiling and death together ....

10. of death the image they guarded not ....

11. The man or servant on approaching (death),

12. the spirits of the earth the great gods are they.

13. The goddess Mammetu maker of fate, to them their fate brings,

14. she has fixed death and life;

15. of death its days are not known.


This statement closes the tenth tablet and leads to the next question
of Izdubar and its answer, which includes the story of the Flood.

The present division of the legends has its own peculiar difficulties;
in the first place it does not appear how Hea-bani was killed. Possibly
he fell in an attempt to slay a lion.

The land of Mas or desert of Mas over which Izdubar travels in this

Why, O Gish, does thou run about?
The life that thou seekest, thou wilt not find.
When the gods created mankind,
Death they imposed on mankind;
Life they kept in their power.
Thou, O Gish, fill thy belly,
Day and night do thou rejoice,
Daily make a rejoicing!
Day and night a renewal of jollification!
Let thy clothes be clean,
Wash thy head and pour water over thee!
Care for the little one who takes hold of thy hand!
Let the wife rejoice in thy bosom!

The eleventh tablet of the Izdubar series is the one which first
attracted attention, and is certainly the most important on account of
its containing the story of the Flood. This tablet is the most perfect
in the series, scarcely any line being entirely lost. A new fragment
of it, belonging to another edition of the story, has been recently
brought to the museum by Mr. Hormuzd Rassam.


TABLET XI.

COLUMN I.

1. (Izdubar) to him also speaks even to Xisuthrus afar off:

2. O Xisuthrus,

3. (why) dost thou not again (to me) as I (to thee)?

4. (why) dost thou not again (to me) as I (to thee)?

5. .... my heart to make war

6. .... I come up after thee,

7. when thou didst take, and in the assembly of the gods didst obtain
life.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

8. Xisuthrus to him also speaks, even to Izdubar:

9. Let me reveal to thee (Izdubar) the story of my preservation,

10. and the judgment of the gods let me relate to thee.

11. The city Surippak the city which thou knowest on the Euphrates is
placed,

12. that city is ancient and the gods are within it.

13. To make a deluge [_or_ whirlwind] the great gods have brought their
heart;

14. even he their father, Anu,

15. their king, the warrior Bel,

16. their throne-bearer, Ninip,

17. their minister, the lord of Hades, Nin-si-kha (wife of) Hea with
them sat, and

18. their will he (_i.e._ Hea) repeated: to his minister the minister
of the city of Kis, he declared what he had (in mind);

19. his minister heard and proclaimed attentively:

20. Man of Surippak, son of Ubara-tutu,

21. build a house, make a ship to preserve the sleep of plants (and)
living beings;

22. store the seed and vivify life,

23. cause also the seed of life of every kind to go up into the midst
of the ship.

24. The ship which thou shalt make,

25. 600 cubits (shall be) its measure in length,

26. 60 cubits the amount of its breadth and its height.

27. ... and on the deep cover it, even it, with a roof.

28. I understood and say to Hea my lord:

29. The building of the ship which thou commandest thus,

30. .... I shall have made,

31. .... the sons of the host and the old men.

32. (Hea opened his mouth and) speaks and says to me his servant:

33. ...... thou shalt say unto them,

34. ...... he has rejected me and

35. ...... it is upon me

36. .... like caves ....

37. ... may I judge above and below ....

38. ... close the ship ...

39. ... at the season which I will make known to you,

40. into it enter and the door of the ship turn.

41. Into the midst of it thy grain, thy furniture, thy goods,

42. thy wealth, thy woman slaves, thy handmaids, and the sons of the
host,

43. (the beasts) of the field, the wild animals of the field, as many
as I would protect,

44. I will send to thee, and thy door shall guard (them).
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

45. Adrakhasis his mouth opened and speaks, and

46. says to Hea his lord:

47. No one a ship has made ...

48. in the lower part of the ship has shut up ....

49. .... and may I see the ship ....

50. .... in the lower part of the ship ....

51. the building of the ship which thou commandest me (thus),

52. which in ....


COLUMN II.

1. strong ....

2. on the fifth day .... it rose.

3. In its circuit 14 in all (were) its girders.

4. 14 in all it contained ... above it

5. I placed its roof; it .... I enclosed it.

6. I rode in it the sixth time; I divided its passages the seventh time;

7. its interior I divided the eighth time.

8. Leaks for the waters within it I cut off.

9. I saw the rents and the wanting parts I added.

10. 3 _sari_ of bitumen I poured over the outside.

11. 3 _sari_ of bitumen I poured over the inside.

12. 3 _sari_ of men carrying baskets, who carried on their heads food.

13. I added a _saros_ of food which the people should eat;

14. two _sari_ of food the boatmen shared.

15. To .... I sacrificed oxen

16. I (established) ........ each day

17. I (established) ........ beer, food, and wine;

18. (I collected them) like the waters of a river, and

19. (I collected) like the dust of the earth, and

20. (in the ship) the food with my hand I placed.

21. (Through the help of) Samas the seaworthiness of the ship was
accomplished.

22. ... they were strong and

23. the tackling of the ship I caused to bring above and below.

24. ........ they went in two-thirds of it.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

25. All I possessed I collected it, all I possessed I collected it in
silver,

26. all I possessed I collected it in gold,

27. all I possessed I collected it in the seed of life of all kinds.

28. I caused everything to go up into the ship, my slaves and my
handmaids,

29. the beast of the field, the wild animal of the field, the sons of
the people all of them, I caused to go up.

30. The season Samas fixed and

31. he spake saying: In the night I will cause it to rain from heaven
heavily,

32. enter into the midst of the ship and shut thy door.

33. That season came round (of which)

34. he spake saying: In the night I will cause it to rain from heaven
heavily.

35. Of the day I reached its evening,

36. the day of watching fear I had.

37. I entered into the midst of the ship and shut my door.

38. On closing the ship to Buzur-sadi-rabi the boatman

39. the habitation I gave with its goods.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

40. Mu-seri-ina-namari

41. arose, from the horizon of heaven a black cloud.

42. Rimmon in the midst of it thundered, and

43. Nebo and the Wind-god went in front,

44. the throne-bearers went over the mountain and plain,

45. Nergal the mighty removes the wicked,

46. Ninip goes in front, he casts down,

47. the spirits of earth carried destruction,

48. in their terror they shake the earth;

49. of Rimmon his flood reached to heaven.

50. The darkened (earth to a waste) was turned,


COLUMN III.

1. the surface of the earth like .... they covered,

2. (it destroyed all) living beings from the face of the earth;

3. the raging (deluge) over the people, reached to heaven.

4. Brother saw not his brother, men did not know one another. In heaven

5. the gods feared the whirlwind and

6. sought a refuge; they ascended to the heaven of Anu.

7. The gods like dogs were fixed, in a heap did they lie down.

8. Spake Istar like a child,

9. the great goddess uttered her speech:

10. All to clay are turned and

11. that which I in the presence of the gods prophesied (even evil has
happened).

12. As I prophesied in the presence of the gods evil,

13. to evil (were devoted) all my people, the trouble I prophesied
thus:

14. I the mother have begotten my people, and

15. like the young of the fishes they fill the sea. And

16. the gods because of the spirits of earth are weeping with me.

17. The gods on seats are seated in lamentation,

18. covered were their lips for the coming evil.

19. Six days and nights

20. passed, the wind, the whirlwind, (and) the storm, overwhelmed.

21. On the seventh day at its approach the rain was stayed, the raging
whirlwind

22. which had smitten like an earthquake,

23. was quieted. The sea began to dry, and the wind and deluge ended.

24. I watched the sea making a noise,

25. and the whole of mankind was turned to clay,

26. like reeds the corpses floated.

27. I opened the window, and the light smote upon the fortress of my
nostrils.

28. I was grieved and sat down; I weep,

29. over the fortress of my nostrils went my tears.

30. I watched the regions at the boundary of the sea,

31. towards all the twelve points of the compass (there was) no land.

32. In the country of Nizir rested the ship;

33. the mountain of Nizir stopped the ship, and to pass over it it was
not able.

34. The first day, the second day, the mountain of Nizir stopped the
ship.

35. The third day, the fourth day, the mountain of Nizir stopped the
ship.

36. The fifth day, the sixth day, the mountain of Nizir stopped the
ship.

37. On the seventh day at its approach
——————————————————————————————————————

38. I sent forth a dove and it left. The dove went, it returned, and

39. a resting-place it did not find, and it came back.

40. I sent forth a swallow and it left. The swallow went, it returned,
and

41. a resting-place it did not find, and it came back.

42. I sent forth a raven and it left.

43. The raven went, and the carrion on the water it saw, and

44. it did eat, it swam, and turned away, it did not come back.

45. I sent (the animals) forth to the four winds, I sacrificed a
sacrifice,

46. I built an altar on the peak of the mountain,

47. by sevens vessels I placed,

48. at the bottom of them I spread reeds, pines, and juniper.

49. The gods smelt the savour, the gods smelt the good savour;

50. the gods like flies over the sacrificer gathered.

51. From afar also the great goddess at her approach

52. lifted up the mighty arches (_i.e._ the rainbow) which Anu had
created as his glory.

53. The crystal of those gods before me (_i.e._ the rainbow) never may
I forget;


COLUMN IV.

1. those days I devised with longing that I might never forget.

2. ‘May the gods come to my altar,

3. may Bel never come to my altar,

4. for he did not consider and had made a whirlwind,

5. and my people he consigned to the abyss.’

6. From afar also Bel at his approach

7. saw, the ship he stopped; Bel was filled with anger against the gods
and the spirits of heaven:

8. ‘Let no one come out alive, never may a man live in the abyss.’

9. Ninip his mouth opened, and spake; he says to the warrior Bel:

10. ‘Who is it except Hea that forms a resolution?

11. and Hea knows and all things he ...’

12. Hea his mouth opened and spake, he says to the warrior Bel:

13. ‘Thou messenger of the gods, warrior,

14. as thou didst not consider a deluge thou madest.

15. The doer of sin bore his sin, the blasphemer bore his blasphemy.

16. Never may the just prince be cut off, never may the faithful (be
destroyed).

17. Instead of thy making a deluge, may lions come and men be
diminished;

18. instead of thy making a deluge, may hyænas come and men be
diminished;

19. instead of thy making a deluge, may a famine happen and the country
be (destroyed);

20. instead of thy making a deluge, may pestilence come and men be
destroyed.

21. I did not reveal the judgment of the gods.

22. To Adrakhasis (Xisuthrus) a dream I sent, and the judgment of the
gods he heard.’

23. Again also Bel considers, (_literally_, again consideration was
considered); he approaches the midst of the ship.

24. He took my hand and caused me to ascend up,

25. he caused (me) to ascend; he united my wife to my side;

26. he turned unto us and fixes himself in covenant with us; he
approaches us:

27. ‘Formerly Adrakhasis (was) mortal, but

28. again also Adrakhasis and his wife to live as gods are taken away,
and

29. Adrakhasis also dwells in a remote place at the mouth of the
rivers.’

30. They took me, and in a remote place at the mouth of the rivers they
caused me to dwell.

31. Again also as for thee whomsoever the gods have chosen also,

32. for the health which thou seekest and askest,

33. the bulwarks shall be mounted six days and seven nights,

34. like one who sits in the vicinity of his nest,

35. a way like a storm shall be laid upon him.

36. Adrakhasis to her also says, even to his wife:

37. I announce that the chief who has sought health

38. the way like a storm shall be laid upon him.

39. His wife to him also says even to Adrakhasis afar off:

40. Turn him, and let the man be sent away;

41. by the road that he came may he return in peace,

42. thro’ the great gate going forth let him return to his country.

43. Adrakhasis to her also says, even to his wife:

44. The pain of the man pains thee,

45. mount the bulwarks; his baldness place on his head.

46. And the day when he had mounted the side of the ship,

47. she mounted, his baldness she placed on his head.

48. And the day when he had mounted the side of the ship,

49. first the _sabusat_ of his baldness,

50. second the _mussukat_, third the _radbat_, fourth she opened his
_zikaman_,

51. fifth the _sibu_ she placed, sixth the _bassat_,


COLUMN V.

1. seventh in the outlet she turned him and let the man go free.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

2. Izdubar to him also says even to Xisuthrus afar off:

3. In this way thou wast compassionate (?) over me,

4. quickly thou hast begotten me, and thou hast set eyes (on me).

5. Xisuthrus to him also says even to Izdubar.

6. ....... thy baldness,

7. ....... I separated thee,

8. ....... thy baldness,

9. second the _mussukat_, third the _radbat_,

10. fourth I opened thy _zikaman_,

11. fifth the _sibu_ I placed, sixth the _bassat_,

12. seventh in the opening I turned thee.

13. Izdubar to him also says even to Xisuthrus afar off:

14. ...... Xisuthrus whither may I go?

15. ...... they shipped

16. ...... dwelling in death,

17. ...... his tail dies also.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

18. Xisuthrus to him also says even to Nis-Hea the boatman:

19. Nis-Hea, may thy (oar) accomplish a passage for thee.

20. He who ..... on the shore of (the gods) ....

21. the man whom thou goest before, disease has covered his body;

22. illness has overmastered the strength of his limbs.

23. Take him, Nis-Hea, to cleanse carry him,

24. may he cleanse his disease in the water like purity,

25. may he cast off his illness, and may the sea carry it away, may
health cover his skin,

26. may it restore the hair of his head,

27. the hair clothing, the covering of his loins.

28. That he may go to his country, that he may take his road,

29. never may the hair become old and alone may he be alone (_i.e._
unrivalled).

30. Nis-Hea took him, to cleanse he carried him,

31. his disease in the water like purity (beauty) he cleansed,

32. he cast off his illness, and the sea carried it away, health
covered his skin,

33. the hair of his head was restored, the hair clothing the covering
of his loins.

34. That he might go to his country, that he might take his road,

35. the hair he did not cast off, but alone he was alone.

36. Izdubar and Nis-Hea rode in the ship,

37. where he had placed them they rode.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

38. His wife to him also says even to Xisuthrus afar off:

39. Izdubar goes away, he is at rest, he performs

40. what thou hast given (him to do), and returns to his country.

41. And he even Izdubar lifted up the oar (?);

42. the ship touched the shore.

43. Xisuthrus to him also says even to Izdubar:

44. Izdubar, thou goest away, thou art at rest, thou performest

45. what I gave thee (to do), and thou returnest to thy country.

46. Let the story of my preservation be revealed, O Izdubar,

47. and let the judgment of the gods be related to thee.

48. This account (?) like ........

49. its renown (?) like the Amurdin tree ....

50. if he takes the whole of it in the hand ....

51. To Izdubar he revealed this in his hearing, and ....

52. he bound together heavy stones ....


COLUMN VI.

1. they dragged it and to the deep ....

2. he even Izdubar took the animal ....

3. he cut the heavy stones ....

4. one homer he poured out in libation to it for his ship.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

5. Izdubar to him also says even to Nis-Hea, the boatman:

6. O Nis-Hea, the whole of this, even the whole of the story,

7. of which a man in his heart shall take its story,

8. may he bring it to the midst of Erech the lofty, may he complete
(it) like ....

9. .... splendour (which) is diminished ....

10. May I record and return to perform my vengeance (?).

11. For 10 kaspu (70 miles) they journeyed the stage, for 20 kaspu (140
miles) they made hostility;

12. Izdubar saw a well which the waters were excavating.

13. He turned to the bright waters and smells (?) the waters; ....
grant me thy image (?)

14. .... the men he approached and (their) goods he took away (?)

15. at his return they tore the hair.

16. Izdubar approached (?) ....

17. over the fortress of his nostrils coursed his tears, and he says to
Nis-Hea the boatman:

18. What is it to me, Nis-Hea, that my hands rest?

19. What is it to me that my heart lives?

20. I have not done good to my own self;

21. and yet the lion of the earth does good (to himself).

22. Again for 20 kaspu (140 miles) alone I take the way, and

23. when I had opened the .... I heaped up the tackling,

24. the sea against its long wall I urged.

25. And he left the ship by the shore, 20 kaspu (140 miles) they
journeyed the stage.

26. For 30 kaspu (210 miles) they performed the labour,
they came into the midst of Erech the lofty.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

27. Izdubar to him also says, even to Nis-Hea the boatman:

28. Ascend, Nis-Hea, over the fortress of Erech go;

29. the foundation-stone is scattered, the bricks of its interior are
not made,

30. and its foundation is not laid to thy height (?);

31. 1 _saros_ (is) thy city, 1 _saros_ the plantations, 1 _saros_ the
boundary of the temple of Nantur the house of Istar,

32. 3 _sari_ together the city of Erech ...
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

The opening line of the next tablet is preserved, it reads: “The
gad-fly in the house of the serving-man was left.” After this the story
is again lost for several lines, and where it reappears Izdubar is
mourning for Hea-bani.

The fragments of this tablet are:—


COLUMN I.

1. The gad-fly in the house of the serving-man was left.

(Several lines lost.)

1. Izdubar (lamented thus over Hea-bani his friend:)

2. If to ....

3. to happiness thou (art not admitted);

4. a shining cloak (thou dost not wear),

COLUMN I.

1. The gad-fly in the house of the serving-man was left.

(Several lines lost.)

1. Izdubar (lamented thus over Hea-bani his friend:)

2. If to ....

3. to happiness thou (art not admitted);

4. a shining cloak (thou dost not wear),

5. like a misfortune (?) thou ....

6. Fat (and) goodly food thou dost not share;

7. to (come to) its savour they do not choose thee.

8. The bow against the ground thou dost not aim,

9. what the bow has struck escapes thee:

10. the staff to thy hands thou dost not lift,

11. the captive will not curse thee:

12. sandals to thy feet thou dost not bind,

13. a thrust against the ground thou dost not make.

14. Thy wife whom thou lovest thou dost not kiss,

15. thy wife whom thou hatest thou dost not strike;

16. thy child whom thou lovest thou dost not kiss,

17. thy child whom thou hatest thou dost not strike.

18. The destruction of the earth has seized thee.

19. Ninazu, of darkness the mother, of darkness, of darkness,

20. her illustrious stature as his mantle covers him, and

21. her feet like a deep well beget [_or_ darken] him.

This is the bottom of the first column. The next column has lost all
the upper part: it appears to have contained the remainder of this
lament, an appeal to one of the gods on behalf of Hea-bani, and a
repetition of the lamentation, the third person being used instead of
the second. The fragments commence in the middle of this:

1. his wife whom he hates he strikes,

2. his child whom he loves he kisses;

3. his child whom he has hated he strikes,

4. the destruction of the earth takes him.

5. Ninazu, of darkness the mother of darkness, of darkness!

6. Her illustrious stature as a mantle covers him,

7. her feet like a deep well beget him.

8. Lo! Hea-bani from the earth to .....

9. The plague-demon did not take him, fever did not take him, the earth
took him.

10. The resting-place of Nergal the unconquered did not take him, the
earth took him.

11. The place of the battle of heroes did not strike him, the earth
took him.

12. Lo! .... ni son of the goddess Ninsun for his servant Hea-bani
wept;

13. to the house of Bel alone he went.

14. “Father Bel, a gad-fly to the earth struck me,

15. a deadly wound to the earth struck me,”


COLUMN III.

1. Hea-bani who to rest (was not admitted),

2. the plague-demon did not take him, (the earth took him);

3. the resting-place of Nergal the unconquered did not take him, (the
earth took him).

4. In the place of the battle of heroes they did not (strike him, the
earth took him).

5. Father Bel, a judgment did not take him.

6. Father Sin, the gad-fly (struck him);

7. a deadly wound (to the earth struck him).

8. Hea-bani who to rest (was not admitted),

9. the plague-demon did not take him, (the earth took him);

10. the resting-place of Nergal (the unconquered did not take him).

(About 12 lines lost, containing a repetition of this passage.)

23. The plague-demon ....

24. the resting-place of Nergal the unconquered (did not take him);

25. the place of the battle of heroes did not (take him).

26. Father Hea ....

27. To the warrior Merodach ....

28. Heroic warrior (Merodach) ....

29. he created him the word ....

30. the spirit ....

31. To his father ....

32. the heroic warrior Merodach (son of Hea)

33. created him the word, the earth opened, and

34. the spirit (or ghost) of Hea-bani like dust from the earth (arose):

35. ..... and thou explainest,

36. he pondered and repeated this:


COLUMN IV.

1. Tell, my friend, tell, my friend,

2. the secrets of the earth which thou hast seen, tell (me).

3. I cannot tell thee, my friend, I cannot tell thee,

4. (how) can I tell thee the secrets of the earth which I have seen?

5. ..... I sit weeping

6. ..... may I sit and may I weep

7. ..... of growth and thy heart rejoiced

8. ..... thou growest old, the worm entered

9. ..... of youth and thy heart rejoiced

10. ..... dust filling

11. ..... he passed over

12. ..... he passed over

13. ..... I saw

Here there is a serious blank in the inscription, about twenty lines
being lost, and Mr. Smith has conjecturally inserted a fragment which
appears to belong to this part of the narrative. It is very curious
from the geographical names it contains.

1. .... I poured out ....

2. .... which thou trusted ....

3. .... city of Babylon _ri_ ....

4. .... which he was blessed ....

5. .... may he mourn for my fault ....

6. .... may he mourn for him and for ....

7. .... Kisu and Kharsak-kalama, may he mourn .....

8. .... his .... Cutha ....

9. .... Eridu? and Nipur ....

The rest of Column IV. is lost, and of the next column there are only
remains of the first two lines.


COLUMN V.

1. like a good prince who ....

2. like ....

Here there are about thirty lines missing, the story recommencing with
Column VI., which is perfect.


COLUMN VI.

1. On a couch he reclines and

2. pure water drinks.

3. He who in battle is slain, thou seest and I see.

4. His father (and) his mother (support) his head,

5. (and) his wife addresses the corpse.

6. His friends in the field (are standing),

7. thou seest and I see.

8. His spoil on the ground is uncovered,

9. of his spoil he has no oversight.

10. Thou seest and I see.

11. His tender orphans long for bread; the food

12. which in the tents is placed is eaten.
—–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–—

13. The twelfth tablet of the legends of Izdubar.

14. Like the ancient copy written and made clear.

The great wild bull lay down and did not rise.

Lord Gilgamesh lay down and did not rise.

The hero broad of shoulder lay down and did not rise.

The strength of his body, once without equal, lay down and did not rise.

The one wise in speech, the one whose heart knew the land, lay down and did not rise.

The one who knew how to ascend the mountain lay down and did not rise.

The lord of Kulaba lay down and did not rise.

He lay on the bed of fate. He lay on the bed of sighing.

Then the young lord, Lord Gilgamesh, lay upon the bed of destiny.

In the dream he came to the assembly, the place where the gods take counsel.

They said to Lord Gilgamesh: "As for your case, what are its terms?"

"You travelled the roads. You fetched the cedar, the unique tree, from its mountain. You struck Huwawa in his forest."

"You set up memorials for future days, for the days yet to come."

The dream did not flatter him. It brought his deeds before judgment.

Enlil, the Great Mountain, father of the gods, made kingship your destiny.

He did not make endless life your destiny.

Lord Gilgamesh, this is the meaning of the dream.

Do not let the things of life make your heart collapse. Do not despair. Do not sink into anger.

You have been told what the human lot carries. You have been told what was bound to you when your cord was cut.

The dark day of mankind awaits you. The solitary place of mankind awaits you.

Gilgamesh will be counted among the dead below.

He will be made a governor in the netherworld. He will be foremost among shades.

He will pass judgments and render decisions.

His words will carry weight like the words of Ningishzida and Dumuzi.

He will go to the place where the great gods sit over the funerary offerings.

Death is not removed, but honor is given within it.

The gods remembered the roads he crossed.

They remembered the cedar, the singular tree, brought from its mountain.

They remembered Huwawa struck down in his forest.

They remembered the memorials set up for coming days.

They remembered the temples founded and the old rites restored.

They remembered the flood and the settlements of the land.

The deeds of the king stood before him, but they did not cancel death.

Gilgamesh, son of Ninsumun, set out the offerings.

He set gifts before Ereshkigal. He set gifts before Namtar.

He set presents before Neti, Ningishzida, and Dumuzi.

He named the powers of the underworld and the ancestral gods.

The burial is not only a private farewell. It is a ritual negotiation with the world below.

The lord opened the city's work.

The herald sounded through the lands.

Uruk rose up, and the Euphrates was diverted.

Kulaba rose up, and the water was made to go out.

The rising of Uruk was like a flood. The rising of Kulaba was like a cloudburst.

Not five days, not ten days passed before the river bed was opened and its water led away.

In the middle of the Euphrates they raised the water away.

They built the tomb with stone.

They built its chamber with stone.

They set doors and fastenings of strong stone.

They made what belonged to the burial out of lasting things.

The king was placed where the river would cover him again.

Go to the place of your fathers and grandfathers.

Go to the place of your mother, your sisters, and your kin.

Go to the place of your precious friend, your companion.

Go to Enkidu, your young comrade.

Go to the governors named by the king, to the officers and captains of the troops.

The Great City below, Arali, receives the ordered dead.

From the house of sisters, sisters came to meet him.

From the house of kin, kin came to meet him.

Your precious one came to meet you. Your beloved came to meet you.

The elders of your city came to meet you.

Do not let your heart sink. Do not die in bitterness.

The great gods stand beside the passage, and the city mourns above.

Then the young lord, Lord Gilgamesh, received the meaning of the dream.

The assembly had spoken. Kingship was his; unending life was not.

His body went down. His city remained.

His breath ended. His name continued.

Praise to Gilgamesh, lord of Kulaba.

Not the answer he wanted.

The answer given to mankind.