Ša nagba imuru

The First Tablet

Column I.

(The Argument).

He who (the heart of) all matters hath proven let him 'teach' the nation, "He who all' knowledge possesseth, therein shall he 'school' all the people, 'He shall his wisdom impart (?) and (so) shall they share it together. 'Gilgamish(?)-- he was the 'Master of wisdom, with knowledge of all things, He 'twas discovered the secret concealed

(Aye), handed down the tradition relating to (things) prediluvian, Went on a journey afar, (all) aweary and 'worn with his toiling (?), Graved on a table of stone all the travail.

Of Erech, the high-wall'd,

He (it was) built up the ramparts; (and) he (it was) clamp'd the foundation,

Like unto brass, of 'E-Anna, the sacred, the treasury hallow'd, 'Strengthen'd' its base to grant wayleave to no one]

the threshold which from 'of old (?) E-Anna

to grant wayleave 'to no one (?)

(About thirty lines wanting. The description of Gilgamish runs on to the beginning of the next Column).

Column II.

Two-thirds of him are divine, and 'one - third of him human, The form of his body He hath forced to take

(Gap of about three lines).

(The Plaint of Erech (?) to the gods against the tyrant Gilgamish)

of Erech 'tis he who hath 'taken,

(while) tow'reth 'his' crest like an aurochs,

Ne'er hath the shock of his weapons (its) 'peer; are driven 'his' fellows

Into the toils, while cow'd are the heroes of Erech un-.

Gilgamish leaveth no son to 'his' father, 'his' arrogance swelling

(Each) day and night'; 'aye, he is the shepherd of Erech, the high - wall'd',

He is our (?) shepherd.

'masterful, dominant, subtle

' Gilgamish leaveth no 'maid to her mother, nor daughter to 'hero', (Nay), nor a spouse to a husband "(And so), to (th 'appeal of) their wailing

'Gave ear th 'Immortals: the gods of high heaven 'address'd the god Anu, (Him who was) Seigneur of Erech: "'Tis thou a son hast begotten,

(Aye, in sooth, all) tyrannous, 'while tow 'reth his crest like an aurochs, Ne'er hath the shock of his weapons (its) peer; are driven 'his fellows' Into the toils, while cow'd are the heroes of Erech un-... 1

Gilgamish leaveth no son to his father, 'his arrogance swelling

(Each) day and night; aye, he is the shepherd of Erech, 'the high- wall'd', He is their shepherd.... masterful, dominant, subtle.

Gilgamish leaveth no maid to her mother, nor daughter to hero, (Nay), nor a spouse to a 'husband. "

(And so), to (th 'appeal of) their wailing

Anu gave ear, call'd the lady Aruru: "'Twas thou, O Aruru,

Madest (primeval seed of) mankind (?): do now make its fellow,

So that he 'happen on Gilgamish ', yea, on the day of his pleasure, "

So that they strive with each other, and he unto Erech give 'surcease'.'

(The Creation of Enkidu). So when the goddess Aruru heard this, in her mind she imagined

(Straightway, this) Concept of Anu, and, washing her hands, (then) Aruru Finger'd some clay, on the desert she moulded (it): (thus) on the desert Enkidu made she, a warrior, (as he were) born (and) begotten, (Yea), of Ninurta the double, 'and put forth the whole of his body Hair: in the way of a woman he snooded his locks (in a fillet); Sprouted luxuriant growth of his hair- like (the awns of) the barley, Nor knew he people nor land; he was clad in a garb like Sumuqan.

E'en with gazelles did he pasture on herbage, along with the cattle Drank he his fill, with the beasts did his heart delight at the water.

(The Encounter of Enkidu with the Hunter).

(Then) did a hunter, a trapper, come face to face with this (fellow), Came on him one, two, three days, at the place where (the beasts) drank

(their) water; (Sooth), when the hunter espied him, his face o'ermantled with terror,

He and his cattle went unto his steading, 'dismay'd' (and) affrighted, Crying aloud, 'distress'd in his heart, and) his face overclouded,

woe in his belly (Aye, and) his face was the same as of one who hath gone a far 'journey`.

Column III.

Open'd his mouth (then) the hunter, and spake, addressing 'his father': "Father, there is a great fellow come 'forth from out of the mountains, (O, but) 'his' strength is the greatest (the length and breadth) of the country', 'Like to a double' of Anu's own self 'his strength is enormous, Ever (?) he rangeth at large o'er the mountains, "(and) ever with cattle "Grazeth on herbage (and) ever he setteth his foot to the water, So that I fear to approach him. The pits which I myself hollow'd (With mine own hands) hath he fill'd in (again), (and) the traps of my

'setting 'Torn up, (and) out of my clutches hath holpen escape (all) the cattle, Beasts of the desert: to work at my fieldcraft 'he will not allow me. "

' Open'd his mouth (then) his father, and spake, addressing the hunter: "Gilgamish 'dwelleth' in Erech, 'my son, whom no one hath vanquish'd,

3r (Nay, but) 'tis his strength is greatest (the length and breadth) of the country' 'Like to a double of Anu's own self', his strength is enormous, 4Go, set thy face 'towards Erech: and when he hears of a monster, He will say 'Go, O hunter, a courtesan-girl, a hetaera

Take 'with thee'...... like a strong one; ir When he the cattle shall gather again' to the place of (their) drinking, So shall she put off her 'mantle (the charm of) her beauty 'revealing'; "(Then) shall he spy her, and (sooth) will embrace her, (and thenceforth) his cattle, "Which in his very own deserts 'were rear'd', will (straightway) deny him. ''

(How Gilgamish first heard of Enkidu).

Unto the rede of his father the hunter 'hath hearken'd, (and straightway)

He will away 'unto Gilgamish.

Taking the road towards Erech

Turn'd he 'his steps, and to Gilgamish 'came, his speech thus addressing: (Saying): "There is a great fellow come forth from out of the mountains', (O, but) his strength is the greatest, (the length and breadth) of the country, Like to a double of Anu's own self 'his strength is enormous, "Ever (?) he rangeth at large o'er the mountains, (and) ever with cattle "Grazeth on herbage, (and) ever he setteth his foot to the water,

So that I fear to approach 'him. The pits which I 'myself' hollow'd

(With mine own hands) hath he fill'd in (again, and) the traps of my "setting"

Torn up, (and) out of my clutches hath holpen escape (all) the cattle, Beasts of the desert: to work at my fieldcraft he will not allow me. '

Gilgamish unto him, unto the hunter made answer (in this wise):

"Go, (good) my hunter, take with thee a courtesan-girl, a hetaera, When he the cattle shall 'gather again to the place of (their) drinking,

So shall she put off her mantle, (the charm of her) beauty 'revealing',

(Then) shall he spy her, and (sooth) will embrace her, (and thenceforth) his cattle

Which in his very own deserts were rear'd will (straightway) deny him. "

(The Seduction of Enkidu).

Forth went the hunter, took with him a courtesan-girl, a hetaera, (So) did they start on their travels, went forth on their journey (together), (Aye), at the term of three days arrived at the pleasaunce appointed. Sate they down in their ambush (?), the hunter and the hetaera, One day, two days they sat by the place where (the beasts) drank (their) water. (Then) at last came the cattle to take their fill in their drinking.

Column IV.

Thither the animals came that their hearts might delight in the water,

(Aye), there was Enkidu also, he whom the mountains had gender'd, E'en with gazelles did he pasture on herbage, along with the cattle Drank he his fill, with the beasts did his heart delight at the water, So beheld him the courtesan- girl, the lusty great fellow,

(O but) a monster (all) savage from out of the depths of the desert!

"'Tis he, O girl! O, discover thy beauty, thy comeliness shew (him),

So that thy loveliness he may possess (O), in no wise be bashful,

Ravish the soul of him--(certes), as soon as his eye on thee falleth,

He, forsooth, will approach thee, and thou- O, loosen thy mantle,

So that he clasp thee, and (then) with the wiles of a woman shalt ply him;

(Wherefore) his animals, bred in his desert, will (straightway) deny him,

(Since) to his breast he hath held thee. "

The girl, displaying her bosom, Shew'd him her comeliness, (yea) so that he of her beauty possess'd him,

Bashful she was not, (but) ravish'd the soul of him, loosing her mantle,

So that he clasp'd her, (and then) with the wiles of a woman she plied him,

Holding her unto his breast.

('Twas thus that) Enkidu dallied

Six days, (aye) seven nights, with the courtesan - girl in his mating.

(How Enkidu was inveigled into Erech to fight with Gilgamish).

Sated at length with her charms, he turn'd his face to his cattle,

O the gazelles, (how) they scamper'd away, as soon as they saw him!

Him, yea, Enkidu, -fled from his presence the beasts of the desert! Enkidu losing his innocence2- so, when the cattle fled from him,

Failed his knees, and he slack'd in his running, (not) as aforetime:

Natheless he (thus) hath attain'd his full growth and hath broaden'd (his) wisdom.

Sat he again at the feet of the woman, the woman his features

Scanning, and, while she was speaking, his ears heard (the words) she was saying:

"Comely thou art, e'en like to a god, O Enkidu, shalt be,

Why with the beasts (of the field) dost thou (ever) range over the desert? Up! for I'll lead thee to Erech, the high-wall'd-(in sooth), to the Temple Sacred, the dwelling of Anu and Ishtar, where, highest in power,

Gilgamish is, and prevaileth o'er men like an aurochs. "

Her counsel

E'en as she spake it found favour, (for) conscious he was of his longing

Some companion to seek; so unto the courtesan spake he: "Up, then, O girl, to the Temple, the holy (and) sacred, invite me, Me, to the dwelling of Anu and Ishtar, where, highest in power, Gilgamish is, and prevaileth o'er men like an aurochs- for I, too,

Column V.

I, I will summon him, challenging boldly (and) crying through Erech,

` I, too, am mighty! 'Nay, I, forsooth 'I', will (e'en) destiny alter-

(Truly), 'tis he who is born in the desert whose vigour 'is greatest!

.I will 'please' thee,

"whatever there be, that would I know. '

"Enkidu, come (then) to 'Erech', the high-wall'd, 'where people "array"them "Gorgeous in festal attire, (and) each day the day is a revel,

'Eunuch - priests 'clashing (their) cymbals, and dancing' -girls. flown with their wantoning, gleeful, and keeping the nobles

Out of their beds2! (Nay), Enkidu, 'joy' in thy life (to its fullest)

' Thou shalt taste-- (forsooth) will I shew thee a man who is happy, Gilgamish! View him, O look on his face, (how) comely his manhood!

Dower'd with lustiness is he, the whole of his body with power

Brimming, 'his' vigour is stronger than thine, (all) day and night restless! Enkidu, temper thine arrogance- Gilgamish, loveth him Shamash,

Anu, (and) Enlil, and Ea have dower'd his wisdom with largesse.

(How Gilgamish dreamt of Enkidu).

(Sooth), or ever from out of thy mountains thou camest, in Erech

Gilgamish thee had beheld in a dream; so, Gilgamish coming

Spake to his mother, the dream to reveal. 'O my mother, a vision

Which I beheld in my night-time. (Behold), there were stars of the heavens,

When something like unto Anu's own self fell down on my shoulders,

(Ah, though) I heaved him, he was o'erstrong for me, (and though) his grapple Loosed I, I was unable to shake him (from off me): (and now, all the mean-

while),

People from Erech were standing about 'him, the artisans 'pressing".

On 'him behind', (while) throng'd him 'the heroes'; my (very) companions Kissing 'his' feet; 'I, I to my breast like a woman did hold him, (Then) I presented him low at 'thy' feet, 'that' as mine own equal. 'Thou might'st account him. 'She' who knoweth all wisdom (thus) to her Seigneur she answer'd,

' She' who knoweth all wisdom, to Gilgamish (thus) did she answer: '(Lo), by the stars of the heavens are represented thy 'comrades, That which was like unto Anu's 'own self', which fell on thy shoulders, Which thou didst heave, but he was o'erstrong for thee, '(aye), though his grapple Thou didst unloose, but to shake him from off thee thou wert 'un'able,

So didst present him low at my feet, 'that' as thine own equal 'I might account him-- and thou to thy breast like a woman didst hold him:

Column VI.

This is a stoutheart, a friend, one ready to stand by a comrade, One whose strength is the greatest, (the length and breadth) of the country", 'Like to a double of Anu's own self his strength is enormous.

(Now), since thou' to thy breast didst hold him 'the way of a woman', This is a sign that thou art the one he will never abandon:

' This' of thy dream is the 'meaning. ' Again he spake to his mother,

"Mother', a second dream 'did I see: 'Into Erech, the high- wall'd', Hurtled an axe, and they gather'd about it: the meanwhile, from Erech

' People' were standing about it, 'the people (all) thronging before it, 'Artisans pressing' behind it, 'while' I at thy feet did present it, "I", like a woman I held it to me 'that thou might'st account it, As mine own equal. '' She the 'all-wise, who knoweth all wisdom, (thus) answer'd her offspring,

She the all-wise who knoweth all wisdom, to Gilgamish answer'd: '(Lo, that) 'Axe thou didst see (is) a Man; like a woman didst hold him, Unto thy breast, 'that' as thine own equal I might account him, 'This is a stoutheart, a friend, one ready to stand by a comrade, One whose strength is the 'greatest (the length and breadth) of the country', 'Like to a double of Anu's 'own self', his strength is enormous. ''Gilgamish open'd his mouth, and addressing his mother, (thus spake he): "Though great 'danger (?) befall, 'a friend (?) shall I have "

Mentioned templesGilgamešAnûIštarŠamašEnlīlĒa

The Second Tablet

Column II.

While Gilgamish (thus) is the vision revealing

Enkidu sitteth before the hetaera, and she 'displaying her bosom,

Shewing her beauty (?), the place of his birth he forgetteth. (So) Enkidu dallied

(Thus) for six days, seven nights, with the courtesan-girl in his mating. Broke into 'speech then, the nymph, and (thus) unto Enkidu spake she:

"(Yea, as) I view thee, (e'en) like a god, O Enkidu, shalt be, Why with the beasts (of the field) dost thou (ever) range over the desert? Up, for I'll lead thee to 'Erech' broad-marketed, (aye), to the Temple Sacred, the dwelling of Anu - O Enkidu, come, that I guide thee, Unto E-Anna, the dwelling of Anu, where 'Gilgamish (liveth), (He), the supreme of creation; and thou, aye, thou wilt 'embrace him Like 'to a woman ', (and e'en) 'as thyself thou shalt 'love him.

O, rouse thee

Up from the ground - 'tis a shepherd's bed (only). "Her utterance heard he,

Welcomed her rede: the advice of the woman struck home in his bosom.

She one garment took off wherewith she might clothe him: the other She herself wore, (and so) taking her hand like a brothers she led him

(Thus) to the booths (?) of the shepherds, the place of the sheepfolds. The shepherds

Gather'd at sight of him

(Gap of four or five lines. )

Column III.

(How the Hetaera schooled Enkidu).

He (in the past) of the milk of the wild things to suck was accustom 'd!

Bread which she set before him he broke, but he gazed and he stared:

Enkidu bread did not know how to eat, nor had he the knowledge Mead how to quaff!

(Then) the woman made answer, to Enkidu speaking,

"Enkidu, taste of the bread, (for) of life 'tis, (forsooth), the essential,

Drink thou, (too), of the mead, 'tis the wonted use of the country. "

Enkidu ate of the bread, (aye, ate) until he was gorged,

Drank of the mead seven bumpers; his spirits rose, (and), exultant, Glad was his heart, and cheerful his face: 'himself(?) was he rubbing, Oil on the hair of his body anointed: and (thus) became human. Donn'd he a garment to be like a man, (and) taking his weapon, Hunted the lions, which harried the shepherds o 'nights: and the jackals

Caught he. (So) he, having master'd the lions, the shepherds slept soundly.

Enkidu (he) was their warden- (becometh) a man of full vigour. (Now) is one of the heroes speaking to 'Gilgamish (?)

(About thirteen lines are missing, a gap in which a sinister figure has evidently appeared, sent evidently by Gilgamish to learn the meaning of the arrival of the strangers in Erech. Enkidu sees him and speaks).

Column IV.

(Then while) he pleasured, he lifted his eyes, (and), observing the fellow,

Spake he unto the woman: "O doxy, bring me (this ) fellow, "

Why hath he come? I would know his intention. The woman the fellow

Call'd that he come to him, that he might see him: "O, why art thou seeking,

Sir? (Pray), which is the way to thy rest-house? "

The man spake, addressing

Enkidu: "You to the House of Community Gilgamish calleth',

(This is) the custom of men, and a homage (too) to the great ones:

Come, then, and heap up the offerings such as are due to the city,

Come, on behalf of the common weal bring in the food of the city.

('Tis) for the king of broad - marketed Erech to look on thy greeting,

Gilgamish, king of broad - marketed Erech to look on thy greeting;

First doth he mate with the woman allotted by fate, and then after

Speak by the counsel of god, and so from the shape of the omens

(Utter the rede of) his destiny. "Went they before him.

(So) at the words of the fellow

(Gap of about nine lines).

Column V.

(The Entry of Enkidu into Erech).

' Enkidu' going in front, with the courtesan coming behind him,

Enter'd broad-marketed Erech; the populace gather'd behind him,

(Then), as he stopp'd in the street of broad-marketed Erech, the people

Thronging, behind him exclaim'd "Of a truth, like to Gilgamish is he,

Shorter in stature a trifle, 'his' composition is stronger. "(once) like a 'weakling baby he suck'd the milk of the wild

things!

Ever the bread-cakes in Erech give glorious (climax) to manhood!

He a (mere) savage becometh a hero of proper appearance,

(Now) unto Gilgamish, god-like, his composition is equal. "

(How Enkidu fought with Gilgamish for the Hetaera). Strewn is the couch for the love-rites, and Gilgamish (now) in the night - time

Cometh to sleep, to delight in the woman: (but) 'Enkidu', coming. (There) in the highway, doth block up the passage to Gilgamish, 'threat'ning'

He with his strength

(Gap of seven or eight lines).

Column VI.

Gilgamish... behind him Burgeon'd his rage', (and) he rush'd to 'attack' him: they met in the

highway. Enkidu barr'd up the door with his foot, (and) to Gilgamish entry

Would not concede: they grappled and snorted (?) like bulls, (and) the threshold

Shatter'd the (very) wall quiver'd as Gilgamish, Enkidu grappled, Snorting(?) like bulls, (and) the threshold they shatter'd, the (very) wall

quiver'd.

(The Birth of Friendship). Gilgamish bent his leg to the ground: (so) his fury abated,

(Aye, and) his ardour was quell'd: so soon as was quelled his ardour, Enkidu (thus) unto Gilgamish spake: "(Of a truth), did thy mother

Bear thee as one, and one only: (that choicest) cow of the steer-folds, Nin-sun, exalted thy head above heroes, and Enlil hath dower'd

Thee with the kingship o'er men. "

Mentioned templesGilgamešAnûEnlīl

The Third Tablet

Column II.

(The Tale of the Fight).

"He lifted up 'his foot' to the door.

(?) They raged furiously.

Enkidu hath not 'his equal

unkempt is the hair.

(Aye) he was born in the desert, and 'no' one 'his presence can equal". "

GILGAMISH OF EPIC THE

(Enkidu's sorrow at the loss of his Love).

Enkidu (there) as he stood gave ear to his utterance (?), grieving Sitting in sorrow: his eyes fill'd 'with tears, and his arms lost their power,

' Slack'd was his bodily vigour. Each clasp'd 'the hand of the other. 'Holding like 'brothers' their grip... '(and) to Gilgamish Enkidu

answer'd: 1

"Friend, 'tis my darling hath circled (her arms) round my neck (to farewell me)2, (Wherefore) my arms lose their power, my bodily vigour is slacken'd. "

(The Ambition of Gilgamish).

Gilgamish open'd his mouth, and to Enkidu spake he (in this wise):

Column III.

(Gap of about two lines)

"I, O my friend, am determined to go to the Forest of Cedars, (Aye) and Humbaba the Fierce 'will' o'ercome and destroy 'what is evil'.

"3. (Then) will I cut down the Cedar

Enkidu open'd his mouth, and to Gilgamish spake he (in this wise), "Know, then, my friend, what time I was roaming with kine in the mountains

1 I for a distance of two hours 'march from the skirts of the Forest Into its depths would go down. Humbaba-his roar was a whirlwind, Flame (in) his jaws, and his very breath Death! O, why hast desired This to accomplish? To meet(?) with Humbaba were conflict unequalld. Gilgamish open'd his mouth and to Enkidu spake he (in this wise): "r Tis that I need' the rich yield of its mountains 'I go to the Forest "

Enkidu open'd his mouth 'and' to Gilgamish spake he (in this wise):

"(But) when we go to the Forest of Cedars

its guard is a 'Fighter',

Strong, never 'sleeping", O Gilgamish

(Three mutilated lines, apparently explaining the powers which Shamash (?), the Sun-god, and Adad, the Storm-god, have bestow'd on Humbaba).

Column IV.

So that he safeguard the Forest of Cedars a terror to mortals Him hath Enlil appointed-Humbaba, his roar is a whirlwind, Flame (in) his jaws, and his very breath Death! (Aye), if he in the Forest. Hear (but) a tread (?) on the road-'Who is this come down to his Forest?' So that he safeguard the Forest of Cedars, a terror to mortals, Him hath Enlil appointed, and fell hap will seize him who cometh Down to his Forest. "

Gilgamish open'd his mouth and to Enkidu spake he (in this wise): "Who, O my friend, is unconquer'd by 'death? A divinity, certes,

Liveth for aye in the daylight, but mortals-their days are (all) number'd, All that they do is (but) wind - But to thee, now death thou art dreading, Proffereth nothing of substance thy courage-I, I'll be thy va ward! 'Tis thine own mouth shall tell thou didst fear the onslaught (of battle), (I, forsooth), if I should fall, my name will have stablish'd (for ever). Gilgamish 'twas, who fought with Humbaba, the Fierce!

(In the future), After my children are born to my house, and climb up thee, (saying): 'Tell to us all that thou knowest '

(Yea), when thou speakest 'in this wise, thou grievest my heart (for) the Cedar

' I am determined 'to fell, that I may gain 'fame everlasting.

(The Weapons are cast for the Expedition). (Now), O my friend, 'my charge to the craftsmen I fain would deliver,

"So that they cast in our presence 'our weapons.

The charge they deliver 'd

Unto the craftsmen: the mould (?) did the workmen prepare, and the axes Monstrous they cast: (yea), the celts did they cast, each (weighing) three talents;

Glaives, (too, ) monstrous they cast, with hilts each (weighing) two talents, Blades, thirty manas to each, corresponding to fit them: 'the inlay(?),

Gold thirty manas (each) sword: (so) were Gilgamish, Enkidu laden Each with ten talents.

(Gilgamish takes counsel with the Elders).

(And now) in the Seven Bolt Portal of Erech Hearing the bruit (?) did the artisans gather, 'assembled the people (?), (There) in the streets of broad - marketed Erech, 'in' Gilgamish '' honour (?), 'So did the Elders of Erech broad-marketed take seat before him. 'Gilgamish spake 'thus: "O Elders of Erech broad-marketed, 'hear me!' I go against Humbaba, the Fierce, who shall say, when he heareth,

Column

'(Ah), let me look on (this) Gilgamish, he of whom (people) are speaking, He with whose fame the countries are fill'd '-'Tis I will o'erwhelm him, (There) in the Forest of Cedars - I'll make the land hear (it) (How) like a giant the Scion of Erech is- (yea, for) the Cedars I am determined to fell, that I may gain fame everlasting. "Gilgamish (thus) did the Elders of Erech broad-marketed answer: "Gilgamish, 'tis thou art young, that thy valour (o'ermuch) doth uplift thee, Nor dost thou know to the full what thou dost seek to accomplish. Unto our ears hath it come of Humbaba, his likeness is twofold. Who (of free will) then would 'seek to oppose in encounter his weapons? Who for a distance of two hours 'march from the skirts of the Forest Unto its depths would 'go' down? Humbaba, his roar is a whirlwind, Flame (in) his jaws, and his very breath Death! (O), why hast desired. This to accomplish? To meet (?) with Humbaba were conflict unequall'd. "Gilgamish unto the rede of his counsellors hearken'd and ponder'd, Cried to his friend: "Now, indeed, O 'my' fried, 'will I thus 'voice

opinion. I (forsooth) dread him, and (yet) to (the depths of the) Forest I'll take me.. "

(About seven lines mutilated or missing in which the Elders bless Gilgamish in farewell).

6 may thy god (so) 'protect thee,

Bringing thee back (safe and) sound to the walls of broad- marketed' Erech. "Gilgamish knelt 'before Shamash a word 'in his presence to utter: "Here I present myself, Shamash, 'to lift up my hands (in entreaty),

O that hereafter my life may be spared, to the ramparts of 'Erech "

Bring me again: spread thine aegis 'upon me.

And Shamash made answer,

' Speaking his oracle

Tears adown Gilgamish''cheeks were (now) streaming: "A road I have never Traversed 'I go, on a passage (?) I know not, (but if) I be spared (So) in content "will I come and will pay thee (?) due meed (?) of thy

homage.

(Two mutilated lines with the words "on seats "and "his equipment. ") Monstrous 'the axes they brought (?), they deliver'd 'the bow and the quiver "Into (his) hand; (so) taking a celt, 'he slung on (?) his quiver, Grasping another 'celt (?) he fasten'd his glaive to his baldrick. 'But, or ever the twain' had set forth on their journey, they offer'd 'Gifts to the Sun-god, that home he might bring them to Erech (in safety).

(The Departure of the two Heroes). (Now) do the 'Elders' farewell him with blessings, to Gilgamish giving

Counsel 'concerning the road: "O Gilgamish, to thine own power Trust not (alone); (but at least) let thy 'road' be traversed 'before' thee, Guard thou thy person; let Enkidu go before thee (as vaward). (Aye, for) 'twas he hath discover'd the 'way, the road he hath travell'd. (Sooth), of the Forest the passes are all under sway (?) of Humbaba,

(Yea), he who goeth 'as vaward is (able) to safeguard a comrade, O that the Sun-god 'may grant' thee 'success to attain thine ambition', O that he grant that thine eyes see (consummate) the words of thy utt'rance O that he level the path that is block'd, cleave a road for thy treading, Cleave, too, the berg for thy foot! May the god Lugal-banda Bring in thy night-time a message to thee, with which shalt be gladden'd, So that it help thine ambition2, (for), like a boy thine ambition On the o'erthrow of Humbaba thou fixest, as thou hast settled.

45.

Wash, (then), thy feet: when thou haltest, shalt hollow a pool, so that ever Pure be the water within thy skin-bottle, (aye), cool be the water Unto the Sun-god thou pourest, (and thus) shalt remind Lugal - banda. "

Enkidu open'd his mouth, and spake unto Gilgamish, (saying): "Gilgamish, art (?) thou (in truth) full equal to making (this) foray?

,, Let 'not' thy heart be afraid; trust me.

On (his) shoulder his mantle

' Drew he, (and now) 'on the road' to Humbaba they set forth (together).

(Five lines mutilated; the two heroes meet a man who sets them on their way).

they went with me.

'tell you.. in joy of heart. "

So when he heard this his word, the man on his way did 'direct him:

"Gilgamish, go,

let thy brother (?) precede 'thee

thine ambition'.

'(and) in

O that the Sun-god (?) may shew 'thee success! "

"Gilgamish, put not thy faith in the strength of thine own person (solely), Quench'd be thy wishes to trusting(?) (o'ermuch) in thy (shrewdness in)

smiting. (Sooth), he who goeth as vaward is able to safeguard a comrade, He who doth know how to guide hath guarded his friend; (so) before thee, Do thou let Enkidu go, (for 'tis) he to the Forest of Cedars Knoweth the road: 'tis he lusteth for battle, and threateneth combat. Enkidu he would watch over a friend, would safeguard a comrade, (Aye, such an one) would deliver his person from out of the pitfalls. We, O King, in our conclave have paid deep heed to thy welfare,

"Thou, O King, in return with an (equal) heed shalt requite us. 'Gilgamish open'd his mouth, and spake unto Enkidu, saying: "Unto the Palace of Splendour, O friend, come, let us betake us, Unto the presence of Nin - sun, the glorious Queen, (aye) to Nin - sun, Wisest of (all) clever women, all-knowing; a well-devised pathway She will prescribe for our feet. "

Claspd they their hands, each to each, and went to the Palace of Splendour,

Gilgamish, Enkidu. Unto the glorious Queen, (aye) to Nin-sun

Gilgamish came, and he enter'd in unto 'the presence of Nin - sun:

"Nin-sun, O fain would I tell thee 'how' I a far journey 'am going],

(Unto) the home of Humbaba to counter a warfare I know not, 'Follow a road' which I 'know' not, "(aye) from the time of my starting, 'Till my return, until I arrive at the Forest of Cedars, 'Till I o'erthrow Humbaba, the Fierce, and destroy from the country

All that the Sun-god abhorreth of evil "

(The rest of the speech of Gilgamish is lost until the end of the

Column, where we find him still addressing his mother, and

apparently asking that she shall garb herself in festal attire to beg

a favour of the Sun-god).

. garb thyself;... in thy presence.

(So) to her offspring, to Gilgamish 'Nin-sun' gave ear. -ly,

Column II.

Enter'd 'her chamber... and deck'd herself with the flowers of Tulal (?),

Put on the festal garb of her body 'Put on the festal garb of her bosom

her head with a circlet

Crown'd, and... the ground ipirani.

Climb'd she the stairway, ascended the roof, and 'the parapet (?) mounted,

Offer'd her incense to Shamash, (her) sacrifice offer'd 'to Shamash', (Then) towards Shamash her hands she uplifted (in orison saying):

"Why didst thou give (this) restlessness of spirit With which didst dower Gilgamish, 'my' son? That now thou touchest him, and (straight) he starteth A journey far to where Humbaba (dwelleth), To counter warfare which he knoweth not,

Follow a pathway which he knoweth not,

(Aye), from the very day on which he starteth, Till he return, till to the Cedar Forest

He reach; till he o'erthrow the fierce Humbaba,

And from the land destroy all evil things

Which thou abhor'st; the day which thou hast set'

As term, of (that) strong man (who) feareth thee,

May Aa, (thy) bride, be 'thy' remembrancer. "

He the night - watches

repetition of what the Elders said to Gilgamish):

"(Aye, such an one) 'would deliver his person' from out of the pitfalls.

We, O King, in our conclave 'have paid deep heed to thy welfare, "

(Now), O King, in thy turn with an (equal) heed' shalt requite us.

Enkidu 'open'd' his mouth 'and spake unto Gilgamish, saying]:

"Turn, O my friend.

a road not

Mentioned templesGilgamešŠamašEnlīl

The Fourth Tablet

Column I.

(Enkidu addresses the Gate).

Enkidu lifted 'his eyes... and spake with the Gate as 't were human (?): "O thou Gate of the Forest without understanding (?) Sentience which thou hast not,

I for (full) forty leagues have admired thy wonderful timber, (Aye), till I sighted the towering Cedar. (O but) thy wood hath no peer (in the country)

Six gar thy height, and two gar thy breadth.. (Sooth, but) thy stanchion (?), thy socket (?), thy pivot (?), thy lock (?),

and thy shutter (?),

' (All of them ) must have been fashion'd for thee in the City of Nippuri! O, if I had but known, O Gate, that this was 'thy grandeur,

This, too, the grace of thy structure, then either an axe had I lifted Or I had... or bound together

(Of the next Column remains a fragment, and that only presumed to belong to one of the above fragments from its appearance,

which speaks of terror, a dream, and sorrow: "let me pray the gods

may thy? god be.

the father of the gods.

Again,

of the third Column there is only a small portion left of the right

half (this fragment, too, being also presumed to belong to the same

tablet as that above-mentioned), speaking of Gilgamish, the Forest,

and Enkidu. The fourth Column is entirely lost. Of Column V

the latter part survives, in this case without any uncertainty.

After a few broken lines it runs as follows, the first speaker being

probably Enkidu, and the scene the Gate of the Forest):

O, haste thee, withstand him, he will not pursue (?) thee',

"We will go on down into the wood not 'daunted, together (?). Thou shall put on seven garments

putting on, and six.. (?) He like a mighty wild bull.

Flung he the Portal afar, and 'his' mouth was fill'd (with his challenge),

Cried to the Guard of the Forest: "Up (?)

'Tis I will challenge Humbaba like to a

Column VI.

(A small gap. )

(Enkidu is speaking) "Trouble (?) I foresee (?) wherever I go O my friend, I have seen a dream which un-

3 The day of the dream he had seen fulfilled

(Enkidu is stricken with fear at thought of the combat).

Enkidu lay for a day, 'yea, a second-for Enkidu 'lying'

(Prone) on his couch, was a third and a fourth day seventh,

a fifth, sixth and

Eighth, ninth, 'and tenth'. While Enkidu 'lay in his sickness eleventh,

th '

(Aye, till) the twelfth. on 'his' couch was Enkidu "lying".

Call'd he to Gilgamish,

"(O but), my comrade,

hateth me because within Erech

I was afraid of the combat, and My friend, who in battle

(A small gap in which Gilgamish has answered. Enkidu replies):

Enkidu open'd' his 'mouth' and spake 'unto Gilgamish, saying:

("Nay, but), 'my friend, let us no wise go down to the depths of the Forest",

(For) 'tis my hands have grown weak', and 'my arms' are stricken with palsy. "

Gilgamish open'd his mouth and spake unto Enkidu', saying: "Shall we, O friend, 'play' the coward?

thou shalt surpass them all (?)

' Thou, 'my friend, art cunning in warfare, art 'shrewd (?) in the battle,

(So) shalt thou touch the... and of 'death' have no terror,

'So that the palsy (now striking) thine arms 'may depart, and the weakness Pass 'from thy hands! Be brave(?) and resist! O my comrade, together We will go down- let the combat in no wise diminish (?) thy courage! O forget death, and be fearful (?) of nothing (?).. (for he who is) valiant (?), Cautious (and) careful, by leading 'the way' hath his own body guarded,

"(He 'tis) will safeguard a comrade.

A name by their 'valour(?) They will establish. (And now) they together arrive at the barrier (?), 'Still'd into silence (?) their speech, and they themselves (suddenly) stopping.

THE EPIC OF GILGAMISH. THE FIFTH TABLET.

Mentioned templesGilgameš

The Fifth Tablet

Column

(The Wonders of the Forest). Stood they and stared at the Forest, they gazed at the height of the Cedars, Scanning the avenue into the Forest: (and there) where Humbaba Stalk'd, was a path, (and) straight were his tracks, and good was the passage. (Eke) they beheld the Mount of the Cedar, the home of th 'Immortals, Shrine of Irnini, the Cedar uplifting its pride 'gainst the mountain, Fair was its shade, (all) full of delight, with bushes (there) spreading, Spread, too, the... the Cedar the incense....

Column II.

(Gilgamish relates his dreams ).

"4Then came another dream to me, comrade, and this second vision 'Pleasant, indeed, which I saw, (for) we (?) twain were standing together'

' High on (?) a peak of the mountains, and then did the mountain peak topple,

Leaving us twain (?) to be like.

(?) which are born in the desert. '

Enkidu spake to his comrade the dream (?) to interpret", (thus saying):

"Comrade, (in sooth, this) vision of thine unto us good fortune (forbodeth),

(Aye), 'tis a dream of great gain 'thou didst see, (for, bethink you), O comrade,

(Surely) the mountain which thou hast beholden "must needs be Humbaba(?).

(Thus doth it mean) we shall capture Humbaba, (and) 'throw down his carcase,

' Leaving his corpse in abasement-to-morrow's (outcome) will I 'shew thee ".

(Now) at the fortieth league did they break their fast with a morsel', (Now) at the sixtieth rested, and hollow'd a pit in the sunshine Gilgamish mounted above it (and) pour'd out his meal for the

mountain":

"Mountain, a dream do thou grant breathe on him...

Column III.

Granted the mountain a dream... it breathed on him Then a chill wind - blast 'up-sprang (and) 'a gust passing over Made him to cower, and... 'thereat he sway'd' like the corn of the

mountains.. Gilgamish, squatting bent-kneed, supported his haunches, (and straight-

way) Sleep (such as) floweth on man descended upon him: 'at' midnight Ending his slumber (all sudden), he hied him to speak to his comrade: "Didst thou not call me, O friend? (O), why am I waken'd (from slumber)? Didst thou not touch me- (for), why am I fearful (?), (or) hath not some spirit Pass'd (me)? (Or, ) why is my flesh (all) a - quiver?

(The dream of the volcano, which probably represents Humbaba).

A third dream, O comrade,

I have beheld: but all awesome (this) dream which I have beholden:

(Loud) did the firmament roar, (and ) earth (with the echo) resounded,

Sombre the day, with darkness uprising, (and) levin bolts flashing,

Kindled were flames, and there, too, was Pestilence (?) fill'd to o'erflowing,

Gorg'd was Death! (Then) 'faded' the glare, (then) faded the fires,

Falling, 'the brands' turn'd to ashes- Come, let us go down to the desert, That we may counsel together. "Enkidu (now) to interpret his dream unto Gilgamish speaketh:

(Remainder of Column III broken away).

(A variant version is found on one of the Semitic tablets from Boghaz Keuil. Where the sense becomes connected it briefly

describes how the heroes halt for the night and at midnight sleep

departs from the hero who tells his dream to Enkidu, after asking much in the same way why he is frightened at waking from his dream. "Besides my first dream a second..... In my dream, O friend, a mountain..... he cast me down, seized my feet. The brilliance increased: a man.. most comely of all the land was his beauty Beneath the mountain he drew me, and.

water he gave me to drink, and my desire 'was assuaged; to earth

he set my feet... Enkidu unto this god

unto Gilgamish

OTES. 1Published by Weidner, Keilschrifturkunden aus Boghazkoi, IV. 12, p.

spake: "Myfriend, we will go. whatever is hostile

Not

the mountain.. Come, lay aside fear.

"The rest

Column VI.

(The Fight with Humbaba).

In the following manner... the Sun-god in heaven... the trees:

He saw 'Gilgamish: of the Sun-god in heaven in.

And 'shew'd him' the dam on the ditches.

Gilgamish 'spake' then 'in orison' unto the Sun-god in heaven;

"Lo, on that day to the city.

which is in the city:

I in sooth 'pray' to the Sun-god in heaven: I on a road have now started,

Unto th 'entreaty of Gilgamish hearken'd the Sun - god in heaven, Wherefore against Humbaba he raised mighty winds: (yea), a great wind, Wind from the North, (aye), a wind from the South ', yea 'a tempest' (and)

storm wind, Chill wind, (and) whirlwind, a wind of (all) evil: 'twas eight winds he raised,

Seizing Humbaba before and behind, so that nor to go forwards,

Nor to go back was he able: and then Humbaba surrender'd. Wherefore to Gilgamish spake (thus) Humbaba: "O Gilgamish, (pr'y thee),

Stay, (now, thy hand): be thou now my 'master', and I'll be thy henchman:

"O disregard' (all) 'the words' which I spake (so) boastful' against thee,

Weighty.

I would lay me down.

"and the Palace. '

Thereat to 'Gilgamish' Enkidu 'spake: "Of the rede which Humbaba

Maketh to thee thou darest in nowise offer acceptance. "

(Aye, for) Humbaba 'must not 'remain alive

'they cut off the head of Humbaba.

Mentioned templesGilgameš

The Sixth Tablet

EXPLOIT AGAINST HUMBABA.

Column I.

(Gilgamish is removing the stains of combat). 1(Now) is he washing his stains, (and) is cleansing his garments in tatters, Braiding (?) (the locks of) his hair (to descend loose) over his shoulders, Laying aside his garments besmirchen, (and) donning his clean ones, Putting on armlets (?), and girding his body about with a baldric, Gilgamish bindeth his fillet, and girdeth himself with a baldric.

(Ishtar sees him and seeks to wed him).

(Now) Lady Ishtar espieth the beauty of Gilgamish: (saith she), "Gilgamish, come, be a bridegroom, to me of the fruit (of thy body) Grant me largesse: (for) my husband shalt be and I'll be thy consort. O, but I'll furnish a chariot for thee, (all) azure and golden, Golden its wheel, and its yoke precious stones, each day to be harness'd Unto great mules: (O), enter our house with the fragrance of cedar. (So) when thou enterest into our house shall threshold and dais Kiss thy feet, (and) beneath thee do homage kings, princes, and rulers, Bringing thee yield of the mountains and plains as a tribute: thy she-goats Bring forth in plenty, thy ewes shall bear twins, thy asses attaining (Each) to the size of a mule, (and) thy steeds in thy chariot winning Fame for their gallop: 'thy mules in the yoke shall ne'er have a rival. "

'Gilgamish' open'd his mouth in reply, Lady Ishtar 'to answer:

"Aye, but what must I give thee, (if (?) ) I should take thee in marriage?

I must provide thee with oil for (thy) body, and clothing: (aye, also)

' Give thee (thy)' bread and (thy) victual: (sooth), must be sustenance 'ample

Meet for divinity-' I, (too), must give thee (thy) drink' fit for royalty.

I shall be bound, let us amass (?),.. clothe with a garment.

"What, then, will be my advantage, supposing I take thee in marriage? 'Thou'rt but a ruin which giveth no shelter (?) to man from the weather, Thou'rt but a back door 'not' giving resistance to blast or to windstorm,

Thou'rt but a palace which dasheth the heroes within it to pieces', Thou'rt but a pitfall (which letteth) its covering 'give way (all treach 'rous)", Thou art but pitch which 'defileth the man who doth carry it with him, Thou'rt but a bottle which leaketh' on him who doth carry it with him, Thou art but limestone which 'letteth' stone ramparts fall crumbling in ruin'.

Thou'rt but chalcedony 'failing to guard (?) in an enemy's country, Thou'rt but a sandal which causeth its owner to trip (by the wayside)". Who was ever 'thy' husband 'thou faithfully lovedst for all time? Who hath been ever thy lord who hath gain'd 'over thee the advantage? Come, and I will unfold thee 'the endless tale of thy husbands.

(Sooth), thou shalt vouch (?) for the truth (?) of (this) list-- Thy maidenhood's consort,

Tammuz, each year dost make him the cause of Wailing, (then cometh

Next) the bird Roller gay-feather'd thou lovedst, and (yet) thou didst smite him

Breaking his wing: in the grove doth he stand, crying kappi 'my wing!' Lovedst thou also a Lion, in (all) the full strength of (his) vigour,

(Yet) thou didst dig for him seven and seven (deep) pits (to entrap him). Lovedst thou also a Stallion, magnificent he in the battle,

Thou wert the cause of a bridle, a spur, and a whip to him: (also) Thou wert the cause of his fifty miles galloping; thou wert the cause, too,

(Eke), of exhaustion and sweating (?); (thereafter), 'twas thou who didst (also)

Unto his mother Silili give cause for (her deep) lamentation.

Lovedst thou also a Shepherd, a neatherd, for thee without ceasing

Each day to sacrifice yeanlings for thee would heap thee his charcoal,

(Yet) thou didst smite him, transforming him into a jackal: his herd boy

Yea, his own herd boy drove him away, and his dogs tore his buttocks.

Lovedst thou, too, Ishullanu, the gardener he of thy sire,

Bringing delights (?) to thee ceaseless, while daily he garnish'd thy platter;

'Twas for thee only to cast thine eyes on him, and with him be smitten.

' O Ishullanu of mine, come, let me taste of thy vigour,

Put forth thy hand, too,

.5 '

1I.e., a seal-cylinder or amulet of chalcedony. 2The Annual festival of the Wailing for Tammuz. Tammuz, the husband of Ishtar, representing vegetation, dies each year in the Autumn, and his faithful spouse goes down to the Underworld to bring him back with the return of Spring. The Roller, a brightly coloured bird which lives in the palm groves of Southern Babylonia, uttering a hoarse cry which may be identified with kappi. During the breeding season it has a curious irregular flight which probably gave rise to the legend of the broken wing. 4The force of the tense of the last verb appears to demand this form of translation. 5This, the invitation of Ishtar, (two words) is omitted.

But he, Ishullanu,

Said to thee 'What dost thou ask me? Save only my mother hath baked (it), Nought have I eaten- (and) what I should eat would be bread of transgression, (Aye) and iniquity! (Further), the reeds are a cloak against winter. '

Thou this 'his answer' didst hear, didst smite him and make him a spider (?),

Making him lodge midway up a 'dwelling(?) 13-not to move upwards

Lest there be drainage; nor down, lest a crushing 'o'erwhelm him.

So, too, me in my turn thou wouldst love and (then ) 'reckon me like them. "

'Heard this (then) Ishtar: she burst into rage and 'went up to Heaven, Hied her (thus) Ishtar to Anu, 'her father', to Antu, her mother,

Came she to tell (them)": "O father, doth Gilgamish load me with insult, Gilgamish tale of my sins, my sins and iniquities telleth. "

Anu made answer, (thus) speaking, and said unto Ishtar the Lady: "Nay, thou didst ask him 'to grant thee largesse of the fruit of his body, (Hence) he the tale of thy sins, thy sins and iniquities telleth. "

(The Creation of the Divine Bull which is to destroy the heroes).

Ishtar made answer (thus) speaking, and said unto Anu, her father':

"Father, O make (me) a Heavenly Bull, which shall Gilgamish 'vanquish,

Filling its body' with flame.

But if thou'lt not make this Bull, then

I'll smite.

I'll put.

I'll.

100. More than the.

will be the.

Anu 'made answer, (thus) speaking, and said unto Ishtar, the Lady:

"If I the Heavenly Bull shall create, for which thou dost ask me,

(Then) seven years of (leer) husks 'must needs follow after his onslaught (?).

105. Wilt thou 'for man' gather 'corn (?), and increase 'for the cattle (?) the fodder (?). "

' Ishtar made' answer, (thus) speaking and said unto Anu, her father: "Corn for mankind have I hoarded, have grown 'for the cattle the fodder', If seven years of (leer) husks 'must needs follow after his onslaught (?)` 'I will for man' gather 'corn and increase for the cattle the fodder. "

(Perhaps a small gap. )

(About seven lines are so badly mutilated that little can be gleaned from them except that the fight with the Heavenly Bull is about to take place in Erech. After these a hundred men' descend

upon the Bull, but with his (fiery) breath he annihilates them. Then come two hundred with the same result, and then three hundred more, again to be overcome).

130. Enkidu girded (?) his middle; (and straightway) Enkidu, leaping, Seized on the Heavenly Bull by 'his' horns, and (headlong) before him Cast down the Heavenly Bull his full length, (Aye), by the thick of his tail.

(Gap of thirteen mutilated lines. ) Chased him did Enkidu,.. the Heavenly Bull...

Seized him and by 'the thick of his tail..

153. (So), what time they the Bull of the Heavens had kill'd, its heart they removed,

Unto the Sun-god they offer'd in sacrifice; when the libation Unto the Sun they had voided, they sate them down, the two brothers.

(The Frenzy of Ishtar).

(Then) mounted Ishtar (the crest of) the ramparts of Erech, the high-wall'd, (So) to the roof-top ascended, (and there) gave voice to her wailing; "Woe unto Gilgamish- he who by killing the Bull of the Heavens,

"Made me lament. When Enkidu heard this, the shrieking of Ishtar,

Wrenching the member from out of the Bull, he toss'd (it) before her; "If I could only have reach'd thee, i'faith, I'd ha 'served thee the same way,

I'd ha 'let dangle his guts on thy flanks (as a girdle about thee). "Ishtar assembled the girl-devotees, the hetaerae and harlots, Over the member (torn out) from the Bull she led the lamenting.

(The Triumph of Gilgamish). Gilgamish call'd to the masters of craft, the artists, (yea), all of them,

That at the size of its horns (all) the guilds of the crafts speak their praises Each had of azure in weight thirty minas to be as their setting, Two fingers their... Both of them held six measures of oil; to his god Lugal - banda He for (his) unguent devoting, brought in, and (thus) let them hang (there), (There) in the shrine of his forbears.

(And now) in the River Euphrates Washing their hands, they start (on their progress) and come (to the city); (Now) are they striding the highway of Erech, the heroes of Erech Thronging (about them) to see them. (Then) Gilgamish utter'd a riddle Unto the notables (?):

Who, pr'ythee, is most splendid of heroes, Who, pr'ythee, is most famous of giants? Gilgamish- he is most splendid of heroes,

Enkiduhe is most famous of giants.

190. So in his palace did Gilgamish hold high revel: (thereafter), (While all ) the heroes asleep, on their nightly couches were lying Enkidu, too, was asleep, and a vision beheld, and (so) coming Enkidu (now) his dream to reveal: (thus) spake he unto his comrade.

Column I.

Mentioned templesGilgamešIštarAnû

The Seventh Tablet

(Enkidu's dream). "Why, O my friend, do the great gods (now) take counsel together? "

(The remainder of the Column is lost in the Assyrian, but it

Then

came the day... Enkidu answered Gilgamish: Gilgamish,

hear the dream which I saw in the night: Now Enlil, Ea, and

the Sun-god of heaven....the Sun-god (?) Enlil spake in

THE EPIC OF GILGAMISH. 3

return: "These who the heavenly Bull have kill'd 'and Humbaba have smitten:. which help'd at the cedar... Enlil

hath said (?)Enkidu shall die: but Gilgamish 'shall not die. Then answer'd Enlil boldly "O Sun-god, at thy behest did they slay the Heavenly Bull and Humbaba. But now shall Enkidu die. 'But Enlil turn'd angrily to the Sun-god: 'What dost thou them as befitting.? With his comrade thou settest out daily.'

But Enkidu laid himself down to rest before Gilgamish, and by the dam him the ditch: My brother, of (great) worth is my 'dream '"

(Column II entirely lost.

From the Hittite it is clear that

Enkidu has dreamt that the gods have taken counsel together, that

Enkidu is to die, but Gilgamish remain alive. It would appear

from the succeeding material that Enkidu, stricken presumably

by fever, attributes all his misfortunes to the hetaera whom he loads with curses. The first part of the next fragment begins

"destroy his power, weaken his strength, "probably referring to

Enkidu. Then says Enkidu, after three broken lines:

.the

hetaera who has brought (?) a curse, 'O hetaera, I will

decree (thy) 'fate (?) for thee- thy woes (?)". shall never end

for all eternity. Come, I will curse thee with a bitter curse,

with desolation shall its curse come on thee: may there never be

satisfaction of thy desire '-and then follow the broken ends of six

lines and then- "May... fall on thy house, may the.. of the street be thy dwelling, may the shade of the wall be thy abode,

for thyfeet, may scorching heat and thirst smite thy strength "

The rest of the curse is badly broken, but it is exceeding probable that the following are the fragments which should be assigned here).

(The End of Enkidu's curse on the Hetaera). "Of want.... since me it is that...hath....

And me the fever 'hath laid on my back. "

(The Answer of Shamash). Heard him the Sun-god, and open'd his mouth, and from out of the heavens (Straightway) he call'd him: "O Enkidu, why dost thou curse the hetaera?

She 'twas who made thee eat bread, for divinity proper: (aye), wine (too),

She made thee drink, (' twas) for royalty proper: a generous mantle

Put on thee, (aye), and for comrade did give to thee Gilgamish splendid.

Now on a couch of great size will he, (thy) friend (and) thy brother Gilgamish, grant thee to lie, on a handsome couch will he grant thee Rest, and to sit on a throne of great ease, a throne at (his) left hand,

So that the princes of Hades may kiss thy feet (in their homage);

He, too, will make (all) the people of Erech lament in thy (honour),

Making them mourn thee, (and) damsels (and) heroes constrain to thy service, While he himself for thy sake will cause his body to carry

Stains, (and) will put on the skin of a lion, and range o'er the desert. "

Enkidu (then) giving ear to the words of the valiant Shamash

Speaking..

his wrath was appeased.

(One or two lines missing). Column IV.

(Enkidu, relenting, regrets his curse, and blesses the Hetaera).

may... restore to thy place!

(So, too), may monarchs and princes and chiefs be with love 'for thee smitten;

None smite (?) his breech 'in disgust (?); against thee; and for thee may the hero'

Comb out his locks;

who would embrace thee,

Let him his girdle unloose. and thy bed' be azure and golden; May entreat thee kindly (?), are heap'd his ishshikku May the gods make thee enter..

Mayst thou be left as the mother of seven brides (Enkidu, sorrowful at his approaching end, sleeps alone and dreams).

' Enkidu... woe in his belly... sleeping alone,

'Came in the night 'to discover his heaviness unto his comrade:

"Friend", (O) a dream I have seen in my night - time: the firmament 'roaring',

Echo'd the earth, and I 'by myself was standing (?).

When perceived I a man (?), (all) dark was his face, "and"was liken 'd 'Unto...his face, and his nails like claws of a lion. Me did he overcome climbing up... press'd me down, Upon me... my (?) body.

. like birds my hands: (and) he seized (?) me,

Me did he lead to the Dwelling of Darkness, the home of Irkalla,

Unto the Dwelling from which he who entereth cometh forth never!

(Aye), by the road on the passage whereof there can be no returning,

Unto the Dwelling whose tenants are (ever) bereft of the daylight, Where for their food is the dust, and the mud is their sustenance: bird - like

Wear they a garment of feathers: and, sitting (there) in the darkness, Never the light will they see. On the Gate.... when I enter'd On the house (?).. was humbled the crown,

For... those who (wore) crowns, who of old ruled over the country,

of Anu and Enlil 'twas they set the bakemeats,

Set..

cool was the water they served from the skins. When I enter'd

Into (this ) House of the Dust, were High Priest and acolyte sitting, Seer and magician, the priest who the Sea of the great gods anointed, (Here) sat Etana, Sumuqan; the Queen of the Underworld (also), Ereshkigal, in whose presence doth bow the Recorder of Hades, 'Belit' -seri, and readeth before her; 'she lifted her head (and) beheld me,

and took this

(The text here breaks off).

Mentioned templesGilgamešEnlīlĒaŠamašAnû

The Eighth Tablet

6(The first Column is badly mutilated, and all we can glean from it is that "as soon as something of morning has dawned, "Gilgamish addressing Enkidu, compares him to a gazelle, and promises to glorify him. Then follows apparently a recital by Gilgamish of their exploits together, "mountains we ascended,

we reach'd the Forest of Cedars, travelling night and day "

with wild beasts (?) drawing nigh after us. Enkidu is lying dying or dead, and Column II begins with Gilgamish keening over his dead friend before the Elders of Erech):

"Unto me hearken, O Elders, to me, aye, me 'shall ye listen', 'Tis that I weep for my 'comrade Enkidu, bitterly crying Like to a wailing woman: my grip is 'slack'd' on the curtleaxe (Slung at) my thigh, (and) the brand at my belt from my sight is removed'. (Aye, and) my festal attire 'lends nought of its aid for my pleasure, Me, me hath sorrow assail'd, and 'cast' me 'down in affliction'.

Comrade (and) henchman, who chased the wild ass, the pard of the desert,

Comrade (and ) henchman, who chased the wild ass, the pard of the desert,

Enkidu - we who all 'haps' overcame, ascending 'the mountains.

Captured the Heavenly Bull, and 'destroy'd (him): we o'erthrew Humbaba,

He who abode in the Forest of Cedars-O, what is this slumber

Now hath o'ercome 'thee, (for now) art thou dark, nor art able to hear 'me? "

Natheless he raised not 'his eyes, and his heart, (when Gilgamish) felt (it),

Made no beat.

Lifted his voice like a lion.

Then he veil'd (his) friend like a bride..

' Roar'd' like a lioness robb'd of 'her' whelps. In front of his comrade Paced he backwards and forwards, tearing and casting his ringlets (?), Plucking and casting away (all) the grace of his

Then when something of morning had dawn'd, did Gilgamish

Column II. (The Lament of Gilgamish).

49-50. "O, on a couch of great size will I, thy friend and thy brother,

Column III.

' Gilgamish, grant thee to lie, on 'a handsome couch will I grant thee Rest, and to sit on 'a throne of great size, a throne at (my) left hand', So that the princes of Hades 'may kiss thy feet (in their homage); I, too, will make (all) 'the people of Erech lament in thy (honour), Making them mourn thee, (and) damsels (and)heroes' constrain to thy service, While I myself for thy sake 'will cause my body to carry

"'Stains', (and) will put on the skin of a 'lion, and range o'er the desert.

Then when something of morning had dawn'd did 'Gilgamish' Loosing his girdle

(Column IV has only five fragmentary lines at the end, mentioning "to myffrriend,, "thy sword, "likeness, "and "to the god

Bibbu, "i.e., a planet or Mercury. Column V has only a bare

dozen fragmentary lines at the end):

Column V.

Judge of the Anunnaki

(Then), when Gilgamish heard this, he form'd of the slaying a concept.

(Then), with the dawn of the morning did Gilgamish fashion a Brought out also a mighty platter of wood from the highlands. Fill'd he with honey a bowl of (bright) ruby, a bowl (too) of azure, Fill'd he with cream; (and) adorn'd he the.. and Shamash instructed

(One line lost at end of Column. Column VI is all lost).

Mentioned templesGilgamešŠamaš

The Ninth Tablet

Column I.

(Gilgamish determines to seek Eternal Life). "Gilgamish bitterly wept for his comrade, (for) Enkidu, ranging

Over the desert: "I, too-shall I not die like Enkidu also? Sorrow hath enter'd my heart; I fear death as I range o'er the desert,

I will get hence on the road to the presence of Uta-Napishtim7,

-Offspring of Ubara-Tutu is he-and with speed will I travel.

(If) 'tis in darkness that I shall arrive at the Gates of the Mountains,

Meeting with lions, then terror fall on me, I'll lift my head (skywards),

Offer my prayer to the Moon-god, (or else) to.. the gods let my orison

Come

'O deliver me! '"

He slept.

(and) a dream

'Saw he

which were rejoicing in life,

Poised he 'his' axe... in his hand, (and) drew 'his glaive from his baldric, Lance - like leapt he amongst them... smiting,.. (and) crushing.

Column II. (The hero reaches the Mountains of Mashu).

Mashu the name of the hills; as he reach'd the Mountains of Mashu, Where ev'ry day they keep watch o'er 'the Sun-god's rising 'and setting", Unto the Zenith of Heaven 'uprear'd are their summits, (and) downwards (Deep) unto Hell reach their breasts: (and there) at their portals stand sentry Scorpion-men, awful in terror, their (very) glance Death: (and) tremendous, Shaking the hills, their magnificence; they are the Wardens of Shamash, Both at his rising and setting. (No sooner) did Gilgamish see them "(Than) from alarm and dismay was his countenance stricken with pallor, Senseless, he grovell'd before them.

(Then) unto his wife spake the Scorpion: "Lo, he that cometh to us- 'tis the flesh of the gods is his body. "(Then) to the Scorpion-man answer'd his wife: "Two parts of him god- (like), (Only) a third of him human.

(Eight broken lines remain, in which the Scorpion-man addresses presumably Gilgamish, asking him why he has gone a farjourney, and telling him how hard the traverse is. Column III begins with the third line in which Gilgamish is evidently telling the Scorpion-man that he proposes to ask (?) Uta-Napishtim about death and life. But the Scorpion - man says that the journey has never before been made, that none has crossed the mountains. The traverse is by the Road of the Sun by a journey of twenty-four hours, beginning with deep darkness. The last half ofthis Column and the first half of Column IV are lost, but it would appear that the Scorpion-man describes the journey hour by hour, and that Gilgamish accepts the trial of his strength "even though it be in pain? though my face be weather'd with cold and heat NOTE.-1Lit. "their terror, and. "2Lit. "of Shamash. "

(and) in grief 'I go... "Then the Scorpion-man, with a final

word about the mountains of Mashu, farewells him, wishing him

success. "(Then) when Gilgamish heard this, he set off at the

word ofthe Scorpion-man, taking the Road ofthe Sun..

The

"first two hours are in deep darkness, without light, which did not

allow him to see. behind him."Each succeeding period

of two hours is the same until the eighth is reached and passed, and by the ninth he apparently comes to the first glimmer of light. Finally, with the twelfth double hour, he reaches the full blaze of the sun, and there he beholds the Tree of the Gods, the description ofwhich is given in the only four complete lines, 48-5, ofColumn V. It is conceivable that this is the Vine, the Tree of Life, whence Siduri, the Maker of Wine, plucks the fruit for her trade).

Bearing its fruit (all) ruby, and hung about with (its) tendrils. Fair for beholding, and azure the boskage it bore; (aye), 'twas bearing Fruits (all) desirable unto the eye.

"He of the wild things hath dress'd their pelts and the flesh of them eateth. Gilgamish, 'never a crossing 'shall be (?) where none hath been ever,

"(No), 'so long as the gale driveth water.

Shamash was touch'd, that he summon'd him, (thus) unto Gilgamish speaking:

"Gilgamish, why dost thou run, (forasmuch as) the life which thou seekest Thou shalt not find? "(Whereat) Gilgamish answer'd the warrior Shamash: "Shall I, after I roam up and down o'er the waste as a wand'rer, Lay my head in the bowels of earth, and throughout the years slumber

Ever and aye? Let mine eyes see the Sun and be sated with brightness, (Yea, for) the darkness is (banish'd) afar, if wide be the brightness. When will the man who is dead (ever) look on the light of the Sunshine? "

Mentioned templesGilgamešŠamaš

The Tenth Tablet

How GILGAMISH REACHED UTA-NAPISHTIM.

Column I.

(Gilgamish meets Siduri). Dwelt Siduri, the maker of wine.

Wine (?) was her trade, her trade was Cover'd she was with a veil and. Gilgamish wander'd 'towards her Pelts was he wearing. Flesh of the gods in 'his body' possessing, but woe in 'his belly', (Aye), and his countenance like to a (man) who hath gone a far journey. Look'd in the distance the maker of wine, (and) a word in her bosom Quoth she, in thought with herself: "This is one who would ravish (?) 'a

woman', Whither doth he advance in...? "As soon as the Wine-maker saw him,

1 Barr'd she 'her postern, barr'd she her inner door, barr'd she 'her chamber (?). Straightway did Gilgamish, too, in his turn catch the sound of her shutting (?)`, Lifted his chin, and so did he let 'his attention fall on her.

Unto her (therefore) did Gilgamish 'speak, to the Wine-maker saying: "Wine-maker, what didst thou see, that 'thy postern (now) thou hast barr'd, Barr'd thine inner door, 'barr'd thy chamber (?)? O, I'll smite 'thy' portal, 'Breaking the bolt

(About nine lines mutilated, after which it is possible to restore l. -Column II, 8).

Unto him (answer'd) the Wine- maker, speaking to Gilgamish, (saying): "Why is thy vigour (so) wasted, (or why) is thy countenance sunken, (Why) hath thy spirit a sorrow (?), (or why) hath thy cheerfulness surcease? (0, but) there's woe in thy belly! Like one who hath gone a far journey (So) is thy face- (0, ) with cold and with heat is thy countenance weather'd,

that thou shouldst range over the desert. "Gilgamish unto her (answer'd and) spake to the Wine-maker, saying: "Wine-maker, 'tis not my vigour is wasted, nor countenance sunken, Nor hath my spirit a sorrow (?), (forsooth), nor my cheerfulness surcease,

No, 'tis not woe in my belly: nor doth my visage resemble One who hath gone a far journey- nor is my countenance weather'd Either by cold or by heat... that (thus) I range over the desert. Comrade (and) henchman, who chased the wild ass, the pard of the desert, Comrade (and) henchman, who chased the wild ass, the pard of the desert, Enkidu -- we who all haps overcame, ascending the mountains, Captured the Heavenly Bull, and destroy'd him': we 'o'erthrew Humbaba, He who abode in the Forest of Cedars; we slaughter'd the lions

Column II. There in the Gates (?) of the mountains (?); with me enduring all hardships, Enkidu, (he was) my comrade- the lions we slaughter'd (together), (Aye), enduring all hardships-and him his fate hath o'ertaken. (So) did I mourn him six days, (yea), a se'nnight, until unto burial I could consign (?) him... (then) did I fear Death did I dread, that I range o'er the desert: the hap of my comrade 'Lay on me heavy (?) --O'tis a long road that I range o'er the desert! Enkidu, (yea), 'of my comrade the hap lay heavy (?) upon me--

'Tis a long road' that I range 'o'er the desert-O, how to be silent', (Aye, or) how to give voice? (For) the comrade I ha '(so) lov'd Like to the dust 'hath become; O Enkidu, (he was) my comrade, He whom I loved hath become 'like the dust - I, shall I not, also, Lay me down 'like him, throughout all eternity 'never returning? "

Column II.

"He who endur'd all hardships with me, whom I loved dearly,

Enkidu,

he

who

endured

all

hardships

with

me

(is

now

perish'd),

Gone to the common lot of mankind! (And) I have bewail'd him Day and night long: (and) unto the tomb I have not consign'd him.

(O but) my friend cometh not (?) to my call-six days, (yea), a se'nnight. He like a worm hath lain on his face-(and) I for this reason

Find no life, (but must needs) roam the desert like to a hunter,

(Wherefore), O Wine-maker, now that (at last) I look on thy visage, Death which I dread I will see not! "

(The Philosophy of the Wine-maker). The Wine- maker Gilgamish answer'd:

Column III.

"Gilgamish, why runnest thou, (inasmuch as) the life which thou seekest, Thou canst not find? (For) the gods, in their (first ) creation of mortals, Death allotted to man, (but) life they retain'd in their keeping. Gilgamish, full be thy belly, Each day and night be thou merry, (and) daily keep holiday revel, Each day and night do thou dance and rejoice; (and) fresh be thy raiment, (Aye), let thy head be clean washen, (and) bathe thyself in the water, Cherish the little one holding thy hand; be thy spouse in thy bosom Happy- (for) this is the dower of man'

(Here the Old Babylonian Version breaks off and we must return to the Assyrian).

(Gilgamish, dissatisfied with a Wine-maker's philosophy, would seek further afield).

'Gilgamish' (thus) continued his speech to the Wine-maker, (saying), "Pr'ythee, then, Wine - maker, which is the way unto Uta - Napishtim? 'What (is) its token, I pr'ythee, vouchsafe me, vouchsafe me its token. If it be possible (even) the Ocean (itself) will I traverse, (But) if it should be impossible, (then) will I range o'er the desert.

(The Wine-maker, in accordance with tradition, attempts to dissuade him).

(Thus) did the Wine-maker answer to him, unto Gilgamish (saying), "There hath been never a crossing, O Gilgamish: never aforetime Anyone, coming thus far, hath been able to traverse the Ocean: Warrior Shamash doth cross it, 'tis true, but who besides Shamash Maketh the traverse? (Yea), rough is the ferry, (and) rougher its passage, 1

(Aye), too, 'tis deep are the Waters of Death, which bar its approaches. Gilgamish, if perchance thou succeed in traversing the Ocean, What wilt thou do, when unto the Waters of Death thou arrivest? Gilgamish, there is Ur - Shanabi, boatman to Uta - Napishtim, He with whom sails (?) are, the urnu of which in the forest he plucketh,

(Now) let him look on thy presence, (and) 'if it be possible with him Cross-(but) if it be not, (then) do thou retrace thy steps (homewards). "

Gilgamish, hearing this, 'taketh '(his) axe in his 'hand', 'while he draweth Glaive from his baldric (?).

(Then) did Ur - Shanabi speak to him (yea), unto Gilgamish, (saying): "Tell to me what is thy name, (for) I am Ur - Shanabi, (henchman) "

(Aye), of far Uta - Napishtim. "To him did Gilgamish answer:

"Gilgamish, (that) is my name, come hither from Erech (?), E-Anni (?),

(One) who hath traversed the Mountains, a wearisome journey of Sunrise,

Now that I look on thy face, Ur-Shanabi - Uta - Napishtim

Let me see also-the Distant one! "Him did Ur - Shanabi 'answer, "

Gilgamish:.

Column III.

(Thus) did Ur - Shanabi speak to him, (yea), unto Gilgamish, (saying): "

"Why is thy vigour all wasted..

(It continues thus, to be supplied for ll. 2-3 from Columns I, 33--II, with due bracketing for the last words, and then the text goes on):

Gilgamish (thus) continued his speech to Ur- Shanabi, (saying): "Pr'ythee, Ur - Shanabi, which is 'the way unto Uta-Napishtim? What is its token, I pr'ythee, vouchsafe me, vouchsafe me 'its token. If it be possible (even) the Ocean (itself) will I traverse,

But if it should be impossible, (then) will I range o'er the desert. "

(Thus) did Ur-Shanabi speak to him, (yea), unto Gilgamish, (saying): "Gilgamish, 'tis thine own hand hath hinder'd 'thy crossing the Ocean', Thou hast destroyed the sails (?), (and) hast pierc'd (?) the (Now) destroy'd are the sails (?), and the urnu not.

Gilgamish, take thee thy axe in 'thy hand; O, descend to the forest, "Fashion thee poles each of five gar in length; make (knops of) bitumen, "Sockets, (too), add (to them) 1: bring them me. (Thereat), when Gilgamish rheard this, Took he the axe in his hand, (and) 'the glaive' drew forth from his baldric,

Went to the forest, and poles each of five gar in length 'did he fashion', (Knops of) bitumen he made, and he added (their) sockets: and brought them.., Gilgamish (then), and Ur-Shanabi fared them forth in their vessel', Launch'd they the boat on the billow, and they themselves in her embarking. After the course of a month and a half he saw on the third day

How that Ur- Shanabi (now) at the Waters of Death had arrived.

Column IV.

(Thus) did Ur-Shanabi 'answer' him, '(yea), unto Gilgamish, (saying):

"Gilgamish, take the.

away

Let not the Waters of Death touch thy hand

Gilgamish, take thou a second, a third, and a fourth pole (for thrusting),

Gilgamish, take thou a fifth, (and) a sixth, and a seventh (for thrusting),

Gilgamish, take thou an eighth, (and) a ninth, and a tenth pole (for thrusting),

Gilgamish, take an eleventh, a twelfth pole! "He ceased from (his) poling,

(Aye) with twice-sixty (thrusts); (then) ungirded his loins

Gilgamish.... (?), and set up the mast in its socket.

(He reaches Uta-Napishtim).

Uta-Napishtim look'd into the distance and, inwardly musing,

Said to himself: "(Now), why are 'the sails (?) of the vessel destroy'd,

Aye, and one who is not of my (?) doth ride on the vessel?

(This) is no mortal who cometh: nor

I look, but (this) is no mortal

I look, but

I look but.

(Remainder ofColumn lost, but about l. it becomes apparent that Uta-Napishtim is asking Gilgamish in exactly the same words as Siduri, the Wine-maker, and Ur - Shanabi "Why is thy vigour (all) wasted? "and so on, down to Column V, l. "II", shall I not also lay me down like him, throughout all eternity never

returning? "):

Gilgamish (thus) continued his speech unto Uta - Napishtim, "Then I bethought me, I'll get hence and see what far Uta - Napishtim

Saith (on the matter). (And so), again (?) I came through all countries,

Travell'd o'er difficult mountains, (aye), 'and' all seas have I traversed,

Nor hath (ever) my face had its fill of gentle sleep (?): (but) with hardship

Have I exhausted myself, (and) my flesh have I laden with sorrow. Ere I had come to the "House (?) of the Wine-Maker, spent were my garments,

Owl, bat, lion, pard, wild cat, deer, ibex, and.

'Flesh' of them (all) have I eaten, (and eke) their pelts have I dress'd (?) 'me. "

(The remainder of the Column is mutilated: there is some mention of "let them bolt her gate...; with pitch and bitumen

in l. 3, and then nothing which gives connected sense until Column VI, ll. 26-39):

Column VI.

"Shall we for ever build house (s), for ever set signet (to contract),

Brothers continue to share, or among 'foes (?) always be hatred?

(Or) will for ever the stream (that hath risen) in spate bring a torrent,

Kulilu-bird to Kirippu-bird

.?

Face which doth look on the sunlight presently (?) shall not bel

Sleeping and dead 'are alike, from Death they mark no distinction

Servant and master, when once thy have reach'd 'their full span allotted', Then do the Anunnaki, great gods,

Mammetum, Maker of Destiny with them, doth destiny settle, Death, (aye), and Life they determine; of Death is the day not revealed. "

Mentioned templesGilgamešŠamaš

The Eleventh Tablet

Column I. (The Cause of the Flood).

Gilgamish unto him spake, to Uta-Napishtim the Distant: "Uta-Napishtim, upon thee I gaze, (yet) in no wise thy presence Strange is, (for) thou art like me, and in no wise different art thou; Thou art like me; (yea) a stomach for fighting doth make thee consummate, Aye, and to rest (?) on thy back thou dost lie. O tell me (?), how couldst

thou Stand in th 'Assemblage of Gods to petition for life (everlasting)? "

Uta-Napishtim (addressing him thus) unto Gilgamish answer'd:

"Gilgamish, I unto thee will discover the (whole) hidden story, Aye, and the rede of the Gods will I tell thee.

The City Shurippak-

(O 'tis) a city thou knowest!-is set 'on the marge of Euphrates,

Old is this city, with gods in its midst. (Now), the great gods a deluge

Purposed to bring:.

.. there was Anu, their sire; their adviser

Warrior Enlil; Ninurta, their herald; their leader (?) Ennugi;

Nin-igi-azag - 'tis Ea-, (albeit) conspirator with them, Unto a reed-hut their counsel betray'd he: "O Reed-hut, O Reed-hut! Wall, wall! Hearken, O Reed-hut, consider, O Wall! O thou Mortal,

Thou of Shurippak, thou scion of Ubara-Tutu, a dwelling

Pull down, (and) fashion a vessel (therewith); abandon possessions,

Life do thou seek, (and) thy hoard disregard, and save life; every creature Make to embark in the vessel. The vessel, which thou art to fashion,

Apt be its measure; its beam and its length be in due correspondence, "

(Then) 'on' the deep do thou launch it. And I- sooth, I apprehending,

(This wise) to Ea, my lord, did I speak: "See', Lord, what thou sayest

Thus, do I honour, I'll do-- (but) to city, to people, and elders Am I, forsooth, to explain? '(Then) Ea made answer in speaking,

Saying to me- me, his henchman! -'Thou mortal, shalt speak to them this wise:

"'Tis me alone (?) whom Enlil so hateth that I in your city

No (more) may dwell, nor turn my face unto the land which is Enlil's.

' I will go down to the Deep, (there) dwelling with Ea, my 'liege lord,

(Wherefore) 'on' you will he shower down plenty, yea, fowl'in great number(?),

Booty of fish

and big the'harvest.

causing a plentiful rainfall (?) to come down upon you.

(Then) when something of morning had dawn'd..

Pitch did the children provide, (while) the strong brought 'all' that was needful.

(Then) on the fifth day (after) I laid out the shape (of my vessel), Ten gar each was the height of her sides, in accord with her planning (?), Ten gar to match was the size of her deck (?), and the shape of the fore-

part (?)

Did I lay down, (and) the same did I fashion; (aye); six times crosspinn'd her,

Sevenfold did I divide her.... > divided her inwards Ninefold: hammer'd the caulking within her, (and) found me a quant-pole, (All) that was needful I added; the hull with six shar of bitumen Smear'd I, (and) three shar of pitch 'did I smear on the inside; some people, Bearing a vessel of grease, three shar of it brought (me); (and) one shar (Out of this) grease did I leave, which the tackling (?) consumed; (and) the

boatman

Two shar of grease stow'd away; (yea), beeves for the... I slaughter'd, Each day lambs did I slay: mead, beer, oil, wine, too, the workmen 'Drank' as though they were water, and made a great feast like the New Year.

(Five mutilated lines "I added salve for the hand(s), "the vessel was finish'd... Shamash the great. "was difficult, "

..? I caused to bring above and below, "two - thirds of it"):

'All I possess'd I' laded aboard her; the silver I laded

All I possess'd; gold, all I possess'd I laded aboard her,

All I possess'd of the seed of all living 'I laded aboard her. Into the ship I embark'd all my kindred and family (with me),

Cattle (and) beasts of the field (and) all handicraftsmen embarking.

(Then) decreed Shamash the hour:"

(?)

Shall in the night let a plentiful rainfall (?) pour down....2

(Then) do thou enter the vessel, and (straightway) shut down thy hatchway. "

Came (then) that hour (appointed ),.

(?)

Did in the night let a plentiful rainfall (?) pour down... (?)

View'd I the aspect of day: to look on the day bore a horror, (Wherefore) I enter'd the vessel, and (straightway) shut down my hatchway, (So, too) to shut down the vessel to Puzur-Amurri (?), the boatman,

Did I deliver the poop (of the ship), besides its equipment.

(Then), when something of dawn had appear'd, from out the horizon Rose a cloud darkling; (lo), Adad (the storm-god) was rumbling within it, Nabu and Sharru were leading the vanguard, and coming as heralds Over the hills and the levels: (then) Irragal wrench'd out the bollards; Havoc Ninurta let loose as he came, th 'Anunnaki their torches Brandish'd, and shrivell'd the land with their flames; desolation from Adad Stretch'd to (high) Heaven, (and) all that was bright was turn'd into darkness.

storm "fiercely blew.... "like a battle. ").

Nor could a brother distinguish his brother,; from heaven were mortals Not to be spied. O, were stricken with terror the gods at the Deluge, Fleeing, they rose to the Heaven of Anu, and crouch'd in the outskirts,

115. Cow'ring like curs were the gods (while) like to a woman in travail Ishtar did cry, she shrieking aloud, (e'en) the sweet - spoken Lady "(She of the gods): May that day turn to dust, because I spake evil

120. (There) in th 'Assemblage of Gods! O, how could I utter (such) evil (There) in the Assemblage of Gods, (so) to blot out my people, ordaining Havoc! Sooth, then, am I to give birth, unto (these) mine own people Only to glut (with their bodies), the Sea as though they were fish-spawn? '

125. Gods-Anunnaki - wept with her, the gods were sitting (all) humbled, (Aye), in (their) weeping, (and) closed were their lips amid (?) the Assemblage. Six days, al se'nnight the hurricane, deluge, (and) tempest continued Sweeping the land: when the seventh day came, were quelled the warfare,

130. Tempest (and) deluge which like to an army embattail'd were fighting. Lull'd was the sea, (all) spent was the gale, assuaged was the deluge, (So) did I look on the day; (lo), sound was (all) still'd; and all human Back to (its) clay was return'd, and fen was level with roof-tree.

135. (Then) I open'd a hatchway, and down on my cheek stream'd the sunlight, Bowing myself, I sat weeping, my tears o'er my cheek(s) overflowing, Into the distance I gazed, to the furthest bounds of the Ocean,

140. Land was uprear'd at twelve (points), and the Ark on the Mountain of Nisir Grounded; the Mountain of Nisir held fast, nor gave lease to her shifting. One day, (nay, ) two, did Nisir hold fast, nor give lease to her shifting. Three days, (nay), four, did Nisir hold fast, nor give lease to her shifting, Five days, (nay, ) six, did Nisir hold fast, nor give lease to her shifting.

145. (Then), when the seventh day dawn'd, I put forth a dove, and released (her), (But) to and fro went the dove, and return'd (for) a resting - place was not.

150. (Then) I a swallow put forth and released; to and fro went the swallow, She (too) return'd, (for) a resting-place was not; I put forth a raven, Her, (too, ) releasing; the raven went, too, and th 'abating of waters Saw; and she ate as she waded (and) splash'd, (unto me) not returning.

155. Unto the four winds (of heaven) I freed (all the beasts), and an off'ring Sacrificed, and a libation I pour'd on the peak of the mountain, Twice seven flagons devoting, (and) sweet cane, (and) cedar, and myrtle,

160. Heap'd up beneath them; the gods smelt the savour, the gods the sweet savour Smelt; (aye, ) the gods did assemble like flies o'er him making the off'ring. Then, on arriving, the Queen (of the gods) the magnificent jewels Lifted on high, which Anu had made in accord with her wishes; 'O ye Gods! I will (rather) forget (this) my necklet of sapphires,

165. Than not maintain these days in remembrance, nor ever forget them.

(So), though (the rest of) the gods may present themselves at the off'ring,

Enlil (alone of the gods) may (himself) not come to the off'ring,

Because he, unreasoning, brought on a deluge, and therefore my people

Unto destruction consign'd. '

Then Enlil, on his arrival,

Spied out the vessel, and (straightway) did Enlil burst into anger, Swollen with wrath 'gainst the gods, the Igigil: 'Hath any of mortals 'Scaped? Sooth, never a man could have lived through (the welter of) ruin. '(Then) did Ninurta make answer and speak unto warrior Enlil, Saying: 'O, who can there be to devise such a plan, except Ea? Surely, 'tis Ea is privy to ev'ry design. 'Whereat Ea Answer'd and spake unto Enlil, the warrior, saying: 'O chieftain Thou of the gods, thou warrior! How, forsooth, how (all) uncounsell'd Couldst thou a deluge bring on? (Aye, ) visit his sin on the sinner Visit his guilt on the guilty, (but) O, have mercy, that (thereby) He shall not be cut off; be clement, that he may not 'perish. O, instead of thy making a flood, let a lion come, man to diminish; O, instead of thy making a flood, let a jackal come, man to diminish; O, instead of thy making a flood, let a famine occur, that the country May be 'devour'd (?); instead of thy making a flood, let the Plague - god Come and the people 'o'erwhelm;

Sooth, indeed 'twas not I of the Great Gods the secret revealed, (But) to th 'Abounding in Wisdom vouchsafed I a dream, and (in this wise) He of the gods heard the secret. Deliberate, now, on his counsel '. (Then) to the Ark came up Enlil; my hand did he grasp, and uplifted Me, even me, and my wife, too, he raised, and, bent-kneed beside me, Made her to kneel; our foreheads he touch'd as he stood there between us,

Blessing us; 'Uta - Napishtim hath hitherto only been mortal, Now, indeed, Uta - Napishtim and (also) his wife shall be equal Like to us gods; in the distance afar at the mouth of the rivers Uta-Napishtim shall dwell '. (So) they took me and (there) in the distance.

Caused me to dwell at the mouth of the rivers.

But thee, as for thee, pray,

Who will assemble the gods for thy (need), that the life which thou seekest

Thou mayst discover? Come, fall not asleep for six days, aye, a se'nnight! "

(But Gilgamish is too mortal to resist even sleep).

(Then), while he sat on his haunches a sleep like a breeze breathed upon him.

Spake to her, Uta-Napishtim, yea, unto his wife: "O, behold him,

E'en the strong fellow who asketh for life, (how) hath breath'd upon him Sleep like a breeze! "(Then) his wife unto Uta - Napishtim the Distant

Answer'd: "O, touch him, and let the man wake, that the road he hath traversed

He may betake himself homeward in peace, that he by the portal

Whence he fared forth may return to his land. "Spake Uta - Napishtim, (Yea), to his wife: "(How) the troubles of mortals do trouble thee also!

Bake then his flour (and) put at his head, but the time he is sleeping On the house-wall do thou mark it."(So straightway) she (did so), his flour Baked she (and) set at his head, but the time he was sleeping she noted

215. On the house-wall. (So), first was collected his flour, (then) secondly sifted, Thirdly, 'twas moisten'd, and fourthly she kneaded his dough, and so fifthly Leaven she added, and sixthly 'twas baked; (then) seventh - he touch'd him,

All on a sudden, and (so from his slumber) awoke the (great) fellow!

Gilgamish unto him spake, (yea) to Uta-Napishtim the Distant:

220. "(Tell me), I pr'ythee (?), was 't thou, who when sleep was shower'd upon me

All on a sudden didst touch me, and (straightway) rouse me (from slumber)?

Uta-Napishtim to Gilgamish 'spake, (yea), unto him spake he:

"Gilgamish, told was the tale of thy meal... and (then) did I wake thee:

225. 'One 'was collected' thy flour: '(then) 'two '--it was sifted; (and) ` thirdly'--

Moisten'd: (and) fourthly '-she kneaded thy dough (and) 'fifthly "the leaven

Added: (and) 'sixthly '-' twas baked: (and) 'seventh "- 'twas I on a sudden "

Touch'd thee and thou didst awake. To Uta-Napishtim, the Distant, 2

230. Gilgamish answer'd: "O, 'how' shall I act, (or) where shall I hie me,

Uta-Napishtim? A Robbers (from me) hath ravish'd my 'courage, "

Death 'in my bed-chamber broodeth, and Death is wherever I 'listen'. '

'Spake to him, (yea), to the boatman Ur - Shanabi Uta - Napishtim:

235. "'Tis thou, Ur - Shanabi... the crossing, will hate thee, (Sooth), to all those who come to its marge, doth its marge set a limit: (This) man for whom thou wert guide-are stains to cover his body, Or shall a skin hide the grace of his limbs? Ur - Shanabi, take him,

240. Lead him to where he may bathe, that he wash off his stains in the water (White) as the snow: let him cast off his pelt (s) that the sea may remove (them); Fair let his body appear: of his head be the fillet renew'd, Let him, as clothes for his nakedness, garb himself in a mantle,

245. Such that, or ever he come to his city, and finish his journey, No (sign of) age shall the mantle betray, but preserve (all) its freshness. Wherefore Ur- Shanabi took him, and where he might bathe did he lead him, Washing his stains in the 'water' like snow, his pelt (s), 'too, discarding,

250. So that the sea might bear them away; (and) his body appeared Fair; of his head he "the fillet renewed, and himself in a mantle Garb'd, as the clothes for his nakedness, 'such that or ever his city Reach he, or ever he finish his journey, 'the mantle betray not

255. Age, but preserve (all) its freshness. (So) into their vessel embark'd

Gilgamish, (aye), and Ur- Shanabi, launching (their) craft on the billow', They themselves riding aboard (her).

(The magic gift of restored youth). To Uta - Napishtim, the Distant,

Spake (then) his wife: "Came Gilgamish (hither) aweary with rowing, What wilt thou give wherewith he return to his land? "and the meanwhile

Gilgamish, lifting his pole, was pushing the boat at the seashore. (Then answer'd) Uta - Napishtim to him, (yea), 'to' Gilgamish 'spake he: "Gilgamish, (hither) didst come (all) aweary with rowing; (0, tell me), What shall I give thee (as gift) wherewith to return to thy country? Gilgamish, I will reveal thee a hidden matter... I'll tell thee: There is a plant like a thorn with its root (?) 'deep down in the ocean', Like unto those of the briar (in sooth) its prickles will scratch 'thee', (Yet) if thy hand reach this plant, 'thou'lt surely find life (everlasting)". "(Then), when Gilgamish heard this, he loosen 'd(?) 'his girdle about him', Bound heavy stones 'on his feet, which dragg'd him down to the sea-deeps,

Found he the plant; as he seized on the plant, (lo), 'its prickles did scratch him'.

275. Cut he the heavy stones 'from his feet' that again it restore him Unto its shore.

Gilgamish spake to him, (yea), to the boatman Ur - Shanabi (this wise): "(Nay, but) this plant is a plant of great wonder (?), Ur - Shanabi, "said he, "Whereby a man may attain his desire- I'll take it to Erech, (Erech), the high-wall'd, and give it to eat 'unto. 'Greybeard-who - turneth-to-man - in-his-prime 'is its name and I'll eat it I myself, that again I may come to my youthful condition. "

(The Quest ends in Tragedy). Broke they their fast at the fortieth hour: at the sixtieth rested. Gilgamish spied out a pool of cool water, (and) therein descending Bathed in the water. (But here was) a serpent who snuff'd the plant's

fragrance, Darted he up 'from the water (?), and snatch'd the plant, uttering malis on As he drew back. Then Gilgamish sate him, (and) burst into weeping. Over his cheeks flow'd his tears: to the boatman Ur - Shanabi 'spake he(?) "(Pr'ythee), 'for whom have toil'd mine arms, O Ur - Shanabi, (tell me), (Pr'ythee), for whom hath my heart's blood been spent? (yea), not for mine

own self, Have I the guerdon achieved; (no), 'tis for an earth- lion (only) Have I the guerdon secured--(and) now at the fortieth hour (Such an) one reiveth (it) --O, when I open'd the sluice and...ed the

attachment, (Aye), I noted the sign (?) which to me was vouchsafed as a warning, Would I had turn'd and abandon'd the boat at the marge (of the ocean)! "Broke they their fast at the fortieth hour: at the sixtieth rested, (So in the end) to the middle of Erech, the high-wall'd, arriv'd.

(The Pride ofthe Architect). Gilgamish spake to him, (yea), to the boatman Ur- Shanabi (this wise): "Do thou, Ur- Shanabi, go up and walk on the ramparts of Erech, Look on its base, and take heed of its bricks, if its bricks be not kiln-burnt, (Aye), and its ground-work be not bitumen, e'en seven courses, One shar the city, (and) one shar the gardens, and one shar the.... (?)

the Temple of Ishtar, amass'd I three shar and... (?) of Erech.

Fifth Tablet, Column VI? 2Unfortunately there are two difficult words in these two lines.

Mentioned templesGilgamešAnûEnlīlĒaŠamašIštar

The Twelfth Tablet

Column I.

(How the dead haunt the living).

(Then), what time that the seine had pass'd through the Architect's dwelling,

(Aye, and) the net 'had taken its toll

'said he:

"Lord, what 'is't I may do

(Now, what time that) the seine hath 'pass'd through the Architect's dwelling',

(Aye and) the net 'hath taken its toll

Gilgamish 'unto him spake

"If unto

(About two lines wanting, in which Gilgamish presumably

asks how the dead may be made to haunt the mourner).

"Gilgamish,

(The Mourner's Duty).

"If to the.. 'thou drawest', unto the temple.

Raiment clean 'shalt not don', (but) like to a townsman shalt Nor with sweet oil from the cruse be anointed, (lest) at its fragrance

Round thee they gather: nor mayst thou set bow to the earth, (lest) around thee

Circle those shot by the bow; nor a stick in thy hand mayst thou carry,

(Lest) (stricken) ghosts should gibber against thee: nor shoe to thy footsole Put on, nor make on the ground a (loud) echo: thy wife, whom thou lovest,

Kiss (her) thou mayst not, thy wife whom thou hatest-thou mayst not chastise (her),

(Aye, and) thy child whom thou lovest not kiss, nor thy child whom thou hatest

Mayst not chastise, (for) the mourning of earth doth hold thee enthralled.

"She who dead lieth, She who dead lieth, Mother of Ninazu, She who dead lieth, No more with mantle are Veil'd her fair shoulders, No more her bosom Drawn, like the lard cruse! "

(Gilgamish by contravening these customs attempts to raise Enkidu).

(So) did he draw 'the... to..

Mentioned templesGilgameš