Part 6 (1/2)

40. ”I have filled his [_sic_, read 'thy'] hand with the sovereignty of the whole company of the G.o.ds.

41. ”Mayest thou be magnified, thou who art my only spouse,

42. ”May the Anunnaki make great thy renown over all of them.”

43. She gave him the TABLET OF DESTINIES, she fastened it on his breast, [saying]--

44. ”As for thee, thy command shall not fall empty, what goeth forth from thy mouth shall be established.”

45. When Kingu was raised on high and had taken the heavens (literally, ”the G.o.d Anutum”)

46. He fixed the destinies for the G.o.ds his sons, [saying],

47. ”Open your mouths, let the Fire-G.o.d be quenched,

48. ”He who is glorious in battle and is most mighty shall do great deeds.”

49. When Anshar heard that Tiamat was stirred mightily,

50. ... he bit his lips

51. ... his mind was not at peace

[Lines 52-54 too fragmentary for translation.]

An'shar then addresses Ea and says:--

55. ”Thou hast slain Mummu and Apsu

56. ”But Tiamat hath exalted Kingu--where is the one who can meet her?

[Lines 57 and 58 imperfect; lines 59-71 wanting.]

72. Anshar spake a word unto his son [Anu]:--

73. ”... this is a difficulty, my warrior

74. ”Whose power is exalted, whose attack cannot be stayed,

75. ”Go and stand thou in the presence of Tiamat,

76. ”That her spirit [be quieted], her heart softened.

77. ”But should she not hearken unto thy word,

78. ”Speak thou our word unto her so that she may be abated.”

79. [Anu] heard the order of his father Anshar.

80. He took the straight road to her, and hastened on the way to her.