All tablets.

Proverbs: collection 16

6 lines fragmentary 3 lines fragmentary 7 lines fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing 3 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.03.10) You should get rid of the shepherd, so his sheep will not come back into his charge. (cf. 6.1.03.11) The wise shepherd has become confused, and his sheep will not come back into his charge. (cf. 6.1.03.9, 6.1.23.7) A shepherd's sex appeal is his penis; a gardener's sex appeal is his hair. (cf. 6.1.01.153, 6.1.03.9, 6.1.22: ll. 26-27, 6.1.23.7) An unjust heir who does not support a wife, who does not support a child, has no cause for celebration. 2 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.03.6) "Let me go today" is what a herdsman says. Let me go tomorrow is what a shepherd boy says. ....... His property ....... Let me go!'.......

Proverbs: collection 17

3 lines fragmentary 2 lines fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing 3 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.22: ll. 203-206, 1.8.1.5: ll. 28-29, 1.8.1.5.1: ll. 12-13, 6.3.a: ll. 17-18) No one is tall enough to reach up and touch the heavens. No one is broad enough to lift his gaze over the whole earth. No one is strong enough even to stretch himself fully in his bed. But you (?), who roar like a storm -- may you establish yourself like a lion. 1 line unclear No man can bring about your demise. (cf. 6.1.09.a8, 6.1.10.9-12, 6.1.19.a1, 5.6.7: ll. 28-31) I was a youth -- now my personal god, and access to…

Proverbs: collection 18

1 line fragmentary ...... flourish ...... your lord ate. ...... grain all been eaten in the ...... field ....... How did you value the flourishing? The idleness of a low-life causes losses; his shying away (?) from work is perpetual. Employ a low-life -- fire him after half a day! (cf. 6.1.26.c2) He who pays with high-valued silver negotiates a favourable position. Your worthiness is the result of chance. (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 281) The quick one hid, the strong one fled; the talker got into the palace. 2 lines fragmentary 1 line fragmentary Whenever there is excess, an axe remedies it! The pits on the mounds will be levelled.

Proverbs: collection 19

(cf. 6.1.10.10-12, 6.1.17.b3: ll. 14-17, 5.6.7: ll. 29-31) My black mountain has sprouted white gypsum. My mother sent to me a man from the forest, who has given me paralysed hands. My mongoose, which used to eat strong-smelling food, can no longer stretch its neck even towards a jar of ghee. unknown no. of lines missing (cf. 6.1.09.a12, 6.1.21.b4, 6.1.24.2, 6.2.5: YBC 4677 ll. 1-2) When a fattened pig is about to be slaughtered, one says: "Let me replace what I eat." (cf. 6.1.09.a13, 6.1.21.b5, 6.1.24.2, 6.2.5: YBC 4677 ll. 3-4) As the piglet snuffles around, it says: "I can no longer take pleasure in eating."

Proverbs: collection 2 + 6

(cf. 6.1.07.1, 6.2.1: Ni 9824 Seg. A ll. 1-2, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 356 ll. 3-8) "In those places which have been destroyed, let more places be destroyed. And in those places which have not been destroyed, let a breach be made there. Let his place become like chopped-up turnips!" -- Their rituals were alienated. Where there were bonds, that place was destroyed. Their place in the universe was eradicated. -- You should not alienate their rituals! Where there are bonds, you should not destroy the place! You should not eradicate their place in the universe. You should not move the oxen from their places!

Proverbs: collection 21

3 lines fragmentary 2 lines missing 2 lines fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 2 lines fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 1) 1 line fragmentary (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 2) 1 line missing 2 lines fragmentary (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 3) The king ...... not having questioned ....... (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 4; cf. 6.1.09.a12, 6.1.19.b1, 6.1.24.2, 6.2.5: YBC 4677 ll. 1-2) When a fattened pig is about to be slaughtered ......, one says "Let me replace what I am about to eat." (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 5; cf. 6.1.09.a13, 6.1.19.b2, 6.1.24.2, 6.2.5: YBC 4677 ll. 3-4) As the piglet snuffles around, it says "......." unknown no. of lines missing

Proverbs: collection 22

(cf. 6.1.03.112, 6.1.28.28, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 311 ll. 4-5) 1 line fragmentaryI pick the bones from the fish ....... (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 311 l. 6) 5 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.01.153, 6.1.03.9, 6.1.16.b5, 6.1.23.7) 2 lines fragmentary 4 lines missing 1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.01.125, 6.1.14.41, 6.1.23.2) My husband picks the bones from the fish for me. (cf. 6.1.01.126, 6.1.14.42, 6.1.19.c6, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 284) A plant as sweet as a husband does not grow in the desert. (cf. 6.1.14.45, 6.2.5: UM 29-15-748 ll. 6-7) A pig ....... "Where is my husband?" it said. When it realised (?) its fate ....... approx. 11 lines missing

Proverbs: collection 23

4 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.01.125, 6.1.14.41, 6.1.22: l. 33) 3 lines unclear My husband picks the bones from the fish for me. ...... is not in the desert. 4 lines fragmentary 2 lines fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing 2 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.01.153, 6.1.01.159, 6.1.02.62, 6.1.02.142, 6.1.03.9, 6.1.16.b4-5, 6.1.22: ll. 26-27, 6.1.25.7) A ...... shepherd's sex appeal is his testicles (?); a gardener's is his hair. ...... a waterskin. He who does not support a wife, and who does not support a son. Although the dishonest man was unable to build his own house, he came to serve as a construction worker at my friend's house. A dishonest man chases after women's genitals; an unreliable man has two sickles. A house built by a righteous man is destroyed by a treacherous man.

Proverbs: collection 24

1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.09.a12-13, 6.1.19.b1-2, 6.1.21.b4-5, 6.2.5: YBC 4677 ll. 1-4) When a fattened pig is about to be slaughtered, one says "I must replace what I eat." As the piglet snuffles around, it says I can no longer take pleasure in eating. (cf. 6.1.02.135, 6.1.19.b4) He who annihilates a house destroys silver. He who destroys a house destroys gold. (cf. 6.1.09.a14, 6.1.19.b5) The lord's wife kneels, the slave girl dies. The lord kneels, the slave dies. (cf. 6.1.03.71, 6.1.11.19, 6.1.19.b6) ...... its hands ...... to the edge of the desert. There will be losses ....... It will be done .......

Proverbs: collection 25

(cf. 6.1.03.149, 6.1.14.6, 6.1.15.b5, 6.1.16.c5, 6.1.22: ll. 172-175) It became cloudy, but it did not rain. It rained, but no one undid their belt. Although the Tigris was on its high tide, no water reached the arable lands. It rained on the riverbank, but the dry land did not get any of it. (cf. 6.1.15.b7) The en priest eats fish and eats leeks; but cress makes him ill. (cf. 6.1.03.59) The lord (i.e. An (?)) cursed Unug, but he himself was cursed by the lady of E-ana (i.e. Inana) . (cf. 6.1.03.31, 6.1.09.b1, 6.1.11.18, 6.1.15.b8, 6.2.1: Ni 4469 Seg. A ll. 9-12) Nanni cherished his old age.…

Proverbs: collection 26

1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.11.56, 6.1.25.9, 6.2.5: UM 29-16-519 Seg. B l. 2) The palace bows down, but only of its own accord. (cf. 6.1.25.12, 6.2.5: YBC 9908, 5.6.1: ll. 95-96) Income ....... Expenditures never cease. (cf. 6.1.22: ll. 49-50, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 259, 6.2.5: UM 29-16-519 Seg. B ll. 4-5, 6.2.5: YBC 7351, 5.6.1: l. 50) Violent cursing and chasing away a son from his father's house are abominations to Ninurta. (cf. 6.1.03.8, 6.2.1: Ni 4122 ll. 2-5) To spit without covering it up with dust and to use the tongue at midday without protection are abominations to Utu. (cf. 6.1.11.66, 6.2.5: UM 29-16-519 Seg. B l. 6) To take revenge is an abomination to Ninurta.

Proverbs: collection 27

(= Alster 1997 p. 284 C ii' 1') 3 lines fragmentary (= Alster 1997 p. 284 C ii' 2') 2 lines fragmentary (= Alster 1997 p. 284 C ii' 3') 4 lines fragmentary (= Alster 1997 p. 284 C ii' 4') 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing (= Alster 1997 27.1) The rich man's heart is sick, it is very sick indeed (?) -- the man with a troubled heart is sick, he is very sick indeed (?). (= Alster 1997 27.2) "Why are the interest payments so small?" (= Alster 1997 27.3) He who carries a light burden can dance. (= Alster 1997 27.4) The conmen (?) are having their say. (= Alster 1997 27.5) People whose houses have been lost turn to their storehouses.

Proverbs: collection 28

(cf. 6.1.03.84) The battle-club does not find out his name, it just finds his flesh. The city may change its name, but let my name stand! The mongoose does not know fear of god. (cf. 6.1.01.145, 6.1.19.c3, 6.1.22: ll. 87-88) Accept your lot and make your mother happy! Run fast and make your god happy! An eagle (?) enters a man's mouth. When a fly enters, your mouth will buzz (lit. fly) . (cf. 6.1.15.c2, 6.1.26.b3) Let the ox be struck with a stick and let the sheep be given the whip. Where there is no toughness, no one can go about their business, not even a plenipotentiary. (cf. 6.1.01.104, 6.1.11.54, 6.1.15.c3, 6.1.26.b4) If oil is poured into the inside of a sceptre (-- nobody will know) .

Proverbs: collection 3

(cf. 6.2.5: TIM 10/1 2, 1.8.1.1: ll. 25-28) To stand and to sit, to spur on the donkeys, to support (?) the prince: who has the breath for that? You are peering out from the parapet like the prince's nurse. {Because you draw water, the swamp may drink.} {(1 ms. has instead:) You draw water for pouring out, so that the swamp may drink water.} Unpleasant ...... plants {grow towards} {(1 ms. has instead:) rise up to} a good field. I will feed you even though you are an outcast (?). I will give you drink even though you are an outcast (?). You are still my son, even if your god has turned against you.

Proverbs: collection 4

Unique: a tall pot and a shouting statue. What is placed in the fire has a valuable role to play but leaves nothing behind when it's gone. Half a shekel is half a shekel wherever you go (?); discarded, it is a shekel belonging to the place of wild cattle and serpents. (cf. 6.1.03.167, 6.1.22: l. 189, 6.2.4: VAT 21604 (+) 21605 Seg. B l. 2) He holds up the sky, letting the earth dangle from his hands. (cf. 6.2.4: VAT 21604 (+) 21605 Seg. B l. 4) He bears the responsibility for it. (cf. 6.2.4: VAT 21604 (+) 21605 Seg. B l. 7) As a provisioner, I will come down upon those who speak proudly (?). All day long, oh penis, you ejaculate as if you have blood inside you, and then you hang like a damp reed.

Proverbs: collection 5

{The elephant spoke to himself: "There is nothing like me among all the creatures of Cakkan!" The wren (?) answered him: But I, in my own small way, was created just as you were!} {(1 ms. has instead:) The elephant spoke to himself: Among all the creatures of Cakkan, the one that can defecate like me has yet to be created! The wren (?) answered him: But I, in my own small way, can defecate just as much as you!} {You go like an elephant to raise a sunken boat.} {(1 ms. has instead:) An elephant is led to a sunken boat to raise it.} (cf. 6.1.03.14) The wild bull is taboo for the plough. "Like the wild bull, you only do what pleases you."

Proverbs: collection 7

(cf. 6.1.02.1, 6.2.1: Ni 9824 Seg. A ll. 1-2, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 356 ll. 3-8) "In those places which have been destroyed, let more places be destroyed. In those places which have not been destroyed, let a breach be made there. Let his place become like chopped-up turnips." Their place in the universe was destroyed. -- Where there are bonds, you should not destroy the place! You should not destroy their place in the universe. approx. 14 lines missing 1 line fragmentary ...... their father does not return. (cf. 6.1.03.154, 1.8.2.1: l. 246) The clod on the one hand, the furrow on the other hand -- and as for me, I am the third one there.

Proverbs: collection 8

A pig digging in the house. A pig which was about to be slaughtered by the pig-butcher squealed. (The butcher said:) "Your ancestors and forebears walked this road, and now you too are walking it, so why (?) are you squealing?" Like a pig ...... your dagger ....... (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 275) He snatches things like a pig, as if for himself, but also for his owner. (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 300 l. 1) Like a pig spattered with mud. (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 300 l. 2) The pig picks up morsels of bread. 1 line fragmentary approx. 10 lines missing ...... his burden ...... it has not depressed you, it will cheer you up!

Proverbs: collection 9

(cf. 6.1.10.1, 6.2.5: IM 43438 Seg. A l. 1) Whatever the man in authority said, it was not pleasant. (cf. 6.1.10.2) Whatever the man in authority said, it was not right. (cf. 6.1.10.3-4, 6.2.2: MDP 27 216, 6.2.5: IM 43438 Seg. A l. 2) When the authorities are wise, and the poor are loyal, it is the effect of the blessing of Aratta. (cf. 6.1.10.5, 6.1.22: l. 190, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 80 l. 18) The mighty man is master of the earth. (cf. 6.1.10.6) It is from a man's mouth that strength comes. (cf. 6.1.10.7, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 462) Strength cannot keep pace with intelligence. (cf. 6.1.10.8) The strength of my god completes my own.

Proverbs: from Nibru

2 lines fragmentary ...... his hand ....... 2 lines fragmentary ...... the go-between's fee ...... lion ...... 1 line fragmentary ...... not ...... wife ...... 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Get on with (?) your assigned work! ...... more than a house ...... field ....... The dragon doesn't ...... its rival. In building a house ...... 1 line fragmentary ...... of the strong man. ...... its roar, the lion won't cease ....... 3 lines fragmentary ...... follow the merchant. The palace's water is coming out ....... 3 lines fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing ...... not ...... to the house. He will not found a city.

Proverbs: from Susa

(cf. 6.1.02.c13, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 244 ll. 1-2, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 80 l. 4) The voice of the irsaj bird is the glory of the garden. (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 244 ll. 5-6, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 80 l. 5) The voice of the frog is the glory of the marsh waters. (cf. 6.1.02.c14, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 244 ll. 3-4, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 80 l. 6) The voice of the francolin is the glory of the fields. (cf. 6.1.03.177, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 322 l. 3) What is in one's mouth is not in one's hand. (cf. 6.1.05.95) The dog is restrained yet you do not clean the well. (cf. 6.1.05.106, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 224) A fettered dog is quarrelsome. (cf. 6.1.09.a3, 6.1.10.3-4, 6.2.5: IM 43438 Seg. A l. 2) When the authorities are wise, and the poor are loyal, it is the effect of the blessing of Aratta.

Proverbs: from Unug

4 lines fragmentary 1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.03.167, 6.1.04.4, 6.1.22: l. 189) He holds up the sky, letting the earth dangle from his hands. (cf. 6.1.03.93) Enlil's greatest punishment is hunger. (cf. 6.1.04.5) He bears the responsibility for it. (cf. 6.1.04.8) When he ...... the man's assassin, he became his opponent. (cf. 6.1.04.6) As a provisioner, ...... upon those who speak proudly (?). (cf. 6.1.04.9) The ...... wind ...... harmful (?). The east wind is a rain-bearing wind; the west wind is greater than those who live there. The east wind is a wind of prosperity, the friend of Naram-Suen.

Proverbs: from Urim

(cf. 6.1.01.1, 6.2.5: YBC 8713 ll. 1-2) Who can compare with justice? It creates life. (cf. 6.1.01.2, 6.2.5: YBC 8713 l. 3) Whenever wickedness may cause trouble, Utu will not be idle! Let the standard that raises itself protect it like the heavens. (cf. 6.1.01.6) That which bows down its neck in submission puts its breast forward in defiance. (cf. 6.1.03.23, 6.1.22: ll. 284-286, 6.2.5: IM 62823 Seg. A ll. 7-8) He who has silver is happy, he who has grain feels comfortable, but he who has livestock cannot sleep. He who has nothing cannot let go of anything. When he enters ...... no one gives him .......

Proverbs: of unknown provenance

1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.03.23, 6.1.22: ll. 284-286, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 265 l. 2) He who has silver is happy, and he who has grain feels comfortable. (cf. 6.1.03.23, 6.1.22: ll. 284-286, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 265 l. 3) He who has livestock cannot sleep. (cf. 5.6.1: l. 69) The warrior is unique; he alone is the equal of many. 1 line fragmentary ...... rogue ...... unknown no. of lines missing 2 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.19.d5) The um bird's song is unpleasant! (cf. 6.1.19.d8) 1 line unclear (cf. 6.1.21.c8) Dusk means joy for the palace.

Rulers of Lagash

After the flood had swept over and brought about the destruction of the countries; when mankind was made to endure, and the seed of mankind was preserved and the black-headed people all rose; when An and Enlil called the name of mankind and established rulership, but kingship and the crown of the city had not yet come out from heaven, and Nin-jirsu had not yet established for the multitude of well-guarded (?) people the pickaxe, the spade, the earth basket and the plough, which mean life for the Land -- in those days, the carefree youth of man lasted for 100 years and, following his upbringing, he lasted for another 100 years.

Sîn-iddinam and Ishkur (Sîn-iddinam E)

When Ickur -- the lord, the storm, the ...... lion, the great storm of heaven and earth, confident in his majesty, the foremost, the advocate, the son of An, whose head is clothed in power, the fearsome chief lord, the great storm that has no rival ......, who masses the clouds -- rushes within the storm, the earth trembles before him. A majestic wind bellowing in the broad heavens, whose thunder signifies abundance -- when he utters his cries, the Land and the great mountains are fearful. Great hero, holding the shepherd's crook in his hand and clasping authority at his side -- when he roars over the sea and covers the Land with radiance, huge hailstones ...... and slanting (?) rain, ...... they set up ...... for him.

Samsu-iluna and Inana (Samsu-iluna A)

The ornament of fearsome divine powers, the great knife of masculinity, looked at him with joyful eye and shining brow. She conferred attractiveness on his beauty. She made charm approach the colourful statue. She erected the statue for him against (?) the opposing side. She took its precious form to her heart (?). With overflowing heart, she ....... Inana blessed the king in words: "Lord, your destiny is a good one, and will delight the beloved. Samsu-iluna, to choose the colourful ......, I will establish, benevolently according to my sight, and lasting for ever, and will fix (?) for you a joyous celebration of incantation rituals (?). I will fight off (?) the people of the other side for you. Samsu-iluna, it is your power to possess strength, lord of all people! You are ...... your handsome hero, you keep watch."

Self-praise of Ishme-Dagan (Ishme-Dagan A)

Enlil, by far ...... 2 lines missing He to whom the great gods pay attention; foundation deposit of the Anuna, living ...... of the Enki deities; he whose great divine powers know no opponents, whose ...... excel all others, whose ...... is achieved by no one; whose ...... return of their own accord, whose ...... is very sweet in heaven and on earth, whose ...... founds cities, whose ...... establishes the Land; ...... wisdom is perfect as time passes; ...... wise in command, re-establishing justice ......, adviser who never tires of discussion; ......, giving verdicts, ......, judge of heaven and earth 1 line damaged guiding the living ......, father Enlil, shepherd of the black-headed, by his ...... making the foreign countries bow low.

Self-praise of Shulgi (Shulgi D)

O my king, great bull with splendid limbs, dragon with a lion's eyes! Shepherd Culgi, great bull with splendid limbs, dragon with a lion's eyes! Bull-calf born in the cattle-pen of abundance, thriving there! Mighty one fit for heroism, the ornament of his Land! Righteous man, invested with justice by Utu! Fierce leopard who feeds on rich milk, rampant bull who was born to be a great beast! A lapis-lazuli beard, a holy breast -- marvellous to behold! O king, joy of the royal tiara! Culgi, ornament of the legitimate crown, wearing the pectoral of godhead, named by An with a good name! Good shepherd, endowed with strength by Enlil, Culgi, the beloved of Ninlil's heart!

Shulgi and Ninlil's Barge (Shulgi R)

Oh barge, Enki assigned the quay of abundance to you as your fate. Father Enlil looked at you with approval. Your lady, Ninlil, commanded your construction. She entrusted it to the faithful provider, king Culgi; and the shepherd, who is of broad intelligence and who will not rest day and night in thinking deeply about you. He, the wise one, who is proficient in planning, he, the omniscient one, will fell large cedars in the huge forests for you. He will make you perfect and you will be breathtaking to look upon. Your woven ...... is ....... Your covering reed-mats are the daylight spreading…

The advice of a supervisor to a younger scribe (E-duba C)

(The supervisor speaks:) "One-time member of the school, come here to me, and let me explain to you what my teacher revealed. "Like you, I was once a youth and had a mentor. The teacher assigned a task to me -- it was man's work. Like a springing reed, I leapt up and put myself to work. I did not depart from my teacher's instructions, and I did not start doing things on my own initiative. My mentor was delighted with my work on the assignment. He rejoiced that I was humble before him and he spoke in my favour. "I just did whatever he outlined for me -- everything was always in its place. Only…

The building of Ningirsu´s temple

On the day when in heaven and earth the fates had been decided, Lagac raised its head high in full grandeur, and Enlil looked at lord Nin-jirsu with approval. In our city there was perfection. The heart overflowed with joy, Enlil's heart, a river in flood, overflowed with joy. The heart overflowed with joy, and just as the Tigris brings sweet water, so Enlil, whose will is an enormous flood, sparkling and awe-inspiring, came to a sweet decision: ´The lord called for his house and I intend to make the grandeur of E-ninnu known everywhere. Using his wisdom, the ruler will achieve great things. He will direct faultless cattle and kids for offering. It is for him the fated brick is waiting. It is by him that the building of the house is to be done.´

The cursing of Agade

After Enlil's frown had slain Kic as if it were the Bull of Heaven, had slaughtered the house of the land of Unug in the dust as if it were a mighty bull, and then Enlil had given the rulership and kingship from the south as far as the highlands to Sargon, king of Agade -- at that time, holy Inana established the sanctuary of Agade as her celebrated woman's domain; she set up her throne in Ulmac. Like a young man building a house for the first time, like a girl establishing a woman's domain, holy Inana did not sleep as she ensured that the warehouses would be provisioned; that dwellings would…

The death of Gilgamesh

...... hero ...... has lain down and is never to rise again. ...... has lain down and is never to rise again. He of well-proportioned limbs ...... has lain down and is never to rise again. ...... has lain down and is never to rise again. He who ...... wickedness has lain down and is never to rise again. The young man ...... has lain down and is never to rise again. He who was perfect in ...... and feats of strength has lain down and is never to rise again. ...... has lain down and is never to rise again. The lord of Kulaba has lain down and is never to rise again. He who spoke most wisely has…

The death of Ur-Namma (Ur-Namma A)

...... entire land ......, ....... struck, the palace was devastated. ...... panic spread rapidly among the dwellings of the black-headed people. ...... abandoned places ...... in Sumer. ...... the cities were destroyed in their entirety; the people were seized with panic. Evil came upon Urim and made the trustworthy shepherd pass away. It made Ur-Namma, the trustworthy shepherd, pass away; it made the trustworthy shepherd pass away. Because An had altered his holy words completely, ...... became empty, and because, deceitfully, Enlil had completely changed the fate he decreed, Ninmah began a…

The debate between Bird and Fish

In those ancient days, when the good destinies had been decreed, and after An and Enlil had set up the divine rules of heaven and earth, then the third of them, ......, the lord of broad wisdom, Enki, the master of destinies, gathered together ...... and founded dwelling places; he took in his hand waters to encourage and create good seed; he laid out side by side the Tigris and the Euphrates, and caused them to bring water from the mountains; he scoured out the smaller streams, and positioned the other watercourses. ...... Enki made spacious sheepfolds and cattle-pens, and provided shepherds…

The debate between Sheep and Grain

When, upon the hill of heaven and earth, An spawned the Anuna gods, since he neither spawned nor created Grain with them, and since in the Land he neither fashioned the yarn of Uttu (the goddess of weaving) nor pegged out the loom for Uttu -- with no Sheep appearing, there were no numerous lambs, and with no goats, there were no numerous kids, the sheep did not give birth to her twin lambs, and the goat did not give birth to her triplet kids; the Anuna, the great gods, did not even know the names Ezina-Kusu (Grain) or Sheep. There was no muc grain of thirty days; there was no muc grain of…

The debate between Silver and Copper

5 lines fragmentary (Silver (?) speaks:) "Powerful with huge arms, does he have any rival? He walks carrying the precious hammer stone and anvil stone. He can create ...... and thus make it larger -- ......, a brother, is your right arm; ......, a mother (?), is your left (?). He has created ......; let him show it off. Constantly digging ......, let him accumulate goods. After exalted ...... conceived (?) him, after ...... like a breast, after ...... towards the abzu, ...... to the edge of the horizon, may ...... bring ...... for you. After ...... made ......." 2 lines fragmentary 31 lines missing

The debate between the Date Palm and the Tamarisk

The Tamarisk opened his mouth and spoke. He addressed the Date Palm: "My body ...... the bodies of the gods. (The reference is to statues of tamarisk wood.) You grow your fruits but someone places them before me like a maid approaching her mistress. You do not provide the measuring vessels. You are ...... minor crops, but I ....... Your attendants ...... before me for you." In his anger the Date Palm answered him. He addressed his brother the Tamarisk: "You say: "If people build daises for me and beautify them too, they certainly do not swear by the gods before clay (?)." -- You may be the body of the gods in their shrines and people may name with a good name the daises of the gods, but it is silver that can pride itself as the overlay of the gods. ......, describe your beauty!" unknown no. of lines missing

The debate between the Hoe and the Plough

O the Hoe, the Hoe, the Hoe, tied together with thongs; the Hoe, made from poplar, with a tooth of ash; the Hoe, made from tamarisk, with a tooth of sea-thorn; the Hoe, double-toothed, four-toothed; the Hoe, child of the poor, ...... bereft even of a loin-cloth (?) -- the Hoe started a quarrel ...... with the Plough. The Hoe having engaged in a dispute with the Plough, the Hoe addressed the Plough: "Plough, you draw furrows -- what does your furrowing matter to me? You break clods -- what does your clod-breaking matter to me? When water overflows you cannot dam it up. You cannot fill baskets…

The debate between Winter and Summer

An lifted his head in pride and brought forth a good day. He laid plans for ...... and spread the population wide. Enlil set his foot upon the earth like a great bull. Enlil, the king of all lands, set his mind to increasing the good day of abundance, to making the ...... night resplendent in celebration, to making flax grow, to making barley proliferate, to guaranteeing the spring floods at the quay, to making ...... lengthen (?) their days in abundance, to making Summer close the sluices of heaven, and to making Winter guarantee plentiful water at the quay. He copulated with the great…

The dedication of an axe to Nergal

Nibruta-lu, the son of the merchant Lugal-cuba, has had this tin axe made for Nergal. Its wooden part is of arganum tree of the mountains, a wood which is superior even to the alal stone; its stone part is of antasura, a stone which has no equal. The arm of the man who strikes with it will never get tired. Should it break, I will repair it for Nergal. Should it disappear, I will replace it for him. May Nergal look after me during my life, and may he provide me with clean water in the underworld after my death.

The exaltation of Inana (Inana B)

Lady of all the divine powers, resplendent light, righteous woman clothed in radiance, beloved of An and Urac! Mistress of heaven, with the great pectoral jewels, who loves the good headdress befitting the office of en priestess, who has seized all seven of its divine powers! My lady, you are the guardian of the great divine powers! You have taken up the divine powers, you have hung the divine powers from your hand. You have gathered up the divine powers, you have clasped the divine powers to your breast. Like a dragon you have deposited venom on the foreign lands. When like Ickur you roar at the earth, no vegetation can stand up to you. As a flood descending upon (?) those foreign lands, powerful one of heaven and earth, you are their Inana.

The exploits of Ninurta

(1 ms. adds before line 1: An, king of the gods, majestic one:) O King, storm of majestic splendour, peerless Ninurta, possessing superior strength; who pillages the Mountains all alone; deluge, indefatigable serpent hurling yourself at the rebel land, Hero striding formidably into battle; Lord whose powerful arm is fit to bear the mace, reaping like barley the necks of the insubordinate; Ninurta, King, son in whose strength his father rejoices; Hero whose awesomeness covers the Mountains like a south storm; Ninurta, who makes the good tiara, the rainbow (?), flash like lightning; grandly…

The farmer's instructions

Ud-ul-uru (Old man cultivator) gave advice to his son: When you have to prepare a field, inspect the levees, canals and mounds that have to be opened. When you let the flood water into the field, this water should not rise too high in it. At the time that the field emerges from the water, watch its area with standing water; it should be fenced. Do not let cattle herds trample there. After you cut the weeds and establish the limits of the field, level it repeatedly with a thin hoe weighing two-thirds of a mina (approx. 650 g). Let a flat hoe erase the oxen tracks, let the flied be swept clean. A maul should flatten the furrow bottoms of the area. A hoe should go round the four edges of the field. Until the field is dry it should be smoothed out.

The Flood story

...... sets up ....... "I will ...... the perishing of my mankind; for Nintud, I will stop the annihilation of my creatures, and I will return the people from their dwelling grounds. Let them build many cities so that I can refresh myself in their shade. Let them lay the bricks of many cities in pure places, let them establish places of divination in pure places, and when the the fire-quenching ...... is arranged, the divine rites and exalted powers are perfected and the earth is irrigated, I will establish well-being there." After An, Enlil, Enki and Ninhursaja had fashioned the black-headed people, they also made animals multiply everywhere, and made herds of four-legged animals exist on the plains, as is befitting. approximately 32 lines missing

The herds of Nanna (Nanna F)

The lord has burnished (?) the heavens; he has embellished the night (1 ms. has instead: the earth). Nanna has burnished the heavens; he has embellished the night (1 ms. has instead: the earth). When he comes forth from the turbulent mountains, he stands as Utu stands at noon. When Acimbabbar comes forth from the turbulent mountains, he stands as Utu stands at noon. His father, whose word is true, speaks with him day and night. Enlil, whose word is true, speaks with him day and night, and in decision determines the fates with him. His lofty jipar number four. There are four platforms (1 ms. has instead: cattle pens) which he has established for him. His great temple cattle pens, one ece in size, number four. They play for him on the aljarsura instrument (1 ms. has instead: on the churn).

The heron and the turtle

What do they say in the reed-beds whose growth is good? In the wide reed-beds of Tutub, whose growth is good? In the marshes of Kiritaba, whose growth is good? In the adara thickets of Akcak, whose growth is good? In Enki's interconnecting (?) lagoons, whose growth is good? In the smaller lagoon, Enki's lagoon, whose growth is good? In Enki's barbar reeds, whose growth is good? In the little zi reeds of Urim, whose growth is good? In Urim, where cows and calves abound, whose growth is good? At that time, the water was drained away from the reeds ......, and they were visible at the sheepfold.…

The history of the Tummal

En-me-barage-si, the king, built the Iri-nanam in Enlil's temple. Aga, son of En-me-barage-si, made the Tummal flourish and brought Ninlil into the Tummal. Then the Tummal fell into ruins for the first time. Mes-ane-pada built the Burcucua in Enlil's temple. Mes-ki-aj-nuna, son of Mes-ane-pada, made the Tummal flourish and brought Ninlil into the Tummal. Then the Tummal fell into ruins for a second time. Gilgamec built the Numunbura in Enlil's temple. Ur-lugal, son of Gilgamec, made the Tummal flourish and brought Ninlil into the Tummal. Then the Tummal fell into ruins for a third time. Nanni built the Lofty Garden in Enlil's temple. Mes-ki-aj-Nanna, son of Nanni, made the Tummal flourish and brought Ninlil into the Tummal. Then the Tummal fell into ruins for a fourth time.

The home of the fish

My fish, I have built you a home! My fish, I have built you a house, I have built you a store! I have built you a house bigger than a house, in fact a large sheepfold. Inside there is incense, and I have covered it with cloths for you; in this happy place, I ...... water of joy for you; a house not bothered by cords dividing the plots, ...... in the gutters. In the house, there is food, food of the best quality. In the house, there is food, food in good condition. No flies buzz around in your house where beer is poured out. Your reputation ...... cannot be alienated (?). The threshold and the…