The Babylonian Legends of the Creation Part 7

114. He approached and took up his place before Anshar.

115. Anshar looked upon him and his heart was filled with gladness.

116. He (i.e., Anshar) kissed his (Marduk's) lips, and his (Anshar's) fear was removed. [Then Marduk said]

117. "My father, let not the opening of thy mouth be closed,[1]

[Footnote 1: i.e., "let what thou sayest prevail."]

118. "I will go, I will make to take place all that is in thy heart.

119. "Anshar, let not the opening of thy mouth be closed,

120. "I will go, I will make to take place all that is in thy heart."

[Anshar says to Marduk]

121. "What man is the cause of the battle which made thee go forth

122. "... Tiamat, who is a woman, pursueth thee with weapons.

123. "Rejoice our [hearts] and make us glad.

124. "Thou thyself shalt soon trample upon the neck of Tiamat,

125. "Rejoice our [hearts] and make us glad.

126. "Thou thyself shalt soon trample upon the neck of Tiamat.

127. "My son, who dost comprehend everything,

128. "Cast deep sleep upon Tiamat with thy holy spell.

129. "Betake thyself to thy march with all speed.

130. "..."

131. The Lord [Marduk] rejoiced at the word of his father,

132. His heart leaped with joy, to his father he spake, [saying],

133. "O Lord of the G.o.ds, Overlord of the Great G.o.ds,

134. "Should I as your avenger

135. "Slay Tiamat and bestow life upon you,

136. "Summon a meeting, proclaim and magnify my position,

137. "Sit ye down together in friendly fas.h.i.+on in Upshukkinaku.

138. "Let me issue decrees by the opening of my mouth even as ye do.

139. "Whatsoever I bring to pa.s.s let it remain unaltered,

140. "That which my mouth uttereth shall never fail or be brought to nought."

THIRD TABLET.

1. Anshar opened his mouth, and

2. Unto the G.o.d Gaga, his envoy, spake a word [saying],

3. "O Gaga, my envoy, who makest glad my liver.

4. "I will despatch thee unto the G.o.ds Lakhmu and Lakhamu.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Portion of a tablet inscribed in a.s.syrian with a text of the Third Tablet of the Creation Series. [No. 93,017.]]

5. "Thou must know and understand the [intention of my heart]

6. "... are brought before thee

7. "... all the G.o.ds.

8. "Let them make a council, let them sit down to a feast

9. "Let them eat bread, let them heat sesame wine.

10. "Let them issue decrees to Marduk as their avenger.

11. "Get thee gone, Gaga, take up thy stand before them.

12. "All that I am now going to tell thee do thou repeat to them [saying],

13. "'[O ye G.o.ds], Anshar your son hath charged me,

14. "'The intention of his heart he hath made me to know in this wise:--

15. "'Mother Tiamat who gave us birth hath sown these things,

16. "'She hath set in order her a.s.sembly, she rageth furiously,

17. "'All the G.o.ds have joined themselves to her.

18. "'They march by her side together with those whom ye have created.