To keep safe the cedar forest,

God has decreed for it seven-fold terror."

Gish opened his mouth and

Spoke to Enkidu:

"Whoever, my friend, overcomes terror,

It is well with him before God for the length of his days.

Mankind will speak of it at the gates.

Wherever terror is to be faced,

Thou, forsooth, art in fear of death.

Thy prowess lacks strength.

I will go before thee.

Though thy mouth calls to me: 'Thou art afraid to approach,'

If I fall, I will establish my name.

When thou callest to me, thou afflictest my heart.

I am determined

To enter the cedar forest.

I will, indeed, establish my name.

The work, my friend, to the artisans I will entrust.

Weapons let them mould before us."

The work to the artisans they entrusted.

A dwelling they assigned to the workmen.

Hatchets the masters moulded:

Axes of 3 talents each they moulded.

Lances the masters moulded;

Blades of 2 talents each,

A spear of 30 mina each attached to them.

The hilt of the lances of 30 mina in gold.

Gish and Enkidu were equipped with 10 talents each.

... in Erech seven ...

The people heard and

Proclaimed it in the street of Erech of the plazas.

In the street of Erech of the plazas

Enkidu sat before him.

Thus he spoke:

"... of Erech of the plazas