Gilgamesh X read by John Huehnergard
A. George, The Babyonian Gilgamesh Epic, vol. 1, p. 278, text OBVA+BM, “Meissner Fragment” read by John Huehnergard
| Original Transcript | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Gilgameš, êš tadâl? | Gilgamesh, where are you wandering? |
| Balāṭam ša tasaḫḫuru lā tutta. | You cannot find the life you seek. |
| Inūma ilū ibnû awīlūtam, | When the gods created humanity, |
| mūtam iškunū ana awīlūtim, | They assigned death to humanity, |
| balāṭam ina qātīšunu iṣṣabtū. | Kept life in their possession. |
| Atta, Gilgameš, lū mali karaška; | You, Gilgamesh, let your belly be full; |
| urrī u mūšī ḫitaddu atta; | Day and night be ever joyful; |
| ūmišam šukun ḫidûtam; | Every day arrange joy; |
| urrī u mūšī sūr u mēlil. | Day and night dance and play. |
| lū ubbubū ṣubātūka, | Let your clothes be cleaned, |
| qaqqadka lū mesi; mê lū ramkāta. | Your head washed; be bathed in water. |
| ṣubbi ṣeḫram ṣābitu qātīka; | Gaze at the youngster who holds your hand; |
| marḫītum liḫtaddâm ina sūnīka. | Let your wife ever rejoice in your embrace. |