Tablet III, Section 1d

[Drew] he, (and now) [on the road] to Humbaba they set forth (together). . 56. " . . . they went with me . . . [tell] you . . in joy of heart." 60. [So when he heard this his word, the man on his way did [direct him]: "Gilgamish, go, . . . let thy brother (?) precede [thee] . . . [(and) in thine ambition]. [O that the Sun-god (?)] may shew [thee] success!" . "Gilgamish, put not thy faith in the strength of thine own person (solely), Quench’d be thy wishes to trusting(? (o’ermuch) in thy (shrewdness in) smiting. (Sooth), he who goeth as vaward is able to safeguard a comrade, 5. He who doth know how to guide hath guarded his friend; (so) before thee, Do thou let Enkidu go, (for ’tis) he to the Forest of Cedars Knoweth the road: ’tis he lusteth for battle, and threateneth combat. Enkidu—he would watch over a friend, would safeguard a comrade, 10. (Aye, such an one) would deliver his person from out of the pitfalls. We, O King, in our conclave have paid deep heed to thy welfare, Thou, O King, in return with an (equal) heed shalt requite us." Gilgamish open’d his mouth, and spake unto Enkidu, saying: 15. "Unto the Palace of Splendour, O friend, come, let us betake us, Unto the presence of Nin-sun, the glorious Queen, (aye) to Nin-sun, Wisest of (all) clever women, all-knowing; a well-devised pathway She will prescribe for our feet." 20. Clasp’d they their hands, each to each, and went to the Palace of Splendour, Gilgamish , Enkidu. Unto the glorious Queen, (aye) to Nin-sun Gilgamish came, and he enter’d in unto [the presence of Nin-sun]: "Nin-sun, O fain would I tell thee [how] I a far journey [am going], 25. (Unto) the home [of Humbaba to counter a] warfare I know not, [Follow a road] which I [know] not, [(aye) from the time of my starting], [Till my return, until I arrive at the Forest of Cedars,] [Till I o’erthrow Humbaba, the Fierce, and destroy from the country.] [All that the Sun-god abhorreth of evil]" . . . . . " . . . garb thyself; . . . in thy presence. (So) to her offspring, to Gilgamish [Nin-sun] gave ear . . . -ly, Enter’d [her chamber] . . . [and deck’d herself] with the flowers of Tulal (?), [Put on] the festal garb of her body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. [Put on] the festal garb of her bosom . . ., her head [with a circlet] Crown’d, and . . . the ground ipirani . Climb’d [she the stairway], ascended the roof, and [the parapet(?)] mounted, Offer’d her incense to Shamash, (her) sacrifice offer’d [to Shamash], (Then) towards Shamash her hands she uplifted (in orison saying): 10.