All tablets.

Letter from X to the god Nanna

Say to Nanna, the firstborn son of Enlil, who loves prayers; repeat to the lord whose light spreads widely, the crown of heaven and earth, the great lord who loves to revive man; the father of the black-headed; the merciful king, who can untie and release; the merciful, compassionate god who listens to appeals: You, who are perfect in lordship and wear the legitimate headdress, the one with gleaming appearance and noble countenance, holy form endowed lavishly with beauty: your greatness covers all countries. Your fearsome radiance overwhelms the holy sky. Your great awesomeness is imbued with…

Letter to Shulgi about bandits and brigands

The men (?) started irrigation work (?) on the watercourses, ...... the watercourses ...... (1 ms. has instead: and dug and cleaned them out thoroughly). These bandits and brigands applied their hoes to levelling the desert completely. As for their men and their women (1 ms. adds: ...... the road (?) ......): the man among them goes wherever he pleases, the woman among them (1 ms. has instead: the woman), holding a spindle and hair clasp in her hand, goes (?) (1 ms. has instead: ......) (1 other ms. has instead: going) the way of her choice. In the vastness of the desert they set up (1 ms. has instead: they knock up) animal pens, and after setting up their tents and camps (1 ms. has instead: they lie in (?) green meadows in their (?) tents and camps), their workers and agricultural labourers spend the day together on the fields.

Lugalbanda

Lugalbanda lies idle in the mountains, in the faraway places; he has ventured into the Zabu mountains. No mother is with him to offer advice, no father is with him to talk to him. No one is with him whom he knows, whom he values, no confidant is there to talk to him. In his heart he speaks to himself: "I shall treat the bird as befits him, I shall treat Anzud as befits him. I shall greet his wife affectionately. I shall seat Anzud's wife and Anzud's child at a banquet. An will fetch Ninguenaka for me from her mountain home -- the expert woman, who redounds to her mother's credit, Ninkasi the…

Lugalbanda in the mountain cave

When in ancient days heaven was separated from earth, when in ancient days that which was fitting ......, when after the ancient harvests ...... barley was eaten (?), when boundaries were laid out and borders were fixed, when boundary-stones were placed and inscribed with names, when dykes and canals were purified, when ...... wells were dug straight down; when the bed of the Euphrates, the plenteous river of Unug, was opened up, when ......, when ......, when holy An removed ......, when the offices of en and king were famously exercised at Unug, when the sceptre and staff of Kulaba were…

Lullaby for a son of Shulgi (Shulgi N)

Ah, ah, may he grow sturdy through my crooning, may he flourish through my crooning! May he put down strong foundations as roots, may he spread branches wide like a cakir plant! Lord, from this you know our whereabouts; among those resplendent apple trees overhanging the river, may someone who passes by (?) reach out his hand, may someone lying there raise his hand. My son, sleep will overtake you, sleep will settle on you. Sleep come, sleep come, sleep come to my son, sleep hasten (?) to my son! Put to sleep his open eyes, settle your hand upon his sparkling eyes -- as for his murmuring tongue, let the murmuring not spoil his sleep.

Nanna-Suen's journey to Nibru

The heroic Nanna-Suen fixed his mind on the city of his mother. Suen Acimbabbar fixed his mind on the city of his mother. Nanna-Suen fixed his mind on the city of his mother and his father. Acimbabbar fixed his mind on the city of Enlil and Ninlil: "I, the hero, will set off for my city. I will set off for my city, I will set off to my father. I, Suen, will set off for my city. I will set off for my city, I will set off to my father. I will set off to my father Enlil. I will set off for my city, I will set off to my mother. I will set off to my mother Ninlil. I will set off to my father. "The shining city, the pure place ....... 6 lines missing ...... very great, ...... very great, ...... very great, ...... very great.

Nanshe and the birds (Nanshe C)

The pelican (?) came forth from the holy reed-beds. It came forth from the holy reed-beds. The wise pelican (?) spent the day high in the skies. The pelican (?) cried out in the sky: its singing was sweet and its voice was pleasing. My lady ...... her pelican (?) with beauty. The mistress mother Nance ...... her pelican (?) with beauty. "I am the mistress! How can my pelican (?) ......? How can I ......? I am Nance! How can my pelican (?) ...... holy? How can ......?" She herself ...... upon the water like a large pelican (?). Stepping onto earth from heaven, she ...... in the water like a…

Ningishzida's journey to the nether world

"Arise and get on board, arise, we are about to sail, arise and get on board!" -- Woe, weep for the bright daylight, as the barge is steered away! -- "I am a young man! Let me not be covered against my wishes by a cabin, as if with a blanket, as if with a blanket!" Stretching out a hand to the barge, to the young man being steered away on the barge, stretching out a hand to my young man Damu (1 ms. has instead: lord Ninjiczida) being taken away on the barge, stretching out a hand to Ictaran of the bright visage being taken away on the barge, stretching out a hand to Alla, master of the…

Nininsina and the gods (Nininsina F)

They ...... stood around her. The holy and pure divine powers befit Nininsina, lady of the great divine powers. Her divine powers are divine powers bestowed on her by An. The Great Mountain, Enlil, determined a fate for her. Having left the temple of Enlil, she entered Eridug, the pleasant place, and took her seat in the abzu shrine. Her father, Enki, seated her upon his knees. He truly cherished Nininsina -- as soon as ...... took a fancy to jewels of cuba stone, they were hung around the neck of Nininsina; as soon as she took a fancy to a white linen garment, he dressed the daughter of holy An in it. Lord Nudimmud determined a fate for her. unknown no. of lines missing

Nininsina's journey to Nibru: a shir-namshub to Nininsina (Nininsina C)

14 lines missing 1 line fragmentary ...... escorts her to ....... She sails on the Euphrates, amid the holy reed-shoots; ....... She moors the boat at the Wine Quay; Enki ....... Humbly she ...... Enlil's house. She ...... food offerings ...... of Enlil. She slaughters cattle and sheep ...... Enlil. ...... greets her from his eternal royal offering-place; ...... his shining ...... upon her. Joyfully ....... 1 line fragmentary 35 lines missing

Nintinuga's dog

Lugal-murub the son of Zuzu, the master-scribe of Nibru, has fashioned for Nintinuga his messenger (?) dog Tuni-lu-sag. That is why the dog will wag his tail or bare (?) his teeth for his mistress the queen of heaven and earth, the provider of food, the stewardess of Enlil, the sweet breast satisfying all lands, the bringer of abundance, who can diagnose the intentions of the virulent asag demon and who checks people's bones; who examines the sinews of life and the sinews of death, comforting those joints; who knows every sick spot where there is affliction, torment or distress -- the kindly physician, the exorcist to the sick, who looks after the hearts of humans.

Ninurta's journey to Eridug: a shirgida to Ninurta (Ninurta B)

The hero ...... coming forth from the E-kur; Ninurta ...... coming forth from the E-kur, 1 line fragmentary ...... Ninurta, the son of Enlil, 1 line fragmentary in order to instruct ......, Ninurta went from the place of Enlil to Eridug. To determine a destiny of abundance, to improve ...... all the ......, to see that vegetation should grow lushly in the spacious land, to see that the cow-pens and sheepfolds should be heavy with butter and cream to make the shepherds rejoice, the warrior Ninurta went to Eridug. To see that the Tigris and the Euphrates should roar, to see that ......, to see…

Pabilsang's journey to Nibru

The wild bull with brindled thighs, whose house is noble! My king, the wild bull with brindled thighs, whose house is noble! Pabilsaj, the wild bull with brindled thighs, whose house is noble! His house, the house of Larag, is noble, his house is noble! His city, a mighty city, is abundant, and his house is noble! The warrior's house is the house of Larag; Lord Pabilsaj's city is a mighty city ....... His birthplace was the shrine Nibru ....... The place where he drank good milk was the house ....... From the place, the pure place, ....... Isin, the unique house ....... The place which the bull embraces ....... Like a scorpion rising up from among the thorns, he is a fearsome scorpion; like a wolf rising up from his lair, he is likely to growl; like a lion rising up in the pathway, he is likely to beat .......

Poem of Utu-hejal

Enlil, the king of all the lands, entrusted Utu-hejal, the mighty man, the king of Unug, the king of the four quarters, the king whose orders cannot be countermanded, with wiping out the name of Gutium, the fanged (?) snake of the mountains, who acted with violence against the gods, who carried off the kingship of Sumer to foreign lands, who filled Sumer with wickedness, who took away spouses from the married and took away children from parents, who made wickedness and violence normal in the Land. He went to his lady, Inana, and prayed to her: "My lady, lioness in the battle, who butts the foreign lands, Enlil has entrusted me with bringing back the kingship to Sumer. May you be my help!"

Praise of Lipit-Eshtar (Lipit-Eshtar B)

Lipit-Ectar, proud king, enthroned prince, most seemly offshoot of kingship, who walks like Utu, brilliant light of the Land, lofty in nobility, riding on the great divine powers; who settles the people in the four quarters; favoured by Enlil, beloved by Ninlil, trustworthy youth with shining eyes, worthy of the throne-dais, whose seemly head is adorned with the tiara, the good headdress, who holds in his hand (1 ms. has instead: is perfect with) the sceptre over the black-headed, prince Lipit-Ectar, son of Enlil, wise shepherd, who leads the people to let them relax ...... in pleasant shade, lord, great bison, beloved by An! Your trust is put in mother Ninlil; Lipit-Ectar, you exert great power.

Proverbs: collection 1

(cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 291 ll. 1-2, 6.2.5: YBC 8713 ll. 1-2) Who can compete with righteousness? It creates life. (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 291 l. 3, 6.2.5: YBC 8713 l. 3) If wickedness exerts itself, how will Utu succeed? You should not cut the throat of that which has already had its throat cut. You should not say to Ninjiczida: "Let me live!" Do not make me pass through the gate! (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 265 l. 1) What has submitted will exhibit resistance. (cf. 6.2.5: YBC 4677 ll. 6-7) What has been destroyed belongs to a god. No one is able to take it away. "Though I still have bread left over, I will eat your bread!" Will this endear a man to the household of his friend?

Proverbs: collection 10

(cf. 6.1.09.a1, 6.2.5: IM43438 Seg. A l. 1) Whatever the man in authority said, it was not pleasant. (cf. 6.1.09.a2) Whatever the man in authority said, it was not right. (cf. 6.1.09.a3, 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. 6.1.09.a4, 6.1.22: l. 190, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 80 l. 18) The mighty man is master of the earth. (cf. 6.1.09.a5) It is from a man's mouth that strength comes. (cf. 6.1.09.a6, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 462) Strength cannot keep pace with intelligence. (cf. 6.1.09.a7) The strength of my god completes my own.

Proverbs: collection 11

...... the storehouse ....... (cf. 6.1.03.55, 6.1.07.48) As long as you live you should not increase evil by lying; for if you do, to succumb will be your lot. (cf. 6.1.02.133, 6.1.22: l. 80, 6.1.26.d3) To collect firewood is a job for the strong man. The weak man sits waiting for him on dry land. (cf. 6.1.01.150) 1 line unclear Let an articulate man live in the house with you like a wicked poor man. Like my own affairs, antimony paste (?) is air: let ...... fat be eaten in the mist. (cf. 6.1.02.103) Although the lamentation priest's grain boat was sinking, he would be walking on dry land. (cf. 6.1.02.103) Enki 2 lines fragmentary

Proverbs: collection 12

(= Alster 1997 12 Sec. B 1) 4 lines fragmentary (= Alster 1997 12 Sec. B 2) The master ...... does not eat ...... dough ....... (= Alster 1997 12 Sec. B 3) The master ...... his servant ....... (= Alster 1997 12 Sec. B 4) The master knows. The steward does not know. (= Alster 1997 12 Sec. B 5) May the master sleep at your side, and may the mistress slap your face. (= Alster 1997 12 Sec. B 6) The lord of the house, your ......; ......, a restraint. (= Alster 1997 12 Sec. B 7) The lord and lady of the house touch the figurine. (= Alster 1997 12 Sec. B 8) The granary collects. (= Alster 1997 12 Sec. B 9) Outgoings are a matter for both, and now I also am one of them.

Proverbs: collection 13

1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary A robber was coming out, a liar ....... They are thieves, these men who took the turnips. Why do you not ...... them? The thief, out of fear of facing a lion, becomes a man driven by fear of facing a lion cub. The thief extends winter to the beginning of summer. They saw a thief at noon. They ...... but it blinded them to him. Thus he carried the loot away. When a burglar makes a hole, he makes it narrow. The owner of a house should reinforce the windows against burglars. They caught a burglar breaking into a house: "Let me ......." A hired worker who was lifting a rudder upwards ...... gathering (?) wood ...... said: "What I gave you at the boat's bow -- let me now give it to you from the boat's stern. Do you know what it is?"

Proverbs: collection 14

(cf. 6.2.5: UM 29-16-519 Seg. B l. 1) Let the favour be repaid to him who repays a favour. (cf. 6.2.5: NBC 8072) May Lumma grant prosperity to him {who speaks well of others} {(1 ms. has instead:) who has good things}. (cf. 6.1.16.c1, 6.2.5: UM 29-16-519 Seg. A ll. 7-8) The farmer lifts his gaze to you (i.e. Enlil) : "May Enlil look upon the city that he cursed." (cf. 6.1.15.b1, 6.1.16.c2, 6.2.5: UM 29-16-519 Seg. A ll. 9-10) The herdsman lifts his gaze to you: "May Enlil look upon the city that he cursed." (cf. 6.1.15.b2, 6.1.16.c3, 6.2.5: UM 29-16-519 Seg. A ll. 11-12) The potter lifts his gaze to you: "May Enlil look upon the city that he cursed."

Proverbs: collection 15

(= Alster 1997 15 Sec. A 1) 1 line fragmentary (= Alster 1997 15 Sec. A 2) 1 line fragmentary (= Alster 1997 15 Sec. A 3A) Then, when you shout like a fool, someone should say: "Your ...... is a captured donkey!" (= Alster 1997 15 Sec. A 3B) It is an insult to ....... It is the dignity of the palace. (= Alster 1997 15 Sec. A 4) The well-wisher is the mother of the refugee. (= Alster 1997 15 Sec. A 5) May the people wish you well. May your god grant what you are in agreement with (?). (= Alster 1997 15 Sec. A 6) 2 lines unclear (= Alster 1997 15 Sec. A 7) 1 line unclear (= Alster 1997 15 Sec. A 8; cf. 6.1.19.f3) ...... food for his sustenance ...... cut ....... 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing

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.