Tablet VIII: Of the Mourning of Gilgamish, and What Came of It

"Unto me hearken, O Elders, to me, aye, me [shall ye listen],
’Tis that I weep for my [comrade] Enkidu, bitterly crying
Like to a wailing woman: my grip is [slack’d] on the curtleaxe
(Slung at) my thigh, (and) the brand at my belt from my sight [is removed].
(Aye, and) my festal attire [lends nought of its aid for] my pleasure,
Me, me hath [sorrow] assailed, and [cast] me [down in affliction].

Comrade (and) henchman, who chased the wild ass, the pard of the desert,
Comrade (and) henchman, who chased the wild ass, the pard of the desert,
Enkidu—we who all [haps] overcame, ascending [the mountains].
Captured the Heavenly Bull, and [destroy’d (him)]: we o’erthrew Humbaba,
He who [abode] in the Forest [of Cedars —O, what is this slumber
Now hath o’ercome [thee], (for now) art thou dark, nor art able to hear [me]?"
Natheless he raised not [his eyes, and] his heart, (when Gilgamish) felt (it),
Made no beat.
Then he veil’d (his) friend like a bride ..
Lifted his voice like a lion . . . . . . . .
[Roar’d] like a lioness robb’d of [her] whelps. In front of his [comrade]
Paced he backwards and forwards, tearing and casting his ringlets(?),
Plucking and casting away (all) the grace of his . . . .

Then when something of morning had dawn’d, did Gilgamish . . . .

"[O, on a couch of great size will I, thy friend and thy brother,

[Gilgamish, grant thee to lie], on [a handsome] couch [will I grant thee
Rest, and] to sit on [a throne of great size, a throne at (my) left hand],
So that the princes of Hades [may kiss thy feet (in their homage)];
I, too, will make (all) [the people of Erech] lament in thy (honour),
[Making them mourn thee], (and) damsels(and)heroes[constrain to thy service],
While I myself for thy sake [will cause my body to carry]
[Stains], (and) will put on the skin of a [lion, and range o’er the desert]."

Then when something of morning had dawn’d did [Gilgamish] . . . .
Loosing his girdle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

" . . . Judge of the Anunnaki . . ."
(Then), when Gilgamish heard this, he form’d of the slaying a concept.

(Then), with the dawn of the morning did Gilgamish fashion a . . .
Brought out also a mighty platter of wood from the highlands.
Fill’d he with honey a bowl of (bright) ruby, a bowl (too) of azure,
Fill’d he with cream; (and) adorn’d he the . . ., and Shamash instructed ..