.............................. May ................... thee Thy god may (?) ........ thee; On the road may he guide [thee in safety(?)]. At the rampart of [Erech of the plazas], Gish kneeled down [before Shamash(?)], A word then he spoke [to him]: "I will go, O Shamash, [thy] hands [I seize hold of]. When I shall have saved [my life], Bring me back to the rampart [in Erech]. Grant protection [to me ?]!" Gish cried, "[my friend] ...... His oracle .................. ........................ ........................ ........................ When (?) (About two lines missing.) Col. VI. "[I(?)] Gish, the strong one (?) of the land. ...... A road which I have never [trodden]; ........ food ...... do not (?) know. [When] I shall have succeeded, [I will praise] thee in the joy of my heart, [I will extol (?)] the superiority of thy power, [I will seat thee] on thrones." .................. his vessel(?) The masters [brought the weapons (?)]; [bow] and quiver They placed in hand. [He took] the hatchet. ................. his quiver. ..... [to] the god(?) a second time [With his lance(?)] in his girdle, ......... they took the road. [Again] they approached Gish! "[How long] till thou returnest to Erech?" [Again the elders] approached him. [For] the road they counselled Gis: "Do [not] rely, O Gish, on thy strength! Provide food and save thyself! Let Enkidu go before thee. He is acquainted with the way, he has trodden the road [to] the entrance of the forest. of Huwawa all of them his ...... [He who goes] in advance will save the companion. Provide for his [road] and [save thyself]! (May) Shamash [carry out] thy endeavor! May he make thy eyes see the prophecy of thy mouth. May he track out (for thee) the closed path! May he level the road for thy treading! May he level the mountain for thy foot! During thy night [156] the word that wilt rejoice may Lugal-banda convey, and stand by thee in thy endeavor! Like a youth may he establish thy endeavor! In the river of Huwawa as thou plannest, wash thy feet! Round about thee dig a well! May there be pure water constantly for thy libation Goblets of water pour out to Shamash! [May] Lugal-banda take note of it!" [Enkidu] opened his mouth and spoke to Gish: "[Since thou art resolved] to take the road. Thy heart [be not afraid,] trust to me! [Confide] to my hand his dwelling(?)!" [on the road to] Huwawa they proceeded. ....... command their return (Three lines missing.) L.E. ............... were filled. .......... they will go with me. ............................... .................. joyfully. [Upon hearing] this word of his, Alone, the road(?) [he levelled]. "Go, O Gish [I will go before thee(?)]. May thy god(?) go ......... May he show [thee the road !] ..... Gish and [Enkidu] Knowingly .................... Between [them] ................ Lines 13-14 (also line 16). See for the restoration, lines 112-13.