The great poem of Izdubar has but recently been known to European scholars, having been discovered in 1871 by the eminent Assyriologist, Mr. George Smith. It was probably written about 2000 B.C., though the extant edition, which came from the library of King Assurbanipal in the palace at Dur-Sargina, must bear the date of 600 B.C. The hero is supposed to be a solar personification, and the epic is interesting to modern writers not only on account of its description of the Deluge, but also for the pomp and dignity of its style, and for its noble delineation of heroic character. [Signature: Epiphanius Wilson] CONTENTS THE EPIC OF ISHTAR AND IZDUBAR: The Invocation. The Fall of Erech. The Rescue of Erech. Coronation of Izdubar. Ishtar and Her Maids. Izdubar Falls in Love with Ishtar. Ishtar's Midnight Courtship. The King's Second Dream. Izdubar Relates His Second Dream. Heabani, the Hermit Seer. Expedition of Zaidu. Heabani Resolves to Return. Heabani's Wisdom. In Praise of Izdubar and Heabani. Zaidu's Return. The Two Maidens Entice the Seer. Festival in Honor of Heabani. Izdubar Slays the Midannu. Annual Sale of the Maidens of Babylon. Council in the Palace. The King at the Shrine of Ishtar. The King at the Temple of Samas. Expedition against Khumbaba. Conflict of the Rival Giants. Coronation of Izdubar. The King's Answer and Ishtar's Rage. Ishtar Complains to Anu. Fight with the Winged Bull of Anu. The Curse of Ishtar. Ishtar Weaves a Spell Over Izdubar. Ishtar's Descent to Hades. Effect of Ishtar's Imprisonment in Hades. Papsukul Intercedes for Ishtar. Release of Ishtar. Tammuz Restored to Life. Escape of Tammuz from Hades. The King and the Seer Converse. Contest with the Dragons. Heabani Reveals Visions to the King. Grief of the King Over Heabani. Burial of the Seer. Izdubar Enters Hades. The King's Adventure. The King Meets Ur-hea. Mua Welcomes Izdubar. The King Becomes Immortal. Izdubar Falls in Love with Mua. Mua's Answer. TABLETS AND CUNEIFORM INSCRIPTIONS: Babylonian Exorcisms. Accadian Hymn to Istar. Annals of Assur-Nasi-Pal. Assyrian Sacred Poetry. Assyrian Talismans and Exorcisms. Ancient Babylonian Charms. Inscription of Tiglath Pileser I. The Revolt in Heaven. The Legend of the Tower of Babel. An Accadian Penitential Psalm. The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser II. Inscription of Nebuchadnezzar. Accadian Poem on the Seven Evil Spirits. Chaldean Hymns to the Sun. Two Accadian Hymns. Accadian Proverbs and Songs. Babylonian Public Documents. Babylonian Private Contracts. Great Inscription of Khorsabad. ISHTAR AND IZDUBAR [_Translated by Leonidas Le Cenci Hamilton, M.A._] ALCOVE I TABLET I: COLUMN I INVOCATION