The seers on silver couches round the throne; The hangings of the carved lintel thrown Aside; the heralds cried: "The Sar! The Sar! The council opens our King Izdubar!" The Sar walked o'er the velvets to his throne Of gold inlaid with gems. A vassal prone Before the Sar now placed the stool of gold, Arranged his royal robes with glittering fold Of laces, fringes rich inwove with pearls, Embroidered with quaint figures, curious twirls. Behind the throne a prince of royal blood Arrayed in courtly splendor, waiting stood, And gently waved a jewelled fan aloft Above the Sar's tiara; carpets soft From Accad's looms the varied tilings bright, In tasteful order, part conceal from sight. The glittering pillars stand with gold o'erlaid In rows throughout the room to the arcade, Within the entrance from a columned hall. The ivory-graven panels on the wall On every side are set in solid gold. The canopy chased golden pillars hold Above the throne, and emeralds and gems Flash from the counsellor's rich diadems. In silence all await the monarch's sign: "This council hath been called, the hour is thine To counsel with thy King upon a plan Of conquest of our foes, who ride this plain, Unchecked around; these Suti should be driven From Sumir's plain. Have ye our wrongs forgiven? Khumbaba hath enjoyed great Accad's spoils Too long; with him we end these long turmoils. What sayest thou, Heabani?--all my seers? Hath Accad not her chariots and spears?" Then one among the wisest seers arose "To save our precious tune which hourly flows, He should our seer, Rab-sak-i[1] first invite To lay his plans before the Sar, and light May break across our vision. I confess Great obstacles I see, but acquiesce In any plan you deem may bring success. The gods, I feel our cause will gladly bless." Another spoke, and all agree at last To hear the seer whose wisdom all surpassed.