The conclusion of this stage of the story and triumph of Izdubar are given at the commencement of the sixth tablet. The conquest of Khumbaba gave Izdubar the crown and attributes of his fallen rival, who seems to have been a sun-god, and this caused Istar, who already appears as the bride of the sun in the myth of Tammuz, to woo the triumphant hero. CHAPTER XIV. THE ADVENTURES OF ISTAR. Triumph of Izdubar.—Istar’s love.—Her offer of marriage.—Her promises.—Izdubar’s answer.—Tammuz.—Amours of Istar.—His refusal.—Istar’s anger.—Ascends to Heaven.—The bull.—Slain by Izdubar.—Istar’s curse.—Izdubar’s triumph.—The feast.—Istar’s despair.—Her descent to Hades.—Description.—The seven gates.—The curses.—Atsu-sunamir the Sphinx.—Release of Istar.—The dog of the dawn.—Lament for Tammuz. In this chapter are included the sixth and seventh tablets, which both primarily refer to the doings of Istar. TABLET VI. The sixth tablet is in better condition than any of the former ones, and allows of something like a connected translation. COLUMN I. 1. .... his weapon, he made bright his weapon. 2. Like a bull his mountain he ascended after him. 3. He destroyed him and clothed himself with his spoils. 4. The ... he put on and the fastening of the crown he tore. 5. Izdubar his crown put on (and the fastening of the crown he tore). 6. For the favour of Izdubar the princess Istar lifted the eyes: 7. I will make thee also Izdubar my husband,[18] 8. thy oath to me shall be thy bond, 9. thou shalt be husband and I will be thy wife. 10. I will make (thy) chariot glisten with crystal and gold, 11. of which the body is gold and its horns are strong. 12. I will cause thy days to find gifts, O judge (?) of the great. 13. Into our house enter, mid the scent of the pines. 14. When thou enterest our house 15. may the river Euphrates kiss thy feet. 16. There shall be under thee kings, lords, and princes. 17. The tribute of the mountains and plains may they bring to thee as an offering. 18. May thy herds and flocks bring forth twins, 19. may the increase of the cows come unto (thee), 20. may thy (horse) be strong, without ceasing, in the chariot, 21. may (thy steed) in the yoke never have a rival. —–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–— 22. (Izdubar) opened his mouth and speaks; 23. (he says) to the princess Istar: 24. .... to thee thy possession 25. .... body and rottenness (?) 26. .... baldness and famine 27. .... I keep back the instruments of divinity 28. .... instruments of royalty 29. .... storm (?) 30. ...... he poured (?) 31. ...... I lingered 32. ...... I took thee 33. ...... caused to enter 34. the door afterwards .... ended wind and showers 35. palace .... the hero 36. mouth .... check her 37. that sign .... carry her 38. body glorious (?) .... carry her 39. grand .... tower of stone 40. they have dwelt (in) the land of the enemy 41. may she .... her lord 42. never may he woo thee for ever