[473] The colophon to one of them (IVR. 10, Reverse 52) declares that the production in question is a "penitential psalm for any god whatsoever." [474] IVR. 10. Zimmern, no. 4. [475] _I.e._, be pacified. [476] _I.e._, 'whoever he may be,' as we would say. [477] Among many nations fasting is resorted to as a means of atonement. It must have been common among the Hebrews during the period of the Babylonian exile--perhaps through Babylonian influence. See Isaiah, lviii. 3. [478] Lit., rushing water. [479] _I.e._, very numerous. [480] Be pacified. [481] _E.g._, IVR. 61. [482] _Ib._ 59, no. 2. [483] Delitzsch, _Assyr. Woerterbuch_, p. 378. In another psalm the penitent says similarly, "Food I have not eaten, weeping is my nourishment, water I have not drunk, tears are my drink." [484] Lit., 'released.' The underlying metaphor represents the individual held fast by sin, just as the demons seize hold of a man. [485] A somewhat puzzling line, but which appears to convey the promise on the part of the penitent that if forgiven he will observe the rites demanded by the deity. [486] Babylon. [487] IVR 19, no. 3; Zimmern, no. 5. [488] Like a column. The metaphor is the same as in the Biblical phrase, "column of smoke." [489] Published by Bruennow, _Zeits. f. Assyr._ v. 66 _seq._ The king mentions his father, Shamshi-Ramman, in the hymn. If this is Shamshi-Ramman III., the date of the hymn would be _c._ 1100 B.C. [490] Lit., 'lifting up of thy eyes.' CHAPTER XIX. ORACLES AND OMENS.