“He sprinkled upon Goddess Istar the waters of life and led her away: Through the first door he led her and replaced the robe upon her body; 40. Through the second door he led her and replaced the bracelets upon her hands and feet; Through the third door he led her and replaced the gem-covered belt upon her hips; Through the fourth door he led her and replaced the ornament upon her breast; Through the fifth door he led her and replaced the chains upon her neck; Through the sixth door he led her and replaced the ornaments in her ears; Through the seventh door he led her and replaced upon her head the golden crown.” 45. [The conjurer here addresses the brother and promises the release of his dead sister from the power of Allatu. The poem continues:] “‘When she (Allatu) does not afford release, turn to her (to Istar) [thy face]. To Tammuz, the consort of her youth, Pour pure water and costly balm ... [invite a priest]. Cover him with the sacrificial robe, a crystal flute may he [blow]. Let the Uhats weep with grievous [lamentations]. 50. Let the goddess Belili break the precious utensil[27] ... With diamonds shall be filled thy....” [Now the spell takes effect. The spirit of the departed sister rises from Sheol:] “Thus she heard the lamentations of her brother, the goddess Belili broke the precious utensil, With diamonds were filled the ... [and the departed spirit said:] ‘My only brother, let me not perish, 55. In the days of Tammuz play the crystal flute, Play the instrument.... In those days play to me, the male mourners and the female mourners Let them play upon instruments.... Let them breathe incense....” 60. THE MAGNA DEA OF THE NATIONS. Though we may fairly well assume that in prehistoric ages all nations revered a _Magna Mater_, historical development points to the Orient as the place whence the cult of Aphrodite was imported into Greece; there it found the soil prepared by the common belief in a mother goddess, a world-creatrix, a lady divine and supreme. The Greek Aphrodite was the same as the Astarte of the Tyrians, the “great goddess” of the Syrians and the Istar of the Babylonians.