Lines
158-159, therefore, in concluding the address to Enkidu, emphasize
in a picturesque way that what has been set forth is man's fate for
which he has been destined from birth. [See now Albright's remarks on
_abunnatu_ in the Revue d'Assyriologie 16, pp. 173-175, with whose
conclusion, however, that it means primarily "backbone" and then
"stature," I cannot agree.]
In the break of about three lines at the bottom of column 4, and
of about six at the beginning of column 5, there must have been set
forth the effect of the address on Enkidu and the indication of his
readiness to accept the advice; as in a former passage (line 64),
Enkidu showed himself willing to follow the woman. At all events the
two now proceed to the heart of the city. Enkidu is in front and
the woman behind him. The scene up to this point must have taken
place outside of Erech--in the suburbs or approaches to the city,
where the meadows and the sheepfolds were situated.
Line 174. _um-ma-nu-um_ are not the "artisans," as Langdon supposes,
but the "people" of Erech, just as in the Assyrian version, Tablet
IV, 1, 40, where the word occurs in connection with _i-dip-pi-ir_,
which is perhaps to be taken as a synonym of _pah?ru_, "gather;"
so also _i-dip-pir_ (Tablet I, 2, 40) "gathers with the flock.
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