Gilgamesh went on his way to the sun through the mountains. Deep was the darkness, he could see neither in front of him, nor behind him. When he had walked twelve leagues the dawn appeared, and at the end of twelve leagues the sun streamed out! He then made his way towards the marvellous garden

where from trees hung precious stones instead of fruits. Shamash the god appeared in front of Gilgamesh and asked him: “Where are you going, wandering so in the wilderness? you will never find the life for which you are searching”. Gilgamesh, opening his mouth said to the glorious Shamash:

“When life goes out of my body,

Defeat, in fact, will have overcome me.

Here I am, for fear of death, wandering in the wilderness;

Am I not to lie down for not getting up ever?

Let my eyes stare at the sun

Until they are dazzled with light.

That the one who is dead

May see the light of the sun”.