I will proclaim to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh. This was the man to whom all things were known […] He was wise, he saw mysteries and knew secret things […] He went on a long journey, was weary, worn-out with labour, returning he rested, he engraved on a stone the whole story.
Incipit, The Epic of Gilgamesh (2100 to 1200 BC)
Gilgamesh, where are you hurrying to? You will never find that life for which you are looking. When the gods created man, they allotted to him death, but life they retained in their own keeping. As for you, Gilgamesh, fill your belly with good things; day and night, night and day, dance and be merry, feast and rejoice. Let your clothes be fresh, bathe yourself in water, cherish the little child that holds your hand, and make your wife happy in your embrace; for this too is the lot of man
Siduri’s words
Utnapishtim said: ” There is no permanence. Do we build a house to stand forever, do we seal a contract to hold for all time?
Utnapishtim’s words