113 - Gilgamesh and Enkidu froze and stared into the woods' great depth and height. When they spied Humbaba's path, they found the opening toward straight passage.

114 - Then they were able to find and see the home of the gods, the paradise of Ishtar's other self, called Imini-most-attractive. All beauty true is ever there where gods do dwell, where there is cool shade and harmony and sweet-odored food to match their mood.

115 - Then Gilgamesh envisioned yet again another dream high up in the hills where boulders crashed. Again Enkidu said to his brother, as he unraveled this dreary story for his king: "Brother, your song is a fine omen. This dream will make you well.

116 - Brother, that vision you saw is rich for on that mountain top we can capture Humbaba and hurl his earthly form from towering cliffs through sky to earth, making his shape as flat and wide as it is round and high." "Mountain, mountain in the sky, Break the god and make him die."

117 - Mountain-on-high then sent the myth into Enkidu's sleep, and a chill from the high winds forced him to rest, since he was blown around as grain is on open field. Curled up in a ball, Gilgamesh rested in blessed sleep, the best of friends at the worst of times.

119 - Sky screamed. And Mother Earth moaned. Sun went out of light and blackest night enveloped the heavens. Then came flashes of lightning, source of fire. Storm clouds raced nearby and swept all life away from out of the sky above our heads. Brightness dissolved, light evaporated; cinders turned to ash.

120 - When we leave the mountain, this is what we will remember." When Enkidu learned this myth as told, he replied to Gilgamesh: "Shamash, your god, creates a great attraction for both of us. Shamash now approves of this attack upon Humbaba.

121 - Take the sign as some divine dream to urge us on." Shamash himself said such words to Gilgamesh as if in prayer: "Do not balk now, favored one. Brace yourself for battle and proceed." Heavenly winds blasted down from out of the sky about and all around Humbaba.

123 - The dying beast called out for mercy once and part of what he said could still be heard over the howling winds: "Please, Gilgamesh! Have mercy on me, wounded.

124 - I shall freely give you all the lumber of my mighty realm and work for you both day and night." It was Enkidu then who shouted louder than the beast and with his words he urged a swift conclusion: "Kill the beast now, Gilgamesh.

125 - Show no weak or silly mercy toward so sly a foe." Taking his companionís mean advice, Gilgamesh swiftly cut the beast, splattering blood upon his cloak and sandals then.

126 - Soiled by this violent conflict, the friends began their journey back to Uruk's towering walls expecting now to be received as heroes who had fought and won a legendary battle.