To the lady of Nineveh ...
To the daughter of Sin, the twin-sister of Shamash, ruling over all kingdoms,
Who issues decrees, the goddess of the universe,
To the lady of heaven and earth, who receives prayer, who hearkens to the petition, who accepts beseeching,
To the merciful goddess who loves righteousness.
The king calls upon Ishtar to listen to his prayers:
Look upon me, O lady, so that through thy turning towards me the heart of thy servant may become strong.
Ashurnasirbal appeals to the goddess on the ground of what he has done to promote the glory of the goddess in his land. He has devoted himself to the service of the goddess. He has observed the festivals in her honor. He has repaired her shrines. No less than fourteen images of the goddess were set up by the king. Nay, more, he claims that before his days Ishtar was not properly worshipped.
I was without understanding, and did not pray to thy ladyship,
The people of Assyria also lacked judgment, and did not approach thy divinity;