Now Ardi-Ea, which is the way to [Parnapishtim?].

If it is possible, let me cross the ocean,

And if not possible, let me lie outstretched on the ground.

Ardi-Ea consents, and tells Gilgamesh to take his ax, to go into the woods, and to cut down a large pole that may serve as a rudder.

Gilgamesh, upon hearing this,

Takes an ax in his hand, ...

Goes to the wood and makes a rudder five gar[931] long.

Gilgamesh and Ardi-Ea mount the ship.

The ship tosses from side to side.

After a course of one month and fifteen days, on the third day[932]