Ea, not content with the general warning, sends a special message to Parnapishtim, one of the inhabitants of Shurippak.
O man of Shurippak, son of Kidin-Marduk![946]
Erect a structure,[947] build a ship,
Abandon your goods, look after the souls,[948]
Throw aside your possessions, and save your life,
Load the ship with all kinds of living things.
The god then tells Parnapishtim in what manner to build the ship. Its dimensions should be carefully measured. Its breadth and depth should be equal, and when it is finished, Parnapishtim is to float it. The warning from Ea comes to him in a dream, as we learn from a subsequent part of the story. Parnapishtim does not deem it necessary to dwell upon this, for it is only through dreams that the gods communicate with kings and heroes.
Parnapishtim declares his readiness to obey the orders of Ea, but like Moses upon receiving the command of Yahwe, he asks what he should say when people question him.
What shall I answer the city, the people, and the elders?
Ea replies: