When the gods that therein dwell

To send a flood their heart impelled them,

All the great gods: their father Anu,

Their counsellor the warlike Bel,

Adar their throne-bearer and the Prince Ennugi.

The lord of boundless wisdom,

Ea, sat with them in council.

Their resolve he announced and so he spake:--

O thou of Surippak, son of Ubaratutu,

Leave thy house and build a ship.