ies, and I rejoiced their heart. I exhibited
sculptured idols, double and winged, some ...[50]
winged, some ...[50] winged, serpents, fishes, and birds,
from unknown regions and abysses, the ...[50] in high
mountains, summits of the lands that I have conquered
with my own hand, for the glory of my royalty. As a worshipper
of the gods and the god Assur, I sacrificed in their
presence, with the sacrifice of white lambs, holy holocausts
of expiation, in order to withdraw the gifts that had not
been agreeable to the gods.

49 He has granted me in his august power, a happy existence,
long life, and I obtained a constantly lucky reign.
I have entrusted myself to his favor.

50 The great Lord Bel-El, the Master of the lands, inhabits
the lofty tracts; the gods and _Istarat_ inhabit Assyria;
their legions remain there in _pargiti_, and _martakni_.

51 With the Chiefs of provinces, the Satraps, wise men,
Astronomers, Magnates, the Lieutenants and Governors
of Assyria, I have ruled in my palace, and administered
justice.

52 I have bid them take gold, silver, gold and silver vessels,
precious stones, copper, iron, considerable products of
mountains the mines of which are rich, cloth of _berom_ and
cotton, blue and purple cloth, amber, skins of sea-calves,
pearls, sandal-wood, ebony, horses from higher Egypt,[51]
asses, mules, camels, oxen. With all these numerous
tributes I have rejoiced the heart of the gods.

53 May Assur, the father of the gods, bless these palaces, by
giving to his images a spontaneous splendor. May he
watch over the issue even to the remote future. May the
sculptured bull, the protector and god who imparts perfection,
dwell in day and in night-time in his presence, and
never stir from this threshold!

54 With the help of Assur, may the King who has built these
palaces, attain an old age, and may his offspring multiply
greatly! May these battlements last to the most remote
future! May he who dwells there come forth surrounded
with the greatest splendor; may he rejoice in his corporal
health, in the satisfaction of his heart accomplish his
wishes, attain his end, and may he render his magnificence
seven times more imposing!

[Footnote 1: Orchoe, the Erech of the Bible, is certainly the Warka of the
present day; Sippara, Sofeira; Nipur, Niffar; Larsam, Senke