CHALDEAN DELUGE 311 



the local colouring of the legend and the survival of an 

 ancient custom, to observe that this practice of paying 

 the native boats of the Euphrates with pitch has per- 

 sisted in Mesopotamia down to the present day, natural 

 pitch being used, which occurs at various localities in the 

 valley, but particularly near the town of Hit. Sitna- 

 pistim's method of procedure, both in building and paying 

 his boat, may still be witnessed at Hit as a matter of 

 almost every-day occurrence. 



Sitnapistim having provisioned the vessel, and brought 

 into it all his goods and chattels, received an intimation 

 of the immediate approach of the catastrophe ; he went 

 on board with his family and friends, closed the roof, and 

 prudently entrusted the helm to the sailor Buzar-sadi- 

 rabi. Heavy rain fell during an anxious night, and as 

 soon as daybreak appeared 



" There arose from the foundation of heaven, a dark cloud, 

 The storm-god Raman thundered in its midst and 

 Nebo and Merodach went in front. 

 As leaders they passed over mountain and plain 

 Ninib went therein, and the storm behind him followed. 

 The Anunnaki raised high their torches, 

 With their radiant brightness the land glittered, 

 The turmoil of Raman reached to heaven, 

 All that was light was turned to darkness. 



* -: * ',- -: * 



In the earth men perished. . . . 

 Brother beheld not his brother, men knew not one another. In 



the heaven 



The gods were terrified by the deluge, and 

 Hastened to ascend to the heaven of Anu. 

 The gods were like a dog sat down cowering on the ring wall 



of heaven. 



Ishtar cried like one filled with anger. 

 Cried the mistress of the gods the sweet-voiced 

 ' The former generation is turned to clay. . . . 

 What I have borne, where is it ? 

 Like fish spawn it fills the sea.' " 



