When the gods created mankind They appointed death for mankind, Kept eternal life in their own hands. So, Gilgamesh, let your stomach be full, Day and night enjoy yourself in every way, Every day arrange for pleasures. Day and night, dance and play, Wear fresh clothes. Keep your head washed, bathe in water, Appreciate the child who holds your hand, Let your wife enjoy herself in your lap. Mankind's fame is cut down like reeds in a reed-bed.
Nobody sees Death, Nobody sees the face of Death, Nobody hears the voice of Death.
Savage Death just cuts mankind down. But then brothers divide it upon inheritance. They appointed death and life. They did not mark out days for death, But they did so for life. On these sober words, which appear to constitute the main lesson of the Epic, we take our leave of Gilgamesh, but not without drawing some conclusions from what we have read.