Lamentation Song of Babylon
Babylon of the shimmering bricks of lapis lazuli - Babylon the Great, city astride the two holy rivers, sacred Gate of the Gods which anchors the heavens and the Earth, city proud to pour out libations to the host of great gods, may your splendour stand like a temple built of silver so that it may be known to the world throughout all the ages.
Great city, though your walls were overran by the invader, though your sacred ĝipar shrines were desecrated by the invader, though your sheepfolds were buried beneath the sands, I am pleased to recount of your deeds.
Beloved of An, seat of the gods, seat of the universe, seat of civilisation, though your laws have been torn out, though your lamentation priests are not heard in your streets, though your people were overran by the enemy, your holy name is not forgotten, your rightful ways are still recounted, your sacred days are still remembered.
City where the divine decrees of the gods were piled up in abundance, where the people wete pleased to pour out libations to the Anuna gods whose favourable decrees were passed within your walls, though your brickwork of gold has been eroded, though your gates of lapis lazuli have been defiled, may your worship of your gods never cease, and may your glory reside in the hearts of all who are proud to honour your great gods.
City of Marduk, City of Ishtar, City of Enlil, though your buildings on the Earth no longer stand, though your sheepfolds lie desolate, though your courtyards lie beneath the desert, your structures in the heavens stand for eternity, your people clamour to know your wisdom, your people strive to honour your name.
City which is the Heart of the Universe, though for millennia your deeds and your glories were wiped out, though your great gods were slandered by your enemies, though your holy places were degraded by your enemies, may your people in this age sing of your name, lament of your history, and rebuild your gates in our hearts and souls!
𒊮𒀭𒆠 𒆍𒀭𒊏𒆠 𒍠𒊩
Heart of the Universe, City of Babylon, be praised!
Great city, though your walls were overran by the invader, though your sacred ĝipar shrines were desecrated by the invader, though your sheepfolds were buried beneath the sands, I am pleased to recount of your deeds.
Beloved of An, seat of the gods, seat of the universe, seat of civilisation, though your laws have been torn out, though your lamentation priests are not heard in your streets, though your people were overran by the enemy, your holy name is not forgotten, your rightful ways are still recounted, your sacred days are still remembered.
City where the divine decrees of the gods were piled up in abundance, where the people wete pleased to pour out libations to the Anuna gods whose favourable decrees were passed within your walls, though your brickwork of gold has been eroded, though your gates of lapis lazuli have been defiled, may your worship of your gods never cease, and may your glory reside in the hearts of all who are proud to honour your great gods.
City of Marduk, City of Ishtar, City of Enlil, though your buildings on the Earth no longer stand, though your sheepfolds lie desolate, though your courtyards lie beneath the desert, your structures in the heavens stand for eternity, your people clamour to know your wisdom, your people strive to honour your name.
City which is the Heart of the Universe, though for millennia your deeds and your glories were wiped out, though your great gods were slandered by your enemies, though your holy places were degraded by your enemies, may your people in this age sing of your name, lament of your history, and rebuild your gates in our hearts and souls!
𒊮𒀭𒆠 𒆍𒀭𒊏𒆠 𒍠𒊩
Heart of the Universe, City of Babylon, be praised!