Anshar made answer and said:  “No man hath challenged me.  It is Tiamat, the woman, who hath resolved to wage war against us.  But fear not and make merry, for thou shalt bruise the head of Tiamat.  O wise god, thou shalt overcome her with thy pure incantation.  Tarry not but hasten forth; she cannot wound thee; thou shalt come back again.”  The words of Anshar delighted the heart of Merodach, who spake, saying:  “O lord of the gods, O fate of the high gods, if I, the avenger, am to subdue Tiamat and save all, then proclaim my greatness among the gods.  Let all the high gods gather together joyfully in Upshukinaku (the Council Hall), so that my words like thine may remain unchanged, and what I do may never be altered.  Instead of thee I will decree the fates of the gods.”

Then Anshar called unto his counsellor, Gaga, and addressing him, said:  “O thou who dost share my desires, thou who dost understand the purpose of my heart, go unto Lachmu and Lachamu and summon all the high gods to come before me to eat bread and drink wine.  Repeat to them all I tell you of Tiamat’s preparations for war, of my commands to Anu and Ea, who turned back, fearing the dragon, of my choice of Merodach to be our avenger, and his desire to be equipped with my power to decree fate, so that he may be made strong to combat against our enemy.”

As Anshar commanded so did Gaga do.  He went unto Lachmu and Lachamu and prostrated himself humbly before them.  Then he rose and delivered the message of Anshar, their son, adding:  “Hasten and speedily decide for Merodach your fate.  Permit him to depart to meet your powerful foe.”

When Lachmu and Lachamu heard all that Gaga revealed unto them they uttered lamentations, while the Igigi (heavenly spirits) sorrowed bitterly, and said:  “What change hath happened that Tiamat hath become hostile to her own offspring?  We cannot understand her deeds.”

All the high gods then arose and went unto Anshar, They filled his council chamber and kissed one another.  Then they sat down to eat bread and drink sesame wine.  And when they were made drunk and were merry and at their ease, they decreed the fate for Merodach.

In the chamber of Anshar they honoured the Avenger.  He was exalted as a prince over them all, and they said:  “Among the high gods thou art the highest; thy command is the command of Anu.  Henceforth thou wilt have power to raise up and to cast down.  None of the gods will dispute thy authority.  O Merodach, our avenger, we give thee sovereignty over the entire Universe.  Thy weapon will ever be irresistible.  Smite down the gods who have raised revolt, but spare the lives of those who repose their trust in thee.”

Then the gods laid down a garment before Merodach, saying:  “Open thy mouth and speak words of command, so that the garment may be destroyed; speak again and it will be brought back.”

Merodach spake with his mouth and the garment vanished; he spake again and the garment was reproduced.