Laudator Temporis Acti

Benjamin R. Foster, Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature, 3rd ed. (Bethesda: CDL Press, 2005), pp. 769-770 (footnotes and line numbers omitted):

This Akkadian drinking song, known in widely variant versions from both Syria and Mesopotamia, was originally a Sumerian text about ancient rulers studied in schools and provided with an Akkadian translation during the Classical period. It enumerates great heroes of the past who have vanished, then recommends intoxication as preferable to despair.

Plans are made by Enki,
Lots are drawn by the gods' will.
From former days only empty air remains:
Whenever has aught been heard from any who went before?
These kings were superior to those, and others to them.
Your 'eternal abode' is above their homes,
It is far away as heaven, whose hand can reach it?
Like the depths of the earth, no one knows anything of it.
The whole of a life is but the twinkling of an eye.
The life of humankind is surely not forever.
Where is king Alulu, who reigned for 36,000 years?
Where is king Etana, who went up to heaven?
Where is Gilgamesh, who sought life like Ziusudra?
Where is Huwawa, who was seized and
      knocked to the ground(?)?
Where is Enkidu, who [showed] forth strength in the land?
Where is Bazi? Where is Zizi?
Where are the great kings from former days till now?
They will not be begotten (again),
      they will not be born (again).
How far did a life without glamor transcend death?
Fellow, I will teach you truly who your god is.
Cast down unhappiness in triumph,
      forget the silence (of death)!
Let one day of happiness make up for 36,000 years of
      the silence (of death)!
Let the beer-goddess rejoice over you
      as if you were her own child!
That is the destiny of humankind.

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