Nebuchadnezzar II 012

(i 1) Nebuchadnezzar (II), king of Babylon, pious prince, the one selected by the steadfast heart of the god Marduk, the true shepherd who ensures that the sanctuaries of the god Nabû are looked after correctly, the one who pleases their hearts, the exalted ruler who is every day mindful of provisioning Esagil and Ezida and (who) constantly seeks out good things for Babylon and Borsippa, the wise (and) pious one who provides for Esagil and Ezida, the foremost heir of Nabopolassar, king of Babylon, am I.

(i 15) When the god Marduk, the great lord, the god who created me, steadfastly named me and magnificently commissioned me (to perform) good things for his city Babylon, I myself am constantly present (and) unfailing towards the god Marduk, my lord, (and) all day, without ceasing, (my) mind pondered things that were pleasing to him.

(i 24) I provided Esagil with silver, gold, precious (and) valuable stone(s), copper, musukkannu-wood, cedar, (and) an abundance of anything that is valuable, leaving nothing (else) to be desired, and made its sheen shine forth like the sun.

(ii 1) I completed Ezida and decorated (it) as beautifully as the stars (lit. “writings”) of the heavens.

(ii 3) I put Imgur-Enlil and Nēmetti-Enlil, the great walls of Babylon, (back) in order, built the embankment walls of its moat like a mountain using bitumen and baked brick, and surrounded the city on the outside (with it). I stationed fierce wild bulls of copper and raging mušḫuššu-dragons in its gates and made the city of Babylon become an object of wonder.

(ii 12) I constantly strove (to do things) for the protection of Esagil and Babylon. I built a great fortification using bitumen and baked brick at the upper corner of the gate of the goddess Ištar, from the bank of the Euphrates River up to the gate, along the city, on the outside. I secured its foundation directly on the apsû, in the water table far below, (and) raised its superstructure as high as a mountain.

(ii 21) I skillfully strengthened (Esagil and Babylon’s) protection and established the city of Babylon as a fortress.

(ii 23) O Marduk, great lord, look upon my handiwork with favor and pleasure and may good things about me be set upon your lips. By your holy command, which cannot be altered, proclaim the prolongation of my days (and) command my (attainment of) very old age. By your exalted command, which cannot be overturned, may I not have (any) enemies nor acquire (any) troublemaker(s).