Old Babylonian Version of the Epic of Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh considered himself and his wild friend Enkidu as invincible. When Enkidu dies, it comes as a great shock to Gilgamesh to realize that he may as well die one day, so he embarks on a quest for immortality. After several challenges along his journey, he comes to a beautiful garden by the sea where he meets an alewoman, in later versions identified as Šiduri.

She attempts to persuade him to accept death and enjoy life as it is. For some reason, this advice was removed from later versions of the story.

Here is her original advice found on the Old Babylonian version of the Epic, which in later versions is removed:

Gilgamesh, where are you going?
The life you seek you shall never find
When the gods created humankind
Death they appointed for humankind
Life in their own hands they retained.

Gilgamesh, let you belly be full
Enjoy yourself day and night
Every day make merry, dance and play
Let your clothes be clean
Let your head be washed
Bathe yourself in water
Gaze upon the little child that holds your hand
Let a wife enjoy your repeated embrace
For this is the lot of men.