Hymn to Inanna and Dumuzi from Aratta

Blessed maiden Inanna
abides in the mountains of Aratta,
in the land of Aratta, chosen by the gods, adorned by the gods, she abides.
In the country where stone itself sings, where the depths breathe with life,
where heaven’s blessing descends upon the earth.

With her spouse, beloved Dumuzi,
upon the bridal couch — the couch of joy and fullness — she dwells in bliss.
Holy days they spend in festal rites,
in halls filled with laughter and radiance.
With caresses and with honeyed words
they delight the eyes and gladden the hearts;
for them, time flows like honey, unhurried and sweet.

The elder gods bestowed upon them gracious gifts:
Enki the All-Wise, lord of the Abzu,
granted them wisdom, depth, and the blessing of life;
Ningal the All-Merciful, the Great Mother,
covered them with her gentle light and protection;
Suen, keeper of the Tablets of Fate,
blessed their days and nights
and granted them a gracious destiny.

Maiden Inanna speaks tender words
with her desired spouse, the shepherd of joy.
The heart of the beloved maiden and her sacred womb
Dumuzi delights by day and by night;
he fills her lips with laughter —
the shining god, shepherd of life, lord of abundance.

Sweeter than wine and honey are the caresses of Dumuzi;
pleasing to Inanna are the fruits of her beloved’s labor:
rich herds, fertile fields, bread blessed by heaven.
The beautiful maiden lifts her praise
to the generous gods by day and by night —
for the well-being of her cherished spouse,
for the fullness of life that knows no waning.

And the earth is covered with flowers —
from the snow spring forth resilient shoots,
from the depths of darkness emerges green breath.
Toward the sun the sprouts arise,
nurtured by the mystery of life,
to adorn forests, meadows, and fields
with multicolored patterns,
to fill the breath of the living with fragrance.

This is the joy of Dumuzi,
this is the happiness of Inanna,
abiding in the world.
By love life is renewed,
by love existence is fulfilled.
The gods guard their beloved children.

And to the world the Beloved Ones grant a new God —
for the joy of heaven, earth, and the underworld,
to affirm the miracle of Love and Life.

Praise to Inanna and Dumuzi!
Praise to Enki, Protector of humankind!
Praise to Ningal, Mother of gods born in light!
Praise to wise Suen,
knower of the mysteries of Heaven and Earth!