Hello, this is Richard, and this is the second part of our epic story from ancient Mesopotamia. Its hero is a king called Gilgamesh, and he has been joined by a wildman called Enkidu who is now his adopted brother.

Enkidu stayed at the palace of Gilgamesh as an honoured guest, and in the evening he joined the feasting in the great hall while the musicians played on drums, flutes and trumpets. The two strongmen drank toasts to one another’s long life and health. Gilgamesh the king stood up, and the banqueters fell quiet. He turned to his friend and made the following speech.

“Enkidu, you l