dialogue writing between a fish and a parrot
Answers
The initial speech of Fish:
Bird...there is no insult, ..! Croaking... noise in the marshes... squawking! Forever gobbling away greedily, while your heart is dripping with evil! Standing on the plain you can keep pecking away until they chase you off! The farmer's sons lay lines and nets for you..(and continues)..You cause damage in the vegetable plots..(more)..Bird, you are shameless: you fill the courtyard with your droppings. The courtyard sweeper-boy who cleans the house chases after you...
Bird replies:
How has your heart become so arrogant, while you yourself are so lowly? Your mouth is flabby?, but although your mouth goes all the way round, you can not see behind you. You are bereft of hips, as also of arms, hands and feet – try bending your neck to your feet! Your smell is awful; you make people throw-up; they sneer at you!...
Bird continues:
But I am the beautiful and clever Bird! Fine artistry went into my adornment. But no skill has been expended on your holy shaping! Strutting about in the royal palace is my glory; my warbling is considered a decoration in the courtyard. The sound I produce, in all its sweetness, is a delight for the person of Shulgi, son of Enlil...
Šulgi rules in favor of Bird
After the initial speech and retort, Fish attacks Bird's nest. Battle ensues between the two of them, in more words. Near the end Bird requests that Culgi decide in Bird's favor:
Šulgi proclaims:
To strut about in the E-kur is a glory for Bird, as its singing is sweet. At Enlil's holy table, Bird ...precedence over you...!
Bird ...Because Bird was victorious over Fish in the dispute between Fish and Bird, Father Enki be praised!