Read the excerpt from gilgamesh: a new english version. gilgamesh answered, "dear friend, dear brother, i cannot kill humbaba alone. please stay here with me. stand at my side. 'two boats lashed together will never sink. a three-ply rope is not easily broken.' if we help each other and fight side by side, what harm can come to us?" the author includes this excerpt to establish gilgamesh as a compelling speaker. a ruthless warrior. a devoted servant of shamash. a long-distance traveler.