Note 3 — Chapter XLII
P. Le Page (Peter Le Page) Renouf translation
Serpent Ab-ur . The two important MSS. Ca and Pb seem to imply a female personage, but as the verb in connection with the name is masculine the final cannot be meant for a feminine ending, and it is peculiar to those two MSS. Ȧb-ur “the very thirsty,” as the appellative of a viper, recalls that of the διψάς, whose bite caused intense thirst. But it may have 99originated in the fact that these reptiles are in the habit of lying in wait by the water side for the sake of the animals who come there to drink.
