EXHIBIT 23. CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Eli Lilly and Company of our report dated February 2, 2004, included in the
2003 Annual Report to Shareholders of Eli Lilly and Company.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration
statements of our report dated February 2, 2004, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in the 2003 Annual
Report (Form 10-K) of Eli Lilly and Company:



Registration Statement No.          Type of Statement                      Date
--------------------------          -----------------                      ----
                                                              
33-29482                            S-8                             June 23, 1989
33-37341                            S-8                             October 17, 1990
33-58466                            S-3                             February 17, 1993
33-50783                            S-8                             October 27, 1993
33-56141                            S-8                             October 24, 1994
333-02021                           S-8                             March 28, 1996
333-62015                           S-8                             August 21, 1998
333-66113                           S-8                             October 26, 1998
333-90397                           S-8                             November 5, 1999
333-35248                           S-3                             April 20, 2000
333-70308                           S-8                             September 27, 2001
333-104057                          S-8                             March 27, 2003
333-106478                          S-3/A                           September 16, 2003


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
--------------------------
Ernst & Young LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
March 12, 2004