The Hymns of Orpheus · 27 of 91

To Nereus.

XXII. TO NEREUS. The FUMIGATION from MYRRH. O Thou, who doff the roots of Ocean keep

In seats cærulean, dæmon of the deep,

With fifty nymphs (attending in thy train,

Fair virgin artists) glorying thro’ the main:

The dark foundation of the rolling sea 5

And Earth’s wide bounds, belong much-fam’d to thee;

Great dæmon, source of all, whose pow’r can make

The Earth’s unmeasur’d, holy basis shake,

When blust’ring winds in secret caverns pent,

By thee excited, struggle hard for vent: 10

Come, blessed Nereus, listen to my pray’r,

And cease to shake the earth with wrath severe;

Send on our sacred rites abundant health,

With peace divine and necessary wealth.