The Hymns of Orpheus · 61 of 91

To the Terrestrial Hermes.

LVI. TO THE TERRESTRIAL HERMES. The FUMIGATION from STORAX. HERMES I call, whom Fate decrees to dwell

In the dire path which leads to deepest hell

O Bacchic Hermes, progeny divine

Of Dionysius, parent of the vine,

And of celestial Venus Paphian queen, 5

Dark eye-lash'd Goddess of a lovely mien:

Who constant wand'rest thro' the sacred feats

Where hell's dread empress, Proserpine, retreats;

To wretched souls the leader of thc way

When Fate decrees, to regions void of day: 10

Thine is the wand which causes sleep to fly,

Or lulls to slumb'rous rest the weary eye;

For Proserpine thro' Tart'rus dark and wide

Gave thee forever flowing souls to guide.

Come, blessed pow'r the sacrifice attend, 15

And grant our mystic works a happy end.