The Hymns of Orpheus · 77 of 91

To the Dæmon, or Genius.

LXXII. TO THE DÆMON, OR GENIUS. The FUMIGATION from FRANKINCENSE. THEE, mighty-ruling, Dæmon dread, I call,

Mild Jove, life-giving, and the source of all:

Great Jove, much-wand'ring, terrible and strong,

To whom revenge and tortures dire belong.

Mankind from thee, in plenteous wealth abound, 5

When in their dwellings joyful thou art found;

Or pass thro' life afflicted and distress'd,

The needful means of bliss by thee supprest.

'Tis thine alone endu'd with boundless might,

To keep the keys of sorrow and delight. 10

O holy, blessed father, hear my pray'r,

Disperse the seeds of life-consuming care;

With fav'ring mind the sacred rites attend,

And grant my days a glorious, blessed end.