The Homeric Hymns by Rayor Diane J

Author:Rayor, Diane J.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Poetry
Publisher: University of California Press
Published: 2014-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Hail, Goddess, ruler of well-built Cyprus!

I began with you and will turn to the rest of the hymn.

6. HYMN TO APHRODITE

I will sing to lovely Aphrodite, revered goddess

crowned in gold, who protects the citadels of Cyprus,

island where the misty gales of Zephyros

cradled her in soft foam over the waves

of the roaring sea. The Horai, wearing gold tiaras,

gladly welcomed her, dressed her in divine robes,

placed on her immortal head a finely crafted crown

of lovely gold, set blossoms of mountain-copper

and costly gold in her pierced ears,

and adorned her soft throat and silvery breast 10

with gold necklaces like those that grace

the Horai wearing gold tiaras when they fly

to the gods’ dance and their father’s house.

When they had fully adorned her body,

they led her to the gods, who welcomed the sight

and offered her their hands. Each god prayed

to take her home as his wedded wife, so amazed

were they at the beauty of violet-crowned Cytheria.

Farewell, sweet gentle Goddess with dancing eyes:

grant me victory in this contest, ready my song— 20

but I will remember you and the rest of the song.

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