Sing thou of Artemis, Muse, the sister of the Far-darter; the archer
Maid, fellow-nursling with Apollo, who waters her steeds in the reedy
wells of Meles, then swiftly drives her golden chariot through Smyrna to
Claros of the many-clustered vines, where sits Apollo of the Silver Bow
awaiting the far-darting archer maid. And hail thou thus, and hail to
all Goddesses in my song, but to thee first, and beginning from thee,
will I sing, and so shall pass on to another lay.



IX. TO APHRODITE


I shall sing of Cytherea, the Cyprus-born, who gives sweet gifts to
mortals, and ever on her face is a winsome smile, and ever in her hand a
winsome blossom. Hail to thee, Goddess, Queen of fair-set Salamis, and
of all Cyprus, and give to me song desirable, while I shall be mindful of
thee and of another song.



X. TO ATHENE


Of Pallas Athene, the saviour of cities, I begin to sing; dread Goddess,
who with Ares takes keep of the works of war, and of falling cities, and
battles, and the battle din. She it is that saveth the hosts as they go
and return from the fight. Hail Goddess, and give to us happiness and