Of fairest Athene, renowned Goddess, I begin to sing, of the Grey-eyed,
the wise; her of the relentless heart, the maiden revered, the succour of
cities, the strong Tritogeneia. Her did Zeus the counsellor himself
beget from his holy head, all armed for war in shining golden mail, while
in awe did the other Gods behold it. Quickly did the Goddess leap from
the immortal head, and stood before Zeus, shaking her sharp spear, and
high Olympus trembled in dread beneath the strength of the grey-eyed
Maiden, while earth rang terribly around, and the sea was boiling with
dark waves, and suddenly brake forth the foam. Yea, and the glorious son
of Hyperion checked for long his swift steeds, till the maiden took from
her immortal shoulders her divine armour, even Pallas Athene: and Zeus
the counsellor rejoiced. Hail to thee, thou child of aegis-bearing Zeus,
anon shall I be mindful of thee and of another lay.



XXVIII. TO HESTIA


Hestia, thou that in the lofty halls of all immortal Gods, and of all men
that go on earth, hast obtained an eternal place and the foremost honour,
splendid is thy glory and thy gift, for there is no banquet of mortals
without thee, none where, Hestia, they be not wont first and last to make
to thee oblation of sweet wine. And do thou, O slayer of Argus, son of
Zeus and Maia, messenger of the blessed Gods, God of the golden wand,
Giver of all things good, do thou with Hestia dwell in the fair mansions,
dear each to other; with kindly heart befriend us in company with dear
and honoured Hestia. [For both the twain, well skilled in all fair works
of earthly men, consort with wisdom and youth.] Hail daughter of Cronos,
thou and Hermes of the golden wand, anon will I be mindful of you and of