another lay.



XXIX. TO EARTH, THE MOTHER OF ALL


Concerning Earth, the mother of all, shall I sing, firm Earth, eldest of
Gods, that nourishes all things in the world; all things that fare on the
sacred land, all things in the sea, all flying things, all are fed out of
her store. Through thee, revered Goddess, are men happy in their
children and fortunate in their harvest. Thine it is to give or to take
life from mortal men. Happy is he whom thou honourest with favouring
heart; to him all good things are present innumerable: his fertile field
is laden, his meadows are rich in cattle, his house filled with all good
things. Such men rule righteously in cities of fair women, great wealth
and riches are theirs, their children grow glorious in fresh delights:
their maidens joyfully dance and sport through the soft meadow flowers in
floral revelry. Such are those that thou honourest, holy Goddess, kindly
spirit. Hail, Mother of the Gods, thou wife of starry Ouranos, and
freely in return for my ode give me sufficient livelihood. Anon will I
be mindful of thee and of another lay.



XXX. TO HELIOS


Begin, O Muse Calliope, to sing of Helios the child of Zeus, the splendid
Helios whom dark-eyed Euryphaessa bore to the son of Earth and starry