IV
Reading edition
O Pan of the evergreen forest, Protector of herds in the meadows, Helper of men at their toiling,— Tillage and harvest and herding,— How many times to frail mortals 5 Hast thou not hearkened!
Now even I come before thee With oil and honey and wheat-bread, Praying for strength and fulfilment Of human longing, with purpose 10 Ever to keep thy great worship Pure and undarkened.
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O Hermes, master of knowledge, Measure and number and rhythm, Worker of wonders in metal, 15 Moulder of malleable music, So often the giver of secret Learning to mortals!
Now even I, a fond woman, Frail and of small understanding, 20 Yet with unslakable yearning Greatly desiring wisdom, Come to the threshold of reason And the bright portals.
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And thou, sea-born Aphrodite, 25 In whose beneficent keeping Earth, with her infinite beauty, Colour and fashion and fragrance, Glows like a flower with fervour Where woods are vernal! 30
Touch with thy lips and enkindle This moon-white delicate body, Drench with the dew of enchantment This mortal one, that I also Grow to the measure of beauty 35 Fleet yet eternal.