To Hermes Criophorus

That the companion of the Naiads may
Be pleased the ewe anear the ram to lead,
So that might endless multiply the seed
Of browsing flocks that on Galaesus stray,

He should be gladdened by the feast's array
Beneath the herdsman's canopy of reed,
For sweet to Pan his sacrificial meed
On marble table or on block of clay.

Then honor Hermes, for the God so wise
Prefers pure hands whereby the victim dies
To splendor's wealth of altar or of fane.

Friend, raise on border of thy mead a mound,
And with the blood of hairy goat there stain
The turf with purple and imbrue the ground.