Hymn XXII: To Tethys

Tethys I call, with eyes cerulean bright,
Hid in a veil obscure from human sight :
Great Ocean's empress, wand'ring thro' the deep,
And pleas'd, with gentle gales, the earth to sweep ;
Whose ample waves in swift succession go,
And lash the rocky shore with endless flow :
Delighting in the sea serene to play,
In ships exulting, and the wat'ry way.
Mother of Venus, and of clouds obscure,
Great nurse of beasts, and source of fountains pure.
O venerable Goddess, hear my pray'r,
And make benevolent my life thy care ;
Send, blessed queen, to ships a prosp'rous breeze,
And waft them safely o'er the stormy seas.