Hymn XXIV: To the Nereids

Daughters of Nereus, resident in caves
Merg'd deep in ocean, sporting thro' the waves ;
Fifty inspir'd Nymphs, who thro' the main
Delight to follow in the Triton's train,
Rejoicing close behind their cars to keep ;
Whose forms half wild are nourish'd by the deep,
With other Nymphs of different degree,
Leaping and wand'ring thro' the liquid sea.
Bright, wat'ry dolphins, sonorous and gay,
Well-pleas'd to sport with bacchanalian play ;
Nymphs beauteous-ey'd, whom sacrifice delights,
Give plenteous wealth, and bless our mystic rites ;
For you at first disclosed the rites divine,
Of holy Bacchus and of Proserpine,
Of fair Calliope, from whom I spring,
And of Apollo bright, the Muses' king.