Hymn LVII: To the Terrestrial Hermes

Hermes, I call, whom Fate decrees to dwell
Near to Cocytos, the fam'd stream of hell,
And in Necessity's dread path, whose bourn
To none that reach it e'er permits return.
O Bacchic Hermes, progeny divine
Of Dionysius, parent of the vine,
And of celestial Venus, Paphian queen,
Dark-eyelash'd Goddess, of a lovely mien :
Who constant wand'rest thro' the sacred seats
Where Hell's dread empress, Proserpine, retreats ;
To wretched souls the leader of the way,
When Fate decrees, to regions void of day.
Thine is the wand which causes sleep to fly,
Or lulls to slumb'rous rest the weary eye ;
For Proserpine, thro' Tart'rus dark and wide,
Gave thee for ever flowing souls to guide.
Come, blessed pow'r, the sacrifice attend,
And grant thy mystics' works a happy end.