The Homeric Hymns · 1914
Hymn XVIII — To Hermes
Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White (1914)
Also in this archive
George Chapman’s translation (c. 1624) · Hymn XVIII — To Hermes Compare side by side
Andrew Lang’s translation (1899) · XVIII. To Pan Compare side by side
(ll. 1-9) I sing of Cyllenian Hermes, the Slayer of Argus, lord of Cyllene and Arcadia rich in flocks, luck-bringing messenger of the deathless gods. He was born of Maia, the daughter of Atlas, when she had made with Zeus,—a shy goddess she. Ever she avoided the throng of the blessed gods and lived in a shadowy cave, and there the Son of Cronos used to lie with the rich-tressed nymph at dead of night, while white-armed Hera lay bound in sweet sleep: and neither deathless god nor mortal man knew it.
(ll. 10-11) And so hail to you, Son of Zeus and Maia; with you I have begun: now I will turn to another song!
(l. 12) Hail, Hermes, giver of grace, guide, and giver of good things!
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this text
MLA
Homer. The Homeric Hymns, Hymn XVIII — To Hermes. Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/work/homeric-hymns/17/.
Chicago
Homer. The Homeric Hymns, Hymn XVIII — To Hermes. Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/work/homeric-hymns/17/.