Orphic Hymn 14

To Rhea

THE FUMIGATION FROM AROMATICS. Illustrious Rhea, to my pray’r incline, Daughter of various-form’d Protogonus divine, Who driv’st thy sacred car with speed along, Drawn by fierce lions, terrible and strong. Mother of Jove, whose mighty arm can wield Th’ avenging bolt and shake the dreadful shield. Brass-sounding, honour’d, Saturn’s blessed queen, Drum-beating, fury-loving, of a splendid mien. Thou joy’st in mountains and tumultuous fight, And mankind’s horrid howlings thee delight. War’s parent, mighty, of majestic frame, Deceitful saviour, liberating dame. Mother of Gods and men, from whom the earth And spacious heav’ns derive their glorious birth. Th’ etherial gales, the deeply spreading sea, Goddess, aerial-form’d, proceed from thee. Come, pleas’d with wand’rings, blessed and divine, With peace attended on our labours shine; Bring rich abundance; and, wherever found. Drive dire disease to earth’s remotest bound.