Orphic Hymn 74

To Leucothea

THE FUMIGATION FROM AROMATICS. I call, Leucothea, of great Cadmus born, And Bacchus’ nurse, whom ivy leaves adorn. Hear, powerful Goddess, in the mighty deep Vast-bosom’d, destin’d thy domain to keep: In waves rejoicing, guardian of mankind; For ships from thee alone deliv’rance find, Amidst the fury of th’ unstable main, When art no more avails, and strength is vain. When rushing billows with tempestuous ire O’erwhelm the mariner in ruin dire, Thou hear’st with pity touch’d his suppliant pray’r, Resolv’d his life to succour and to spare. Be ever present, Goddess! in distress, Waft ships along with prosp’rous success: Thy mystics thro’ the stormy sea defend, And safe conduct them to their destin’d end.