The Initiations of Orpheus: LVI: To the Terrestrial Hermes
HERMES I call, whom Fate decrees to dwell
In the dire path which leads to deepest hell
O Bacchic Hermes, progeny divine
Of Dionysius, parent of the vine,
And of celestial Venus Paphian queen, 5
Dark eye-lash'd Goddess of a lovely mien:
Who constant wand'rest thro' the sacred feats
Where hell's dread empress, Proserpine, retreats;
To wretched souls the leader of thc way
When Fate decrees, to regions void of day: 10
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 forever flowing souls to guide.
Come, blessed pow'r the sacrifice attend, 15
And grant our mystic works a happy end.