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Hymn To Mercury. Translated From The Greek Of Homer
by
60.
‘I found that in the dark he quietly
Had sacrificed some cows, and before light
Had thrown the ashes all dispersedly
About the road–then, still as gloomy night, 470
Had crept into his cradle, either eye
Rubbing, and cogitating some new sleight.
No eagle could have seen him as he lay
Hid in his cavern from the peering day.
61.
‘I taxed him with the fact, when he averred 475
Most solemnly that he did neither see
Nor even had in any manner heard
Of my lost cows, whatever things cows be;
Nor could he tell, though offered a reward,
Not even who could tell of them to me.’ 480
So speaking, Phoebus sate; and Hermes then
Addressed the Supreme Lord of Gods and Men:–
62.
‘Great Father, you know clearly beforehand
That all which I shall say to you is sooth;
I am a most veracious person, and 485
Totally unacquainted with untruth.
At sunrise Phoebus came, but with no band
Of Gods to bear him witness, in great wrath,
To my abode, seeking his heifers there,
And saying that I must show him where they are, 490
63.
‘Or he would hurl me down the dark abyss.
I know that every Apollonian limb
Is clothed with speed and might and manliness,
As a green bank with flowers–but unlike him
I was born yesterday, and you may guess 495
He well knew this when he indulged the whim
Of bullying a poor little new-born thing
That slept, and never thought of cow-driving.
64.
‘Am I like a strong fellow who steals kine?
Believe me, dearest Father–such you are– 500
This driving of the herds is none of mine;
Across my threshold did I wander ne’er,
So may I thrive! I reverence the divine
Sun and the Gods, and I love you, and care
Even for this hard accuser–who must know 505
I am as innocent as they or you.
65.
‘I swear by these most gloriously-wrought portals
(It is, you will allow, an oath of might)
Through which the multitude of the Immortals
Pass and repass forever, day and night, 510
Devising schemes for the affairs of mortals–
I am guiltless; and I will requite,
Although mine enemy be great and strong,
His cruel threat–do thou defend the young!’
66.
So speaking, the Cyllenian Argiphont 515
Winked, as if now his adversary was fitted:–
And Jupiter, according to his wont,
Laughed heartily to hear the subtle-witted
Infant give such a plausible account,
And every word a lie. But he remitted 520
Judgement at present–and his exhortation
Was, to compose the affair by arbitration.