HIPP. Follow, follow, singing the heavenly Dian, daughter of Jove; Dian,
under whose protection we are.
ATT. Holy, holy, most hallowed offspring of Jove, hail! hail! O Dian,
daughter of Latona and of Jove, most beauteous by far of virgins, who, born
of an illustrious sire, in the vast heaven dwellest in the palace of Jove,
that mansion rich in gold.
HIPP. Hail, O most beauteous, most beauteous of virgins in Olympus, Dian!
For thee, my mistress, bear I this wreathed garland from the pure mead,
where neither does the shepherd think fit to feed his flocks, nor yet came
iron there, but the bee ranges over the pure and vernal mead, and Reverence
waters it with river dews. Whosoever has chastity, not that which is taught
in schools, but that which is by nature, for this description of persons it
is lawful thence to pluck, but for the evil it is not lawful.[3] But, O my
dear mistress, receive this wreath to bind your golden tresses from a pious
hand. For to me alone of mortals is allowed this privilege. With thee I am
both present, and exchange words with thee, hearing thy voice, but not
seeing thy countenance. But may I finish the last turn of my course of
life, even as I began.
ATT. O king, (for the Gods alone ought we to call Lords,) will you hear
somewhat from me, who advise you well?
HIPP. Most certainly, or else I should not seem wise.
ATT. Knowest thou then the law, which is established among men?
HIPP. I know not; but what is the one, about which thou askest me?
ATT. To hate haughtiness, and that which is disagreeable to all.
HIPP. And rightly; for what haughty mortal is not odious?
ATT. And in the affable is there any charm?
HIPP. A very great one indeed, and gain with little toil.
ATT. Dost thou suppose that the same thing holds also among the Gods?
HIPP. Certainly, forasmuch as we mortals use the laws of the Gods.
ATT. How is it then that thou addressest not a venerable Goddess?