XXIX. TO EARTH, THE MOTHER OF ALL

Concerning Earth, the mother of all, shall I sing, firm Earth, eldest of

Gods, that nourishes all things in the world; all things that fare on the

sacred land, all things in the sea, all flying things, all are fed out of

her store. Through thee, revered Goddess, are men happy in their

children and fortunate in their harvest. Thine it is to give or to take

life from mortal men. Happy is he whom thou honourest with favouring

heart; to him all good things are present innumerable: his fertile field

is laden, his meadows are rich in cattle, his house filled with all good

things. Such men rule righteously in cities of fair women, great wealth

and riches are theirs, their children grow glorious in fresh delights:

their maidens joyfully dance and sport through the soft meadow flowers in

floral revelry. Such are those that thou honourest, holy Goddess, kindly

spirit. Hail, Mother of the Gods, thou wife of starry Ouranos, and

freely in return for my ode give me sufficient livelihood. Anon will I

be mindful of thee and of another lay.

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