(ll. 1-16) I will sing of well-founded Earth, mother of all, eldest of
all beings. She feeds all creatures that are in the world, all that go
upon the goodly land, and all that are in the paths of the seas, and
all that fly: all these are fed of her store. Through you, O queen, men
are blessed in their children and blessed in their harvests, and to you
it belongs to give means of life to mortal men and to take it away.
Happy is the man whom you delight to honour! He has all things
abundantly: his fruitful land is laden with corn, his pastures are
covered with cattle, and his house is filled with good things. Such men
rule orderly in their cities of fair women: great riches and wealth
follow them: their sons exult with ever-fresh delight, and their
daughters in flower-laden bands play and skip merrily over the soft
flowers of the field. Thus is it with those whom you honour O holy
goddess, bountiful spirit.
(ll. 17-19) Hail, Mother of the gods, wife of starry Heaven; freely
bestow upon me for this my song substance that cheers the heart! And
now I will remember you and another song also.