The Fauns were descended from Faunus, son of Picus King of Italy, who was
changed by Circe into a woodpecker.
"Faunus who lov'st, thro' woodland glade,
To pursue the Sylvan maid,
Pass propitious now, I pray,
Where my tender lambkins stray:
Let each field and mountain high,
Own thy genial presence nigh.
Since with each returning year,
In thy presence, I appear,
With the victim's votive blood,
Mighty monarch of the wood,
And upon thy sacred shrine,
Place the love inspiring wine,
And, o'er all that hallowed ground,
Make the incense breathe around,
Hear O Faunus, hear my prayer,
My lands to bless, my flocks to spare.
When December's nones return
Labour's yoke no more is borne,
Sport the cattle in the meads,
The blythesome dance the peasant leads,
Even, 'mid that time of peace,
Beasts of prey their fury cease,
The lambkin roams all free and bold,
Tho' feeds the wolf beside the fold,
Knowing well thy potent arm
Then protects from every harm.
Lo, to hail the Sylvan king,
Woods their leafy honours bring,
Strewing in profusion gay,
Verdant foliage all the way.
Freed from toil, the labourer blythe
Flings aside the spade and scythe,
Glad to trip in nimble jig,
The earth which he dislikes to dig."