HOMERIC HYMN TO APOLLO

      

The Homeric Hymns (Greek: Ομηρικοὶ Ύμνοι) are a collection of 33 anonymous ancient Greek hymns celebrating individual Gods. The hymns are "Homeric" in the sense that they employ the same epic meter—dactylic hexameter—as the Iliad and Odyssey, use many similar formulas and are couched in the same dialect. They were uncritically attributed to Homer himself in antiquity—from the earliest written reference to them, Thucydides (iii.104)—and the label has stuck.

The 33 hymns praise most of the major Gods of Greek Religion; at least the shorter ones may have served as preludes to the recitation of epic verse at festivals by professional rhapsodes: often the singer concludes by saying that now he will pass to another song. A 34th, called To Hosts is not actually a hymn, but a reminder that hospitality is a sacred duty enjoined by the Gods- a pointed reminder when coming from a professional rhapsode.

The Homeric Hymn to Apollo is one of the longest ones.The following is an English translation of the hymn,by Rodney Merrill.Below the lyrics there is a video created by the European Cultural Centre of Delphi, where excerpts of the Hymn are recited,along with interesting narratives.


          I will remember, nor could I forget, far-shooting Apollo,

          whom Gods tremble before as in Zeus’s abode He is striding

          then as He comes up close to the place They are sitting, They leap up,

          all of Them, out of their seats, as He stretches His glittering bow back.

 5        Leto alone stays there beside Zeus the Great Thunderbolt- hurler;

          She unloosens the bowstring and closes the lid on His quiver;

          taking His arrows and bow in Her hands from His powerful shoulders,

          She hangs them on the pillar by which His Father is sitting,

          high on a gold-wrought hook; to a chair She guides Him and seats Him.

10      Then, in a goblet of gold, sweet nectar His Father presents Him,

          making His dear Son welcome; and straightway the other Immortals

          sit down there in assembly, and Leto the Lady is gladdened,

          seeing that She has brought forth so mighty a Son and an Archer.

          Hail and rejoice then, Leto the blessèd, for glorious children

15      You bore, Lordly Apollo and Artemis Shooter of arrows,

          Her in Ortygia, Him brought forth in Delos the rocky,

          while You reclined on a great tall peak of the Kynthian highland,

          close to a date-palm tree by the streams of the River Inópos.

          How shall I sing of You who are in all ways worthy of singing?

20      For to You, Phoibos, melodious songs are intoned the world over,

          both on the mainland, nurturing heifers, and over the islands;

          all of the crags are delightful to You, and the sharp promontories

          jutting from steep high mountains, and rivers that flow to the seabrine,

          beaches that slope down into the water, and deep sea harbors.

25      Shall it be how first Leto delivered You, gladdening mortals,

          when by the mountain of Kynthos she lay, on the rock-strewn  island

          Delos begirt by the sea, with a black wave surging on either

          hand to the dry land under the shrill sharp breath of the stormwinds?

          Thence indeed having risen, You rule over all of us mortals,

30      over the people who dwell in Crete and the district of Athens,

          also the isle of Aigína and galley-renownèd Euboía,

          Aigai, Eíresiaí, and Pepárethos, close to the sea-brine,

          also Thracian Athos and Pelion’s towering summits,

          Thracian Samos as well, and the shadowy highlands of Ida,

35      Skyros as well as Phokaía, the highland of steep Autokánè

          also, and firm-set Imbros and inhospitable Lemnos,

          sacred Lesbos, the dwelling of Makar, Aíolos’ scion,

          also Chios, the brightest of islands that lie in the sea-brine,

          Mimas, rugged and rocky, and Kórykos’ towering summits,

40      shimmering Klaros as well, and the highland of steep Aisagéa,

          also watery Samos and Mýkalè’s steep high headland,

          then Milétos and Kos, that town of Meropian people,

          then too steep high Knidos and wind-blown Kárpathos island,

          Naxos and Paros as well, and the rock-strewn isle of Rhenaía—

45      even so far did Leto, in birth-pangs with the Far-shooter,

          wander to seek a land willing to serve as a home for Her dear Son.

          They were all dreadfully trembling and fearful, and none of them dared to

          take in Phoibos the Lord, not even the richest among them,

          not until finally Leto the Lady, arriving on Delos,

50      made inquiry of her, as in these winged words She addressed her:

          “Delos, if you would be willing to be the abode of my dear Son

          Phoibos Apollo, and here to establish for Him a great sumptuous temple—

          since no other will touch you; of that you will not be unmindful,

          nor, I believe, will you be at all wealthy in cattle and sheep flocks,

55      nor will you bring forth grapes or produce an abundance of produce—

          if you contain, however, the shrine of far-shooting Apollo,

          people will all be bringing to you their hecatombs hither,

          when they gather together; the measureless savor of fat will

          always rise from the fires—your inhabitants you will be feeding

60      out of those foreigners’ hands, for in truth your soil is not fertile.”

          So did she say; then Delos was gladdened and made her an answer:

          “Leto, the greatly illustrious Daughter of powerful Koios,

          gladly indeed to Your offspring, the Lord far-shooting, would I grant

          welcome, because it is terribly true that of evil repute I

65      am among men—thus I would become universally honored.

          But this saying I tremble at, Leto, and I will not hide it:

          for they say that Apollo will be of a haughty and reckless

          temper, and greatly will Ηe dominate both among the immortals

          and among men who are mortal upon these grain-giving plowlands.

70      Therefore am I most terribly fearful in mind and in spirit,

          lest as He looks for the very first time on Helios’ sunlight,

          He will dishonor the island because I am rugged and rocky,

          overturn me with His feet, thrust me to the depths of the seabrine;

          there will the great high billows forever be breaking above me,

75      over my head; He will go to another land, one that wil please Him,

          there to erect His temple and found His forested woodland.

          Sea-polypuses will build upon me their bedrooms, and black seals

          also will make me their carefree dwelling, because I lack people.

          Yet if You deign now, Goddess, to swear me an oath of the strongest—

80      it will be here that He first will erect a most beautiful temple

          which will for all mankind be an oracle—afterward, surely,

81a    [let him erect more temples and found more forested woodlands]

          widely among all men, for in many a name will He glory.”

          So she spoke; the great oath of the Gods did Leto then swear her:

          “Now Earth witness to this, and the wide sky stretching above us,

85      so too the water of Styx, down-flowing; for this is the greatest

          oath and the oath most dreadful among us blessèd Immortals:

          surely forever will be right here on this island the fragrant

          altar and precinct of Phoibos; and you above all will He honor.”

          But then, when She had sworn and had brought Her oath to completion,

90      Delos was gladdened indeed at the birth of the Lord, the Far- shooter;

          Leto was yet nine days and as well nine nights by unwonted

          birth-pangs pierced to the core; and the Goddesses were on the isle with

          Her, all those who were noblest, as were Diónè and Rhea,

          Themis of Ichnai also and thunderous Ámphitrítè,

95      all of the rest of the Goddesses too, save Hera of white arms,

          for She sat in the halls of the great cloud-gathering God Zeus;

          Eíleithýia the Goddess of childbirth alone did not know it,

          for She sat in the gold clouds high on the peak of Olympos

          by the contrivance of Hera of white arms, who out of envy

100    kept Her away from the place: to a Son both faultless and mighty

          Leto of beautiful tresses was just then going to give birth.

          Then from the firm-set island the Goddesses sent away Iris,

          Eíleithýia to fetch by promising Her a great necklace

          fastened together with gold-spun threads, nine cubits extended,

105    bade Her deliver the summons apart from Hera of white arms,

          lest with Her words that Goddess should afterwards turn Her from coming.

          But then, when to these things swift wind-footed Iris had listened,

          She began running, so quickly accomplishing all of the distance.

          But then, when She arrived at the seat of the Gods, steep Olympos,

110    straightway Eíleithýia away from the chamber She summoned

          out of the door, and in winged words there She spoke and addressed Her

          all that the Goddesses having their homes on Olympos had ordered.

          In this way She persuaded the heart in the breast of the Goddess;

          then they departed on foot, in their steps like timorous pigeons.

115    Soon as had set foot there on Delos the Goddess of childbirth

          Eíleithýia, the pangs seized Leto, who yearned to deliver.

          Throwing Her arms then around a date-palm, She fell to her knees right

          there on the soft meadowland, and the earth began smiling beneath Her;

          He leapt forth to the light; all the Goddesses cried out rejoicing.

120    Thereupon, glorious Phoibos, the Goddesses purely and cleanly

          bathed You in beautiful water and swathed You in whitest apparel,

          delicate, recently woven, and fastened about You a gold band.

          Nor was Apollo the God of the gold sword nursed by His mother;

          rather, of nectar and lovely ambrosia Themis provided

125    Him a due share with Her deathless hands; then Leto was gladdened,

          seeing that She had brought forth so mighty a Son and an Archer.

          But then, Phoibos, as soon as You ate the ambrosial victuals,

          then no longer the gold cords held You, panting and struggling,

          nor did the bonds restrain You, but all their knots were unloosened.

130   Then to the deathless Goddesses spoke forth Phoibos Apollo:

         “Ever belovèd to me may the kithara be, and the curved bow;

         I will declare to mankind great Zeus’s infallible purpose.”

         So having spoken began to go forth on the earth of the wide ways

         Phoibos of hair unshorn who shoots from afar; and at Him then

135   marveled the Goddesses all; and with gold all Delos was heavy-

         laden as she caught sight of the offspring of Zeus and of Leto,

         gladdened because it was she that the God had chosen as dwelling,

         over the islands and mainland—she loved Him the more in her spirit,

         blooming, as when with its woodland flowers a mountain-top blossoms.

140   You then, silvery-bowed Far-shooter, the Lordly Apollo,

         sometimes strode on Your way over Kynthos, rugged and rocky,

          sometimes You would go roaming about among islands and peoples.

         Many indeed are Your temples and many the forested woodlands;

         all of the crags are belovèd to You, and the sharp promontories

145   jutting from steep high mountains, and rivers that flow to the sea-brine;

         but in Your heart by Delos especially You are delighted,

         Phoibos, for there long-robed Ionians gather together,

         they themselves and as well their children and virtuous bedmates.

         There in remembrance of You they give You delight with their boxing

150   matches and dancing and singing, whenever they set competitions.

         One would suppose them immortal and ageless forever and ever,

          he who had come upon those Ionians meeting together;

          he on beholding the grace of them all would delight in his spirit,

          as at the men he gazed, and the women with beautiful girdles,

155    and at the ships, swift-sailing, as well as their many possessions.

          Then there is this great marvel, of fame which never will perish—

          it is the Delian girls, handmaids of the great Far-shooter;

          these, whenever at first in a hymn they have lauded Apollo

          also Leto the Goddess and Artemis Shooter of arrows,

160    calling to memory tales of the men and the women of old times,

          straightway a hymn they sing, enchanting the nations of mankind.

          They know how to impersonate all men’s voices and all their

          musical vocalizations, and each would imagine himself as

          sounding the words—so suited to them is their beautiful singing.

165    But come, be You propitious, Apollo, and Artemis also;

          farewell, all of you maidens; and me then, even hereafter,

          call to your memory, when someone among men on the earth, some

          much-tried suffering stranger, arrives here making inquiry:

          “Maidens, for you which singer is it of men wandering hither

170    who is the sweetest in song, and by whom you most are delighted?”

          Then do you all, each one, make answer and tell him about me:

          “It is a blind man dwelling in Chios, rugged and rocky,

          whose songs, every one, are the best both now and hereafter.”

          Yours is a fame, in turn, I will carry around as I wander

175    over the earth to the well-inhabited cities of mankind;

          they will indeed be persuaded, for this is the truth of the matter.

          Never will I cease lauding in hymns Far-shooting Apollo,

          God of the silvery bow, whom Leto of beautiful hair bore.

II.

           Oh Lord, you possess Lykia, lovely Maionia also,

180    then Miletos, delectable city that borders the seabrine,

          but over wave-washed Delos yourself You splendidly govern.

          Glorious Leto’s son, as He plays a refrain on his hollow

          lyre, sets forth on His journey to go toward Pytho the rocky,

          clad in ambrosial fragrant apparel; and under the golden

185    plectrum the lyre in His hands sends forth a delectable clangor.

          Thence from the earth He departs to Olympos as speedy as thought and

          goes to the palace of Zeus and the rest of the Gods in assembly;

          straightway to the immortals the lyre and the song are enthralling;

          all of the Muses together in lovely antiphonal voices

190    hymn the ambrosial gifts that the Gods enjoy, and the sorrows

          which men under the hands of the deathless Gods ever suffer,

          living without understanding and helpless, nor are they ever

          able to find any cure for their death or defense against old age.

          Meanwhile the Graces with beautiful hair and the jovial Seasons,

195    Hebè, Harmonia too, and the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodítè,

          enter the dance—by the wrists of their hands They hold one another;

          singing and dancing with Them is a maid not ugly or little,

          rather indeed very tall to behold, and of wondrous appearance,

          Artemis Shooter of arrows, the Maid brought up with Apollo;

200    Ares among them too, and the keen-eyed Slayer of Argos,

          frolic, the while on his lyre Lord Phoibos Apollo is playing,

          high and resplendently stepping, with radiance shining around Him,

          glittering bright from His feet and His skillfully woven apparel.

          Deep in Their great hearts then as They look upon him are His mother,

205    Leto with tresses of gold, and His Sire, Zeus Counselor, gladdened,

          watching Their much-loved son as with deathless Gods He is sporting.

          How shall I sing of You who are in all ways worthy of singing?

          Shall I sing about You as a wooer, in loving liaisons,

          how You would go forth courting the daughter of Azan along with

210    godlike Ischys, the well- horsed son of Elátios, or with

          Phorbas, a scion of Triops’ lineage, or with Ereútheus,

          or else along with Leukíppos, to Daphne the wife of Leukíppos …

          You on foot, he in chariot, nor did he come short of Triops.

          Or about how at the first all over the earth You were ranging,

215    seeking an oracle-place for mankind, Far-shooting Apollo?

          Then to Piéria first You went, straight down from Olympos,

          striding along beside sand-strewn Lectos and through Ainiénai

          and the Perrhaibians’ country; and swiftly You came to Iólkos,

          set foot then on Kenaíon in galley-renownèd Euboía,

220    stood on the Lélantine plain—but it did not please You in spirit

          there to erect Your temple and found Your forested woodland.

          Over the Eúripos thence You crossed, Far-shooting Apollo,

          then climbed up the divine green mountain; and swiftly from there You

          journeyed, and reached Mykaléssos and then Teuméssos the grassy.

225    Next You arrived in Thebè’s abode, all covered in forests,

          since no one among men yet dwelt in Thebè the holy,

          nor at the time were as yet any footpaths nor any roadways

          there across Thebè’s wheat-bearing plain—it was covered in forest.

          Now yet farther from there You went, Far-shooting Apollo,

230    coming to Onchestos, the resplendent grove of Poseidon;

          there where a colt, new-broken, recovers his breath from the pain of

          drawing a beautiful chariot; though he is skillful, the driver

          leaps from the car-box and goes on his journey; and meanwhile the horses

          rattle the empty conveyance, bereft of a master to guide them.

235    Should they shatter the chariot there in the forested woodland,

          men take care of the horses, the car they tilt and abandon;

          for it was so in the earliest ritual; then do the drivers

          pray to the lord; as the share of the God is the chariot guarded.

          Now yet farther from there You went, Far-shooting Apollo;

240    then You arrived at the beautiful stream of the River Kephísos,

          which pours out of Lilaía its beautiful current of water.

          Stepping across, Far-worker, You passed Okaléa of many

          towers; proceeding from there You reached Haliártos the grassy.

          Toward Telphoúsa You went; it was pleasing to You, a propitious

245    place to erect Your temple and found Your forested woodland;

          close to her side You stood, and in these words spoke and addressed her:

          “Here, Telphoúsa, am I intending a beautiful temple

          now to erect, to serve men as an oracle; then they will always

          bring here honoring me their hecatombs full and effective—

250    both those having abodes in the fertile Péloponnésos,

         and those dwelling in Europe and over the wave-washed islands—

          looking for oracles; then it would be infallible counsel

          I would deliver to all of them here in my sumptuous temple.”

          So spoke Phoibos Apollo, and laid out there the foundations,

255    broad and exceedingly long throughout; Telphoúsa, observing

          this, grew angry in spirit and spoke these words to Apollo:

          “Phoibos the lord, Far-worker, advice for Your mind will I give You,

          since You intend to erect here now a most beautiful temple,

          which is to serve all men as an oracle; always will they bring

260    hither in honor to You their hecatombs full and effective.

          But I say to You plainly, and You keep this in Your mind now—

          always will cause You affliction the clattering of the swift horses

          and of the mules which here at my sacred fountain are watered;

          then anyone among men will prefer much more to observe those

265    well-made chariots here, and the swift-hoofed clattering horses,

          than to observe the great shrine and the numerous treasures within it.

          But if at all You will heed me—as far more mighty and potent,

          Lord, you are than I am, Yours surely the strength that is greatest—

          do You in Krisa erect it, below a ravine of Parnassos.

270    There will no beautiful chariots ever be dashing, or swift-hoofed

          horses be clattering loudly, surrounding Your well-built altar;

          rather, to You great gifts will the glorious nations of mankind

          bring, as Ië́paíán, Hail Healer; delighting in mind You

          then will receive fine victims from all of the neighboring peoples.”

275    Thus she persuaded the mind of the great Far-shooter, that fame might

          be Telphoúsa’s alone in the country, and not the Far-shooter’s.

          Now yet farther from there You went, Far-shooting Apollo;

          next You arrived at the city of arrogant Phlégyan people,

          who, not caring at all about Zeus, inhabit the country

280    there quite near the Kephísian lake in a beautiful valley.

          Thence You swiftly advanced, rushing up to the ridge of the mountain;

          Krisa at last You reached, underneath snow-covered Parnassos;

          it is a slope that is turned toward the west wind; high up above is

          hanging a cliff overhead, and beneath it runs a deep valley,

285    hollow and rugged, and there then resolved Lord Phoibos Apollo

          He would erect a delectable temple, and thus He asserted:

          “Here is the place I intend to erect a most beautiful temple

          now that will serve all men as an oracle; then they will always

          bring here, honoring me, their hecatombs full and effective—

290    both those having abodes in the fertile Péloponnésos,

          and those dwelling in Europe and over the wave-washed islands—

          looking for oracles; then it will be infallible counsel

          I will deliver to all of them here in my sumptuous temple.”

          So spoke Phoibos Apollo, and laid out there the foundations,

295    broad and exceedingly long throughout; and upon them a stony

          footing was solidly laid by Trophónios and Agamédes,

          who were the sons of Ergínos and dear to the gods undying.

          Then out of well-wrought stones did the numberless nations of mankind

          raise that temple entire, to be always a subject for singing.

300    Near that spot was a spring, fair-flowing, and there with his mighty

          bow by the lord, that scion of Zeus, was slaughtered a dragon,

          bloated, enormous, a terrible monster that many an evil

          wrought to the people who lived on the earth, to themselves very many,

          many to long-shanked sheep, since she was a bloody affliction.

305    She once, receiving the infant from gold-throned Hera, had brought up

          dreadful and cruel Typháön to be an affliction for mankind;

          him once Hera had borne, in Her anger at Zeus the great Father,

          when by the scion of Kronos was brought forth honored Athena

          out of his head; then straightway Hera the Lady was angry,

310    so that among the assembled Immortals She spoke, and addressed Them:

          “All of the Gods and the Goddesses all, now listen and heed me,

          how dishonored I am by the great cloud-gathering God Zeus

          first, even after he made me his bedmate skillful in virtue;

          separate now from myself He has brought forth Bright-eyed Athena,

315    who is to be outstanding among all the blessèd Immortals;

          meanwhile indeed, disabled and weak among all of the Gods that

          child of my own is, Hephaestos, the cripple-foot creature I brought forth,

317a  [who is a shame and disgrace in heaven to me, so that straightway,]

          picking Him up in my hands, I hurled Him into the broad sea;

          but by Thetis of silvery feet, great Nereus’ daughter,

320    He was received; then She with Her sisters provided His nurture.

          Would that in some other fashion the Gods in bliss She had pleasured!

          Mischievous, sly in devices! What else will you now be devising?

          How by yourself did you dare it, to bring forth Bright-eyed Athena?

          Would not I have brought forth? Yet nevertheless I am called Your

325    consort among the Immortals, the Gods who hold the broad Heaven.

325a  Take heed now, lest for You I devise some evil hereafter.

          Yes, it is true: now I will contrive that a child of my own be

          born who will be outstanding among these Gods, the Immortals;

          I will not shame the divine bed-covenant You and I plighted,

          neither will I climb into the bed with You, rather will stay far

330    distant from You and abiding among these Gods, the Immortals.”

          So having said, from the Gods She departed, enraged in Her spirit.

          Then straightway began praying the Ox-eyed Queen, Lady Hera,

          striking the ground with Her hand flatwise and in these words speaking:

          “Listen to me now, Earth, and the broad Sky stretching above us,

335    Titans as well, you Gods who beneath earth have habitation

          there about huge Tartaros, and from whom both mortals and Gods are!

          All of you, listen and hear what I say now: grant that a child be

          mine without Zeus, nor at all in his might any weaker than He, but

          let him be stronger, as much as wide-thundering Zeus is than Kronos.”

340    These words when She had spoken, the ground She lashed with Her stout hand;

          then was the life-bearing Earth agitated; and when She observed it,

          She in Her spirit rejoiced, for She thought that it would be accomplished.

          Then in fact from that time for a year’s full circle of seasons,

          never at all She came to the bed of great Zeus of the counsels,

345    never at all She took the elaborate throne where aforetimes

          She had been seated, devising for Him grave counsels of prudence;

          rather indeed in Her temples, in which pray many to Her, kept

          staying, by offerings gladdened, the Ox-eyed Queen, Lady Hera.

          But when finally all of the months and the days were completed,

350    after the year had revolved and the seasons again were returning,

          then did She bring forth one like neither to Gods nor to mortals,

          fearful and cruel Typháön, to be an affliction to mortals.

          Straightway taking the creature the Ox-eyed Queen, Lady Hera,

          carried and gave to one evil another: the dragon received him.

355    Many the evils She wrought on the glorious nations of mankind;

          he who encountered the dragon, the day of his doom would remove him

          always, until a strong arrow the Lord Far-working Apollo

          shot at the dragon; and there by her horrible agony shattered

          she lay wretchedly gasping and rolling about all over.

360    Then was the noise unspeakable, wondrous, as she in the woodland

          hither and thither was writhing incessantly: life she abandoned,

          breathing it bloodily forth; thus triumphed Phoibos Apollo:

          “Now then, putrefy here on the earth which nourishes people!

          Nor will you live any more as an evil affliction to mortals,

365    those who, eating the fruit of the earth’s all-nurturing bounty,

          hither will carry to me their hecatombs full and effective;

          nor any way against death most cursèd will either Typhóeus

          be of avail, or Chimaíra so evil of name, but on this spot

          you will be putrefied by the black Earth and the radiant High Lord.”

370    So triumphing He spoke, and her eyes were both covered in darkness.

          Her did the sacred power of Helios cause putrefaction,

          wherefore Pytho the place is now called, and the Lord Himself they

          call by another cognomen, the Pythian, since it was there that

          monster was putrified then by Helios’ penetrant power.

375    Straightway then in His mind it was known by Phoibos Apollo

          how that spring with its beautiful stream had entirely beguiled Him;

          so in His wrath He approached Telphoúsa, and quickly arriving,

          stood very close to her there, and in these words spoke and addressed her:

          “Not by beguiling my mind, Telphoúsa, were you to reserve so

380    lovely a place for yourself, your fair-flowing water to pour forth.

          This spot also for me will be glorious, not for you only.”

          Thus, and upon her a crag did the Lord, Far-working Apollo,

          thrust in a rocky deposit, her streams entirely concealing,

          there too, an altar He made for Himself in the forested woodland

385    close to the beautiful stream of the spring; there now to the Lord do

          all men pray, and exalt the Telphoúsian God, as they call Him,

          since it was there He humbled the streams of the holy Telphoúsa.

          Straightway then in His heart began pondering Phoibos Apollo

          who were the men He should bring in there to be priests of the temple,

390    making oblations and doing Him service in Pytho the rocky.

          As He revolved these things, He perceived a swift ship on the wine-dark

          seaway and saw inside of her men both many and noble,

          Cretans from Knossos the city of Minos, who for the Lord make

          sacred oblations, and also as messengers bring the decrees of

395    Phoibos Apollo the God of the Gold Sword, which He declares as

          oracles out of the laurel below the ravines of Parnassos.

          These, pursuing their commerce and profit, were now in a black ship

          making a voyage to sandy-soiled Pylos and seeking the people

          native to Pylos; but they were encountered by Phoibos Apollo;

400    down on the sea He suddenly leapt, in His shape like a dolphin,

          on the swift galley, and lay there, a monster enormous and fearful;

          then whoever of them took thought in his mind to observe it,

          every way it shook him about as it rattled the ship-beams.

          Silently there on the ship they sat, all quaking in terror,

405    nor did they loosen the tackle throughout their black hollow galley,

          nor in the dark-prowed ship did they slacken and lower the canvas,

          but in the way they had rigged it first with the cables of ox-hide,

          so they sailed, and behind the swift ship the impetuous south wind

          hurried it onward; and first they coasted the Máleian headland,

410    passed the Lakonian country, and to the sea-garlanded town on

          Taínaron’s cape and the country of Helios who delights mortals

          they came, where there are always deep-fleeced sheep of the Lordly

          Helios browsing for forage—they have a delectable country.

          There they wanted to haul in the galley, and then, disembarking,

415    ponder upon the great marvel, and also observe with their own eyes

          whether the monster would stay on the deck of the hollow galley,

          or leap away, back into the waves of the fish-thronged sea-brine.

          But to the tiller the well-built galley would not be responsive,

          rather she kept to the side of the fertile Péloponnésos

420    taking her way; and with breezes the Lord Far-shooting Apollo

          easily guided her onward; advancing her journey the galley

          came to Arena and to the delectable town Argyphéa,

          Thryon, the ford of the Álpheios River, and well-built Aipy,

          sandy-soiled Pylos as well, and the men who are native to Pylos.

425    Next past Krounoi she went, then Chalkis as well, and past Dýmè,

          then by illustrious Elis, in which the Epeíans are rulers.

          When toward Pherai she headed, exulting in Zeus-sent breezes,

          under the clouds the steep mountain of Ithaka showed to the sailors,

          then Doulíchion, Samè, and also wooded Zakýnthos.

430    Finally, when they had passed the whole coast of the Péloponnésos,

          then, toward Krisa, the measureless gulf came into their vision,

          that which cuts from the mainland the fertile Péloponnésos;

          then behind them by the order of Zeus came a strong clear west wind,

          rushing along through the air in a blustery gale, so that swiftly

435    running the ship would accomplish her course on the salt seawater.

          Finally they went back once more toward dawn and the sunrise,

          voyaging; leading the way was the Lord, Zeus’ scion Apollo;

          then they arrived in Krisa the sun-bright, wealthy in vineyards;

          there on the sands in the harbor was grounded the sea-faring galley.

440    Thereupon leapt from the galley the Lord Far-shooting Apollo

          much like a star in the midst of the daylight: many the flashing

          sparks which flew from Him then, and the radiance rose to the heavens.

          Into His shrine He entered between two valuable tripods.

          Thereon a blaze He kindled, revealing His shafts in their splendor;

445    Krisa entire was replete with the radiance; then ululated

          all the Krisaíans’ bedmates and daughters with beautiful girdles

          under the impulse of Phoibos, for He upon each threw a great fear.

          Swift as a thought He thence leapt speeding again to the galley,

          seeming in likeness a man of enormous vigor and power

450    just in His prime—with His hair were His broad young shoulders enveloped;

          raising His voice he spoke, and in these winged words He addressed them:

          “Strangers, who are you? And whence do you sail on the watery pathways?

          Have you affairs in trading, or do you recklessly wander

          over the seas in the manner of pirates who wander at random

455    putting their lives in danger and visiting evil on strangers?

          Why do you sit thus feeling so timorous, not on the land yet

          disembarking, and not in the black ship stowing the tackle?

          This indeed is the custom among all grain-eating mortals,

          that whenever they come in a black ship out of the seaway

460    onto the land, worn out with their labor, at once in their spirits

          does a desire for delectable food take hold of their senses.”

          So did He utter, and into their breasts great courage He planted.

          Then in return spoke, giving Him answer, the chief of the Cretans:

          “Stranger—although in no way you appear like men who are mortals

465    either in stature or form, but instead like Gods, the Immortals—

          hail to You, greatly be glad, may the Gods endow you with blessings.

          Truthfully speak to me now about these things, so that I know well

          what is this land, what country, and what men here are the natives,

          since quite otherwise thinking did we set sail on the great gulf

470    going to Pylos from Crete, that country we claim as our birthplace;

          now instead with the ship we have come here, not at all willing—

          wanting to finish our journey—another way, different sea-paths;

          but an Immortal has guided us here, though we did not wish it.”

          Speaking to them made answer the Lord Far-shooting Apollo:

475    “Strangers who had your dwellings about well-forested Knossos

          earlier, but who will now no longer again be returning,

          each of you, back to your loveable cities and beautiful houses,

          or to your dear bedmates, but instead my sumptuous temple

          here you will keep and attend, that among many people is honored.

480    I am the scion of Zeus, and the name I claim is Apollo;

          now I have guided you hither across the great gulf of the deep sea,

          not as intending you harm—instead, my sumptuous temple

          here you will keep, that among all people so greatly is honored;

          then you will know the immortals’ purposes; so at their pleasure

485    all of your days and forever, unceasingly, you will be honored.

          But come, just as I say it to you, very swiftly obey me:

          first now, lower the sails, untying the cables of ox-hide,

          then drag out the swift galley and pull her up on the dry land,

          take out all of your goods and the gear of the balanced galley;

490    there too, an altar erect on the tide-heaped sand of the seashore,

          kindle a fire thereon, white barley-meal offer upon it,

          pray then, standing beside each other, surrounding the altar;

          then inasmuch as I first, on the seaway misty and murky

          made my appearance and leapt on the swift ship shaped like a dolphin,

495    so do you pray to me here as Delphínios; so will the altar

          also forever be called Delpheíos and Great Overseer.

          Then, while eating a meal on the shore by the swift black galley,

          pour out wine to the blessèd Immortals who dwell on Olympos.

          When you have quite satisfied your appetites, eating the sweet food,

500    follow me then as you sing “Ië́ Paíán, Hail to the Healer,”

 till you arrive at the place you will keep my sumptuous temple.”

          So did He say; they carefully listened to Him and obeyed Him.

          First they lowered the sails, untying the cables of ox-hide,

          let down the mast with the fore-stays, positioning it on the mast-crutch,

505    then themselves disembarked on the tide-heaped sand of the seashore.

          Out of the seabrine onto the land they dragged the swift galley

          high up onto the sand, and they fixed tall props underneath her;

          there too, an altar they made on the tide-heaped sand of the seashore,

          kindled a fire thereon, white barley-meal offered upon it,

510    praying as ordered, beside each other, surrounding the altar.

          Thereupon, taking a meal by the side of the swift black galley,

          they poured wine to the blessèd Immortals who dwell on Olympos.

          When they had quite satisfied their appetites, drinking and eating,

          they set forth; they were led by the Lord, Zeus’ scion Apollo,

515    who in His hands was holding a lyre and delightfully playing,

          high and resplendently stepping; and marching in rhythm the Cretans

          followed to Pytho and sang “Ië́ Paíán, Hail to the Healer,”

          like those Cretans, the singers of paeans, in whom has the Muse put

          into their breasts, that Goddess, the honey-voiced talent of singing.

520    They on their feet, unwearied, advanced to the ridge, and Parnassos

          rapidly reached, and as well the delectable place in which He was

          going to dwell and be honored among such numerous peoples;

          leading them there, He showed them His sanctum and sumptuous temple.

          Then indeed in the breasts of the men their spirits were stirred up,

525    so that the chief of the Cretans addressed Him, making inquiry:

          “Lord, since far from our friends and the land of our fathers You now have

          brought us—to You this seemed to be best somehow, in Your spirit—

          how shall we live here now? We urge You, consider the matter.

          This is a land not pleasing for vineyards or good for its pastures,

530    so that from it we can live well here and do service for mankind.”

          Smiling at them thus answered the Lord, Zeus’ scion Apollo:

          “Simpletons truly you are, most miserable, who desire such

          troublesome cares in your heart, such difficult toils and restrictions!

          Easily I will inform you of this, in your minds I will place it:

535    if in your right hands each of you taking a knife were to slaughter

          sheep incessantly here, unstinted the victims would all yet

          be, so many the glorious nations of mankind bring me;

          you keep guarding the temple, receiving the nations of mankind

          who come gathering hither, especially showing my guidance

539a   [clearly to mortals; and take to your hearts just customs.

539b   But if in mindlessness someone not obey but ignore me,]

540    or if at all some word or some action be idle and useless,

          or an outrage, as is common among you men who are mortal,

          then over you will there be other men as instructors and masters,

          under whose forcible hands you will all of your days be subjected.

          All these things have been told to you now: guard them in your spirits.”

545    So to You too farewell, Great scion of Zeus and of Leto;

          but about You and about some other song I will be thinking.

SOURCE: HARVARD CENTER FOR HELLENIC STUDIES,YOUTUBE.