To Liknitus Bacchus

(The fumigation from manna)

Liknitan Bacchus, bearer of the vine,
Thee I invoke to bless these rites divine:
Florid and gay, of nymphs the blossom bright,
And of fair Venus, Goddess of delight,
'Tis thine mad footsteps with mad nymphs to beat,
Dancing thro' groves with lightly leaping feet:
>From Jove's high counsels nurst by Proserpine,
And born the dread of all the pow'rs divine:
Come, bless'd pow'r, regard thy suppliants voice,
Propitious come, and in these rites rejoice.