To the Sea, or Tethys
(The fumigation from
frankincense and manna)
Tethys I call, with eyes caerulean bright,
Hid in a veil obscure from human sight;
Great Ocean's empress, wand'ring thro' the
deep,
And pleas'd with gentle gales, the earth to
sweep;
Whose blessed waves in swift succession go,
And lash the rocky shore with endless flow:
Delighting in the Sea serene to play,
In ships exulting and the wat'ry way.
Mother of Venus, and of clouds obscure,
Great nurse of beasts, and source of
fountains pure.
O venerable Goddess, hear my pray'r,
And make benevolent my life thy care;
Send, blessed queen, to ships a propsp'rous
breeze,
And waft them safely o'er the stormy seas.