To the Terrestrial Hermes

(The fumigation from storax)

Hermes I call, whom Fate decrees to dwell
In the dire path which leads to deepest hell:
O Bacchic Hermes, progeny divine
Of Dionysus, parent of the vine,
And of celestial Venus Paphian queen,
Dark eye-lash'd Goddess of a lovely mien:
Who constant wand'rest thro' the sacred seats
Where hell's dread empress, Proserpine, retreats;
To wretched souls the leader of the way
When Fate decrees, to regions void of day:
Thine is the wand which causes sleep to fly,
Or lulls to slumb'rous rest the weary eye;
For Proserpine thro' Tart'rus dark and wide
Gave thee forever flowing souls to guide,
Come, blessed pow'r the sacrifice attend,
And grant our mystic works a happy end.