Of Helicon-hill, O Thou that be Haunter, Urania's progeny, Who hurriest soft virginity To man, O Hymenæus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenæus. 5
About thy temples bind the bloom, Of Marjoram flow'ret scented sweet; Take flamey veil: glad hither come Come hither borne by snow-hue'd feet Wearing the saffron'd sock. 10
And, roused by day of joyful cheer, Carolling nuptial lays and chaunts With voice as silver-ringing clear, Beat ground with feet, while brandisht flaunts Thy hand the piney torch. 15
For Vinia comes by Manlius woo'd, As Venus on th' Idalian crest, Before the Phrygian judge she stood And now with blessèd omens blest, The maid is here to wed. 20
A maiden shining bright of blee, As Myrtle branchlet Asia bred, Which Hamadryad deity As toy for joyance aye befed With humour of the dew. 25
Then hither come thou, hieing lief, Awhile to leave th' Aonian cave, Where 'neath the rocky Thespian cliff Nymph Aganippe loves to lave In cooly waves outpoured. 30
And call the house-bride, homewards bring Maid yearning for new married fere, Her mind with fondness manacling, As the tough ivy here and there Errant the tree enwinds. 35
And likewise ye, clean virginal Maidens, to whom shall haps befall Like day, in measure join ye all Singing, O Hymenæus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenæus. 40
That with more will-full will a-hearing The call to office due, he would Turn footsteps hither, here appearing, Guide to good Venus, and the good Lover conjoining strait. 45
What God than other Godheads more Must love-sick wights for aid implore? Whose Godhead foremost shall adore Mankind? O Hymenæus Hymen, O Hymen Hymenæus. 50
Thee for his own the trembling sire Invokes, thee Virgins ever sue Who laps of zone to loose aspire, And thee the bashful bridegrooms woo With ears that long to hear. 55
Thou to the hand of love-fierce swain Deliverest maiden fair and fain, From mother's fondling bosom ta'en Perforce, O Hymenæus Hymen O Hymen Hymenæus. 60
Thou lacking, Venus ne'er avails-- While Fame approves for honesty-- Love-joys to lavish: ne'er she fails Thou willing:--with such Deity Whoe'er shall dare compare? 65
Thou wanting, never son and heir The Hearth can bear, nor parents be By issue girt, yet can it bear, Thou willing:--with such Deity, Whoe'er shall dare compare? 70