***. TO EARTH THE MOTHER OF ALL (19 lines)
(ll. 1-16) I will sing of well-founded Earth, mother of all,
eldest of all beings. She feeds all creatures that are in the
world, all that go upon the goodly land, and all that are in the
paths of the seas, and all that fly: all these are fed of her
store. Through you, O queen, men are blessed in their children
and blessed in their harvests, and to you it belongs to give
means of life to mortal men and to take it away. Happy is the
man whom you delight to honour! He has all things abundantly:
his fruitful land is laden with corn, his pastures are covered
with cattle, and his house is filled with good things. Such men
rule orderly in their cities of fair women: great riches and
wealth follow them: their sons exult with ever-fresh delight, and
their daughters in flower-laden bands play and skip merrily over
the soft flowers of the field. Thus is it with those whom you
honour O holy goddess, bountiful spirit.
(ll. 17-19) Hail, Mother of the gods, wife of starry Heaven;
freely bestow upon me for this my song substance that cheers the
heart! And now I will remember you and another song also.