Celtic Cross

Hymns of Orpheus


Hymn To The Curetes

Leaping Curetes, who with dancing feet
And circling measures, armed footsteps beat:
Whose bosom's mad, fanatic transports fire,
Who move in rhythm to the sounding lyre:
Who traces deaf when lightly leaping tread,
Arm bearers, strong defenders, rulers dread:
Propitious omens, guards of Proserpine,
Preserving rites, mysterious and divine:
Come, and benevolent my words attend,
(In herds rejoicing), and my life defend.

Translated by Thomas Taylor.