The Fumigation with Torches.

Night, parent goddess, source of sweet repose,
From whom at first both Gods and men arose,
Hear, blessed Venus, decked with starry light,
In sleep's deep silence dwelling Ebon night!
Dreams and soft ease attend thy dusky train,
Pleased with the lengthened gloom and feastful strain.
Dissolving anxious care, the friend of Mirth,
With darkling coursers riding round the earth.
Goddess of phantoms and of shadowy play,
Whose drowsy power divides the natural day:
By Fate's decree you constant send the light
To deepest hell, remote from mortal sight;
For dire Necessity which nought withstands,
Invests the world with adamantine bands.
Be present, Goddess, to thy suppliant's prayer,
Desired by all, whom all alike revere,
Blessed, benevolent, with friendly aid
Dispell the fears of Twilight's dreadful shade.

Translated by Thomas Taylor.