The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice/Hymns/Hymn 16

by Homer

XVI. TO MERCURY.

I sing Cyllenian Mercury, the slayer of Argus, who rules over Cyllene and Arcadia rich in flocks, the beneficial messenger of the immortals, whom hallowed Maia, the daughter of Atlas, brought forth, mingling in the embrace of Jove. But she shunned the company of the blessed gods, dwelling in a shady cave, where the son of Saturn mingled with the fair-haired nymph in the depth of night, when sweet sleep possessed white-armed Juno.^[1] And she escaped the notice both of the immortal gods and mortal men. And do thou thus hail, son of Jove and Maia. But commencing from thee, I will pass on to another hymn. Hail! Mercury, thou giver of joys, messenger, giver of good things.

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1. "When golden sleep shut Juno's jealous eye." Chapman.