Hymn to Zeus Cleanthes (c. 300 - 220 B.C.) O God most glorious, called by many a name, Natures great King, through endless years the same; Omnipotence, who by your just decree Controls all, hail, Zeus, for unto you Must your creatures in all lands call. We are your children, we alone, of all On earths broad ways that wander to and fro, Bearing your image wheresoever we go. Wherefore with songs of praise your power I will proclaim. Look! yonder Heaven, that round the earth is wheeled, Follows your guidance, still to you does yield Glad homage; your unconquerable hand Such flaming minister, the heftless brand, Wields, a sword two-edged, whose deathless might Pulsates through all that Nature brings to light; Vehicle of the universal word, that flows Through all, and in the light celestial glows Of stars both great and small. A King of Kings Through ceaseless ages, God, whose purpose brings To birth, whatever on land or in the sea Is wrought, or in high heavens immensity; Save what the sinner works infatuate. No, but you know how to make the crooked straight: Chaos to you is order; in your eyes The unloved is lovely, who did harmonize Things evil with things good, that there should be One word through all things everlastingly. One word - whose voice alas! the wicked spurn; Insatiate for the good their spirits yearn: Yet seeing see not, neither hearing hear Gods universal law, which those revere, by reason guided, happiness who win. The rest, unreasoning, diverse shapes of sin Self-prompted follow: for an idle name Vainly they wrestle in the contests of fame: Others inordinately riches court, Or dissolute, the joys of flesh pursue. Now here, now there they wander, fruitless still, For ever seeking good and finding ill. Zeus the all-bountiful, whom darkness shrouds, Whose lightning lightens in the thunder-clouds; Your children save from errors deadly sway; Turn you the darkness from their souls away: Vouchsafe that unto knowledge they attain; For you by knowledge are made strong to reign Over all, and all things rule righteously. So by you honored, we will honor thee, Praising your works continually with songs, As mortals should; nor higher reward belongs Even to the gods, than justly to adore The universal law for evermore.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 19:37:14 +0000
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