Ludi organized by Plebis Aediles L Faustus and M Britannicus
Website created by Scriba Retiarius Titus Arminius Genialis

"The Nova Roman 'Gold SPQR in a gold wreath on a crimson field' flag is a use-protected trademark of Nova Roma and is used with permission."

  Event Texts ::: A Public Prayer - The Orphic Hymn to Ceres/Demeter

Message sent to Nova Roma Main List on 11 Apr 2003 11:21:48 -0700 (PDT) by Plebeian Aedile Lucius Arminius Faustus.

 

A CEREALIA PUBLIC PRAYER
The Orphic Hymn to Ceres/Demeter
 

O Universal mother, Ceres fam'd
August, the source of wealth, and various nam'd:
Great nurse, all-bounteous, blessed and divine,
Who joy'st in peace, to nourish corn is thine:
Goddess of seed, of fruits abundant, fair,
Harvest and threshing, are thy constant care;
Who dwell'st in Eleusina's seats retir'd,
Lovely, delightful queen, by all desir'd.
Nurse of all mortals, whose benignant mind,
First ploughing oxen to the yoke confin'd;
And gave to men, what nature's wants require,
With plenteous means of bliss which all desire.
In verdure flourishing in honor bright,
Assessor of great Bacchus, bearing light:
Rejoicing in the reapers sickles, kind,
Whose nature lucid, earthly, pure, we find.
Prolific, venerable, Nurse divine,
Thy daughter loving, holy Proserpine:
A car with dragons yok'd, 'tis thine to guide,
And orgies singing round thy throne to ride:
Only-begotten, much-producing queen,
All flowers are thine and fruits of lovely green.
Bright Goddess, come, with Summer's rich increase
Swelling and pregnant, leading smiling Peace;
Come, with fair Concord and imperial Health,
And join with these a needful store of wealth

(http://www.geocities.com/gens_rutilia/Ceres_english.pdf)

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1