To Nereus

XXII.

TO NEREUS.

The FUMIGATION from MYRRH.

O Thou, who doff the roots of Ocean keep
In seats cærulean, dæmon of the deep,
With fifty nymphs (attending in thy train,
Fair virgin artists) glorying thro' the main:
The dark foundation of the rolling sea 5
And Earth's wide bounds, belong much-fam'd to thee;
Great dæmon, source of all, whose pow'r can make
The Earth's unmeasur'd, holy basis shake,
When blust'ring winds in secret caverns pent,
By thee excited, struggle hard for vent: 10
Come, blessed Nereus, listen to my pray'r,
And cease to shake the earth with wrath severe;

p. 148

Send on our sacred rites abundant health,
With peace divine and necessary wealth.