Hymn To Hecate

Hymn To Hecate

The Fumigation from Storax.

I call Einodian Hecate, lovely dame,
Of earthly, watery, and celestial frame,
Sepulchral, in a saffron veil arrayed,
Pleased with dark ghosts that wander thro' the shade;
Persian, unconquerable huntress hail!
The world's key-bearer never doomed to fail;
On the rough rock to wander thee delights,
Leader and nurse be present to our rites;
Propitious grant our just desires success,
Accept our homage, and the incense bless.

Translated by Thomas Taylor.*

*Notice that this Hymn is also the final section of the Hymn to Musaeus. In a revision of this translation, Mr. Taylor places this Hymn to Hecate as it's own hymn and subsequent translators have continued this practice. Mr. Taylor notes that Hecate is the Gate-keeper of life, and is meant to usher you into the hymns, just as Death is the final hymn and ushers you out.