XLIII. To Semele

The FUMIGATION from STORAX.

CADMEAN Goddess, universal queen,

Thee, Semele I call, of beauteous mien;

Deep-bosom'd, lovely flowing locks are thine,

Mother of Bacchus, joyful and divine,

The mighty offspring, whom love's thunder bright, 5

Forc'd immature, and fright'ned into light:

Born from the deathless counsels, secret, high,

Of Jove Saturnian, regent of the sky

Whom Proserpine permits to view the light,

And visit mortals from the realms of night: 10

Constant attending on the sacred rites,

And feast triennial, which thy soul delights;

When thy son's wond'rous birth mankind relate,

And secrets deep, and holy celebrate.

Now I invoke thee, great Cadmean queen, 15

To bless these rites with countenance serene.

XLIV.