The Odysseys of Homer, together with the shorter poems

Vesta I sing, who, in bequest of fate, Art sorted out an everlasting state In all th’ Immortals’ high-built roofs, and all Those of earth-dwelling men, as general And ancient honours given thee for thy gift Of free-liv’d chastity, and precious thrift. Nor can there amongst mortals banquets be, In which, both first and last, they give not thee Their endless gratitudes in pour’d-out wine, As gracious sacrifice to thy divine And useful virtues; being invok’d by all, Before the least taste of their festival In wine or food affect their appetites. And Thou, that of th’ adorn’d-with-all-delights Art the most useful angel, born a God Of Jove and Maia, of heaven’s golden rod The sole sustainer, and hast pow’r to bless With all good all men, great Argicides, Inhabit all good houses, see’ng no wants Of mutual minds’ love in th’ inhabitants, Join in kind blessing with the bashful maid And all-lov’d virgin, Vesta; either’s aid Combin’d in every hospitable house; Both being best seen in all the gracious House-works of mortals. Jointly follow then, Even from their youths, the minds of dames and men. Hail then, old Daughter of the oldest God, And thou Great Bearer of Heaven’s golden rod! Yet not to you alone my vows belong, Others as well claim th’ homage of my song.