Homeric Hymn to Dionysos XXVI

XXVI. TO DIONYSUS (13 lines)

(ll. 1-9) I begin to sing of ivy-crowned Dionysus, the loud- crying god, splendid son of Zeus
and glorious Semele. The rich- haired Nymphs received him in their bosoms from the lord his
father and fostered and nurtured him carefully in the dells of Nysa, where by the will of
his father he grew up in a sweet- smelling cave, being reckoned among the immortals.
But when the goddesses had brought him up, a god oft hymned, then began he to wander
continually through the woody coombes, thickly wreathed with ivy and laurel.
And the Nymphs followed in his train with him for their leader; and the boundless
forest was filled with their outcry.

(ll. 10-13) And so hail to you, Dionysus, god of abundant clusters! Grant that we may
come again rejoicing to this season, and from that season onwards for many a year.