Classic Poem

ODEX.— HYMN TO MERCURY

Persuasive Hermes! Afric's son!
Who—scarce had human life begun—
Amid our rude forefathers shone
With arts instructive,
And man to new refinement won
With grace seductive.

Herald of Jove, and of his court,
The lyre's inventor and support,
Genius! that can at will resort
To glorious cunning;
Both gods and men in furtive sport
And wit outrunning!

You , when a child the woods amid,
Apollo's kine drew off and hid;
And when the god with menace bid
The spoil deliver,
Forced him to smile—for, while he chid,
You stole his quiver!

The night old Priam sorrowing went,
With gold through many a Grecian tent,
And many a foeman's watchfire, bent
To ransom Hector,
In YOU he found a provident
Guide and protector.

Where bloom Elysium's groves beyond
Death's portals and the Stygian pond,
You guide the ghosts with golden wand,
Whose special charm is
That Jove and Pluto both are fond
Alike of Hermes!