Orphic Hymn to Aphrodite

Ouranía, of whom many sing, laughter-loving Aphrodíti,

Sea-born, birth-giving Goddess, friend of those romantic encounters which extend to dawn, holy one,

At night, causing mortals to mate, wily mother of Necessity;

For everything comes from you, and you have caused the Kózmos to procreate;

You are sovereign over the Three Realms and are the origin of everything,

That which is in the Sky, in the fruitful Earth,

And in the deep Sea, holy attendant of Vákkhos.

You delight in festivity, nuptial, mother of the Ǽrohtæs,

Oh Seductive-one who enjoys making love, secretive, joy-giving queen,

Obvious yet hidden, aristocratic daughter with the beautiful hair,

Bridal, dining companion, sceptered by Gods, wolven;

You give us our progeny, lover of man, desirable one, life-giver;

You couple mortals in unbridled necessity

And the many kinds of wild beasts, frenzied from your charms of love;

Come, daughter of Kýpros, seated in the Heavens,

We behold you, royal Goddess, splendid with your beautiful countenance.

Whether you be on your throne in Syria, rich in frankincense,

Or riding through the plain in your golden chariot,

Or flanked by your priests at the fruitful River of Egypt,

Or riding your swan-drawn carriage upon the waves of the Sea,

Delighting in the little ones as they dance about in circles;

Delightful to the Goddess are the dark-eyed Nymphs of the Earth,

As they lightly leap upon the sandy beaches of the sea-shore.

Or when seated in Kýpros, oh queen and nurturer; where your blessings are invoked

By maidens and virgin Nymphs throughout the year;

They sing for you, happy one, and immortal holy Ádohnis,

Come, happy Goddess who is so ineffably beautiful,

For I summon you with pure words and devout soul.