whole year through, in their own dwellings. But be propitious, O Vulcan, and grant excellence and prosperity.
XIX. TO APOLLO.
O Phœbus, thee indeed the swan also sings sweetly, flapping its wings,[1] leaping upon the bank by the eddying river Peneus, but thee the sweet-voiced bard, having his clear-toned lyre, ever sings both first and last. And do thou thus hail, but I appease thee by song.
XX. TO NEPTUNE.[2]
Concerning Neptune, a mighty god, I begin to sing, the stirrer of the earth and unfruitful sea, marine, who possesses both Helicon and wide Ægæ. A twofold honour have the gods granted thee, O earth-shaker, to be both a tamer of steeds, and a preserver of ships. Hail! earth-encircling Neptune, with dark locks, and do thou, blessed one, having a kindly disposition, give aid to voyagers.
XXI. TO JOVE.
I will sing Jove, the best and mightiest of gods, far-sounding, ruling, bringing things to pass, who also holds prudent converse with Themis as she sits reclining. Be propitious, O far-sounding son of Saturn, most glorious, most great.
XXII. TO VESTA.
O Vesta, who tendest the sacred dwelling of the far-darting king, Apollo, at divine Delphi, ever does the fluid oil stream
