Hymenaios

Artisans, raise high the roof beam! Tall is the bridegroom as Ares, Taller by far than the tallest, O Hymenæus!

Ay! towering over his fellows, As over men of all other Lands towers the Lesbian singer, O Hymenæus!

Well-favored, too, is the maiden, Eyes that are sweeter than honey, Fair both in face and in figure, O Hymenæus!

For there was never another Virgin in loveliness like her, By Aphrodite so honored, O Hymenæus!

O happy bridegroom, the wedding Comes to the point of completion; Thou hast the maid of thy choosing, O Hymenæus!

See how a paleness suffuses Soft o’er her exquisite features, Passion’s benign premonition, O Hymenæus!

Go to the couch unreluctant, Rejoicing and sweet to the bridegroom; He in his turn is rejoicing, O Hymenæus!

May Hesperus lead thee, and Hera, She whom to-night that ye honor, Silver-throned Goddess of marriage, O Hymenæus!