Orpheus - The Hymns of Orpheus - L: To the Nymphs lyrics

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Orpheus - The Hymns of Orpheus - L: To the Nymphs lyrics

NYMPHS, who from Ocean's stream derive your birth, Who dwell in liquid caverns of the earth Nurses of Bacchus secret-coursing pow'r, Who fruits sustain, and nourish ev'ry flow'r: Earthly, rejoicing, who in meadows dwell, And caves and dens, whose depths extend to hell: Holy, oblique, who swiftly soar thro' air, Fountains and dews, and mazy streams your care: Seen and unseen, who joy with wand'rings wide And gentle course, thro' flow'ry vales to glide; With Pan exulting on the mountains height, Loud-founding, mad, whom rocks and woods delight: Nymphs od'rous, rob'd in white, whose streams exhale The breeze refreshing, and the balmy gale; With goats and pastures pleas'd, and beasts of prey, Nurses of fruits, unconscious of decay: In cold rejoicing, and to cattle kind, Sportive thro' ocean wand'ring unconfin'd: Nysian, fanatic Nymphs, whom oaks delight, Lovers of Spring, Pæonian virgins bright. With Bacchus, and with Ceres, hear my pray'r. And to mankind abundant favour bear; Propitious listen to your suppliants voice, Come, and benignant in these rites rejoice; Give plenteous Seasons, and sufficient wealth, And pour; in lasting streams, continued Health.