Translated by A. Z. Foreman - The Odyssey - Invocation to the Muse lyrics

Songweaving Goddess　speak the memory Of that man: waymaker　of words and deeds, Wanderer harrowed　through the world and the years After sacking the sacred　stronghold of Ilium And many a man　of many a land Whose cities he beheld,　whose hearts he grasped, And many the nights'　misery in the fathoms Of his spirit at sea　struggling for nothing Save his life, his crew's　long-sought homecoming. But for all his virtue　and valor could do He couldn't defend them　from what felled them all. Reckless cravings　wrecked them finally When those childish fools　profaned and slew And stuffed their guts　with the Sungod's kine. That prince of daylight　then put out their lives, And darkened in their eyes　the dawn of homecoming. Their lore be your song　O lightninglord's daughter, Immortal Muse!　Once more in our time Let the legend begin　as you like —we will hear.