I sing of Hermes, the Kyllenian Argeiphontes,
who is lord of Kyllene and of Arcadia abounding with sheep.
This helpful messenger of the gods was born of the amorous union
of the bashful daughter of Atlas with Zeus.
She shunned the company of the blessed gods
and dwelt in a deep-shaded cave, where Kronion
lay with the fair-tressed nymph in the dead of night,
while sweet sleep overcame white-armed Hera;
thus he escaped the eyes of both gods and mortal men.
So Hail, son of Zeus and Maia!
I began with you, but I will now turn to another hymn.
Hail, Hermes, guide and giver of things graceful and good!
~by Homer
