Myself did make pledge, and promise, and strong oath, that, save
me, none other of the eternal Gods should know the secret counsel of
Zeus. And thou, my brother of the Golden Wand, bid me not tell thee what
awful purposes is planning the far-seeing Zeus.

"One mortal shall I harm, and another shall I bless, with many a turn of
fortune among hapless men. Of mine oracle shall he have profit whosoever
comes in the wake of wings and voice of birds of omen: he shall have
profit of mine oracle: him I will not deceive. But whoso, trusting birds
not ominous, approaches mine oracle, to inquire beyond my will, and know
more than the eternal Gods, shall come, I say, on a bootless journey, yet
his gifts shall I receive. Yet another thing will I tell thee, thou Son
of renowned Maia and of Zeus of the AEgis, thou bringer of boon; there be
certain Thriae, sisters born, three maidens rejoicing in swift wings.
Their heads are sprinkled with white barley flour, and they dwell beneath
a glade of Parnassus, apart they dwell, teachers of soothsaying. This
art I learned while yet a boy I tended the kine, and my Father heeded
not. Thence they flit continually hither and thither, feeding on
honeycombs and bringing all things to fulfilment. They, when they are
full of the spirit of soothsaying, having eaten of the wan honey, delight
to speak forth the truth. But if they be bereft of the sweet food
divine, then lie they all confusedly. These I bestow on thee, and do
thou, inquiring clearly, delight thine own heart, and if thou instruct
any man, he will often hearken to thine oracle, if he have the good
fortune. {164} These be thine, O Son of Maia, and the cattle of the
field with twisted horn do thou tend, and horses, and toilsome mules. . . .
And be lord over the burning eyes of lions, and white-toothed swine,
and dogs, and sheep that wide earth nourishes, and over all flocks be
glorious Hermes lord. And let him alone be herald appointed to Hades,
who, though he be giftless, will give him highest gift of honour."

With such love, in all kindness, did Apollo pledge the Son of Maia, and
thereto Cronion added grace. With all mortals and immortals he consorts.
Somewhat doth he bless, but ever through the dark night he beguiles the
tribes of mortal men.

Hail to thee thus, Son of Zeus and Maia, of thee shall I be mindful and
of another lay.

III. APHRODITE

Tell me, Muse, of the deeds of golden Aphrodite, the Cyprian, who rou