Tuesday, January 07, 2025
Hymn to Demeter
Aristophanes, Frogs 384-393 (chorus of initiates in the Eleusinian Mysteries; tr. Stephen Halliwell):
Ludwig Radermacher ad loc.:
‹Older
Demeter, mistress of holy rites,T.G. Tucker ad loc.:
Come stand amidst our ranks yourself,
Safeguard this chorus that is your own,
And grant that all day long in safety
We'll celebrate in play and dance.
And may we utter many jokes
But many serious things as well,
And may we serve your festival
In a worthy spirit of playful humour
And win the ribbons of victory!
Δήμητερ, ἁγνῶν ὀργίων
ἄνασσα, συμπαραστάτει, 385
καὶ σῷζε τὸν σαυτῆς χορόν·
καί μ᾿ ἀσφαλῶς πανήμερον
παῖσαί τε καὶ χορεῦσαι.
καὶ πολλὰ μὲν γέλοιά μ᾿ εἰπεῖν,
πολλὰ δὲ σπουδαῖα, καὶ 390
τῆς σῆς ἑορτῆς ἀξίως
παίσαντα καὶ σκώψαντα νικήσαντα
ταινιοῦσθαι.
