Greek


Homeric Hymn 31 to Helius, (Greek epic c. 7th – 4th BCE)

And now, O Mousa Kalliope, daughter of Zeus, begin to sing of the glowing Helios (the Sun) who mild-eyed Euryphaessa (Wide Shining), the far-shining one, bares to the son of Gaia (Earth) and starry Ouranos (Heaven). For Hyperion married glorious Euryphaessa, his own sister, who bares him lovely children, rosy-armed Eos (Dawn) and rich-tresssed Selene (Moon) and tireless Helios (Sun) who is like the deathless gods. As he rides in his chariot he shines upon men and deathless gods and piercingly he gazes with his eyes from his golden helmet. Bright rays beam so dazzlingly from him, and his shining locks streaming form the temples of his head gracefully enclose his far-seen face. A lustrous, fine-spun garment glows upon his body and ripples in the wind, and stallions carry him. Then when he has steadied his golden-yoked chariot and horses, he rests upon the highest point of heaven, until he marvelously drives them down once more through heaven to the Ocean-Stream, Okeanos. Hail to you, lord! Freely bestow on me substance that cheers the heart. And now that I have begun with you, I will be sure to rejoice in the race of mortal men half-divine whose deeds the Mousai have showed to mankind.