Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/449

28—75. mountains and the depths of the sea resounded with her immortal voice, and her revered mother heard her. And quickly grief seized her mind, and with her hands she rent the veil above her ambrosial locks, and cast the dark-blue raiment from both her shoulders, and she rushed, like a bird, o'er dry and wet, seeking her; but to her no one either of gods or mortal men was willing to tell the truth, nor did any one of birds [of augury] come to her as a true messenger. Then for nine days did hallowed Ceres perambulate the earth, bearing blazing torches in her hands, nor ever did she, grieving, taste ambrosia or sweet-drinking nectar, nor lave her form in the bath. But when indeed to her the tenth shining morn had come, Hecate met her, bearing a light in her hands, and bringing news, spoke to and addressed her.

"Revered Ceres, bearer of seasons, giver of glorious things, who of the heavenly gods or mortal men has snatched away Proserpine, and grieved thy dear mind? For I heard her voice, but I perceived not with mine eyes who it was. But quickly could he tell thee all truly * * * *."

Thus then spake Hecate, but her the daughter of fair-haired Rhea answered not in words, but quickly sped forth with her, bearing lighted torches in her hands. And they went to the Sun, the surveyor both of men and gods, and they stood in front of his steeds, and the divine one of goddesses asked [him]:

"O Sun, compassionate me on behalf of a goddess, if ever either by word or deed I have gratified thy heart and mind. My daughter whom I bore, a sweet blossom, beauteous in form, whose frequent cries I have heard through the unfruitful air, as though she were being forced away, but I have not beheld her with mine eyes—but do thou (for thou from the divine æther dost look down with thy rays upon all the earth and sea) tell me truly, dear son, if thou hast any where seen him, of the gods or mortal men, who, without my consent, has seized her perforce, and carried her off."

Thus she spoke, but her the son of Hyperion answered in discourse: "Daughter of fair-haired Rhea, queen Ceres, thou