Apollo IV

Golden is Apollo's mantle and golden its clasp,
As are his lyre and Lyctian bow and quiver;
golden are his sandals, for Apollo is rich in gold.
Rich in possessions; you might have proof of this at Delphi.
Traces of down touch his blooming cheeks.
His hair drips fragrant oils to the ground
But streaming from the locks of Apollo is not fat.
But panacea. In the city where those dew drops
Fall to the earth all things are secure.
None is so versatile in skill as Apollo.
He watches over the archer; he watches over the bard;
Phoebus's are both the bow and song.
His re the prophets and prophetesses;
from Phoebus physicians learn the skill of postponing death.

"Hie, Hie. Paian" resounds because the people of Delphi first established this refrain
When with your golden bow you gave proof of your skill from afar.
A fantastic beast faced you as you descended to Delphi, a horrible serpent.
You slew him shooting one swift arrow after another.
The people cried "Hid Hie Paian! Shoot the arrow!
Your mother surely begat you as a helper,
and since then you live in song...

-Hymn Callimachus


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