Orphic Hymn to the Nereids

Daughters of Nereus, resident in caves

Merged deep in ocean, sporting through the waves;

Fanatic fifty nymphs, who through the main

Delight to follow in the Triton's train,

Rejoicing close behind their cars to keep;

Whose forms half wild, are nourished by the deep,

With other nymphs of different degree

Leaping and wandering through the liquid sea:

Bright, watery dolphins, sonorous and gay,

Well pleased to sport with bachanalian play;

Nymphs beauteous-eyed, whom sacrifice delights,

Send rich abundance on our mystic rites;

For you at first disclosed the rites divine,

Of holy Bakkhos and of Proserpine,

Of fair Kalliope from whom I spring,

And of Apollo bright, the Muse's king.