“Afterwards they two, the
all-glorious sons of Zeus turned the cows back towards the sacred
meadow, but themselves hastened back to snowy Olympus, delighting in
the lyre. Then wise Zeus was glad and made them both friends. And
Hermes loved the son of Leto continually, even as he does now, when
he had given the lyre as token to the Far-shooter, who played it
skilfully, holding it upon his arm. But for himself Hermes found out
another cunning art and made himself the pipes whose sound is heard
afar.
Then the son of Leto said to Hermes:
“Son of Maia, guide and cunning one, I fear you may steal form me
the lyre and my curved bow together; for you have an office from
Zeus, to establish deeds of barter amongst men throughout the
fruitful earth. Now if you would only swear me the great oath of the
gods, either by nodding your head, or by the potent water of Styx,
you would do all that can please and ease my heart.”
Then Maia's son nodded his head and
promised that he would never steal anything of all the Far-shooter
possessed, and would never go near his strong house; but Apollo, son
of Leto, swore to be fellow and friend to Hermes, vowing that he
would love no other among the immortals, neither god nor man sprung
from Zeus, better than Hermes: and the Father sent forth an eagle in
confirmation. And Apollo sware also: “Verily I will make you only
to be an omen for the immortals and all alike, trusted and honoured
by my heart. Moreover, I will give you a splendid staff of riches and
wealth: it is of gold, with three branches, and will keep you
scatheless, accomplishing every task, whether of words or deeds that
are good, which I claim to know through the utterance of Zeus. But as
for sooth-saying, noble, heaven-born child, of which you ask, it is
not lawful for you to learn it, nor for any other of the deathless
gods: only the mind of Zeus knows that. I am pledged and have vowed
and sworn a strong oath that no other of the eternal gods save I
should know the wise-hearted counsel of Zeus. And do not you, my
brother, bearer of the golden wand, bid me tell those decrees which
all- seeing Zeus intends. As for men, I will harm one and profit
another, sorely perplexing the tribes of unenviable men. Whosoever
shall come guided by the call and flight of birds of sure omen, that
man shall have advantage through my voice, and I will not deceive
him. But whoso shall trust to idly-chattering birds and shall seek to
invoke my prophetic art contrary to my will, and to understand more
than the eternal gods, I declare that he shall come on an idle
journey; yet his gifts I would take.
But I will tell you another thing, Son
of all-glorious Maia and Zeus who holds the aegis, luck-bringing
genius of the gods. There are certain holy ones, sisters born --
three virgins gifted with wings: their heads are besprinkled with
white meal, and they dwell under a ridge of Parnassus. These are
teachers of divination apart from me, the art which I practised while
yet a boy following herds, though my father paid no heed to it. From
their home they fly now here, now there, feeding on honey-comb and
bringing all things to pass. And when they are inspired through
eating yellow honey, they are willing to speak truth; but if they be
deprived of the gods' sweet food, then they speak falsely, as they
swarm in and out together. These, then, I give you; enquire of them
strictly and delight your heart: and if you should teach any mortal
so to do, often will he hear your response -- if he have good
fortune. Take these, Son of Maia, and tend the wild roving, horned
oxen and horses and patient mules.”
So he spake. And from heaven father
Zeus himself gave confirmation to his words, and commanded that
glorious Hermes should be lord over all birds of omen and grim-eyed
lions, and boars with gleaming tusks, and over dogs and all flocks
that the wide earth nourishes, and over all sheep; also that he only
should be the appointed messenger to Hades, who, though he takes no
gift, shall give him no mean prize.
Thus the lord Apollo showed his
kindness for the Son of Maia by all manner of friendship: and the Son
of Cronos gave him grace besides. He consorts with all mortals and
immortals: a little he profits, but continually throughout the dark
night he cozens the tribes of mortal men.
And so, farewell, Son of Zeus and Maia;
but I will remember you and another song also.”
- Homeric Hymn #4, To
Hermes.
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