98 II.
HYMN TO GOD.
'Ω παντων επεκεινα · τι γαρ θεμις αλλο σε μελπειν;
(Dactylic hexameter.)
1. O Thou, the One Supreme o'er all!2222Or, O Thou beyond the range of all--παντων επεκεινα. For by what other name May we upon Thy greatness call, Or celebrate Thy fame? | 2 Ineffable! to Thee what speech Can hymns of honour raise? Ineffable! what tongue can reach The measure of Thy praise? | 3. 99 How, unapproached, shall mind of man Descry Thy dazzling throne; And pierce, and find Thee out, and scan, Where Thou dost dwell alone? | 4. Unuttered Thou! all uttered things Have had their birth from Thee: The One unknown! from Thee the springs Of all we know and see! | 5. Mindful, and mindless, all things yield To Thy parental sway For Thou to all art life and shield: They honour and obey. | 6. For round Thee centre all the woes Of night and darkling day, The common wants and common throes; And all to Thee do pray. | 7. 100 And all things as they move along In order fixed by Thee, Thy watchword heed, in silent song Hymning Thy majesty. | 8. And lo! all things abide in Thee, And through the complex whole, Thou spread'st Thine own Divinity, Thyself of all the goal. | 9. One Being Thou, all things, yet none, Nor one nor yet all things; How call Thee, O mysterious One? A worthy name who brings? | 10. All-named from attributes Thine own, How call Thee as we ought? Thou art unlimited, alone, Beyond the range of thought. | 11. 101 What heaven-born intellect shall rend The veiling clouds above? Be Thou propitious! ever send Bright tokens of Thy love! | 12. O Thou the One Supreme o'er all! For by what other name May we upon Thy greatness call, Or celebrate Thy fame? | |