Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BIRDS: THE WEDDING CHANT by ARISTOPHANES

First Line: WHEN OLYMPIAN HERA WAS GIVEN
Last Line: HYMEN O HYMENAIOS!
Subject(s): WEDDING SONG; EPITHALAMIUM;
WHEN Olympian Hera was given
In marriage, the Fates on a day
Led Zeus, in the height of his heaven,
To her bed, singing loud all the way, --
With a Hymen O!
Hymenaios,
Hymen O Hymenaios!

Love rode for good luck in the carriage,
The child of a couple who throve;
Happy bride! with a groom to her marriage
Gold-winged, pulling back as he drove, --
With a Hymen O!
Hymenaios,
Hymen O Hymenaios!



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