Back in 1775, Thomas Taylor translated the eighty-six hymns of the Orphic Hymns from Greek to English. “Translation” is a rather funky and inappropriate explanation for what he did; he tried to capture something of their meaning in an English meter that was both sacred and meaningful to the people of the era; he also injected a particular slant to the work that was based on his own studies of Neoplatonism and a mix of the rationalism and romanticism that was common in his own time and place, the London of King George III of the House of Hanover — the “mad king” famous for losing the American colonies just a few years later.
To Asclepius – Orphic Hymn #66
Great Esculapius [Asklepios], skill'd to heal mankind, all-ruling Pæan, and physician kind; Whose arts medic'nal, can alone assuage diseases dire, and stop their dreadful rage: Strong lenient God, regard my suppliant pray'r, bring gentle Health, adorn'd with lovely hair; Convey the means of mitigating pain, and raging, deadly pestilence restrain. O pow'r all-flourishing, abundant, bright, Apollo's honor'd offspring, God of light; Husband of blameless Health [Hygeia], the constant foe of dread Disease the minister of woe: Come, blessed saviour, and my health defend, and to my life afford a prosp'rous end.
As I memorize these hymns, sometimes tunes come to me, and I start singing them instead of just reciting them. This one seems relevant to share right now. If you decide to learn this and sing it regularly, I’d love to know about that. Leave me a comment?
I few weeks ago I started lighting a candle dedicated to Aesculapius every morning. I was never satisfied with the Thomas Taylor translation–partly how self-consciously Victorian it sounds, and partly that even in the original Greek it just feels clunky. It’s also “hard polytheist” and from a pantheon that I haven’t related to much. I wanted a prayer I could recite and mean it without reservation. So I’ve written my own paraphrase:
ASKLIPIOS, for you I light this candle.
Through your name
I call upon the Divine Spirit
of healing and of medicine
to banish our many pains and ills.
Come now, soothing and strong.
Bring with you health renewed,
and send the reaper on his way.
Help us to grow straight and true.
You are the blessed son of Apollo,
whom illness hates,
and partner of blameless Hygiea.
Come now, joyous savior.
I ask a long and healthy life
and that the end,
when it comes,
be peaceful and pain-free.
So mote it be.
It’s slightly amusing that you mention that Taylor is self-consciously Victorian, given that he died two years before she came to the throne at the age of 18; and that his translations of the hymns were published 62 years before her reign began, and 46 years before she was born…
That said, your hymn is quite lovely. Now you need to figure out how to set it to music! 😀