To Hathor

by Phillupus

O Most Generous Lady,
Golden-skinned and horned-headdressed,
crowned with solar disk and sistrum–
you give rhythm to the dancers
and song to the pious ones!

They sing your praises in Dendera,
at Philae and Deir el-Medina,
at Byblos and the Sinai and far-off Nubia–
you give rhythm to the dancers
and song to the pious ones!

You are she who is Lady of the West,
decorated with turquoise and faience,
and given offerings of papyrus plants–
you give rhythm to the dancers
and song to the pious ones!

You lifted your skirts for your father,
Re-Harakhte, highest of the gods,
to make him laugh, forgetting anger–
your jars of wine pour out
into cups of revelry!

You were the Eye of Re sent down
to destroy mankind as Sekhmet,
but with red beer you were pacified–
your jars of wine pour out
into cups of revelry!

As Mertseger of coiling form,
Renenutet the protecting uraeus,
you are divine mother of Horus–
your jars of wine pour out
into cups of revelry!

With Horus as your husband
you were mother of Ihy the musician
who of quiet voice is delight to all–
your jars of wine pour out
into cups of revelry!

With Sobek of fierce aspect
you became mother of Khnum,
shaper upon the potter’s wheel–
your jars of wine pour out
into cups of revelry!

You are the blessed cow
stretching across the night sky,
mother and devourer of the sun–
you are the milk-giver of heaven,
the form of benevolence!

You are the peaceful mother,
former of Isis, former of Nut,
receiver of all into the Western Lands–
you are the milk-giver of heaven,
the form of benevolence!

As we pour out praises for you,
may your many vessels flow down
with love for your devoted ones
like the fat of the never-ending herds
may your bounty not be diminished,
O Welcomer, O Most Generous Lady!
You are the milk-giver of heaven,
the form of benevolence!