Of his deep song, illustrating the birth

Of the bright Gods, and the dark desert Earth;

A portion was assigned of all that is.

But chief Mnemosyne did Maia's son

Clothe in the light of his loud melodies.

And, as each god was born or had begun,

He in their order due and fit degrees

Sung of his birth and being—and did move

Apollo to unutterable love."

In fact, after the most enthusiastic encomiums on the young god's art, and on the power of music in general, Apollo offers the child his protection and friendship:—

 "Now, since thou hast, although so very small, Science of arts so glorious, thus I swear,— And let this cornel javelin, keen and tall, Witness between us what I promise here,— That I will lead thee to the Olympian hall, Honoured and mighty, with thy mother dear, And many glorious gifts in joy will give thee And even at the end will ne'er deceive thee." 

Science of arts so glorious, thus I swear,—

And let this cornel javelin, keen and tall,

Witness between us what I promise here,—

That I will lead thee to the Olympian hall,

Honoured and mighty, with thy mother dear,

And many glorious gifts in joy will give thee

And even at the end will ne'er deceive thee."

Hermes is not insensible to this offer and its advantages; he accepts it with good grace and many compliments, nor does he wish to remain behind in the exchange of courtesies and benefits: he addresses Apollo thus:—

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