Hermes of the ready wit and the lightning smile,
wing-footed one who carries the words of the gods,
compassionate one who guides the newly-dead
to the hall of Hades and fair Persephone,
quick-thinking one who takes interest in the world
and works of mankind, whose hand we see in a run
of luck and a clever scheme, I call to you.
Hermes, bearer of the herald’s staff, your gifts are great.
You guard our homes with constancy and care,
you grant to us a portion of your own craft and wile,
you join with us when we revel and are merry,
you stand with us when we are far from home, alone.
You are ever with us, O Hermes; O god
who holds in hand the good of men, I honor you.