Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

iALITANY TO EARTHGoddess revered, O Earth, of all nature Mother,engendering all things and re-engendering themfrom the same womb, because thou only dost supplyeachspecies with living force, thou divine controllerof sky and sea and of all things, through thee isnature hushed and lays hold on sleep, and thou like-M-ise renewest the day and dost banish night. Thoucoverest Pluto's shades and chaos immeasurablewinds, rains and tempests thou dost detain, and, atthy will, let loose, and so convulse the sea, banishingsunshine, stirring gales to fury, and likewise, whenthou wilt, thou speedest forth the joyous day. Thoudost bestow life's nourishment with never-failingfaithfulness, and, when our breath has gone, in theewe find our refuge : so, whatsoe'er thou bestowest, allfalls back to thee. Deservedly art thou calledMighty Mother of Gods, since in duteous servicethou hast surpassed the divinities of heaven, and thouart that true parent of living species and of gods,without which nothing is ripened or can be born. Thouart the Mighty Being and thou art queen of divinities,Goddess. Thee, divine one, I adore and thygodhead I invoke : graciously vouchsafe me thiswhich I ask of thee : and with due fealty, Goddess,1 will repay thee thanks. Give ear to me, I pray,and favour my undertakings : this which I seek of343