Ancient texts / Chaldean Hymns to the Sun
Chaldean Hymns to the Sun Fourth Hymn
1Great Lord, from the midst of the shining heavens at thy rising,
2valiant hero, Sun, from the midst of the shining heavens, at thy rising,
3in the bolts of the shining heavens, in the entrance which opens heaven, at thy rising
4in the bar of the door of the shining heavens, in ... at thy rising,
5in the great door of the shining heavens, when thou openest it.
6in the highest (summits) of the shining heavens, at the time of thy rapid course,
7the celestial archangels with respect and joy press around thee;
8the servants of the Lady of crowns lead thee in a festive manner;
9the ... for the repose of thy heart fix thy days;
10the multitudes of the crowds on the earth turn their eyes often toward thee;
11the Spirits of heaven and earth lead thee.
12The ... thou crushest them with thy strength,
13... thou discoverest them,
14... thou causest to seize,
15... thou directest.
21The Lord, as to me, has sent me;
22the great god, Hea, as to me, has sent me.
23Settle what has reference to him, teach the order which concerns him, decide the question relating to him.
24Thou, in thy course thou directest the human race;
25cast upon him a ray of peace, and let it cure his suffering.
26The man, son of his god, has laid before thee his shortcomings and his transgressions;
27his feet and his hands are in pain, grievously defiled by disease.
28Sun, to the lifting up of my hands pay attention;
29eat his food, receive the victim, give his god (for a support) to his hand!
30By his order let his shortcomings be pardoned! let his transgressions be blotted out!
31May his trouble leave him! may he recover from his disease!
32Give back life to the King!
33Then, on the day that he revives, may thy sublimity envelop him!
34Direct the King who is in subjection to thee!
35And me, the magician, thy humble servant, direct me!
Editorial restorations by the translator are in [square brackets]; “…” and italic notes mark where the tablet is broken. Bracketed scene-headings are the translator's, not part of the text.