Ancient texts / Chaldean Hymns to the Sun
Chaldean Hymns to the Sun Fifth Hymn
1Magical incantation.
2I have invoked thee, O Sun, in the midst of the high heavens.
3Thou art in the shadow of the cedar, and
4thy feet rest on the summits.
5The countries have called thee eagerly, they have directed their looks toward thee, O Friend;
6thy brilliant light illuminates every land,
7overthrowing all that impedes thee, assemble the countries,
8for thou, O Sun, knowest their boundaries.
9Thou who annihilatest falsehood, who dissipatest the evil influence
10of wonders, omens, sorceries, dreams, evil apparitions,
11who turnest to a happy issue malicious designs, who annihilatest men and countries
12that devote themselves to fatal sorceries, I have taken refuge in thy presence.
13...
14Do not allow those who make spells, and are hardened, to arise;
15Frighten their heart...
16Settle also, O Sun, light of the great gods.
17Right into my marrow, O Lords of breath, that I may rejoice, even I.
18May the gods who have created me take my hands!
19Direct the breath of my mouth! my hands
20direct them also, Lord, light of the legions of the heavens, Sun, O Judge!
21The day, the month, the year...
22... conjure the spell!
23... deliver from the infirmity!
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.