Homeric Hymn to Hephaistos

Sing, O clear-voiced Muse, of Hephaistos renowned for skill,
who along with the gray-eyed Athena taught fine crafts
to men of this earth; indeed before that time
they used to live in mountain caves like wild beasts.

Thanks to Hephaistos, the famous craftmen,
they learned crafts and easily for the full year
they lead a carefree existence in their own homes.

Have mercy on me, Hephaistos; grant me virtue and happiness.

---translated by Apostolos N. Athanassakis

[Haphaistos---Greco-Roman; Hephaestus---Roman; Vulcanus/Vulcan---Roman: god of blacksmiths and metal-working.]