Beneath the Surface

Quick-witted Hermes, welcome in all the worlds,
fleet-footed son of Zeus, clever cattle-thief.
Hermes, kind-hearted one, unpredictable one,
impetuous, scheming, fortunate, wise,
shimmering rippling surface above dark depths,
Hermes, familiar one, I praise and honor you.
Ageless Hermes, farmers and merchants and thieves
pledge their faith to you; I pray to you as well.
Giver of fortune good and ill, grant me the good;
guardian of travellers, keep me safe on my journeys;
master of wit and charm, steady my stumbling tongue;
messenger of gods, give me sense to understand.