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To Selene (Moon) Hear, Goddess queen, diffusing silver…

“To Selene (Moon) Hear, Goddess queen, diffusing silver light, bull-horn'd and wand'ring thro' the gloom of Night. With stars surrounded, and with circuit wide Night's torch extending, thro' the heav'ns you ride: Female and Male with borrow'd rays you shine, and now full-orb'd, now tending to…” quote by Orpheus
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““To Selene (Moon) Hear, Goddess queen, diffusing silver light, bull-horn'd and wand'ring thro' the gloom of Night. With stars surrounded, and with circuit wide Night's torch extending, thro' the heav'ns you ride: Female and Male with borrow'd rays you shine, and now full-orb'd, now tending to decline. Mother of ages, fruit-producing Moon [Mene], whose amber orb makes Night's reflected noon: Lover of horses, splendid, queen of Night, all-seeing pow'r bedeck'd with starry light. Lover of vigilance, the foe of strife, in peace rejoicing, and a prudent life: Fair lamp of Night, its ornament and friend, who giv'st to Nature's works their destin'd end. Queen of the stars, all-wife Diana hail! Deck'd with a graceful robe and shining veil; Come, blessed Goddess, prudent, starry, bright, come moony-lamp with chaste and splendid light, Shine on these sacred rites with prosp'rous rays, and pleas'd accept thy suppliant's mystic praise.””

Orpheus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A lyrical hymn to Selene celebrates the moon’s radiant influence over night, invoking celestial beauty and divine guardianship.

In simple terms: The poem praises the moon’s silver light and protective power.

Key Takeaway

Appreciate nocturnal wonder.

Themes

mythology nature beauty night divinity

Mood

mysterious reverent

Type

Night:1 Starry:1 Night Reflected:0 Starry Light:0 Selene Moon:1

When to use this quote

  • nighttime walks
  • star‑gazing
  • creative writing
  • rituals

Key Concepts

poetry astronomy symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does moon symbolism affect mood?
  • What personal qualities does the moon represent?
A Different Perspective

Mythic language may be obscure to modern readers.

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