Empedocles of Agrigento, “On Nature“ (fragm. 4)

-- English -- But turn their madness, Gods! from tongue of mine, And drain through holy lips the well-spring clear! And many-wooed, O white-armed Maiden-Muse, Thee I approach: O drive and send to me Meek Piety’s well-reined chariot of song, So far as lawful is for men to hear, Whose lives are but a day. Nor shall desire To pluck the flowers of fame and wide report Among mankind impel thee on to dare Speech beyond holy bound and seat profane Upon those topmost pinnacles of Tr