As Thine unchangeable behests direct.

Before Thy burning throne the angels wait,

Much-working, charged to do all things for men.

Thy young Spring shines, all prank’d with purple flowers;

Thy Winter with its chilling clouds assails;

Thine Autumn noisy Bacchus distributes.”

Then he adds, naming expressly the Almighty God:

“Deathless Immortal, capable of being

To the immortals only uttered! Come,

Greatest of gods, with strong Necessity.