To Eileithuia

she is the mother of Hercules and the goddess of childbirth.

Kind Eileithuia, goddess most dear to mothers,

goddess most ancient, goddess most necessary,

I praise your name, I honor your calling.

Eileithuia, in Crete were you well honored.

Lady of Amnisos, within the deep earth

your temple lay of old, within the deep earth

did you receive offerings of cakes and sweet honey.

Bearer of torches, bringer of new life

into the bright world, Eileithuia, I praise you.