Prayer to Hermes for a Silver Tongue

Wise and cunning Hermes, son of lightning-wielding

Zeus and Maia of the coal-black eyes. clever one

who knew from birth the power of a well-wrought word,

I pray to you. Hermes, friend of those who live

by the work of their wits, sweeten my words

that those who hear them find them agreeable,

sharpen my speech, grant to me skill in all the tricks

of discourse and the subtle arts of rhetoric,

teach to me the craft of persuasion, quicken

my mind, show me how best to parry the advances

of those who oppose me, show me how best to gain

the good will of those whose support I seek. Hermes,

grant that I use your gifts with care and wisdom,

grant that charm merely polish the truth of my words.