Io! Most mighty youth, I salute you, almighty splendour,
who stands as leader of the company of gods!
Come to Dikta at this New Year’s Day and take delight in the music,
which we weave for you with harps, adding the sound of oboes,
which we sing having taken our stand around your well-walled altar.
Io! Most mighty youth etc.
For here it was that with their shields …
received you, immortal babe out of Rhea’s hands, and …
Io! Most mighty youth etc.
… of the fair Dawn.
Io! Most mighty youth etc.
… plentiful each year, and Justice ruled over mortals;
… living beings …. by Peace which goes with prosperity.
Io! Most mighty youth etc.
Come on, Lord! Leap up for our herds and leap up for our fleecy sheep;
leap up also for the harvest of corn, and for our houses that there be offspring.
Io! Most mighty youth etc.
Leap up also for our cities, leap up also for our seafaring ships;
leap up also for the young citizens, leap up also for famous Themis.
Io! Most mighty youth etc.
(Hymn of the Great Kouros from Palaikastro, Crete)
