THE ORPHIC HYMNS are a collection of 87 short religious poems composed in either the late Hellenistic (C3rd or C2nd BC) or early Roman (C1st to C2nd AD) era. They are based on the beliefs of Orphism, a mystery cult or religious philosophy which claimed descent from the teachings of the mythical hero Orpheus.

[20] XX. TO THE CLOUDS [NEPHELAI]

The Fumigation from Myrrh.
Ærial clouds, thro' heav'n's resplendent plains who wander, parents of prolific rains;
Who nourish fruits, whose water'y frames are hurl'd, by winds impetuous, round the mighty world;
All-thund'ring, lion-roaring, flashing fire, in Air's wide bosom, bearing thunders dire
Impell'd by ev'ry stormy, sounding gale, with rapid course, along the skies ye fail.
With blowing winds your wat'ry frames I call, on mother Earth with fruitful show'rs to fall.