Hymn to Ares |
 Ares,
exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart,
shield-bearer, Saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying,
mighty with the spear, O defence of Olympus, father of warlike Victory,
ally of Themis [Law], stern governor of the rebellious, leader of righteous
men, sceptred King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere among the
planets in their sevenfold courses through the aether wherein your blazing
steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper
of men, giver of dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon
my life, and strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice
from my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul. Restrain
also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of blood-curdling
strife. Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness to abide within the
harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends
of death. [Image: Diego Velazquez' sinister "Mars," c. 1645]
Homeric Hymn VIII. Trans H.G. Evelyn-White. |
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