All Prayers

The complete list of the collection's prayers, hymns, vows and inscriptions — from the Homeric hymns of the seventh century BC to votive inscriptions from the Roman provinces. Every text carries the original in Greek or Latin, a translation, an exact reference to the edition, and a commentary.

1. 001

   Lead me, O Zeus

   CLEANTHES (PRESERVED BY EPICTETUS) · ENCHIRIDION · 53

   Lead me, O Zeus, and you too, Destiny, wherever I have been assigned by you;

   Greek · personal

   Zeus, the Moirai

   InvocationDedication
   3rd c. BC

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2. 002

   Prayer to Priapus

   JULIUS AGATHEMERUS (DEDICATOR) · HYMN TO PRIAPUS, CIL XIV 3565

   Hail, holy Priapus, father of all things, hail! Give me a flourishing youth so that, be it boys be it girls, I can please them with my horny phallus, and with frequent games and jokes, I may dissipate the worries that vex the mind and not fear heavy old age too much, that I not be vexed with terror of miserable death, which will drag me to the jealous mansions of Avernus where their king holds sway over the fabled Manes and the fates deny anyone a return. Hail, holy father Priapus, hail! Come gather at once, however many you all are, you girls who tend the sacred grove, you girls who tend the sacred waters, come gather, however many you are, and with a pleasing voice, speak to beautiful Priapus: Hail, holy Priapus, father of all things! Next, place a thousand kisses on his crotch, gird his phallus well with fragrant wreaths, and once more all say to him: Hail, holy Priapus, father of all things! For warding off evil, blood-stained people, he grants you to go through the woods and through the unbloodied shady silences. He also wards off wrongdoers from the springs, who with illicit foot would walk across the sacred waters and disturb them, who wash their hands and do not first with many a prayer invoke you, you girlish goddesses. All say: O Priapus, be favorable, father, hail, holy father Priapus, hail! O Priapus, potent friend, hail, whether you wish to be called the father and creator of this sphere, or Nature herself and the Universe, hail! For it is by your vigor that everything is conceived which fills the earth, aether and sea. So hail, Priapus, hail, holy one! Jupiter himself, when you wish it, puts down his thunderbolts at once and in his lust leaves his bright dwellings behind. Good Venus, glowing Cupid, the Grace and her twin sisters worship you, as does Lyaeus, the giver of joy. For without you Venus is little regarded, and the Grace, Cupid and Bacchus are without charm. O Priapus, potent friend, hail! Chaste virgins call on you in prayer that you may open their long fastened girdle, and the bride calls you, so that her husband may often have a hard and always a potent member. Hail, holy father Priapus, hail!

   Roman · hymn

   Priapus, the Nymphs, Jupiter, Venus, Cupid, the Graces, Liber

   InvocationPetitionDedication
   early 1st c. AD (ca. 1-50 AD)

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3. 003

   The devotio of Decius Mus

   LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 8.9.6-8

   Janus, Jupiter, Father Mars, Quirinus, Bellona, Lares, You divine Novensiles and You divine Indigetes, deities whose power extends over us and over our foes, and to You, too, Divine Manes, I pray, I do You reverence, I crave Your grace and favour will bless the Roman People, the Quirites, with power and victory, and will visit fear, dread and death on the enemies of the Roman People, the Quirites. In like manner as I have uttered this prayer so do I now on behalf of the commonwealth of the Quirites, on behalf of the army, the legions, the auxiliaries of the Roman People, the Quirites, devote the legions and auxiliaries of the enemy, together with myself to Tellus and the Divine Manes.

   Roman · ritual

   Janus, Jupiter, Mars, Quirinus, Bellona, the Lares, the Di Novensiles, the Di Indigetes, the Manes, Earth

   DedicationOath
   late 1st c. BC (recording events of 340 BC)

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4. 004

   The devotio of Carthage

   MACROBIUS · SATURNALIA · 3.9.10-11

   Dis Pater, Veiovis, and Di Manes, or with any other name by which it is proper to call You, since all in this city of Carthage and its army, who, I feel, fled before me in terror only because you filled them with alarm and fright, everyone who opposes our legions and the wall of shields of our army, and our missiles are carried forward on them by your hand, in this way you led away the enemy army and their soldiers. Their city and fields, and those who are in this place and this region, the lands and cities that they inhabit, you have now deprived them of the supreme light, their hostile army, their city and their lands. I feel to say that it was you who has devoted and consecrated this city and its lands, from the beginning and all time, that by law, who and when are made over and devoted as the highest sacrifices. Therefore, I who am victorious, by my faith as a magistrate of the people of Rome, and as commander of the armies, I give this vow on behalf of the people of Rome, our armies and legions, that you may retain everything born to this land and that grew in healthy by your aid. If you will make this happen, so that I may know, sense and derive that this has happened, then by whatever vow will have been made, wherever it will have been made, may it be properly made with sheep sacrificed upon the tribal altars. I call upon Tellus, Mother Earth, and You mighty Jupiter, to act as witnesses to my vow.

   Roman · ritual

   Dis Pater, Veiovis, the Manes, Earth, Jupiter

   DedicationOath
   late 4th / early 5th c. AD (preserving archaic Roman formula)

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5. 005

   The evocatio of Carthage

   MACROBIUS · SATURNALIA · 3.9.7-8

   Whether you are a god or a goddess of these people who defend this city of Carthage, and you Most High, take back your favor in defense of this city and these people whom I attack. I pray, I beseech, I ask your indulgence, that you withdraw and desert these people and this city of Carthage, and that you relinquish the temples and sacred precincts of this city, go away without them, and incite these people and their city into fear of oblivion. Come then to favor Rome by crossing over to me and my army, and with our city tried and accepted as the location for your sacred precincts and holy rites, be propitious to me and the people of Rome, and my soldiers. If you make this happen, with clear and recognizable signs, I vow to erect temples for you and to initiate games in your honor.

   Roman · ritual

   PetitionDedication
   late 4th / early 5th c. AD (preserving archaic Roman formula)

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6. 006

   Prayer to Mars

   OVID · FASTI · 3.73-76

   Arbiter of arms, from whose blood I am believed to have been born, and many the proofs I will give that are accepted, after You we will begin the Roman year, from Your name, Father, we will name the first month of the year.

   Roman · personal

   Mars

   Dedication
   early 1st c. AD

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7. 007

   Prayer to Priapus

   PETRONIUS · SATYRICON · 133

   Companion of Bacchus and the Nymphs, to whom lovely Dione gave power over the woodland, whom famed Lesbos and green Thasos obey, whom gold-bearing Lydia worships, whose temple you sited in your very own city of Hypaepa: be with me, O protector of Bacchus, delight of the Dryads, and hear my humble prayer. I do not come to you stained with dark blood, I've not laid hands like some vile enemy on your shrine, but when I was poor, oppressed with want, I committed sin, yet not with my whole body: less guilty he who commits a sin when he's poor. Here's my prayer: unburden my spirit, and forgive the lightest of offences and, whenever some hour of good fortune smiles on me, I'll not suffer your glory to go unhonoured. Sacred one, a horned goat, shall see your altars, the sire of the herd, and a sow's suckling brood of squealers too, in sacrifice. You'll know this year's vintage, and all the young men, tipsy, will tread thrice round your sanctuary, joyously.

   Roman · personal

   Priapus

   PetitionDedicationatonement
   mid 1st c. AD

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8. 008

   Prayer to Aesculapius

   MARTIAL · EPIGRAMMATA · 9.17

   Latona's grandson, revered Aesculapis, by whose mild herbal remedies too briefly are the Fates beguiled, from Rome this child sends You his golden locks, that were once his lord's delight, and along with these the mirror that often assured him he was fair. He hastens to sacrifice these tresses that once circled his shining face, happily to serve, in payment for a vow, if You judge that out of danger he will be. Preserve his youthful grace, though his hair is now shortened, and long may You keep him handsome.

   Roman · personal

   Aesculapius

   DedicationPetition
   late 1st c. AD

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9. 009

   Formula spoken at sowing

   PLINY THE ELDER · NATURALIS HISTORIA · 24.116

   I sow this rape seed for myself and for my neighbors.

   Roman · ritual

   PetitionDedication
   1st c. AD (Pliny preserving a rural ritual formula)

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10. 010

    Prayer to the ancestors

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Triakas — Prayer to the Ancestors

    I honour the Venerable Ancestors with my prayers. O' Glorious Founding Fathers, I invoke your illustrious name. It is through you that we have seen our Sacred earth, it is you who guide us as we follow the road of Honour and Virtue. May we be worthy of the glory of your generations. To hold unfadingly your living memory with great Fortitude! I pour libations in memory of you, strengthening, with this wine, our sacred bond! May you always be a support and a solid foundation to our household, O' Immortal Ancestral Souls!

    Greek · ritual

    GratitudeInvocationDedication
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11. 011

    Prayer to the Agathos Daimon

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Ceremony for the Sacred Days — Prayer to Agathodaimon

    I address myself to You, O' Bountiful guardian of our Household who determines the fortune of people. You who are at the centre of our home, bringer of wealth, vigilant counsel of mortals. Fertile, gentle god, companion of Agathe Tyche, mighty foundation of happiness. To You, I raise my cup, pouring a sacred libation. May You, the footprint of the Immortals on earth, be the mentor of our Household. That prosperity, good fortune and wealth never be absent from our home. Welcome Agathodaimon, companion to Zeus Ktesios.

    Greek · ritual

    the Agathos Daimon

    InvocationPetitionDedication
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12. 012

    Prayer to Mars

    CATO · DE AGRICULTURA · 141

    Father Mars, I pray and beseech thee that thou be gracious and merciful to me, my house, and my household; to which intent I have bidden this suovetaurilia to be led around my land, my ground, my farm; that thou keep away, ward off, and remove sickness, seen and unseen, barrenness and destruction, ruin and unseasonable influence; and that thou permit my harvests, my grain, my vineyards, and my plantations to flourish and to come to good issue, preserve in health my shepherds and my flocks, and give good health and strength to me, my house, and my household. To this intent, to the intent of purifying my farm, my land, my ground, and of making an expiation, as I have said, deign to accept the offering of these suckling victims; Father Mars, to the same intent deign to accept the offering of these suckling victims.

    Roman · ritual

    Mars

    PetitionProtectionDedication
    2nd c. BC

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13. 013

    Prayer for thinning a sacred grove

    CATO · DE AGRICULTURA · 139

    Whether thou be god or goddess to whom this grove is dedicated, as it is thy right to receive a sacrifice of a pig for the thinning of this sacred grove, and to this intent, whether I or one at my bidding do it, may it be rightly done. To this end, in offering this pig to thee I humbly beg that thou wilt be gracious and merciful to me, to my house and household, and to my children. Wilt thou deign to receive this pig which I offer thee to this end.

    Roman · ritual

    PetitionDedication
    2nd c. BC

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14. 014

    Prayer to Jupiter

    ANONYMOUS · CIL, ACTA LUDORUM SAECULARIUM · VI 32323, Iuppiter O.M.

    Jupiter Optimus Maximus, as it is prescribed for you in the Sibylline Oracles, let sacrifice be made to you with this fine bull. I beg you and pray that you may increase the power and majesty of the Roman people, the Quirites, in war and peace; and that the Latins may always be obedient; and that you may grant eternal safety, victory and health to the Roman people, the Quirites.

    Roman · ritual

    Jupiter

    PetitionDedication
    Augustan

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15. 015

    Prayer to Jupiter

    LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 1.12.4-7

    O Jupiter, it was through Your omen that I was led while I laid here upon the Palatine Hill, to establish the very first foundations of the city of Rome. Already the Arx, that fortress wickedly bought, is seized by the Sabines. But if You, Father of the Gods and of men, hold back our enemies, at least from this spot, delivering the Romans from their terror, and stay their shameful retreat, then this I vow to You, Jupiter Stator, that a holy precinct and shrine will be built in Your honor as a memorial to remind our descendents of how once the city of Rome was saved by Your aid.

    Roman · public

    Jupiter

    PetitionOathDedication
    Regal period (recorded by Livy)

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16. 016

    Prayer to the Lares

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 1.1.19-24

    Lares, and you gods also, who earlier made our household fruitful and fortunate, may you guard and bless the little that remains today on our farm. Lares, accept what your kindred present to you. For you a lamb shall be offered when around your altar you'll hear rustic boys shouting, 'Io! Give us fine harvests and fruitful vines!'

    Roman · personal

    the Lares

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. BC

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17. 017

    Prayer to Silvanus

    TITUS POMPONIUS VICTOR · CIL · XII.103

    Silvanus, high guardian of other gardens as well, we offer you this holy ash tree on the forest's edge with songs of thanks. We dedicate this for our fields and Alpine mountain, and may it be acceptable as a shrine for yourself. While I discharge the law and perform Caesar's duties should your shrine favorably safeguard and prosper me and mine, men returned to Rome, and grant safekeeping of the Italian land we cherish, then to you I will indeed dedicate a thousand great trees.

    Roman · personal

    Silvanus

    DedicationPetitionGratitude
    Imperial

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18. 018

    Prayer to Earth

    ANONYMOUS · CIL, ACTA LUDORUM SAECULARIUM · VI 32323, Terra Mater

    Terra Mater, as it is prescribed for you in those books, let sacrifice be made to you with a pregnant sow of your own, as a whole burnt offering. I beg and pray that you may increase the sovereign power and majesty of the Roman people, the Quirites, in war and peace; as you have always watched over us among the Latins. Forever may you grant safety, victory and health to the Roman people, the Quirites.

    Roman · ritual

    Earth

    PetitionDedication
    Augustan

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19. 019

    Prayer to Janus

    CATO · DE AGRICULTURA · 134

    Father Janus, to You I pray with good prayers, offering You this pile of cakes, so that You might willingly be favorable to me and my children, to my home and household. Father Janus, for the same reasons given in the good prayers I prayed while offering You piled cakes, may You accept and be honored by this portion of wine I pour.

    Roman · ritual

    Janus

    PetitionDedication
    2nd c. BC

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20. 020

    Prayer to Juno

    ANONYMOUS · CIL, ACTA LUDORUM SAECULARIUM · VI 32323, Iuno Regina

    Juno Regina, as it is prescribed for you in those books, let sacrifice be made to You with a fine cow. I beg and pray that You may increase the sovereign power and majesty of the Roman people, the Quirites, in war and peace; as You have always watched over us among the Latins. Forever may You grant safety, victory and health to the Roman people, the Quirites.

    Roman · ritual

    Juno

    PetitionDedication
    Augustan

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21. 021

    Prayer to Juno

    SILIUS ITALICUS · PUNICA · 7.78-85

    Be present O Queen of the Heavenly Gods, we Your chaste daughters pray and bring forth this venerable gift, we, all the Roman women of noble name, have woven this mantle with our own hands, embroidered it for You with threads of gold. This veil You shall wear for now, Juno, until we mothers grow less tearful for our sons. But if You will grant that we may repel these African storm clouds from our land, we shall set upon You a flashing crown of diverse gems set in gold.

    Roman · public

    Juno

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. AD

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22. 022

    Prayer to Bacchus

    PROPERTIUS · ELEGIAE · 3.17.1-10

    O Bacchus, humbly now I approach Your altar. Grant tranquil seas for me, Father, and a fair wind in my sails. You are able to tame even the rages of Venus; Your wine a cure for our sorrows. By You are lovers bound to one another; by You are their bonds dissolved.

    Roman · literary

    Bacchus

    PetitionDedicationInvocation
    Augustan

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23. 023

    Prayer to Ceres

    VIRGIL · GEORGICS · 1.338-350

    Before all else, worship the Gods, and to great Ceres pay Her annual due upon the happy sward with sacrifice, at the utmost end of winter, when spring begins to smile. Then are the lambs fat, and the wines most mellow, then is sleep sweet, and dark the shadows fall upon the mountains. Let your rustic youth do obedience to Ceres, one and all; and for Her pleasure mix honeycombs in milk, and offer Liber's ripe produce. Thrice for luck around the young grain let the offerings travel, and all the choir, a joyful company, attend it, and with shouts bid Ceres come to be their house-mate. Let no man dare put sickle to ripened ears until, with woven oak his temples wreath, he foot the rugged dance and chant the lay.

    Roman · ritual

    Ceres

    InvocationDedicationPraise
    Augustan

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24. 024

    Prayer to Ceres

    CATO · DE AGRICULTURA · 134

    Ceres Mater, to You I pray with good prayers, offering You this pile of cakes, so that You might willing be favorable to me and my children, to my home and household. Ceres Mater, for the same reasons given in the good prayers I prayed while offering You piled cakes, may You accept and be honored by this portion of wine I pour.

    Roman · ritual

    Ceres, Janus, Jupiter, Juno

    PetitionDedication
    2nd c. BC

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25. 025

    Prayer to Ceres

    M. HORATIUS PISCINUS · HARVEST PRAYER TO CERES (MODERN RECONSTRUCTION)

    O most holy Ceres, nurturing Mother, whose sacred womb gave birth to both Gods and men; You, Vervactor, who first yoked the oxen and placed the ploughshare to virgin soil; You, Reparator, who first prepared furrows in fallow land; You, Imporcitor, who first made wide our furrows; You, Insitor, who first cast Your bounty on the earth and taught the seed to grow; Obarator, Sarritor, Subruncinator, and You, Sterculinia, who first cared for crops; You, Flora, who make the grain to bear fruit; You, Messitor, who first set scythe to grain stalks; You, Convector, who first spread grain on the sacred harvest floor; You, Noduterentor, who first showed us how to thresh, and You, most holy Ceres, whose very breath separates the white chaff from the golden grain; You, Conditor and Tutilina, who guard the grain in storage; You, Promitor, who first milled the grain and distributed its flour for our daily bread; You, eternal savior, Ceres, lavishing Your bounty upon me and mine, to You, flaxen-haired Ceres, gladly I give thanks and praise, and, from the little I have, to You I willingly make an offering. Accept these, the first fruits of my fields. May my offering incline You more towards me. May You ever nourish me and mine with Your bounty, O most holy and nurturing Mother, gentle Ceres.

    Roman · ritual

    Ceres, Flora, Earth

    InvocationGratitudeDedicationPraise
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26. 026

    Prayer to Diana

    HORACE · CARMINA · 3.22.1-8

    Guardian of hills and forest groves, Virgin, whom young mothers thrice invoke at childbirth, listen and deliver them from death. Triple goddess, to You I dedicate this pine tree that now overhangs my villa and each year the blood of a wild boar, who ponders an oblique thrust, I will gladly give to its roots as drink.

    Roman · personal

    Diana

    InvocationDedicationPetition
    Augustan

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27. 027

    Prayer to Diana and Eileithyia

    OVID · AMORES · 2.13.19-26

    Ilithyia, You who are compassionate towards women in labor, who suffer with great pains in their womb, their bodies strained in slow birth of the hidden child, gently attend to her, Ilithyia, and favor my prayers. She is worthy of Your aid, reward her with life, I will myself, dressed in pure white robes offer frankincense upon Your altar, I will myself carry votive gifts to lay at Your feet. And to Your altar's inscription I shall add, 'By Naso, for Corinna saved.' Act in this manner, and receive the legend inscribed and the gifts in Your sanctuary.

    Roman · personal

    Diana, Eileithyia

    PetitionDedication
    Augustan

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28. 028

    Prayer to Diana

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 11.557-560

    Gracious Diana, virgin daughter of Latona, who inhabits sacred groves and nurtures woodlands, I, her father, vow this child into service as Your handmaiden. Holding Your weapons before all others, Your suppliant flees on the wind from the enemy. Bear witness to my vow, I pray, O Goddess, and accept her as Your own, whom I now commit to a precarious breeze.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    DedicationOath
    Augustan

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29. 029

    Prayer to Apollo

    ANONYMOUS · CIL, ACTA LUDORUM SAECULARIUM · VI 32323 (Apollini et Dianae)

    Apollo, as it is prescribed for you in those books — and for this reason may every good fortune attend the Roman people, the Quirites — let sacrifice be made to you with nine popana, and nine cakes, and nine phthoes. I beg and pray that you may increase the sovereign power and majesty of the Roman people, the Quirites, in war and peace; as you have always watched over us among the Latins. Forever may you grant safety, victory and health to the Roman people, the Quirites. May you bestow your favor on the Roman people, the Quirites, and on the legions of the Roman people, the Quirites. May you preserve the health and welfare of the people of Rome, the Quirites, and may you always remain willingly favorable and propitious to the people of Rome, the Quirites, to the college of the quindecimviri, to me, to my house and household.

    Roman · ritual

    Apollo

    PetitionProtectionDedication
    Augustan

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30. 030

    Prayer to Apollo and Juno

    LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 5.21.2-3

    Pythian Apollo, inspired by You and Your guiding influence I go forth to destroy the city of Veii. A tenth part of its spoils I devote to You. Likewise for You, Juno Regina, who in Veii now dwells, I pray, that after our victory You will follow us to our City, that soon will become Your City as well, where a holy precinct worthy of Your dignity will be built to receive You.

    Roman · public

    Apollo, Juno

    PetitionDedicationOath
    4th c. BC (recorded by Livy, 1st c. BC)

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31. 031

    Prayer to Apollo and Hecate

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 6.55-77

    O Phoebus Apollo, who always pitied Troy of its grave hardship, you who guided the hand of Paris and his Dardanian missile to the body of Acacus' son, You who led me to penetrate all the seas that wash upon mighty shores — let Troy's ill fortune have followed us thus far (and no further). You most holy Diviner of future events, I ask only for what fate has allotted me, grant that the sons of Teucria with their wandering gods and storm tossed spirits of Troy may settle in Latium. Then to Apollo and Hecate I shall erect temples in marble and establish feast days celebrated in Apollo's name. Do not commit your songs only to the leaves, that they may swirl about as the sport of whirling winds, but sing them, I pray, with your own lips for us.

    Roman · literary

    Apollo, Hecate

    PetitionDedicationInvocation
    Augustan

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32. 032

    Prayer to Mars

    CLAUDIAN · IN RUFINUM · 1.334-348

    Mars, whether you rush down from the cloud-capped Mount Haemus, whether on the frosty white mountains of Thrace, whether stirring on Monte Santo in Macedonia with the black boots of soldiers stationed on all the lands they hold, to make ready with me, and defend your Thrace, if it is made happy, the campaign coming into glory, the sacred oak will be dressed with an offering of spolia.

    Roman · personal

    Mars

    PetitionDedication
    late 4th / early 5th c. AD

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33. 033

    Prayer to Bellona

    LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 10.19.17-18

    If today, Bellona, You grant us victory, a new temple I vow.

    Roman · ritual

    Bellona

    OathDedication
    late 1st c. BC (recording events of 296 BC)

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34. 034

    Prayer to Priapus

    ANONYMOUS · CARMINA PRIAPEA · 37

    Give assistance, Priapus, to the part of which you, father, seem to be a part yourself! If it is made healthy without surgery, a painted one, its equal in size, shape and color, shall be dedicated to you.

    Roman · personal

    Priapus

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. AD

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35. 035

    Prayer to Mars

    SILIUS ITALICUS · PUNICA · 10.553-554

    Father Mars, You who were not at all deaf to my vows, these men, survivors of the battle, dedicate to You the choicest armour of our victory trophies.

    Roman · public

    Mars

    GratitudeDedication
    late 1st c. AD

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36. 036

    Prayer at a child's naming

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Namegiving Ceremony — Prayer

    O' Immortal Gods, I call upon you to come with good disposition and to grant to [child name] a blissful life, a life of pleasure and a life of virtue guided by reason, nature and ethos. Honoured Ancestors, help this child to continue your name and your deeds. May the Gods ever Protect and Sustain [child name].

    Greek · ritual

    PetitionDedication
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37. 037

    Prayer to Persephone

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Burial Ceremony — Farewell to the Deceased

    Farewell, beloved [name of deceased], you will be in our memories throughout this life. We shall commemorate and honour you as you deserve. Mighty Persephone, receive [name of deceased], all that is beautiful flows unto you. Beloved [name of deceased], may your memory be everlasting.

    Greek · ritual

    Persephone

    Dedication
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38. 038

    Prayer to Mars

    CATO · DE AGRICULTURA · 141

    Father Mars, if aught hath not pleased thee in the offering of those sucklings, I make atonement with this pig.

    Roman · ritual

    Mars

    PetitionDedication
    2nd c. BC

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39. 039

    Prayer to Faunus

    HORACE · CARMINA · 3.18.1-8

    Amorous Faunus, from whom the Nymphs flee, step lightly across my boundaries and sunny fields, and soon depart, leaving your blessing on my young lambs and kids, and leveled tender shoots. If gentle, at year's end a plumb kid I'll offer, with wine libations liberally poured from the cups of Venus' devotees, and many sweet, fragrant herbs I'll burn on your ancient altar.

    Roman · personal

    Faunus

    PetitionDedication
    Augustan

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40. 040

    Prayer to Jupiter

    CATO · DE AGRICULTURA · 132

    Jupiter Dapalis, it is a tradition in my family that a cup of wine be offered to You in thanksgiving for the sacred feast. For this reason may You accept this feast offering. Jupiter Dapalis, may You be strengthened by this feast, may You be warmed by this small portion of our wine that I offer.

    Roman · ritual

    Jupiter

    DedicationGratitude
    2nd c. BC

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41. 041

    Prayer to the Penates

    PLAUTUS · MERCATOR · 834-835

    Divine Penates of our ancestors, to you I commend the good fortune of my parents, and to you, Spiritual Father of our family, that you safeguard them well.

    Roman · personal

    the Penates

    PetitionDedication
    2nd c. BC

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42. 042

    Prayer to Minerva

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 2.715-729

    Proud, warlike Goddess, great honor and wisdom of Your Father, powerful in war are You, on whom the grim helmet is borne with its frightful decoration, speckled with the Gorgon's blood that glows more violent with increasing rage. May You with Your nod accept this sacrificial offering. Should I return to my Parthaonian fields, then amid her hills I shall dedicate to you a golden temple where a hundred Calydonian virgins will serve in devotions at your altar.

    Roman · literary

    Minerva

    PetitionDedicationOath
    1st c. AD

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43. 043

    Prayer to Neptune

    STATIUS · SILVAE · 3.2.1-12

    O Neptune, grand and rare is the pledge we make to You, and in what we commend into the depths of the sea. Father of the mighty Deep, grant that the benign stars, the Spartan brothers, Castor and Pollux, sit upon the horns of the yard arm. Let your light illuminate sea and sky. Drive off your sister Helen's stormy star, I pray, and expel it from all the heavens.

    Roman · literary

    Neptune

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. AD

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44. 044

    Prayer to Venus

    VIRGIL · CATALEPTON · 14

    If I am to further my undertaking, to traverse all the world, O Venus, who dwells in Paphos and in Idalian groves, so that Trojan Aeneas is thought worthy at last to sail with You in song through Roman towns, not only with incense or painted tablet shall I adorn Your temple, and with pure hands bring You garlands, but a humble offering of a horned ram and a bull, the greatest sacrifice, their blood a priest shall sprinkle into the fire of an altar erected in Your honor.

    Roman · literary

    Venus

    PetitionDedication
    Augustan

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45. 045

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · popana offering

    In You, dearest Mother, in Your hands we place our safekeeping. Carmentis, in offering to You this cake of cheese I pray good prayers in order that, pleased with this offering of popana cake, You may be favorable towards our children and to us, towards our homes and our households.

    Roman · ritual

    Carmenta

    DedicationPetition
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

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46. 046

    Prayer to Hercules

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · VI.312

    Invincible Alcides, I pray to You joyfully bringing deserved gifts after duly performing Your sacred rites.

    Roman · personal

    Hercules

    DedicationGratitude
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47. 047

    Prayer to Hercules

    LUCIUS AUFIDIUS · CIL · CIL IX 3569

    Lucius Aufidius, son of Decius, deservedly devotes this gift to you, Hercules, to pay an annual tithe for the upkeep of your shrine. At the same time he asks of You, You who are a holy God, to help him and give him Your peace.

    Roman · personal

    Hercules

    DedicationPetition
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48. 048

    Prayer to Hercules

    STATIUS · SILVAE · 3.1.23-28

    Come hither, Hercules, who, now free of your obligations, may choose whether to live in your native Argos and spurn death as Eurystheus buried in his tomb, or whether your virtue has won you a place among the stars beneath the throne of your father Jupiter, and Hebe, better than Phrygian Ganymede, with her robe girded, offers you a cup of blessed nectar to drink, come hither, and grace this newly dedicated temple with the presence of your genius.

    Roman · literary

    Hercules

    InvocationDedication
    1st c. AD

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49. 049

    Prayer to Hercules

    NUMISIA AFRODITE · CIL · CIL VI 286

    I, Numisia Afrodite, gave this gift to Hercules on behalf of my son and family.

    Roman · personal

    Hercules

    Dedication
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50. 050

    Prayer to Janus

    OVID · FASTI · 1.172

    Janus, though I propitiate other Gods, I do offer wine and cakes to You first, so that I may obtain access through You, Janus, to any of the other Gods I may call upon.

    Roman · literary

    Janus

    DedicationPetition
    Augustan

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51. 051

    Prayer to Jupiter

    TACITUS · ANNALES · 16.35

    We pour out a libation to Jupiter the Liberator. Observe, discover, and may the Gods avert the omen from you, my son, but you are born into a time when it is expedient to fortify your spirit with examples of courage and firmness of mind in the face of adversity.

    Roman · personal

    Jupiter

    DedicationPetition
    1st c. AD

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52. 052

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · incense offering

    Carmentis, I make this offering of incense to You and pray with good prayers that You will look kindly and favorably upon our children and upon us, on our homes and on our households.

    Roman · ritual

    Carmenta

    DedicationPetition
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

    →
53. 053

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · milk libation

    Carmentis, may You be strengthened by this libation, may You be honored by this portion of milk.

    Roman · ritual

    Carmenta

    Dedication
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

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54. 054

    Prayer to Ceres

    SENECA · HERCULES FURENS · 229

    For you, Goddess of the Fruits of the Earth, your secret rites I will fund; in your shrine at Eleusis shall burn the sacred flame in celebration of your mysteries.

    Roman · literary

    Ceres

    DedicationOath
    1st c. AD

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55. 055

    Prayer to Ceres

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 1.1.15-16

    Golden-haired Ceres, bless this our farm; a crown of wheat I shall hang before your altar.

    Roman · personal

    Ceres

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. BC

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56. 056

    Prayer to Diana

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · CIL III 8298

    Virgin Goddess of Delia, known for Your favoring grace, what offerings You demand I happily give.

    Roman · personal

    Diana

    DedicationPetition
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57. 057

    Prayer to Diana

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · CIL X 3796

    Resident of Tifata, Glorious Virgin of hunters, in this place, Daughter of Latona, was Your temple established, renowned by the whole of mankind, Dweller of the Forest, and here as well, an unending praise of life for You who preserves honor.

    Roman · personal

    Diana

    PraiseDedication
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58. 058

    Prayer to Diana

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 4.752-770

    Potent Goddess of sacred groves — for by your noble appearance and modesty I think You are not born of mortals — look with favor upon a tired army on the march. We determined that Thebes deserves to be destroyed with the sword brought forward, but now severe drought makes us no longer war-like, it bends our hearts, and weakens us into idleness. Grant drink to those who are weary, whether you hold a babbling brook or stagnant pool. This will bring no shame or desecration to your place. Winds, you now are asked along with Jove for rain, may you refresh our virile and bellicose hearts and replenish our lifeless spirits. Only Jupiter may grant that we will return with plunder, but if so, O Goddess, war gained riches we will pile as offerings of thanks to you. For your sanctuary, Goddess, a great altar we will build, and wash it in the blood of numerous Boeotian cattle to repay your kindness.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    PetitionDedicationOath
    1st c. AD

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59. 059

    Prayer to Diana

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 6.633-637

    Goddess, divine power of woodland groves, to You and to Your honour, these locks of my hair are owed, and by the vow made to You also comes this wrong. If my mother or I merited your good assistance in the hunt, I ask You not allow me to go to Thebes under foreboding signs, nor allow Arcadia to plunge into so much shame.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. AD

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60. 060

    Prayer to Diana and Juno

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 3.12.1-8

    Accept, O natal Juno, this offering of incense. Cheerfully, O Lucina, she has come to adorn Your shrine of matrons. Come, most chaste Queen of Heaven, appear in royal robes and nod Your assent to the wine that is poured and the cakes piled high to await You. With You bring every herb for ending pain, and soothing songs to sing; across the ocean from distant shores bear such herbs as will cure our most severe ills, or whatever else we most fear. Rack this girl no more with pain, or cruelly delay her birthing.

    Roman · personal

    Diana, Juno

    PetitionInvocationDedication
    1st c. BC

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61. 061

    Prayer to Apollo

    ANONYMOUS · CARMINA LATINA EPIGRAPHICA · 2.1841

    Phoebus Tirynthia, I pray, please accept this offering on my behalf. This gift I offer in thanks to You for the good health and strength that I have had.

    Roman · personal

    Apollo

    GratitudeDedication
    late 2nd c. AD

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62. 062

    Prayer to Apollo

    MARTIAL · EPIGRAMMATA · 4.45.1-2

    An offering I gladly give You, Phoebus, a box of fragrant incense, from Palatinu Parthenius on behalf of his son.

    Roman · personal

    Apollo

    Dedication
    1st c. AD

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63. 063

    Prayer to Apollo and Diana

    PETRONIUS ARBITER · CARMINA · 94 PLM

    God of Delphi, I have dedicated to You a temple made of fine Sicilian marble, spoken aloud Your praises while accompanied by the sweet sounds of the calamus reeds. If ever You hear our prayers, Apollo, and if indeed You are divine, tell me now, by what means does a man without money seek to find it?

    Roman · literary

    Apollo, Diana

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. AD

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64. 064

    Prayer to Apollo

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 1.693-697; 715-717

    Pour wine on the altar's fire as we sing our vows again and again to Leto's son, the Preserver of our forefathers. Father Phoebus, whether it is the snowy slopes of Lycia or the thorny slopes of Patara that perpetually keep you busy, or if it pleases you to merge your golden hair in Castalia's chaste moisture — come now, remembering our hospitality, and bless once more the fertile fields of Juno.

    Roman · literary

    Apollo

    InvocationPetitionDedication
    1st c. AD

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65. 065

    Prayer to Apollo

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 7.786-788

    Now my last words before I depart, if any gratitude I owe to your prophet, O Phoebus, I commend my home and family shrines to You, and leave to You the punishment of my faithless wife and my beautiful son's impassioned furor.

    Roman · literary

    Apollo

    PetitionDedication
    1st c. AD

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66. 066

    Prayer to Apollo

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 10.337-345

    To You, Phoebus Apollo, go these spoils, prizes of the night, taken from distinguished nobles, not yet washed clean of their blood. I trust that truly I have offered You an acceptable sacrifice. I, Your faithful priest and defender of Your sacred tripod against uncivilized enemies, commit these to You. If I have not disgraced Your traditional rites and strictly kept Your rule, come often to me, think me worthy to often enter into my thoughts and seize my mind. Although now crude honors are offered You — these broken arms stained with blood of honorable men — if ever, Paean, You will grant the return of my native home and the temples I long for, God of Lycia, remember my vows, and however many rich gifts and as many bulls as I have promised, demand they be fulfilled.

    Roman · literary

    Apollo

    DedicationPetitionOath
    1st c. AD

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67. 067

    Prayer to Apollo

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 11.785-793

    Apollo Soranus, Highest of the Gods, Holy Guardian of Mount Soracte, we who are foremost among Your worshippers, for You we set to flame the piled pine-wood, and Your worshippers, piously trusting our faith in You among the fires, press our step across the glowing embers. Grant, Father Almighty, that by our arms we may erase this disgrace. No plunder did I seek, no trophy to win from virgins, or any spoils; my fame shall follow from my feats.

    Roman · literary

    Apollo

    PetitionOathDedication
    Augustan

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