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Index orationum

All Prayers

Found 89 / 320

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

    Prayer to Demeter

    CALLIMACHUS · HYMNS · 6.1-21; 117-138

    As the Basket comes, greet it, ye women, saying 'Demeter, greatly hail! Lady of much bounty, of many measures of corn.' As the Basket comes, from the ground shall ye behold it, ye uninitiated, and gaze not from the roof or from aloft — child nor wife nor maid hath shed her hair — neither then nor when we spit from parched mouths fasting. Hesperos from the clouds marks the time of its coming: Hesperos, who alone persuaded Demeter to drink, what time she pursued the unknown tracks of her stolen daughter. Lady, how were thy feet able to carry thee unto the West, unto the Melanoi and where the golden apples are? Thou didst not drink nor didst thou eat during that time nor didst thou wash. Thrice didst thou cross Akheloios with his silver eddies, and as often didst thou pass over each of the ever-flowing rivers, and thrice didst thou seat thee on the ground beside the fountain Kallikhoros, parched and without drinking, and didst not eat nor wash. Nay, nay, let us not speak of that which brought the tear to Deo! Better to tell how she gave cities pleasing ordinances; better to tell how she was the first to cut straw and holy sheaves of corn-ears and put in oxen to tread them, what time Triptolemos was taught the good craft... O Demeter, never may that man be my friend who is hateful to thee, nor ever may he share party-wall with me; ill neighbours I abhor. Sing, ye maidens, and ye mothers, say with them: 'Damater, greatly hail! Lady of much bounty, of many measures of corn.' And as the four white-haired horses convey the Basket, so unto us will the great goddess of wide dominion come bringing white spring and white harvest and winter and autumn, and keep us to another year. And as unsandalled and with hair unbound we walk the city, so shall we have foot and head unharmed for ever. And as the van-bearers bear vans full of gold, so may we get gold unstinted. Far as the City Chambers let the uninitiated follow, but the initiated even unto the very shrine of the goddess — as many as are under sixty years. But she that is heavy and she that stretches her hand to Eileithyia and she that is in pain — sufficient it is that they go so far as their knees are able. And to them Deo shall give all things to overflowing, even as if they came unto her temple. Hail, goddess, and save this people in harmony and in prosperity, and in the fields bring us all pleasant things! Feed our kine, bring us flocks, bring us the corn-ear, bring us harvest! And nurse peace, that he who sows may also reap. Be gracious, O thrice-prayed for, great Queen of goddesses!

    Greek · hymn
    Demeter, Persephone, Eileithyia
    InvocationPetition
    3rd c. BC
    →
  2. 002

    Hymn to Hephaestus and Athena

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 20

    Sing, clear-voiced Mousa, of Hephaistos famed for inventions. With bright-eyed Athene he taught men glorious crafts throughout the world — men who before used to dwell in caves in the mountains like wild beasts. But now that they have learned crafts through Hephaistos the famed worker, easily they live a peaceful life in their own houses the whole year round. Be gracious, Hephaistos, and grant me success and prosperity!

    Greek · hymn
    Hephaestus, Athena
    InvocationPetition
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)
    →
  3. 003

    Hymn to Hestia

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 29

    Hestia, in the high dwellings of all... you have gained an everlasting abode and highest honour: glorious is your portion and your right. For without you mortals hold no banquet... And you, Argeiphontes, Son of Zeus and Maia, messenger of the blessed gods, bearer of the golden rod, giver of good, be favourable and help us, you and Hestia, the worshipful and dear. Come and dwell in this glorious house in friendship together; for you two, well knowing the noble actions of men, aid on their wisdom and their strength. Hail, Daughter of Kronos, and you also, Hermes Khrysorrapis! Now I will remember you and another song also.

    Greek · hymn
    Hestia, Hermes, Zeus, Maia, Cronus
    InvocationPetition
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)
    →
  4. 004

    Prayer to the Charites

    PINDAR · OLYMPIAN ODES · 14.1 ff

    Whose haunts are by Kephissos' river, you queens beloved of poets' song, ruling Orkhomenos, that sunlit city and land of lovely steeds, watch and ward of the ancient Minyan race, hear now my prayer, you Kharites three. For in your gift are all our mortal joys, and every sweet thing, be it wisdom, beauty, or glory, that makes rich the soul of man. Nor even can the immortal gods order at their behest the dance and festals, lacking the Kharites' aid; who are the steward of all rites of heaven, whose thrones are set at Pytho beside Apollon of the golden bow, and who with everlasting honour worship the Father, lord of great Olympos. Euphrosyne, lover of song, and Aglaia revered, daughters of Zeus the all-highest, hearken, and with Thalia, darling of harmony, look on our songs of revel, on light feet stepping to grace this happy hour... I come to praise Asopikhos, whose Minyan house, Thalia, now of your favour wears the pride of the Olympian victor.

    Greek · hymn
    the Charites, Aglaia, Euphrosyne, Thalia
    InvocationPraise
    5th c. BC
    →
  5. 005

    Prayer to Artemis

    CALLIMACHUS · HYMNS · 3.1-3; 122-141; 225-250; 259-268

    Of Artemis we hymn — no light thing is it for singers to forget her — whose study is the bow and the shooting of hares and the spacious dance and sport upon the mountains. The fourth time — not long was it ere thou didst shoot at the city of unjust men, those who to one another and those who towards strangers wrought many deeds of sin, forward men, on whom thou wilt impress thy grievous wrath. On their cattle plague feeds, on their tilth feeds frost, and the old men cut their hair in mourning over their sons, and their wives either are smitten or die in childbirth, or, if they escape, bear birds whereof none stands on upright ankle. But on whomsoever thou lookest smiling and gracious, for them the tilth bears the corn-ear abundantly, and abundantly prospers the four-footed breed, and abundant waxes their prosperity: neither do they go to the tomb, save when they carry thither the aged. Nor does faction wound their race — faction which ravages even the well-established houses: but brother's wife and husband's sister set their chairs around one board... Lady, of that number be whosoever is a true friend of mine, and of that number may I be myself, O Queen. And may song be my study forever. In that song shall be the Marriage of Leto; therein thy name shall often-times be sung; therein shall Apollon be and therein all thy labours, and therein thy hounds and thy bow and thy chariot, which lightly carry thee in thy splendour, when thou drivest to the house of Zeus... Lady of many shrines, of many cities, hail! Khitone, sojourner in Miletos; for thee did Neleus make his Guide, when he put off with his ships from the land of Kekrops. Khesias and Imbrasia, throned in the highest, to thee in thy shrine did Agamemnon dedicate the rudder of his ship, a charm against ill weather, when thou didst bind the winds for him, what time the Akhaian ships sailed to vex the cities of the Teukroi, wroth for Rhamnusian Helene. For thee surely Proitos established two shrines, one of Artemis Kore for that thou didst gather for him his maiden daughters, when they were wandering over the Azanian hills; the other he founded in Lousa to Artemis Hemere, because thou tookest from his daughters the spirit of wildness. For thee, too, the Amazones, whose mind is set on war, in Ephesos beside the sea established an image beneath an oak trunk, and Hippo performed a holy rite for thee, and they themselves, O Oupis Queen, around the image danced a war-dance — first in shields and armour, and again in a circle arraying a spacious choir. And the loud pipes thereto piped shrill accompaniment, that they might foot the dance together. And the echo reached unto Sardis and to the Berekynthian range. And they with their feet beat loudly and therewith their quivers rattled. And afterwards around that image was raised a shrine of broad foundations. That dawn shall behold nothing more divine, naught richer. Easily would it outdo Pytho. O Mounikhia, Limenoskope, hail, Pheraia! Let none disparage Artemis. For Oineus dishonoured her altar and no pleasant struggles came upon his city. Nor let any contend with her in shooting of stags or in archery. For the son of Atreus vaunted him not that he suffered small requital. Neither let any woo the Maiden; for not Otos, nor Orion wooed her to their own good. Nor let any shun the yearly dance; for not tearless to Hippo was her refusal to dance around the altar. Hail, great queen, and graciously greet my song.

    Greek · hymn
    Artemis
    InvocationPraisePetition
    3rd c. BC
    →
  6. 006

    Prayer to Asclepius

    ANONYMOUS (INSCRIPTION FROM ERYTHRAI) · GREEK LYRIC (CAMPBELL, VOL. V) · fr. 939

    Sing, youths, of Paian, skill-famed, Leto's son, Far-shooter — ie Paian! — who fathered a great joy for mortals when he mingled in love with Koronis in the land of the Phlegyai — ie Paian! — Asklepios, the most famous god — ie Paian! By him were fathered Makhaon and Podaleirios and Iaso — ie Paian! — and fair-eyed Aigle and Panakea, children of Epione, along with Hygieia, all-glorious, undefiled; ie Paian! Asklepios, the most famous god — ie Paian! Greetings I give you: graciously visit our wide-spaced city — ie Paian! — and grant that we look on the sun's light in joy, approved with the help of Hygieia, all-glorious, undefiled : ie Paian! — Asklepios, the most famous god — ie Paian!

    Greek · hymn
    Asclepius, Apollo, Hygieia, Iaso, Aegle, Panacea, Epione, Machaon, Podaleirius
    InvocationPetitionPraise
    Greek (BC, exact date uncertain)
    →
  7. 007

    Carmen Arvale

    FRATRES ARVALES · CARMEN ARVALIUM (CIL VI 2104)

    Lasas assist us, Lasas delight us, Lasas come to our aid! Neither plague nor ruin, Marmor, allow to be visited on us. But if however we are invaded, like Mars we shall leap across our borders to sate you with the blood of our enemies and stay the barbarians. Marmor assist us, Marmor defend us, Marmor come to our aid. Triumph, triumph, triumph, triumph, triumph!

    Roman · ritual
    Mars, the Lares
    PetitionProtection
    archaic Latin (preserved in inscription of 218 AD)
    →
  8. 008

    Hymn to Athena

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 28

    I begin to sing of Pallas Athena, the glorious goddess, bright-eyed, inventive, unbending of heart, pure virgin, saviour of cities, courageous, Tritogeneia. From his awful head wise Zeus himself bare her arrayed in warlike arms of flashing gold, and awe seized all the gods as they gazed. But Athena sprang quickly from the immortal head and stood before Zeus who holds the aegis, shaking a sharp spear: great Olympos began to reel horribly at the might of the grey-eyed goddess, and earth round about cried fearfully, and the sea was moved and tossed with dark waves, while foam burst forth suddenly: the bright Son of Hyperion stopped his swift-footed horses a long while, until the maiden Pallas Athena had stripped the heavenly armour from her immortal shoulders. And wise Zeus was glad. Hail to you, daughter of Zeus who holds the aegis!

    Greek · hymn
    Athena
    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-6th c. BC)
    →
  9. 009

    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)
    →
  10. 010

    Scipio's prayer before sailing to Africa

    LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 29.27.1 ff.

    Gods and Goddesses who inhabit the land and sea, to You I pray and ask that whatsoever has been done under my auspices and my command, is now being done or shall be done, may prove beneficial for me, for the people of Rome and their children, and for our allies and the Latins, who joined with the Roman army under my auspices in waging war on land and sea. May Your good counsel and assistance be with me and may You bless all our endeavors with rich increase. May You guard the welfare and sustenance of our soldiers, allow the victors to return home healthy and safe, and laden with the spoils of victory. May they bring back honors and plunder to share in my triumphal procession after defeating our enemy. Grant to me and to the Roman people the power of vengeance and the opportunity and means to inflict on our enemies the same as the Carthaginians have striven to inflict against the people of Rome and thereby an example shall be set for others.

    Roman · public
    PetitionInvocation
    late 1st c. BC (describing events of 204 BC)
    →
  11. 011

    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)
    →
  12. 012

    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)
    →
  13. 013

    Prayer to Aesculapius

    OVID · METAMORPHOSES · 15.677-678

    Behold the God! It is the God. Think holy thoughts and walk in reverent silence, all who are present. Oh, most Beautiful, let us behold you to our benefit, and give aid to this people that performs your sacred rites.

    Roman · public
    Aesculapius
    PetitionInvocation
    early 1st c. AD
    →
  14. 014

    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
    →
  15. 015

    Prayer to Jupiter

    OVID · FASTI · 4.827-832

    As I found this city, be present, Jupiter, Father Mars, and Mother Vesta, and all gods who it is pious to summon, join together to attend. Grant that my work may rise with Your auspices. Grant that it may for many years hold dominion on earth, and assert its power over the east and west.

    Roman · public
    Jupiter, Mars, Vesta
    PetitionInvocation
    early 1st c. AD
    →
  16. 016

    Prayer to Mars

    OVID · FASTI · 5.573-577

    If, Father, my war is authorized by Vesta's priestess, and whenever I prepare to take divine vengeance, Mars, be by my side and satiate cold steel with guilt's blood, and lend Your favour to the better side. If I am victorious for You I'll build a shrine and call You Ultor, Mars the Avenger.

    Roman · public
    Mars
    PetitionOath
    early 1st c. AD
    →
  17. 017

    Prayer to Terminus and Jupiter

    OVID · FASTI · 2.659-684

    You set bounds to peoples, cities, great kingdoms: without you every field would be disputed. You curry no favour: you aren't bribed with gold, guarding the land entrusted to you in good faith. If you'd once marked the bounds of Thyrean lands, three hundred men would not have died, nor Othryades' name be seen on the pile of weapons. O how he made his fatherland bleed! What happened when the new Capitol was built? The whole throng of gods yielded to Jupiter and made room: but as the ancients tell, Terminus remained in the shrine where he was found, and shares the temple with great Jupiter. Even now there's a small hole in the temple roof, so he can see nothing above him but stars. Since then, Terminus, you've not been free to wander: stay there, in the place where you've been put, and yield not an inch to your neighbour's prayers, lest you seem to set men above Jupiter: and whether they beat you with rakes, or ploughshares, call out: 'This is your field, and that is his!' The lands of other races have fixed boundaries: the extent of the City of Rome and the world is one.

    Roman · hymn
    Terminus, Jupiter
    PraiseInvocation
    early 1st c. AD
    →
  18. 018

    The oath of Aeneas and Latinus

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 12.176-82; 197-211

    May the Sun now bear witness, and so too the Earth, I pray, for whom I have been able to endure these many labors, and you, Almighty Father, and you his consort (Juno), daughter of Saturnus, at one time more beneficial, at another kinder, be so now as I pray to you, O Goddess, and to you, too, Father Mavors, who wields all warfare under your powers, and on all the springs and rivers of this land I invoke as witnesses, and all the powers of the high heavens and those of the deep blue seas on whom it is proper to call. By these same deities I, Aeneas, swear, by the Earth and the Sea, by the stars and Latona's twin children, and dual-faced Janus, and the powers of the gods below, and the harsh shrines of Father Dis. May the Great Father hear my vow, he that sanctions alliances with his thunderbolt. I touch the altars, and by the fires and by the divine powers who I have called to witness, I so swear, that never shall I breach this alliance or the peace of Italy, no matter what or how things happen, nothing shall divert my will, not even if waves would cover the earth, plunging all into deluge, and the Heavens fell into deepest Tartarus.

    Roman · public
    Sol, Earth, Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Janus, Apollo, Diana, Dis Pater, the Manes
    OathInvocation
    late 1st c. BC
    →
  19. 019

    The Vestal Aemilia's prayer

    DIONYSIUS OF HALICARNASSUS · ROMAN ANTIQUITIES · II.68.3-5

    O Vesta, guardian of the Romans' city, if, during the space of nearly thirty years, I have performed the sacred offices to thee in a holy and proper manner, keeping a pure mind and a chaste body, do thou manifest thyself in my defence and assist me and do not suffer thy priestess to die the most miserable of all deaths; but if I have been guilty of any impious deed, let my punishment expiate the guilt of the city.

    Roman · personal
    Vesta
    PetitionOath
    1st c. BC (describing an earlier Republican event of uncertain date)
    →
  20. 020

    The Prayer of Musaeus

    PLETHON / MOUSAIOS ADAPTATION · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Noumenia Ceremony — Prayer of Mousaios

    King Zeus and Gaia and sacred heavenly flames of Helios; holy light of Mene and all the stars; and You, dark haired Poseidon, earth-shaker; pure Persephone and Demetra of the bountiful fruit; Artemis, the maiden archer and farshooting Phoibos, who dwells in the sacred valley of Delphi, holding the highest honours amongst the Blessed; dancing Dionysos, bold Ares and powerful holy Ephaistos, foam-born goddess, bearer of famous gifts, and You, King of the Underworld, great and venerable God; Hebe and Eileithia and brave Heracles, and the great providence of Dikaiosyne and Eusevia; I also call the splendid Nymphs and Pan, the Great, and Hera, vigorous wife of aegis-bearing Zeus; I invoke the lovely Mnemosyne and the nine sublime Muses and the Kharites and the Horês of the Eniautos, Leto with the beautiful limbs, the modest Theio and Dione, the Kouretes, the armed Koryvantes, and the Kaveires, as well as our great Saviours, the indestructible children of Zeus, the great Idaian gods and the heavenly messenger, Hermes, the communicator, and Themis, the diviner of men, I invite venerable Nyx and brightly glowing Day, Pisti and Dike and the immaculate Lawgiver, Rhea and Kronos and the dark-veiled Tethys, Okeanos, the Great, and his daughters, the Okeanides, Atlas' and Aionos' superior power, and the eternal Time, and the splendid water of Styx, the soothing Gods and the benevolent Pronoia; the all-holy Daimona of the Gods and the malevolent of mortals, all heavenly, air and water Gods, all Gods of the earth, and of the fire, and of the underworld. Semele and the company of Bakkhos; Ino Leukothea and Palaimon, the bliss-giver, Sweet tongued Nike and queen Adrastea, and the great king, giver of tranquillity, Asclepios, Pallas, the fearsome maiden, and all the Winds and the Thunder, the steady foundation of the Kosmos, Mother of the Immortals, Attis and Mena, I call the Goddess Ourania together with her immortal pure Adonis, the Beginning and the End — the greatest of all. Come with benevolence and happy hearts, to this holy ceremony and sacred libation.

    Greek · ritual
    Zeus, Gaia, Helios, Poseidon, Persephone, Demeter, Artemis, Apollo, Dionysus, Ares, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Hades, Hermes, Hera, Athena, Asclepius
    InvocationPraise
    →
  21. 021

    Plethon's hymn

    GEORGE GEMISTOS PLETHON · TWENTY-SECOND HYMN

    Let me not cease, O' Blissful Gods, to owe You gratitude, for all the good things I receive,

    Greek · personal
    Zeus
    GratitudePetition
    15th c. AD
    →
  22. 022

    Prayer to Jupiter

    CICERO · IN CATILINAM · 1.33

    Then do you, O Jupiter, who were consecrated by Romulus with the same auspices as this City, whom we rightly call the stay of this city and empire, repel this man and his companions from your altars and from the other temples, from the houses and walls of the city, from the lives and fortunes of all the citizens; and overwhelm all the enemies of good men, the foes of the republic, the robbers of Italy, men bound together by a treaty and infamous alliance of crimes, dead and alive, with eternal punishments.

    Roman · public
    Jupiter
    PetitionProtection
    1st c. BC
    →
  23. 023

    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
    →
  24. 024

    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)
    →
  25. 025

    Prayer to Jupiter

    LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 1.24.7-9

    Hear, o Jupiter; hear me, too, Pater Patratus of the people of Alba! As these provisions have been written in good faith and publicly read from beginning to end from these tablets, and inasmuch as they have today been most clearly understood, so the People of Rome will not be the first to withdraw from these treaty provisions. If, in their public council, they were to do so, with false and malicious intent break this treaty, then, Dispater, on that day, may You bring ruin on the People of Rome, even as today I shall strike this swine.

    Roman · public
    Jupiter
    Oath
    Regal period (recorded by Livy)
    →
  26. 026

    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
    →
  27. 027

    Prayer to Earth

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 8.303-324

    O eternal Creatrix of Gods and men, who animates forest and stream with soul, and joins seeds of life together throughout the world, and You bear the stones of Pyrrha that were enlivened into men by the hand of Prometheus. Hungry men You were first to give nourishment with a variety of foods. You encircle and carry the sea within You. Under Your power are the gentleness of domesticated herds and the ferocity of wild beasts and the repose from flight of birds. Firm and immobile, unsetting power of the earth suspended in the vacuum of space, You are the center around which the rapid heavens revolve. Therefore are You the Bountiful who nourishes so many nations. I pray You allow that those warriors who spend their last breath in the battle will have their souls return once more into the heavens.

    Roman · literary
    Earth
    InvocationPraisePetition
    1st c. AD
    →
  28. 028

    Prayer to Earth and the Penates

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 7.120-122

    Hail, O Mother Tellus, for whom I am destined, and you, too, faithful Gods of Troy, hail O Penates. This is our home; this, our homeland.

    Roman · literary
    Earth, the Penates
    InvocationGratitude
    Augustan
    →
  29. 029

    Prayer to Venus

    LUCRETIUS · DE RERUM NATURA · 1.1-9

    Venus Genetrix, charmer of gods and mankind, nurturing Mother, beneath the starry signs that glide through the night, You enliven the ship-bearing seas and the fruitful earth, since it is through You that all things are conceived and animated into life to behold the Light of Day. Goddess, for You the winds make way, the heavenly clouds open at Your coming, the miraculous earth greets You with sweet scented flowers, for You the surface of the seas laugh, and the peaceful heavens glisten in luminescence.

    Roman · literary
    Venus
    InvocationPraise
    1st c. BC
    →
  30. 030

    Prayer to Vesta

    CICERO · DE DOMO SUA AD PONTIFICES · 144-145

    Mother Vesta, I pray to You, whose most chaste Vestales I have defended against pillage and desecration by demented men; for their eternal flame I could not allow to pass, extinguished in the blood of citizens, or Your pure flame be intermingled with a conflagration sweeping the entire city. I call You as witness, I place myself and my family in Your hands, in these struggles I devoted myself and my life, while consul and before, without regard for my own interests, or for profit, but strove in all my actions and thoughts with vigilance for the safety and health of all my fellow citizens. When by Your favor my home is restored to me, may I at long last be allowed to consider it demonstrated that this devotion of my life has met with the approval of the Gods.

    Roman · personal
    Vesta
    PetitionOath
    1st c. BC
    →
  31. 031

    The ordeal of the Vestal Tuccia

    VALERIUS MAXIMUS · FACTA ET DICTA MEMORABILIA · 8.1.5

    O Vesta, if I have always brought pure hands to your secret services, make it so now that with this sieve I shall be able to draw water from the Tiber and bring it to Your temple.

    Roman · personal
    Vesta
    PetitionOath
    3rd c. BC (recorded 1st c. AD)
    →
  32. 032

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · Hail prayer

    Hail, Carmentis, Goddess of song and prophecy. From Your father Sebathus, Telon, king of the Taphonians, took You away from the river shores of Naples to the isle of Capree, there as Bateia, wife of Oebalus, to become mother to Spartans and Sabines alike. From Campania You set sail with Your son Evander up the River Tiber, showing him where to make land, and teaching him the songs by which to found Paletum. In Your sacred grove beneath the Palatine Hill You sang as Nicostrate the rites by which Hercules was to honor His Father Jupiter. There, too, You met with Dardanian Aeneas, singing for him the vision of Rome that his generations would found upon the Septimonium. There in Your sacred grove you sang to the infant twins as they were nurtured by a she-wolf.

    Roman · ritual
    Carmenta
    PraiseInvocation
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)
    →
  33. 033

    The fetial declaration of war

    LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 1.32.10

    Hear, o Jupiter, and You Janus Quirinus, and all You heavenly Gods, and You gods of earth and of the lower world, hear me! I call You to witness that this people is unjust and does not fulfill its sacred obligations.

    Roman · public
    Janus, Jupiter
    OathPetition
    Regal period (recorded by Livy)
    →
  34. 034

    Prayer to Janus

    OVID · FASTI · 1.65-70

    Biformed Janus, source of years gliding by in silence, who alone among the immortal celestials sees his own back, come, attend our nobles as Your guests, those whose labors secure delightful pastimes for the earth, and peace on earth, peace on the seas. Attend and bless Your Senators and those of the people of Rome, the Quirites, and with a nod open Your gleaming gates onto peaceful precincts.

    Roman · literary
    Janus
    InvocationPetition
    Augustan
    →
  35. 035

    The Salian Hymn

    VARRO · LINGUA LATINA / CARMEN SALII · 7.26

    Arise, O Consus, arise. All things, truly, I entrust to Patulcium the Opener. Now You are Janus the Gatekeeper, now Cerus the Good Creator, now Janus the God of Good Beginnings. Come, now most especially, You who are the better of these kings.

    Roman · ritual
    Janus, Consus
    Invocation
    Archaic
    →
  36. 036

    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
    →
  37. 037

    Prayer to Juno

    ANONYMOUS · CIL, ACTA LUDORUM SAECULARIUM · VI 32323, CX matres familias

    Juno Regina, if there is any better fortune that may attend the Roman people, the Quirites, we one hundred and ten mistresses of households of the Roman people, the Quirites, married women on bended knee, pray that You bring it about, we beg and beseech that You 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 · public
    Juno
    Petition
    Augustan
    →
  38. 038

    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
    →
  39. 039

    Prayer to Bacchus and Ceres

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 2.1.3-4; 17-20

    Come to us, Bacchus, with clusters of grapes dangling from your horns, and you, too, Ceres, a wreath of newly ripened wheat for your temples, come! Gods of our fathers, we purify our farmers and our fruitful fields; we ask that you drive away harm from our borders. Let not the now sprouting plants succumb before harvest, let not the timid lambs be outrun by swift wolves.

    Roman · ritual
    Bacchus, Ceres
    InvocationPetitionProtection
    1st c. BC
    →
  40. 040

    Prayer to Ceres and Libera

    CICERO · IN C. VERREM · II.5.187-188

    O Ceres and Libera, whose sacred worship is contained in the most important and most abstruse mysteries; You, by whom the principles of life and food, the examples of laws, customs, humanity, and refinement are said to have been given and distributed to nations and to cities; You, again and again I implore and appeal to, most holy Goddesses, who dwell around those lakes and groves of Enna, and who preside over all Sicily — You whose invention and gift of corn, which You have distributed over the whole earth, inspires all nations and all races of men with reverence for Your divine power.

    Roman · public
    Ceres, Libera
    InvocationPraise
    1st c. BC
    →
  41. 041

    Prayer to Diana

    CATULLUS · CARMINA · 34

    Diana, in faith, we are pure girls and boys, allow us to sing to You. Diana, magnificent child of still greater Jove, whose mother Latona gave You birth in an olive grove on Delos. Lady of the Mountains who runs over hills and through dark forests, over the wild rough hill country and through the tall grass of hidden valleys, in mountain pastures cut by roaring streams. Women in the pain of childbirth call you Lucina. You are Trivia, goddess of witches. You are Luna, the luminous moon. Monthly is measured the progress of Your journey through the year while You fill the rustic homes of good farmers with the fruits of the earth. By whatsoever holy name it pleases You, from antiquity have You accepted our customary offerings, preserve in good faith the children of Romulus as ever You graced our ancestors.

    Roman · ritual
    Diana
    PraiseInvocationPetition
    1st c. BC
    →
  42. 042

    Prayer to Diana and Apollo

    HORACE · CARMEN SAECULARE · 1-4; 13-16; 69-72

    O shining Phoebe and forest Diana, Lucidum, shining ornaments of the sky, ever gentle and refined, O sacred brows, give us what we pray for now. Gentle Moon, Ilithyia, Lucina, by whatever name you wish to be called, Gentalis, watch over mothers, may You give them gentle deliveries.

    Roman · ritual
    Diana, Apollo
    PetitionInvocationPraise
    Augustan
    →
  43. 043

    Prayer to Diana

    VIRGIL · ECLOGUES · 4.8-10

    Only do You, at the boy's birth, in whom a golden race now arises the world over, and the men of iron first begin to pass away, You alone favor him, chaste Lucina; indeed Your own Apollo reigns.

    Roman · literary
    Diana
    PetitionInvocation
    Augustan
    →
  44. 044

    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
    →
  45. 045

    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)
    →
  46. 046

    Prayer to Apollo

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 3.85-89

    Grant us our own, Lord of Thymbra, grant the tired and worn, and their children, a city behind defensive walls in a tamed land. Safeguard a new Troy, built by those Trojan sons who escaped the Greeks and severe Achilles. Who now must I follow? Where do you urge me to go? Grant, Father, a sign, and flow into our souls.

    Roman · literary
    Apollo
    PetitionInvocation
    Augustan
    →
  47. 047

    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
    →
  48. 048

    Hymn to Demeter and Persephone

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 13

    I begin to sing of rich-haired Demeter, awful goddess, of her and of her daughter lovely Persephone. Hail, goddess! Keep this city safe, and govern my song.

    Greek · hymn
    Demeter, Persephone
    InvocationPetition
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)
    →
  49. 049

    Hymn to Hera

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 12

    I sing of golden-throned Hera whom Rhea bare. Queen of the Immortals is she, surpassing all in beauty: she is the sister and wife of loud-thundering Zeus — the glorious one whom all the blessed throughout high Olympos reverence and honour even as Zeus who delights in thunder.

    Greek · hymn
    Hera, Zeus, Rhea
    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)
    →
  50. 050

    Hymn to Hermes

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 4

    Mousa, sing of Hermes, the son of Zeus and Maia, lord of Kyllene and Arkadia rich in flocks, the luck-bringing, messenger of the gods whom Maia bare, the rich-tressed Nymphe, when she was joined in love with Zeus... Zeus commanded that glorious Hermes should be lord over all birds of omen and grim-eyed lions, and boars with gleaming tusks, and over dogs and all flocks that the wide earth nourishes, and over all sheep; also that he only should be the appointed messenger to Hades, who, though he takes no gift, shall give him no mean prize... He consorts with all mortals and immortals: a little he profits, but continually throughout the dark night he cozens the tribes of mortal men. And so, farewell, Son of Zeus and Maia; but I will remember you and another song also.

    Greek · hymn
    Hermes, Zeus, Maia
    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)
    →
  51. 051

    Hymn to Hermes

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 18

    I sing of Hermes Kyllenios, Argeiphontes, lord of Kyllene and Arkadia rich in flocks, luck-bringing messenger of the deathless gods. He was born of Maia, the daughter of Atlas, when she had made love with Zeus — a shy goddess she. Ever she avoided the throng of the blessed gods and lived in a shadowy cave, and there Kronion used to lie with the rich-tressed Nymphe at dead of night, while white-armed Hera lay bound in sweet sleep: and neither deathless god nor mortal man knew it. And so hail to you, Son of Zeus and Maia; with you I have begun: now I will turn to another song! Hail, Hermes, giver of grace, guide, and giver of good things!

    Greek · hymn
    Hermes, Zeus, Maia
    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)
    →
  52. 052

    Hymn to Hephaestus

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 66

    Strong, mighty Hephaistos, bearing splendid light, unwearied fire, with flaming torrents bright: strong-handed, deathless, and of art divine, pure element, a portion of the world is thine: all-taming artist, all-diffusive power, 'tis thine, supreme, all substance to devour: aither, sun, moon, and stars, light pure and clear, for these thy lucid parts to men appear. To thee all dwellings, cities, tribes belong, diffused through mortal bodies, rich and strong. Hear, blessed power, to holy rites incline, and all propitious on the incense shine: suppress the rage of fire's unwearied frame, and still preserve our nature's vital flame.

    Greek · hymn
    Hephaestus
    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)
    →
  53. 053

    Hymn to Hera and Zeus

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 16

    O royal Hera, of majestic mien, aerial-formed, divine, Zeus' blessed queen, throned in the bosom of cerulean air, the race of mortals is thy constant care. The cooling gales thy power alone inspires, which nourish life, which every life desires. Mother of showers and winds, from thee alone, producing all things, mortal life is known: all natures share thy temperament divine, and universal sway alone is thine, with sounding blasts of wind, the swelling sea and rolling rivers roar when shook by thee. Come, blessed Goddess, famed almighty queen, with aspect kind, rejoicing and serene.

    Greek · hymn
    Hera, Zeus
    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)
    →
  54. 054

    Hymn to Hermes

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 28

    Hermes, draw near, and to my prayer incline, messenger of Zeus, and Maia's son divine; prefect of contests, ruler of mankind, with heart almighty, and a prudent mind. Celestial messenger of various skill, whose powerful arts could watchful Argos kill. With winged feet 'tis thine through air to course, O friend of man, and prophet of discourse; great life-supporter, to rejoice is thine in arts gymnastic, and in fraud divine. With power endued all language to explain, of care the loosener, and the source of gain. Whose hand contains of blameless peace the rod, Korykion, blessed, profitable God. Of various speech, whose aid in works we find, and in necessities to mortal kind. Dire weapon of the tongue, which men revere, be present, Hermes, and thy suppliant hear; assist my works, conclude my life with peace, give graceful speech, and memory's increase.

    Greek · hymn
    Hermes, Zeus, Maia
    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)
    →
  55. 055

    Prayer to Demeter

    ANONYMOUS · GREEK LYRIC V (CAMPBELL), SCOLIA · fr. 885

    I sing of the mother of Ploutos, Demeter Olympia, in the garland-wearing season, and of you, Persephone, child of Zeus: greetings, both! Tend the city well.

    Greek · hymn
    Demeter, Persephone, Plutus
    InvocationPetition
    Greek (BC)
    →
  56. 056

    Prayer to Neria and Mars

    AULUS GELLIUS · NOCTES ATTICAE · 13.23.13

    Neria, wife of Mars, I appeal to you, give peace. May you use your own favored position with your husband; counsel Him to partake in this plan. In the same way as we reconcile ourselves to those who carried off our daughters, may you now join with Him for all times in favoring His.

    Roman · public
    Neria, Mars
    Petition
    2nd c. AD (preserving archaic formula)
    →
  57. 057

    Prayer to Vulcan

    GRATTIUS FALISCUS · CYNEGETICA · 437-442

    Holy Vulcanus, foremost of those who cherish this place, to You we pray for peace. Grant Your ultimate assistance to the tired and worn, and, if no one here merits punishment for some noxious crime, may You have mercy on all their souls and allow them to reach Your purifying fountains. Three times they invoke Your name, three times they pour rich incense upon the focal fire, and strew the altar with auspicious boughs in Your honor.

    Roman · ritual
    Vulcan
    PetitionProtection
    late 1st c. BC / early 1st c. AD
    →
  58. 058

    Prayer to Mars

    HORACE · CARMINA · 1.2.35-40

    Father Mars, too long have You neglected to look upon Your nation and upon Your grandchildren. Alas, for too long have You been absent in the game of war. Recall Your delight in the clash of battle; come, Mars, take pride once more in the sight of polished Roman helmets gleaming, and how the battle hardened legions meet the grimacing Maurians in battle. Come now, we pray.

    Roman · personal
    Mars
    PetitionInvocation
    late 1st c. BC
    →
  59. 059

    Prayer to Vulcan

    MARTIAL · EPIGRAMMATA · 5.7.5-8

    Soon, I pray, Vulcan, memories of whispered rumors of disgrace and loud quarrels of complaint You will no longer hold against the children of Mars; we are also the children of Your sweet wife Venus, spare us, Father.

    Roman · personal
    Vulcan, Venus, Mars
    Petition
    late 1st c. AD
    →
  60. 060

    Prayer to Jupiter Capitolinus

    VELLEIUS PATERCULUS · HISTORIAE ROMANAE · II.131

    Jupiter Capitolinus, Mars Gradivus called progenitor and aide of the Romans, Vesta, perpetual guardian of fire, and whatever divine powers in this greatness of Roman sovereignty, the largest empire on earth, exulted to the highest dignity, to You the public voice calls to witness and to pray: guard, preserve, and protect this state, this peace, this prince, and those who succeed to the Senate, by their long standing, determined worthy to consider the most grave matters among mortals.

    Roman · public
    Jupiter Capitolinus, Mars Gradivus, Vesta
    PetitionProtection
    early 1st c. AD
    →
  61. 061

    Prayer to Hera

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY (ADAPTED FROM ORPHIC) · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Ceremony for Luck — Hymn to Hera

    Hera, Queen of all, blissful wife of Zeus, air-formed and seated in dark blue bays, granting to mortals the gentle soul-nurturing breeze. All begetting, Mother of rain, tender of the winds. No living thing knows the complete nature of life without you, because you partake in everything merged with the sacred air. You alone dominate all and rule over everything. Blissful Goddess, renowned queen of all, may you come with goodwill to our solemn ceremony.

    Greek · ritual
    Hera
    InvocationPraise
    →
  62. 062

    Prayer to Artemis

    ANAKREON TYIOS · PRAYER TO ARTEMIS · fr. 1 Bergk (= 348 PMG)

    To you I kneel O' deer-huntress, blonde daughter of Zeus, lady of the animals, Artemis, now surely alongside the currents of the Litheos, you look after the brave men of the city, and you rejoice because you do not herd unknowing citizens.

    Greek · personal
    Artemis
    PetitionInvocation
    2nd c. BC
    →
  63. 063

    Prayer to the Kouretes

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Purification Ceremony

    Bronze-sounding Kouretes, heavenly, and earthly, and of the waters, much blessed, life giving spirits, glorious saviours of the world, you who remove the dangers from peoples' lives, Immortal Kouretes, possessors of exalted arms, when coming to Earth thundering you fill the wild beasts with fear! Immortal Gods, who nurture the mortal species. O' Kouretes, noble and powerful, youths of Zeus, eternal spirits, soul nurturers, gracious saviours. I call upon you to come with good intentions, shield bearing guardians, bring harmony, perfect order, and peace. Heracles, Paionai, Epimedes, Iasios, and Ida!

    Greek · ritual
    the Kouretes
    InvocationPetitionProtection
    →
  64. 064

    Prayer to Zeus

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Noumenia — Hymn to Zeus

    O' Zeus, Father Zeus, You are the power in the heavens, You who judges the deeds of men to be lawful or devious, and dispenses justice upon hubristic beasts. Come, O' Blessed Ktesios and Erkeios, benevolent, comforting and bearing wealth with Agathodaimon.

    Greek · ritual
    Zeus
    InvocationPetition
    →
  65. 065

    Prayer to Jupiter

    CICERO · DE DOMO SUA AD PONTIFICES · 144

    Jupiter Capitolinus, to You I pray, I entreat You, who the Roman people have named Optimus after Your kindness and Maximus after Your great power.

    Roman · public
    Jupiter
    InvocationPetition
    1st c. BC
    →
  66. 066

    The oath at Canusium

    LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 22.53.10-11

    I swear with a deep conviction of mind that I shall never allow myself to desert the Republic of the people of Rome. If I should willfully break my oath, may Jupiter Optimus Maximus inflict upon me the worst, most shameful ruin, and on my house, my family, and all I possess.

    Roman · public
    Jupiter
    Oath
    3rd c. BC (recorded by Livy)
    →
  67. 067

    Prayer to Jupiter

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 5.687-693

    Jupiter Almighty, if You do not yet detest every Trojan to a man, if You still regard our pious acts of old, Father, grant that the flames will now avoid our fleet, and may You pull the diminished people of Troy away from destruction. Or else, if I so deserve, then send forth Your thunderbolt from above and cast those who remain into death, and by Your power rightly bury them.

    Roman · literary
    Jupiter
    Petition
    Augustan
    →
  68. 068

    Prayer to the Penates and Vesta

    VIRGIL · GEORGICS · 1.498-501

    Gods of our Fathers, Indigetes, heroes native to this land, Romulus and Mother Vesta, who preserve Etruscan Tiber and Roman Palatine, in this at least do not prohibit, a young savior come to the aid of a generation decimated by war.

    Roman · literary
    the Penates, Vesta
    Petition
    Augustan
    →
  69. 069

    Prayer to Jupiter

    LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 6.16.1

    Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Juno Regina, Minerva, and all you other gods and goddesses who dwell upon the Capitolium and the Arx, is this how you allow your defender, the protector of your shrines, to be treated, to be vexed and harassed by his enemies in this manner? Shall this right arm which drove the Gauls headlong from your shrines now be bound and chained?

    Roman · public
    Jupiter, Juno, Minerva
    PetitionOath
    4th c. BC (recorded by Livy)
    →
  70. 070

    Prayer to Neptune

    ARNOBIUS · ADVERSUS NATIONES · III.43

    Come, Dii Penates, come Apollo and Neptune and all You Gods, and by Your powers may You mercifully turn aside this ill disease that violently twists, scorches and burns our city with fever.

    Roman · public
    Neptune, Apollo, the Penates
    PetitionProtection
    3rd-4th c. AD
    →
  71. 071

    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
    →
  72. 072

    Prayer to Vesta

    OVID · FASTI · 3.425-428

    Vesta, watch over him whose hand tends the Holy Fire. Live well, fires. O live, I pray, undying flames.

    Roman · literary
    Vesta
    Petition
    Augustan
    →
  73. 073

    Prayer to Vesta

    OVID · FASTI · 6.249-250

    Vesta favor me. To You now our voices lift in praise as by this rite it is allowed that we may approach You.

    Roman · ritual
    Vesta
    PetitionPraise
    Augustan
    →
  74. 074

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · matrons' prayer

    Accept, O Carmentis, this offering of incense. Cheerfully have Your daughters come to adorn Your shrine of matrons. Come, most venerable Goddess, appear in flowing robes and nod Your assent to the milk that is poured in your honor and the cakes piled high to await you. Bring with You every soothing song to sing; every charm to bring peace and solace. Across the seas, from distant shores, bear with You the words by which we may praise the Gods. O most merciful Mother, we pray for a blessing from Your generous and temperate right hand.

    Roman · public
    Carmenta
    InvocationPetition
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)
    →
  75. 075

    Prayer to Hercules

    SILIUS ITALICUS · PUNICA · 1.505-507

    Hercules, Founder of our city Saguntum, you who are called Alcidus, in whose footsteps we now reside on this hallowed earth, avert the threatening storms from our land.

    Roman · literary
    Hercules
    PetitionProtection
    1st c. AD
    →
  76. 076

    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
    →
  77. 077

    Prayer to Hercules

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 8.301-302

    Hail, Hercules, true son of Jove, an added Glory for the Gods are you. Come now, and dance at your holy rites with skillful feet.

    Roman · literary
    Hercules
    InvocationPraise
    Augustan
    →
  78. 078

    Prayer to Janus

    AUSONIUS · PRECATIONES · Precatio consulis designati, 1-2

    Janus, come! The New Year is here, come and renew the sun.

    Roman · personal
    Janus
    Invocation
    4th c. AD
    →
  79. 079

    Prayer to Janus

    OVID · FASTI · 1.287

    Janus, make peace and the servants of peace eternal. Grant that the author of peace may not desert his work.

    Roman · literary
    Janus
    Petition
    Augustan
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  80. 080

    Prayer to Jupiter

    CATO · ORIGINES · 1 fr. 12

    The Latins vowed: Jupiter, if it is greatly pleasing to You, that we, rather than Mezentium, should give offerings to You, accordingly may You make us victorious.

    Roman · public
    Jupiter
    OathPetition
    2nd c. BC
    →
  81. 081

    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
    →
  82. 082

    Prayer to Ceres and Libera

    CAESIUS BASSIUS / PHILICUS · HYMN TO CERES AND LIBERA

    Fertile Goddesses, wives of Jove, may the mystic rite that You cherish not be defiled.

    Roman · ritual
    Ceres, Libera
    PetitionProtection
    →
  83. 083

    Prayer to Ceres and Proserpina

    LIVY · AB URBE CONDITA · 24.38.8

    Mother Ceres and Proserpina and all You Gods above and below who inhabit the city, these hallowed lakes and groves, I pray that You attend us with Your favor and support, if it should be that we are taking this initial step for the purpose of guarding against treacherous falsehood, not practicing it.

    Roman · public
    Ceres, Proserpina
    OathPetition
    3rd c. BC (recorded by Livy)
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  84. 084

    Prayer to Sol and Apollo

    CLAUDIUS CLAUDIANUS · IN OLYBII ET PROBINI FRATRES CONSULES PANEGYRICUS · 1-7

    O Sol, whose light embraces the world, you orbit inexhaustible, forever returning, your face glowing on each day, your horses harnessed as a team to drive your chariot, with manes braided pleasantly they rise high, passing over rose-red clouds as you rein their frothing fires. Already yet another year begins, measured by the footsteps of brothers, who as new consuls gladly offer their prayers and vows.

    Roman · public
    Sol, Apollo
    InvocationPraise
    4th-5th c. AD
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  85. 085

    Prayer to the Muse

    CLAUDIUS CLAUDIANUS · IN OLYBII ET PROBINI FRATRES CONSULES PANEGYRICUS · 71-72

    To you I pray, Apollo of Mount Parnassus, that you may inspire the pythia with so important knowledge, as to whom between us, O God, you will reward with authority.

    Roman · public
    the Muse
    Petition
    4th-5th c. AD
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  86. 086

    Prayer to Apollo

    MARTIAL · EPIGRAMMATA · 9.42

    May Myrina's richness ever You hold, Apollo, thus always the swan song, too, may You enjoy, may the well versed sisters ever serve You, the Delphic Pythia ever reveal any of Your oracles, may the Palatia ever love and revere You. Were You ever to ask, and Caesar grant, that he should invest Stella with consular powers, then gladly would I by vow become indebted to You.

    Roman · literary
    Apollo
    PetitionPraise
    1st c. AD
    →
  87. 087

    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
    →
  88. 088

    Prayer to Apollo

    VALERIUS FLACCUS · ARGONAUTICA · 5.244-249

    Father Apollo, I pray to You, all-seeing guardian God, be gracious to me and protect me, watching over my kingdom. Be ever vigilant and warn me what strangers or what subjects of mine conspire against me. Whatever treacherous plots there may be, keep me alert and prepared.

    Roman · literary
    Apollo
    PetitionProtection
    1st c. AD
    →
  89. 089

    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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