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All Prayers

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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

    Hymn to Ares

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 8

    Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear, O defender of Olympos, father of warlike Nike, ally of Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of the righteous men, scepted King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aither wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice from my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul. Restrain also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of bloodcurdling strife. Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness to abide within the harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends of death.

    Greek · hymn
    Ares
    InvocationPetitionPraise
    late antique (Homeric corpus, hymn 8 is post-classical)
    →
  2. 002

    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)
    →
  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)
    →
  4. 004

    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)
    →
  5. 005

    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)
    →
  6. 006

    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)
    →
  7. 007

    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
    →
  8. 008

    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
    →
  9. 009

    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
    →
  10. 010

    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
    →
  11. 011

    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)
    →
  12. 012

    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
    →
  13. 013

    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
    →
  14. 014

    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
    →
  15. 015

    Prayer to Diana

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 9.608-635

    Virgin Goddess of the sacred groves, whose unkind banners and fierce battle cries I follow, scorning my sex in a manner unlike the Greeks. If ever did I not boldly enter Bacchic revelries of the night, and even after I married, though my virgin purity was soiled, in my heart of hearts I remained a virgin huntress. I took no care to hide my fault from You in some secret cave, but held out my son to You, confessed my shame and trembling laid him at Your feet. He was not of degenerate blood, not weak or mild, but straightaway he crawled to my bow and as a babe cried for my arrow. For him I pray — whose fate causes me these restless nights and threatening dreams — for him, who now audaciously goes too boldly off to war, I pray to You that I may see him victorious, or, if I pray for too much, grant at least that I may see him once more. I pray, merciful Dictynna, by Your mother's labors and Your brother's glory, with all Your arrows pierce deeply this unhappy womb, and let him first hear of his wretched mother's death.

    Roman · literary
    Diana
    PetitionOath
    1st c. AD
    →
  16. 016

    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
    →
  17. 017

    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
    →
  18. 018

    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)
    →
  19. 019

    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
    →
  20. 020

    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
    →
  21. 021

    Hymn to Ares

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 65

    Magnanimous, unconquered, boisterous Ares, in darts rejoicing, and in bloody wars; fierce and untamed, whose mighty power can make the strongest walls from their foundations shake: mortal-destroying king, defiled with gore, pleased with war's dreadful and tumultuous roar. Thee human blood, and swords, and spears delight, and the dire ruin of mad savage fight. Stay furious contests, and avenging strife, whose works with woe embitter human life; to lovely Kypris and to Lyaios yield, for arms exchange the labours of the field; encourage peace, to gentle works inclined, and give abundance, with benignant mind.

    Greek · hymn
    Ares
    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)
    →
  22. 022

    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
    →
  23. 023

    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
    →
  24. 024

    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)
    →
  25. 025

    A prayer for war against strangers

    LUCAN · DE BELLO CIVILI (PHARSALIA) · 2.47-49

    Gods above, we do not pray for peace. Grant rage onto the nations. May You now arouse the cities; bring forth the whole world in arms to war.

    Roman · public
    Petition
    mid 1st c. AD
    →
  26. 026

    Prayer to Mars

    OVID · FASTI · 3.1-2

    Bellicose Mars, lay aside for awhile Your round bronze shield and spear. Mars, be present and let loose from its helmet Your sleek, shining hair.

    Roman · personal
    Mars
    Invocation
    early 1st c. AD
    →
  27. 027

    Prayer to Mars

    SILIUS ITALICUS · PUNICA · 3.126-127

    But You, O Mars, Father of Warfare, have pity on us, turn evil aside from us and preserve my husband's life as inviolable to all Trojan assaults.

    Roman · personal
    Mars
    PetitionProtection
    late 1st c. AD
    →
  28. 028

    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
    →
  29. 029

    Prayer to Mars Gradivus

    VALERIUS FLACCUS · ARGONAUTICA · 5.250-252

    Mars Gradivus, hear me, on whose sacred oak which fleece glitters. Protect it and keep it safe always, your arms prepared to clash at the clarion's sound to which your voice responds, ringing out in the darkness.

    Roman · personal
    Mars Gradivus
    PetitionProtection
    late 1st c. AD
    →
  30. 030

    Prayer to Faunus and Mother Earth

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 12.777-779

    Faunus, have pity, I pray, and you, opulent Earth, hold fast this weapon, if always I have honored your worship in good faith.

    Roman · literary
    Faunus, Mother Earth
    Petition
    Augustan
    →
  31. 031

    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)
    →
  32. 032

    Prayer to Jupiter

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 3.470-476

    Almighty Jupiter, You are He who imparts counsel to swift wings, and You who fills birds with foreknowledge of the future, and brings to light the omens and causes that lurk within the heavens. More enriched in mind is he, for whom You, O Dictaean Jupiter, announce Your will in the favoring flights of birds. May You allow that, guided by the skies, we shall have foreknowledge of the assembly of Argive forces and their initial movements in the fight ahead.

    Roman · literary
    Jupiter
    PetitionInvocation
    1st c. AD
    →
  33. 033

    Prayer to Minerva

    SENECA · HERCULES FURENS · 900

    To you, you alone, O warlike Pallas Minerva, I pray, friend and companion in all my toils; Tamer of Lycurgus, ivy wreathed you crossed the eastern seas, bearing the Thyrsus in your hand; and you divine twins, Apollo and Diana, hear my prayer.

    Roman · literary
    Minerva, Apollo, Diana
    InvocationPetition
    1st c. AD
    →
  34. 034

    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
    →
  35. 035

    Prayer to Neptune

    SILIUS ITALICUS · PUNICA · 15.159-162

    Neptune, divine Lord of the Trident, on whose high seas we begin to cross, if my preparations are made justly, grant our fleet to sail safely, Father, and do not scorn to aid our labors. The war I now draw across the sea is a just war.

    Roman · literary
    Neptune
    Petition
    1st c. AD
    →
  36. 036

    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
    →
  37. 037

    Prayer to Diana

    SILIUS ITALICUS · PUNICA · 13.136

    Come favorably, Diana, daughter of Latona, onto our undertaking.

    Roman · literary
    Diana
    InvocationPetition
    1st c. AD
    →
  38. 038

    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
    →
  39. 039

    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
    →
  40. 040

    Prayer to Diana

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 10.360-370

    By these wandering stars I swear, by the shade of my leader, who is to me a divine power, that like the depth of my grief so is my deep resolve. Cynthia, mistress of arcane mysteries of the night, if Your divine power is threefold and You descend into the forest each time with a different appearance, it was he who recently was Your companion, and whose honor was nurtured in Your sacred grove. At least consider now to lend me Your aid, for it is this boy, Diana, for whom I search.

    Roman · literary
    Diana
    OathPetition
    1st c. AD
    →
  41. 041

    Prayer to Diana

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 9.404-405

    You, O divine daughter of Latona, Glory of the Stars and Guardian of the Sacred Groves, be present, Diana, that You may succor us who labor.

    Roman · literary
    Diana
    InvocationPetition
    Augustan
    →
  42. 042

    Prayer to Minerva

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 11.483-485

    Diana, skillful in arms, leader in battle and guardian of soldiers, with Your hand, Tritonian Virgin, shatter the spear of this Phrygian pirate; throw him to the ground and stretch him out prostrate beneath our high gate.

    Roman · literary
    Minerva
    PetitionProtection
    Augustan
    →
  43. 043

    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
    →
  44. 044

    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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