Orphic Hymn 65

To Mars

THE FUMIGATION FROM FRANKINCENSE. Magnanimous, unconquer’d, boist’rous Mars, In darts rejoicing, and in bloody wars; Fierce and untam’d, whose, mighty pow’r can make The strongest walls from their foundations shake: Mortal-destroying king, defil’d with gore, Pleas’d with war’s dreadful and tumultuous roar. The 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 Venus and to Bacchus yield, For arms exchange the labours of the field; Encourage peace, to gentle works inclin’d, And give abundance, with benignant mind.