(ll. 1-17) Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed,
doughty in heart, shield-bearer, Saviour of cities, harnessed in
bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear, O defence of
Olympus, father of warlike Victory, ally of Themis, stern governor of
the rebellious, leader of righteous men, sceptred King of manliness,
who whirl your fiery sphere among the planets in their sevenfold
courses through the aether wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you
above the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of
dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and
strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice from
my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul. Restrain also
the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of
blood-curdling strife. Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness to
abide within the harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and
the violent fiends of death.