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Mars, the God of War, was the son of Juno, who jealous of the birth of
Minerva, consulted Flora, and on the plains near Olenus, was shown by her a
flower, through the very touch of which she might become a mother. The
goddess tried, and from her touch sprang Mars. His education was entrusted
by Juno to the god Priapus, who instructed him in dancing, and in every
manly exercise. His trial before the celebrated court of Areopagus, for the
murder of Hallirhotius, who insulted a daughter of Mars because she
slighted his addresses, forms an important epoch in his history. The fiery
blood of Mars, which would submit to no insult, was immediately in arms at
so tender a point, and he slew the insulter. Neptune, father of the slain,
cited Mars to appear before the tribunal of justice, to answer for the
murder of his son. The cause was tried at Athens, in a place which has been
called from thence Areopagus, and Mars was acquitted.
"Mars! God of Armies! mid the ranks of war,
Known by thy golden helm, and rushing car,
Before whose lance, with sound terrific, fall
The massy fortress and embattled wall.
"Father of victory! whose mighty powers,
And brazen spears, protect Olympus' towers;
By whom the brave to high renown are led,
Whom justice honours, and whom tyrants dread.
Hail! friend to man! whose cares to youth, impart
The arm unwearied, and the undaunted heart!"