He is of the opinion, however, that the Manichaean song mentioned by
Augustine, 354-430, affords some idea of Mithraic poetry. The song or
hymn in question represents a chief divinity surrounded by twelve minor
divinities, symbolizing the seasons, all clothed with floral
tributes.[45] Cumont also suggests that hero hymns were in existence,
celebrating the exploits of the gods.[46] The so-called _Liturgy of
Mithra_, a magic formula not considered by Cumont, contains hymn
fragments, one of which begins,
Lord, hail, potentate of the water,
hail, ruler of the earth,
hail, potentate of the spirit.[47]
Hippolytus, a presbyter of Rome who died in 236, in his _Refutation of
all Heresies_, quotes certain hymns in praise of Attis:
Whether thou art the race of Saturn or happy Jupiter,
and