Ares

[underflow]

Ares, bright-armored bearer of spear and shield,
son of noble Zeus and wise and watchful Hera,
beloved of deep-hearted Aphrodite,
father of fear, father of sweet harmony,
in all the realms no one knows more the depths
and heights to which necessity may drive mankind.
Fair of form you are, O Ares, strong of arm
and fleet of foot, clever in the ways of strife,
ever-wary defender of the city gate,
granter of the sense that keeps safe the soldier,
holder of the hearts of those in direst need.
Dear to you are war dogs and carrion-birds,
beasts that feed on blood and carnage, that
flourish in the barren fields of battle. Ares,
saviour of cities, shaker of spears, bright-helmed
one who lends strength to the weak, courage to the fearful,
will to the clouded and vengeance to the wronged,
I thank you for your gifts, I honor your calling.