Carmen Saeculare

The billow roars back to its tyrant, The wind ; the red thunderbolts roar ; The flame and the earthquake aspirant Leap forth as an herald before The trumpet of war. In crimson he robes him for raiment, In armour all rusted and red : Spear shakes and sword flashes, exclaimant To share in the spoil of the dead. A helmet flames forth on his forehead, Gold sparks from the forge of the stars, His shield with the Gorgon made horrid Hath blood on its bull-battled bars— Thou God of me, Mars ! He strides through the vibrating aether ; Spurns earth from His warrior feet ; Shakes fire from the forges beneath her ; His glances are fervid and fleet. With a cry that makes tremble the thunder, Light-speared, with a sword that is flame, He bursts the vast spaces asunder. His angels arise and proclaim : The Lord is His Name ! O Lord ! Thou didst march out of Edom ! Thou leapedst from the Mountains of Seir ! 20