A Song To Mithras

Hymn of the XXX Legion, about AD 350

MITHRAS, God of the Morning, our trumpets waken
     the Wall!
'Rome is above the Nations, but Thou art over all!'
Now as the names are answered, and the guards are
       marched away,
Mithras, also a soldier, give us strength for the day!

Mithras, God of the Noontide, the heather swims in the
        heat,
Our helmets scorch our foreheads, our sandals burn our
       feet.
Now in the ungirt hour - now ere we blink and drowse,
Mithras, also a soldier, keep us true to our vows!

Mithras, God of the Sunset, low on the Western main,
Thou descending immortal, immortal to rise again!
Now when the watch is ended, now when the wine is
        drawn,
Mithras, also a soldier, keep us pure till the dawn!

Mithras, God of the Midnight, here where the great bull
        dies,
Look on thy children in darkness. Oh take our sacrifice!
Many roads Thou hast fashioned, all of them lead to the
        Light,
Mithras, also a soldier, teach us to die aright!

RUDYARD KIPLING