A Samnite liturgy to Herentas-Venus

I. The Invocation (Vocatio Deae)

Attend now, O Herentas, thou whose divine effulgence permeates the awakening world, whose presence is the very quickening of the fertile soil beneath our feet. From thy celestial dwelling, or perhaps from the secret heart of the blossoming earth itself, turn thine aspect, luminous and benign, towards this humble congregation, thy devoted children gathered beneath the ancient boughs. We, the stalwart folk of the hills and valleys, keepers of the herds and tillers of the stubborn fields, do lift our voices not with the clangour of arms, but with the earnest reverence due unto the Fount of all Gracious Things. Hearken, O Radiant One, Giver of Delight, Patroness of Concord, Venus Genetrix of our people! Let the murmur of the nascent streams and the rustle of unfolding leaves bear our entreaties unto thine ears, thou who art crowned with myrtle and the bloom of the vernal dawn.

II. The Encomium (Laudes Herentatis). Offering incense

Forasmuch as thou art the artificer of affection, the weaver of those intricate bonds that unite man and woman, establishing thereby the hearth and the continuation of our tribes; and inasmuch as thy gentle influence doth persuade the harsh winter to yield its grim dominion, coaxing forth the tender shoots and painting the meadows with manifold hues; therefore, we extol thy name, offering this sweet and fragrant incense that steadily ascends heavenward to thee. Thou art the silent promise within the swelling bud, the warmth that nurtures the seed within the furrowed earth, the beauty that resides in the symmetry of the perfect flower and the blush upon the maiden's cheek. Thy power extends over the multiplying flock and the burgeoning vine; where thy favour rests, barrenness flees ashamed, and the joyful cries of infants echo in the dwellings of men. Thou art the sweet solace after toil, the grace that softens the warrior's heart, the very spirit of generative life that ensures the Samnites endure, strong and plentiful, upon these sacred lands our ancestors bequeathed unto us. Thy works are manifest, O Herentas, in the loving glance, the fruitful womb, the bounteous harvest, and the peace that allows beauty to flourish unhindered.

III. The Oblation (Donum Sacrum). Offering milk, garlands, food, etc.

Behold, O Gracious Herentas, the offerings we present, not as mere payment, but as tokens of our heartfelt devotion and earnest hope. Upon thy rustic altar, cleansed and sanctified, we lay these gifts: the first milk drawn from the newly-calved heifer, rich and pure; garlands woven from the earliest blossoms of the field, their fragrance rising as incense unto thee; cakes crafted from the finest barley flour of the last harvest, sweetened with the wild honey gathered from the mountain hives; and a measure of ruddy wine, pressed from grapes ripened under thy benevolent gaze. Accept these humble tributes, O Goddess, symbols of the life thou dost foster and the beauty thou dost inspire. May their presentation find favour in thy sight, signifying the willing dedication of our labours and the fruits thereof to thy divine purview. Let the smoke ascending carry the essence of our gratitude towards thy empyrean seat.

IV. The Petition (Preces Votorum)

Wherefore, O source of all loveliness and increase, incline thine ear unto our supplications. Vouchsafe thy blessings upon our people throughout this turning season. Grant that the fields may yield abundantly, defying blight and drought, that our granaries may stand full against the leaner times. Bestow fertility upon our women, that our households may echo with the laughter of healthy children, the future strength of our people. Bless the unions forged in thy name, infusing them with enduring affection, loyalty, and concord, that harmony may prevail within our walls. Let thy generative power fill our pastures, multiplying our flocks and herds, ensuring prosperity for all. Turn aside discord from our councils, soften enmity between neighbours, and let the spirit of amicable congress flourish under thy gentle dominion. Protect the tender blooms from unseasonable frost, and guide the hand of the farmer and the shepherd in their vital tasks. Bestow, O Herentas, thy comprehensive favour upon our endeavours, both great and small.

V. The Conclusion (Finis Ritus)

Thus, having rendered homage and proffered our earnest pleas, we commend ourselves, our families, our livestock, and our lands unto thy benevolent keeping, O Herentas. As the sun climbs higher, warming the earth thou dost cherish, so too may thy favour warm our lives and prospects. Depart not utterly from this consecrated place, but leave behind a portion of thy grace, an assurance of thy continued vigilance. We shall depart in hope, bearing reverence in our hearts, striving to live in accordance with the harmony thou dost exemplify. May thy blessings endure until we gather once more to celebrate thy bounty. Go now, O people, with hearts uplifted, under the watchful gaze of the resplendent Goddess! The rite is concluded.