Prayers to Aesculapius

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Apuleius, Florida 18.38-43

Eius dei hymnum Graeco et Latino carmine uobis ecce <iam> canam [iam] illi a me dedicatum. Sum enim non ignotus illi sacricola nec recens cultor nec ingratus antistes, ac iam et prorsa et uorsa facundia ueneratus sum, (39) ita ut etiam nunc hymnum eius utraque lingua canam, cui dialogum similiter Graecum et Latinum praetexui, in quo sermocinabuntur Safidius Seuerus et Iulius Perseus, (40)uiri et inter se mutuo et uobis et utilitatibus publicis merito amicissimi, doctrina et eloquentia et beniuolentia paribus, incertum, modestia quietiores an industria promptiores an honoribus clariores. (41) Quibus cum sit summa concordia, tamen haec sola aemulatio et in hoc unum certamen est, uter eorum magis Karthagine<m> diligat, atque summis medullitus uiribus contendunt ambo, uincitur neuter. (42)Eorum ego sermonem ratus et uobis auditu gratissimum, mihi compositu congruentem et dedicatu[r] religiosum[mo], in principio libri facio quendam ex his, qui mihi Athenis condidicerunt, percontari a Perseo Graece quae ego pridie in templo Aesculapi disseruerim, (43)paulatimque illis Seuerum adiungo, cui interim Romanae linguae partes dedi. Nam et Perseus, quamuis et ipse optime possit, tamen hodie uobis atticissabit.

Marcus Valerius Martialis, Epigrammata 9.17 To Asculapis

Latona's grandson, revered Aesculapis, by whose mild herbal remedies too briefly are the Fates beguiled, from Rome this child sends You his golden locks, that were once his lord's delight, and along with these the mirror that often assured him he was fair. He hastens to sacrifice these tresses that once circled his shining face, happily to serve, in payment for a vow, if You judge that out of danger he will be. Preserve his youthful grace, though his hair is now shortened, and long may You keep him handsome.

P. Ovidius Naso, Metamorphoses 15.678

"Behold the God!" he cried, "It is the God. Think holy thoughts and walk in reverent silence, all who are present. Oh, most Beautiful, let us behold you to our benefit, and give aid to this people that performs your sacred rites."

P. Terentius Afer, Hecyra 328

I'm sadly afraid Philumena's illness is getting worse. Aesculapius, I do entreat thee, and thee, Salus, that it may not be so.