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Vermaseren and van Essen (1965) 165-7<br />

12.5 The mysteries of Mithras<br />

[Hail 1<br />

] to Salutius Lion. [Hail] to Marianus (?) Lion. Hail to Steturstadius Lion. Hail to<br />

Ianuarius Lion.<br />

On right wall. The first text is lost.<br />

Hail to Tinetlius Lion. Hail to Saturntus Lion. Hail to Horentius [Lion],<br />

1. For Hail (Nama) sec 12.5c(i).<br />

12.5h(iii) Beneath fresco of the seven grades. The texts below the image of<br />

the Father, at the beginning, and the Raven, at the end, are missing; cf.<br />

12.5h(xv). For the association of grades and tutelary deities, see 12.5a.<br />

Vermaseren and van Essen (1965) 166-9<br />

Hail to Sun-runners under the protection of Sun. [Hail to Persians under the protection<br />

of Moon.] [Hail to Lions] under rhe protection of Jupiter. Hail to the fierce (?) Soldiers<br />

[under the protection of Mars], Hail to rhe Male brides under the protecrion of Venus.<br />

12.5h(iv) Start of hymn to Eatth<br />

Vermaseren and van Essen (1965) 187<br />

Fertile earth, through whom Pales' procreates everything. < Or Fertile earth Pales who<br />

procreates everything^ 2<br />

1. For Pales and the festival of the Pariliasee 3.3a n.6; 5.1; Vol. 1, 50, 53 and 174-6; Bets<br />

(1968) 65; Hackerhal (1968) 237-8.<br />

2. After this line there follow indecipherable traces of two further lines.<br />

12.5h(v) According to the iconography of the cult, Mithras shot an arrow<br />

at a rock, which caused a spring to How. This line is the only indication ol a<br />

Mithraic commentarv on this evenr.<br />

Vermaseren and van Essen (1965) 193<br />

See further: CIMRAllndex s.v. 'Mithras' water miracle'.<br />

You rock-bound spring that fed the twin brothers' with nectar. 2<br />

1. The twin brothers are Cautes and Cauropates (12.5g n.9).<br />

2. There follow traces of two further lines.<br />

12.5h(vi) Mithras' capture of the bull was represented (in stucco) on the<br />

right wall of the cult niche in this sanctuary. This graffito seems to offer a commentary<br />

on that scene.<br />

Vermaseren and van Essen (1965) 200<br />

This young btdl which he carried on his golden 1<br />

shoulders according to his wont (?).<br />

I. The adjective 'golden' niav also have been picked up visually (cf. the thick gilding on the<br />

face of Mithras on the marvellously preserved relief from below S. Stetano Rotoudo:<br />

317

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