This Hour Of Faith

This Hour Of Faith
© Surazeus
2025 04 16

Emerging from wood fane by the pear tree, 
Sabina stands before her frightened people. 
"Now that we have secured haven of hope 
on lush shore of swampy Albula River, 
protected by our guardian Curinus, 
may Mother Ceres bless us with ripe wheat." 

Gesturing toward their boats anchored to oak trees, 
Sabina reminds them of their hard journey. 
"My father, Sabus Jupiter Fidius, 
assembled our tribe, driven from their land, 
on rugged sea shore of hilly Laconia 
and lead us here to this lush mountain valley." 

Sabina presses her hand on her heart. 
"His noble father, Sancus Fisovius, 
divine guard of our tribal sanctuary, 
god of heavenly light, sanctified oaths 
of agreements in contracts of respect, 
and avenged dishonest ones who broke oaths." 

Sabina gazes in their hopeful eyes. 
"Now that we enclosed our town with safe walls, 
we shall build temple to our tribal founder 
to preserve memory of his honest reign 
as son of Dius Fidius and his bride, 
wise Neith, graceful daughter of Sobecus." 

Sabina wipes tears from her sparkling eyes. 
"Sobecus reigned as river priest of oaths 
in land of Egyptia in hot Africa, 
till his brother overthrew him in coup, 
and set him adrift on the wine-dark sea 
with his young daughter and beloved books." 

Sabina raises right hand to the sun. 
"Generous Feronia, Goddess of Mothers, 
found Sobecus and his daughter shipwrecked 
on shore of Laconia, hungry in rain, 
so she gave them shelter and food to eat, 
and told her son Fidius to guard them well." 

Sabina crosses her arms across her breast. 
"When Neith grew tall and graceful as the willow, 
her kindness and beauty won the bold heart 
of Dius Fidius, defender of his tribe, 
so they pledged their love before Feronia, 
then she gave birth to our Lord Fisovius." 

Sabina spreads arms open as they cheer. 
"Each generation of our bold ancestors 
wandered lost in this world of hostile tribes, 
but we build our new home with crafting hands, 
for we are blessed by Feronia and Neith, 
whose spirits wake in me this hour of faith."