MOST SERENE PRINCE

LUDWIG RUDOLPH,

DUKE OF BRUNSWICK AND LÜNEBURG,

It was a custom among the ancients original: "Antiquis ritus fuerat" that if any one of the gods original: "Deus" granted their prayers, or looked favorably upon the incense cast upon his altar, those who had obtained their wishes would either fulfill the vows they had made, or surround his altars with garlands, sacred greenery original: verbenis; branches of laurel, olive, or myrtle used in religious ceremonies, and ribbons. If the household was wealthy, they would sacrifice sheep original: bidentes; specifically two-year-old sheep intended for sacrifice at his altars, or lead annual or monthly offerings and solemn processions. If, however, the household gods original: Lares; Roman deities who protected the home and family were poor, they would perform their sacred rites and give thanks by casting a few grains of meal or yellow incense into the altar fire, doing so with a more devoted spirit and a whispering prayer, and for...