"Gods send..."

Many of Poul Anderson's characters either live in or time travel to periods in which polytheism is the common conceptual framework. When a legionary sees an inscription that includes the name, "Neptunus," he asks whether the old Roman gods still have power here. Manse Everard of the Time Patrol, falling naturally into this way of thinking, has learned that the gods are a miserly lot.

Polytheism appeals to my imagination but not to my intellect. Once a year in Lancaster (see image), we chant in a communal orchard:

"Pray Gods send us a roaring good crop."

This is an inclusive prayer because even someone standing beside you cannot hear whether you chant "...Gods send..." or "...God send..."