Merchant of Venice question....

[estovlo2 0]

In The Merchant of Venice, shakespeare uses the phrase "frowning mars." Does anyone here know what that is a reference to? It's where Bassanio is about to open the casket. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Here's where it appears:

BASSANIO:

So may the outward shows be least themselves:

The world is still deceived with ornament.

In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt,

But, being seasoned with a gracious voice,

Obscures the show of evil? In religion,

What damned error, but some sober brow

Will bless it and approve it with a text,

Hiding the grossness with fair ornament?

There is no vice so simple but assumes

Some mark of virtue on his outward parts:

How many cowards, whose hearts are all as false

As stairs of sand, wear yet upon their chins

The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars;

Who, inward search'd, have livers white as milk;

And these assume but valour's excrement

To render them redoubted! Look on beauty,

And you shall see 'tis purchased by the weight;

Which therein works a miracle in nature,

Making them lightest that wear most of it:

So are those crisped snaky golden locks

Which make such wanton gambols with the wind,

[asdfa 0]

hmm, maybe establish the context of the story so we know what bassanio is talking about?

mars it the roman god of war is that helps any. a frowning mars may signify concern, and if the god of war is concerned, maybe conflict is approaching or there is treachery (un-honourable war, something that should be frowned upon)

i don't completely know what i'm talking about but i hope it helps