W?: RANSLATEDBY THE REV. C. A. WI-IEELWRIGHT, PREBEICNDARY OF LINCOLN AND A NACR E O N. TRANSLATED BY THOMAS BOURNE. NEW YORK: HARPElR & BROTHElRS, PUBLISHERS, 329 & 331 PEARL STREET, FRANKLIN S QUAtRA. 1 56 4 CONTENT S. PAGE PREFACE... V Biographlcal Sketch of Pindar.. vii THE OLYMPIC ODES. Of the Olympic Games.16 Ode..17 -I......... 25 III........... 32 -IV.......... 37 - V........39 -VI......... 42 - VII........ 50 VIII... 58 IX......... 63 - X.. t 70 XI..76 - X....... 78 - III. 80 - XIV. 87 THE PYTHIAN ODES. O)f the Pythian Games.90 doe I........91 II........... 100 — III...... -......107 IV. 1. 15 -V..... 133 IV CONTENTS. ( —e VI........140 -- VII........ 143 - VIIJ.. 145 I.. 151 - X. 159 -- I.......... 164 -- XII..........168 THE NEMEAN ODES. Of the Nemean Games..172 Ode I..173 - II......... 177 - III........ 180 IV.......... 185 V. 191 VI........ 196 - II........ 200 VIII....... 207 IX..... 211 - X......... 216 - XI.. 223 THE ISTHMIAN ODES Of the Isthmian Games. 228 Ode I..... 229 — il...........233 — 11.... 236 -- IV.. 238 - V.. 243 - V. 247 - VII..... 251 - VII. 255 PRE A C E. THE version of Pindar's Odes which is here offered to the public was first undertaken in compliance with a suggestion contained in a critique written some years ago in the Quarterly Review; to which was annexed, by way of illustrating the plan, a metrical translation of the first two Olympic odes, in which the usual division into strophe, antistrophe, and epode was neglected, after it had been exposed in a strain of playful irony, and that into corresponding paragraphs made use of in its stead. The versions of these two odes were afterward republished at the end of a small volume of poems by the late Bishop Heber; and this plan appeared to the author of the present translation to be so worthy of adoption, that he has been induced to go regularly through the odes in the same manner; and ndw submits his effort to the ordeal of public opinion. If the sentiment of Denham, in his fine panegyric on Sir R. Fanshaw, translator of Ii Paster Fido, expressed in the following lines, be well founded, "Nor ought a genius less than his that writ, Attempt translation; for transplanted wit All the defects of air and soil doth share, And colder brains like colder climates are," few would be sufficiently bold to grapple in verse with a poet of so sublime a genius as the Theban bard; the difficulty of transfusing whose peculiar beauties into another language can be appreciated by those alone who have attempted to preserve this poet's sublimity without soaring into empty loftiness; and to adopt his occasional free tone of diction; without degenerating into the language of colloquial familiarity: so high a degree of caution is required in the transrator always to be on his guard, lest "Migret in obscuras humili sermone tabernas; Aut dumn vitat humum, nubes et inania captet." EORA.T. AD PISON. 229. VI PREFACE. But whatever fate may attend the present version, I shalh scarcely know how to repent of the temerity which urged me to the undertaking, and induced me to persevere in a labour that has, furnished an agreeable occupation for many a vacant hour. It has been my wish to give throughout my version some idea of the energetic, but rather abrupt, style and manner of an author whose language is exalted by sentiments of piety and genuine patriotism-deserved encomiums to the virtuous and brave, as well as heartfelt gratitude to his generous benefactors; whose various compositions are appealed to as authority in doubtful cases by Cicero, Pausanias, and other ancient writers quoted by the scholiast on different passages; whom Plato distinguishes by the epithets most wise and divine; who was considered by one of the early Christian fathers, Clement of Alexandria, to have been well versed in the Scriptures of the Old Testament, and to have borrowed many passages from that treasury of sacred wisdom and sublime eloquence, particularly fron% the Book of Proverbs; to whom, while living, honours all but divine were paid; and whose dwelling was spared, many ages after his death, in the general sack of his native city. I have annexed a brief account of the four most celebrated games of Greece, as well as an analysis of each ode; sufficient, I trust, to show the connectioni of idea that often binds together the most apparently digressive of Pindar's compositions; and added occasional illustrative notes, which may be found useful in explaining historical and mythological allusions: nor shall I, perhaps, be thought too presuming in expressing a hope that the English reader may now be en. abled to form a more accurate idea of the poetical character of Pindar than he has hitherto been enabled to effect. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF P I N D A R. PINDAR was a native of Thebes in Boeotia, or, as some authors, among whom is the geographical writer Stephanus Byzantinus, affirm, of the town of Cynocephali, which was under the Theban jurisdiction. He was the son of the musician Scopelinus, or, according to Suidas, of Deiphantus and Myrto: his birth is stated by the same author to have taken place in the sixty-fifth Olympiad, corresponding nearly with the year 520, A.C. His parents were probably of obscure situations in life, although of illustrious descent; as he asserts in his fifth Pythian ode that they were of the same origin with Arcesilaus, king of Cyrene. It is said of Pindar when verging to manhood, that a presage of his future lyrical eminence was drawn from the circumstance of a swarm of bees having settled on his lips. For his early skill in musical and poet Vlll BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCII ical composition he is said to have been chiefly indebted to the instructions of Corinna; against whom, however, when a competitor for the prize, it was his fate to be adjudged inferior in no fewer than five contests: but this perhaps is as much to be attributed to the personal charms of his fair rival as to her poetical superiority; since in the other Grecian assemblies, which did not allow of female competitors, he was almost invariably declared victorious. He also received instruction from Simonides of Ceos, at that time the most celebrated lyric poet in Greece. He was contemporary with,Eschylus, and senior to Bacchylides, having flourished one hundred and fifty years later thanfi Alcman, one hundred after Alcaeus, and fifty after Stesichorus, and surpassed them all in lyrical excellence. Of his numerous compositions, consisting of hymns in honour of the gods, paeans to Apollo, dithyrambics to Bacchus, funeral songs, and odes to the victors at the four great festivals of Greece, the latter only have been preserved to us, with the exception of some considerable fragments, one especially of great poetical beauty on the solar eclipse, cited by Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and the opening verses of a fine dithyrambic hymn. One slight effort of Pindar's juvenile nmuse has also escaped the ravages of time, but rinot sufficiently OF PINDAR. ix considerable to have served, like Popei's Ode on Solitude, or Cowley's Constantia and Philetus, as a presage of that future excellence which placed him, when he had attained his fortieth year, in the first rank of the lyric poets of Greece. The encomiums which our poet often lavishes on the wealthy have sometimes been mentioned as a subject of reproach; but if Pindar's chaste and decorous muse delighted to panegyrize kings, demigods, and heroes, in common with the poets of his time, we shall not be able to find throughout his odes any instance of vice in high station flattered, or prosperous wickedness enriched by the golden dews of poetical adulation. In the sincere and judicious advice which he fearlessly bestows on Hiero or Arcesilaus, the reader will be reminded of our own Chaucer, who, in the independent spirit of true genius, concludes his " Ballade sent to King Richard" by this grave admonition to the reigning monarch:"Prince, desire to be honourable, Cherish thy folk, and hate extortion," &c. It is to the bold and animated language of the Theban bard that we are in a great measure indebted for the feeling and interest that accompany the contemplation of those magnificent festivals which, being interwoven with the structure of the B x BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH popular religion, hailed by the hopes of the religious and the aspirations of the devout, have no parallel in the history of modern solemnities. His hymns and paeans in honour of Apollo were frequently chanted in the temples of Greece by the poet, seated in his iron chair, which was afterward placed as a venerable relic in the temple at Delphi; and the priestess herself declared it to be the will of the presiding deity that Pindar should be rewarded with one-half of the first fruits which were offered at his shrine.* We are not acquainted with many particulars ot his early life, but may collect from the accounts of various authors that the character of the living bard was held in the highest degree of estimation, especially by King Hiero, and his memory after death contemplated with the deepest reverence. It is related of him that he had a particular devolion for the god Pan, and therefore took up his abode near the temple of that deity. He was appointed to compose the hymns which were sung by the Theban virgins in honour of that mystic emblem of universal nature. It also appears from Pyth. iii., 139, that near the dwelling of Pindar stood a shrine or chapel dedicated to the great goddess Rhea, where the nymphs were wont to assemnt * See the note on the tenth Olympic ode, line 61. OF PINDAR. xi ble at the close of day ibr the purpose of performing their vows to her and to Pan. We further learn from Aristodemus, quoted by the scholiast on this passage, that Pindar himself raised this shrine to the venerable Mother of the Gods. He likewise cites a fragment of an ode or choral hymn addressed to Pan by our poet, invoking that deity, as president of Arcadia, and companion of the nymphs in their dances, to smile propitiously on his songs. Indeed, the piety of the Theban bard is everywhere conspicuous, and worthy of admiration. It is related by Plutarch, in his Life of Alexander, that when, after a most determined and vigorous defence, the city of Thebes was levelled to the ground by that conqueror, the posterity of Pindar were exempted from the hard fate which attended his captive fellow-townsmen. The same honour had on a former occasion been paid to the habitation of his descendants by the Lacedwemonians; and Pausanias, the Grecian traveller, relates that he had seen the ruins of this house near the fountain Dirce. Thie manner of Pindar's death has been variously related by different authors. Pausanias gravely records as. authentic the traditionary tale, that while our poet was living in the height of honour and glory, Proserpine appeared to him in a dream, and complained that she alone of all the deities Xll BIOGRAP1lICAL SKETCH had been neglected in his poems: this defect he promised to supply as soon as he should arrive in the kingdom of Pluto, when he would consecrate a hymn to her honour; and that he died either in the theatre or the gymnasium on the tenth day after his dream. Another account, by Yalerius Maximus, (b. ix., c. 12,) is so far removed from all recorded instances of the departure of illustrious men from the world, as naturally to excite the skepticism of the reader -although it is mentioned by that author as a sign of the favourable regard of the gods, no less than the excellence of his poetic faculty. This event is said to have taken place when the poet had attained the advanced age of eighty-six years, A monument was erected to his memory in the hip. podrome at Thebes, near the Prcetaean Gate, at the distance of a furlong from the city, and an inscription engraved on it, recording his candid and agreeable manners both to his fellow-townsmen and to strangers. The reader will perhaps irt be displeased if to this short biog~aphical sketch is added, from Heyne's excellenlt edition, a life of Pindar digested according to the order of years, together with a notice of'the victors who are celebrated in his od0 s. Olymp. 605,1, A.C. 520, Pindar born. OF PINDAR. il.. [Suidas says that he was forty years of age at the battle of Salamis, which account agrees with this.] ~Et. Olymp. Pyth. A C.'22 70,3 22 498 Hippocleas victor-Pyth. x. 30 72,3 24 490 Xenocrates-Pyth. vi. Battle of Marathon. In the same, or in the 25tn Pythiad, Midas gains the prize on the flute-Pyth. xii. 32 73,1 488 Epharmostus-O1. ix. 36 74,1 484 Agesidamus-O1. x. and xi. 40 75,1 480 Battle of Salamis. 42 75,3 27 478 Hiero conquers in racingPyth. iii. 44 76,1 476 Asopichus-O1. xiv. 46 76,3 28 474 Megacles-Pyth. vii.- Telesicrates-Pyth. ix. 48 77,1 472 Theron-O1. ii. and Ergoteles — 01. xii. 50 77,3 29 470 Hiero in the chariot racePyth. i. 54 78,3 30 466 Telesicrates-Pyth. ix. 56 79,1 464 Xenophon in the stadic course — 01. xiii. 58 79,3 31 462 Arcesilaus-Pyth. iv. and v. 60 80,i 460 Alcimedon —Ol viii. 66 81,3 33 454 Thrasydaeus-Pyth. xi. 68 82,1 452 Psaumis-O1. iv. and v. 74 83.3 35 -446 Aristomenes-Pyth. viii. XIV BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF PINDAR. This, according to Corsini, (Fast. Att.) is the year of Pindar's death, which however is by different authors assigned to various years between the 79th and 87th Olympiad.* * The various themes, on which his prolific muse was em ployed are thus enumerated by Horace, in his ode beginning "Pindarum quisquis," &c.; which it may not displease the English reader to peruse in the paraphrase of our excellent Cowley:" Whether th' immortal gods he sings In a no less immortal strain, Or the great acts of god-descended kings, Who in his numbers still survive and reign; Whether in Pisa's race he please To carve in polish'd verse the conqueror's images; Whether some brave man's untimely fate In words worth dying for he celebrate; Such mournful and such pleasing words, As joy to his motler's and his mistress' grief affords." THE OL Y MtI iC ODES. OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES. THm Olympic Games, the most illustrious of all in Greece, take their name from Olympia, a city of Elis, the place of their celebration; or from having been instituted by Hercules in honour of Jupiter Olympius, after a victory obtained over Augeas,tyrant of Elis, B. C. 1222. They were held at the full moon on the first month of every fifth year, and lasted five days, as appears from 01. v., 15. 7rscirapcpocs Ev at.ltX.at;. According to some authors the date of their institution was B.C. 1453. After a long interval of neglect they were reinstituted B.C. 776, in which year Chorcebus obtained the victory; and from this time the era of the Olympiads is usually dated. The exercises at these games consisted of running, wrestling, leaping, throwing the discus, and boxing with the ca.stus; which were altogether called by the name ~revraO)ov, or quinquertium, and comprehended in the well-known Greek verse: adXpa, 7raVo3WKcUtV, t'KOeV, aKovra, 7ra Xfv.'rhe reward of the victor was a crown of the wild olive-tree, called (01. iv., 19,) eXata ItZaTrTs: which, according to the mythological story, had been transplanted at Olympia by Hercules from the hyperborean regions; which fable is related at large in the third Olympic ode. Besides the five contests mentioned above, there were at these games horse and chariot races, and contentions in poetry, eloquence, and the fine arts. qThey were celebrated with every mark of solemnity: the preparations for the festival were very great: none but persons of unblemished character were allowed to present themselves as combatants; and they were attended by spectators from every part of Greece. Near the goal of the stadium was placed the semicircular seat of the Olympic judges, who were called hellanodici; and behind them was the large tract of land known by the name of Altis; for a description of which see the note on 01. x., 62. THE FITRS't OL MPPCIC ODE. TO HIEItOs, KIN; OF' SYRACUSE, VICTOR IN THE SINGLE.'HORSE RACE IN T'}{.E SNVE.NTY''-THIRD OLYMPIAD. AR GU E NT. IN this ode Pindar, who, together with other bards, was probably at this time a guest at the royal table, sets forth in a beautiful strain. of poetry the glory and superiority of the Olympic contest, in which Hiero has been victorious, to all other galaes; ho then digresses to the history of Pelops, soil of Tantaius, wvho formerly possessed Pisa and Olympia, and is now lhonoured as a hero within the sacred grove Altis. Returning to his principal subject, he concludes the ode with good wishes for the continued prosperity of the victor. Note.-The inner number, placed at the end of the several paras graphs, shows the corresponding line of the original. WATER with purest virtue flows; And as the fire's resplendent light Dispels the murky gloom of night, The meaner treasures of the mine With undistinguish'd lustre shine 5 Where gold irradiate glows. I In the Thalesian philosophy water was corsidered the most excellent of all the elements, as that to which all other things owed their origin. This opinion Plutarch (de Iside et Osiride) considers that Homer as well as Thales borrowed from the Egyptians. Juno, in the Iliad, b. xiv., v. 200, tells Venus, and afterward repeats it to Jupiter, that she came to visit the extremities of the earth, and Ocean, the progenitor of the gods, and their mother Tethys. 18 PINDAR. Thus too wheat flames the orb of day The anxious eye in vain would soar Along the desert air, Intently gazing to explore 10 Another star whose lustre fair Shines with a warmer ray. And we will sing in loftiest strain The contest of Olympia's plain; Whence, Saturn's mighty son to praise, 15 Poets the hymn of triumph raise, To Hiero's festal dome who bend their way. 17 The monarch whose supreme command In Sicily's prolific land The righteous sceptre sways, 20 Culling the pride of every flower Trhat blooms in Virtue's hallow'd bower; A. wreath of highest praise. While music adds a brighter gem To gild the regal diadem, 25 When poets' sportive songs around His hospitable board resound. 26 Then from its lofty station freed Quickly seize the Dorian lyre: If Pisa or the victor steed, 30 Ne'er doom'd beneath the scourge to bleed The mind with sweetest cares inspire. When by Alpheus urged, his flight Exalts his lord with conquering might, In Syracuse who holds his reign, 35 And loves the generous horse to train. 36 Such too his fame and lustre high From Lydian Pelops' colony; 38 A temple was, erected to Pelops in the Altis, or sacred grove, which had been fenced from profane tread by Hercules, (see 01. x, 62. ) near to that of Jupiter at Olympia. Hence the FIRST OLYMPIC ODE. 19 Whom earth-encircling Neptune loved, When from the glowing caldron's round, 40 His arm with ivory shoulder crown'd, Clotho the newborn youth removed. So much to fabled lore we traceFor wrapp'd in varied falsehood's veil Full oft the legendary tale 45 Can win to faith the mortal mind, While truth's unvarnished maxims fail To leave her stamp behind. 47 When from poetic tongue The honey'd accents fall, 50 Ilowe'er from monstrous fiction sprung, They win their unsuspected way, And grace disguises all, Till some far-distant day Render the dark illusion plain. 55 Yet not to mortal lips be given By tales unworthy to profane The majesty of Heaven. 57 Offspring of Tantalus! my strain A different story shall record; 60 How to the genial board Thy father call'd each heavenly guest, To share the blameless feast, With grateful hands upon the head Of his dear Sipylus outspread. 65'Twas then, by fond desire subdued, Thy form the trident bearer view'd, story of Pelops is less episodical, and has a closer connection with the poet's subject than might at first appear. Within the precincts of the Altis was planted the sacred olive tree, called callistephanos, from which victors in the Olympic games were crowned. 65 It was on the top of this mountain that, in a later age, 20 PINDAR. And whirl'd thee on his golden steeds above To the high palace of immortal Jove; Where Ganymede in days of yore 70 The same illustrious office bore. 71 But when the long inquiring train Had sought their absent charge in vain To his fond mother to restore, The slanderous whisper circled round 7t That in the fervid wave profound, Hewn by the sword, his limbs were cast, And to the lords of heaven supplied a sweet repast! But far the impious thought from me To tax the bless'd with gluttony; 80 For well I know that pains await The lips that slanderous tales relate. If the great gods who on Olympus dwell High favour e'er on man bestow'd Above the undistinguish'd crowd, 85 To Tantalus the lot of honour fell. But ah! too feeble to digest The raptures of the heavenly feast, His haughty soul incensed to ire The might of his immortal sire; 90 Who o'er his head a massy rock Suspended, that with direful shock Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus, melted away into her shower of snowy tears. See the exquisite description of Sophocles-'Antig. 824-833.;) also that of Ovid-(Met. vi. 301-312.) 87 Hesiod (Theog. 638, et seq.) declares that the same effects of pride and insolence were wrought on the minds of the Titans after they had been allowed to partake of the divine aliments:"Their spirits nectar and ambrosia raise." Cooke's Version. Might not this fable, which is also related, almost in the words of Pindar, by the scholiast on the Odyssey, (iv. 58.,) owe its origin to some obscure tradition of the gathering of manna by the Israelites in the wilderness, when man did eat angels'food? 92 Lucretius, in his magnificent description of infernal pun FIRST OLYMPIC ODE. 21 Threatens to crush him from on high, And scare his proud felicity. 94 Thus still in unavailing strife 95 He drags a weary load of life, The fourth sad instance of destructive pride Whose hand th' ambrosial food convey'd (Which had himself immortal made) To earthly guests beside. 100 Then hope not, mortal, e'er to shun The penetrating eye of Heaven; For lo! the rash offender's son Far from the happy haunts is driven To join his kindred shortlived train, 105 And wander o'er the earth again. 108 But when the thick and manly down His black'ning chin began to crown, From Pisa's lord he seeks to prove Highborn Hippodamia's love. 110 Full often near the hoary flood The solitary lover stray'd, And shrouded in nocturnal shade, Invoked the trident-bearing god; Who, ready the loud call to greet, 115 Stood near the youthful suppliant's feetIshments (iii. 991, seq.,) appears to have had this passage in his mind, when he says, " Nec miser impendens magnum timet, aire, saxuin Tantalus, ut fama est, cassa formidine torpens; Sed magis in vita Divom metus urguet." Our own Spenser, too, has the same allusion, speaking of old Malbeceo, who lives " In drery darkenes, and continuall feare Of that rock's fall; which ever and anon Threates with huge ruine him to fall upon, That he dare never slepee." Faery three ening Sisiphus, Titys, and xion 97 The other three being Sisiphus, Tityus, and Ixion. 22 PINDAR. When thus he spoke: " If fond desire, Neptune, could e'er thy bosom fire, (Enomaus' brazen spear restrain, And whirl me on thy swiftest car- 120 Victorious to th' Elean plain, Since conquer'd in the rival war Thirteen ill-fated suitors lie, And still the sire delays his daughter's nuptial tie. Nor think I bear a coward soul 125 Which every danger can control; Since all the common path must tread That leads each mortal to the dead, Say wherefore should inglorious age Creep slow o'er youth's inactive bloom, 130 And sinking in untimely gloom, Should man desert life's busy stage To lie unhonour'd in the tomb t This strife be mine: and thou, whose might Can bless the issue of the fight, 135 Oh! grant me thy propitious aid."'Twas thus the ardent lover pray'd; Nor sued with supplication vain The mighty ruler of the main; Who, mounted on his golden car, 140 And steeds' unwearied wing Gave him to conquer in the war The force of Pisa's king. Obtaining thus the virgin fair, Hier valiant hero's couch to share; 145 From whom six noble chieftains born, With warlike fame their stern adorn: Now by Alpheus' stream he lies, Bless'd with funereal obsequies, 123 The same number of Trojans are related by Homer to have been slain by Diomed in his celebrated night expedition, (11. x. 493, &c.,) the last of whom is Rhesus himself. The scholiast on this passage gives us two catalogues of their names. FIRST OLYMPIC ODE. 23 And every rite divine; 150 Where strangers' Teet innumerous tread The precincts of the mighty dead, Is rear'd his hallow'd shrine. At distance beams his glory's ray Conspicuous in Olympia's fray, 155 Where strength and swiftness join in arduous strife: And round the victor's honour'd head The verdant wreath of conquest spread, Heightens with bliss the sweet remains of life. 159 Such bliss as mortals call supreme, 160 Which with its mild, perpetual beam Cheers every future day: And such my happy lot to grace His triumphs in the equestrian race With soft Eolian lay. 165 Nor will the muse another find Among the bless'd of human kind More potent or in regal fame, Or arts that raise a monarch's name, For whom she rather would prolong 170 The rich varieties of song. The god who makes thy cares his own, Thee, Hiero, still with favour crown. And soon, if his protecting love Not vain and transitory prove, 175 I hope to find on Cronium's sunny height A sweeter vehicle of song To publish, as it rolls along, Thy rapid chariot's flight. For me the muse with vigorous art 180 Prepares her most puissant dart. 179 165 I. e. Dorian; for the Dorians and LEolians were descended from a common origin: see v. 30, 176 Pausanias (1. vi.) informs us that the Cronian or Saturnian hill at Olympia rose above the Altis, so as to command a full view of the course. 24 PINDAR. While men in various paths their efforts bend The steep of glory to ascend, Sublime above the rest on high Glitters the orb of majesty. 185 No further then thy wishes raise, Supreme in glory as in praise, Long be it thine to tread: Meanwhile my hymn's triumphant strain, That celebrates the victor train, 190 Exalts through Greece thy bard's illustrious head. THE SECOND OLYMPIC ODE. "O THERON OP AGRIGENTUM, (IN GREEK ACRAGAS,) ON HIS VICTORY IN THE CHARIOT RACE, GAINED IN THE SEVENTY-SEVENTH OLYMPIAD. ARGUME NT. THE poet congratulates Theron, sprung from ancestors who had experienced much adversity, though sometimes attended with better fortune-extols him for his skill in the contests, his unsparing expense in bringing them to a happy issue, and the right use to which he applies his great wealth, assuring him that the recompense of his virtuous dispositions will attend him after death: this leads to a most noble description of the infernal and Elysian abodes. Returning from this digression, which he defends from the carping malignity of his detractors, Pindar concludes with the praises of Theron YE hymns that rule the vocal lyre, What god, what hero shall we sing? What mortal shall the strain inspire? Jove is fair Pisa's guardian king; And Hercules Olympia's glorious toil 5 Ordain'd the first fruits of the battle spoil. Theron too demands my strain, Whose four-yoked steeds in triumph sweep the plain. 9 The hospitable, just, and great, Bulwark of Agrigenturn's state, 10 Of his high stem the flower of fairest pride. 14 Who by their long afflictions toss'd, Regain'd their sacred mansion lost, Upon the kindred tide. 14 The river Acragas, on which the city of Agrigentum situated. (See the opening of the twelfth Pythian ode.) C 26 PINDAR. Of every care they found at last 1I A sweet and tranquil close, A balm for every danger past, A haven of repose. And hence to fair Sicilia springs Her long illustrious line of kings, 20 Whose happy life- and wealth their native virtues wait. 20 Oh Rhea's son, Saturnian Jove, Lord of th' Olympic seats above, Whose favouring power the victor gave To triumph by Alpheus' wave, 25 Still to their latest offspring bear These gifts of thy paternal care. Not Time himself, the sire of all, By mortal or immortal power The deed perform'd can e'er recall: 3(0 But sweet oblivion of the gloomy hour Succeeds when joy's enlivening train Scatt'ring the melancholy gloom, Bid the light heart its wonted ease resume, And Heaven's o'erruling lord emits his bliss again. 38 Cadmus, thy daughters' wayward fate 36 This moral truth can prove, Who changed their suffering mortal state For happy thrones above. Fair Semele, of flowing tresses vain, 40 By the loud blast of thunder slain, Her joyful recompense can boast, And lives among th' Olympic host. 36 Cadmus was an ancestor of Theron, and therefore his daughters, Ino, who was married to Athamas, king of Thebes, and whose story is finely told by Ovid, in the fourth book of the Metamorphoses, and Semele,the concubine of Jove, are judiciously selected by the poet to illustrate the mutability of human fortune, while at tile same time they show the antiquity and. re gal splendour of the monarch's descent. SECOND OLYMPIC ODE. 27 Now Pallas sooths the happy fair With everlasting love,' 45 The ivy-circled stripling's care, And fond delight of Jove. 50 Bless'd too, as ancient tales agree, Is Ino's alter'd destiny. Their forms where sister Nereids lave 50 With them at large to stray, And sport amid the ocean wave Her happy hours away. 55 Then let not vain presumptuous man Seek with unhallow'd eye to scan 55 Th' irrevocable doom; If clouds invest his final day, Or Heaven shall gild with cheerful ray The darkness of the tomb. For bliss and sorrow with alternate flow, 60 Sway the uncertain tide of life below. 64'Twas thus the fates' supreme command Which bless'd old Laius' regal line With power and happiness divine, In after times decreed the blow 65 That plunged their hapless race in wo. Impell'd the parricidal hand Which struck the Theban monarch's breast, Perfecting the decree in Pythian gloom express'd. 72 With sharpen'd eye's avenging speed 70 Erinnys view'd the murderous deed, And soon by mutual slaughter gave The warlike brothers to the grave. Surviving Polynices' doom, Thersander bade in times to come 75 Adrastus' house revive again, First in each youthful sport, and in the strife of men. 28 PINDAR. Then justly, noble king, to thee, AiEnesidemus' progeny, Thy willing poet's lyre shall raise 80 The tributary song of praise. 86 Alone in the Olympic sand The victor's crown he wore; But when upon the Pythian strand, As on the Isthmian- shore, 86 Twelve times his steeds the destined bound The car triumphant whirl'd around, The social Graces who decree Each high reward of victory, To his loved brother's head the wreath of conquest bore. 93 90 This honour'd guerdon to obtain Has power to free from mental pain. Such bliss the envied wealth of kings, When crown'd by patient labour brings, And emulation's flame. 95 True star of glory! given to cheer The clouds that hang on life's career, And gild the path to fame. But let the proud oppressor know What torments in the world below 100 79 AEnesidemus, the father of Theron, was the seventh in lineal descent from Thersander. 100 These are concisely enumerated by the learned Proper tius: (1. tIi., v. 39, sqq.:)"Sub terris si jura Deum, et tormenta gigantum, Tisiphones atro si furit angue caput; Apt Alcmaoni a furiae, aut jejunia Phinei; Num rota, num scopuli, num sitis inter aquas," &c. Tibullus also (Eleg. I. iii. 58.) poetically contrasts the joys of Elysium with the pains of Tartarus:" Ipsa Venus campos ducet ad Elysios. Hic chores3 cantusque vigent;At scelerata jacet sedes in nocte profunda SECOND OLYMPIC ODE. 29 The harden'd soul await. By Jove's command what judges there From stern ne6essity declare The fix'd decrees of fate. 108 Where beams of everlasting day 105 Through night's unclouded season play, Free from mortality's alloy, The good shall perfect bliss enjoy. T'hey. nor with daring hands molest Earth's torn and violated breast, 110 Nor search the caverns of the main An empty being to sustain; But with the honour'd gods, whose ear The faithful vow delights to hear, Shall be their tearless age of rest; 115 While parigs of aspect dire distract the impious train. 122 But they whose spirit thrice refined Each arduous contest could endure, And keep the firm and perfect mind From all contagion pure; 120 Abdita, quam circum flumina nigra sonant. Tisiphoneque impexa feros pro crinibus angues Saevit, et huc illuc impia turba fugit,"' &c. 105 One might almost imagine that Pindar had taken this sentiment from a passage in the book of Proverbs (iv. 18, 19)" The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. " The way of the wicked is as darkness." 117 According to the scholiast, Pindar in this passage follows the Pythagorean doctrine of the metempsychosis,'and reserves the beautiful Elysium of the blessed islands to those who have passed with the divine approbation through the two conditions of mortality, on and beneath the earth. With this whole de scription of the Elysian and Tartarian abodes, compare Hesiod; (Op. et Dies. 225.;) where, however, the paradise of the just, as well as the opposite residence of those who delight in violence and wrong, is terrestrial. 30 PINDAR. Along the stated path of Jove To Saturn's royal courts above Have trod their heavenly way, Where round the island of the bless'd The ocean breezes play; 125 There golden fiow'rets ever blow, Some springing from earth's verdant breast, These on the lonely branches glow, While those are nurtured by the waves below. From them the inmates of these seats divine 130 Around their hands and hair the woven garlands twine. 136 Such Rhadamanthus' just decree, Who sits by Father Saturn's side, Where with his all-possessing bride Rhea, supreme he holds his court. 136 In those high ranks Peleus and Cadmus shine, And to the blissful seats above The prayer of Thetis won- the breast of Jove To waft the scion of -her line, Achilles, whose resistless might 140 The pride and hope of Troy o'erthrew, Hector, till then unconquer'd, slew; Till then th' unshaken pillar of the fight. Cycnus the hero gave to death, Aurora's AEthiop son to him resign'd his breath. 149 Full many a sharp and potent dart 146 That shows unspent the poet's art, And to the wise sounds clear and shrill, Rests in my well-stored quiver still. But minds untaught some guide will need 150 Safe through the mystic paths to lead; 143 So Catullus, addressing Peleus, says, "Thessaliae columen Peleu." —De ~rupt. Pel. et Thet. 26. 145 Memnon SECOND OLYMPIC ODE. 31 While witlings learn'd with empty sound Like crows pursue their ceaseless round, That through the airy plains above Track the majestic bird of Jove. 158 155 Then take, my soul, thy fearless aimDrawn from the quiet storehouse say To- whom thine arrows wing their way Along the path of fame. Far as proud Agrigentum's height 160 Should they direct their devious flight, If sworn to truth, I will declare That in the hundred years whose course hath fled O'er her imperial head, No heart more friendly, no more liberal hand 165 Than Theron's, who now sways -the subject land, Hath held dominion there. 173 Yet Insolence her voice will raise Unjust to thwart the monarch's praise, And Envy's rancorous tongue invade, 170 Casting his merits into shade. Howe'er the base malignant crew His name with violence pursue, If thou wouldst all his generous deeds explore, As soon the sandy grains thy tongue shall number o'er. 180 175 175 So Catullus: (ad Lesbiam:)"Quam magnus nunmerus Libyssae arenas Laserpiciferis jacet Cyrenis, Oraclum Jovis inter aestuosi, Et Batti veteris sacrum sepulchrum: Quam nec pernumerare curiosi Possint,' I THE THIRD OLYMPIC ODE. TO THE SAME THERON, ON OCCASION OF A VICTORY OBTAINED BY HIM IN THE CHARIOT RACE: THE DATE IS NOT RECORDED. ARGUMENT. THIS ode was addressed to the King of Agrigentum, to whom the victory was announced as he was celebrating the. Theoxenia: (a festival in honour of all the gods, instituted by the inhabitants of Pallene, or, according to the mythological story, by Castor and Pollux.) Pindar therefore begins by invoking the aid and approbation of the Dioscure and their sister Helen-thence on the mention of the olive wreath he digresses to the fable of Hercules transplanting the wild olive tree from the Hyperborean regions to Olympia He concludes by congratulating Theron, who had attained the highest point of human glory, and attributes his success to the favour of the twin deities, influenced by his piety and the regularity with which he celebrated the festival of the gods: the attempt to proceed farther would be as vain as the endeavour to sailbeyond the Pillars of Hercules, the supposed boundary of the old world. To please the hospitable pair From godlike Tyndarus who spring, And Helen, nymph of lovely hair, I would awake th' Olympic string, And raise the lyric song, to crown 5 Bright Agrigentum with renown, And Theron's glories sing, Whose steeds' unwearied feet achieve the guerdon fair. 1 This epithet, as West observes, is very appropriately be stowed on the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, on account of tne establishment, by them, of the Theoxenia, a feast to which the THIRD OLYMPIC ODE. 33 Then may the muse her bard inspire, Who first upon the Dorian lyre 10 Raised the melodious strain on high To swell the pomp of victory. 10 The verdant wreaths that proudly glow Round the triumphant courser's mane, Call on the shrill-toned flute to flow, 15 The varied lyre and well-connected strain. Which may a due encomium raise.Enesidamus' son to praise. 16 And Pisa joins the general claimFrom her proceeds the song of fame, 20 To whom the umpire's just decree Awards the meed of victory. Prompt to fulfil Alcides' high command, Who bade the verdant olive glow Twined by th' _Etolian judge's hand 25 Around the conqueror's brow. 22 Which erst Amphitryo's godlike son From Ister's shady fountains bore. The fairest mark of triumph won By victor on Olympia's shore. 30 Gift of the Hyperborean race, Who worship in Apollo's fane, gods were invited. With the opening of this ode compare Euripides, Orestes, sub fin. %EXcvev Z7voS pzaOgpots rg E)aaoo, K. T. X. We may observe that the praises of Agrigentum are a favtsrite heme of Pindar's grateful muse. 18 Thomson, in his Castle of Indolence, (ii. 13.,) says of his Knight of Arts and Industry, that With varied fire He roused the trumpet and the martial fife, Or bade the lute sweet tenderness inspire, Or verses framed that well might wake Apollo's lyre. 31 It would be tedious and not very edifying to the reader to detail the various opinions of the ancients respecting the geo 34 PIND TR. The plant which shades that hallow'd place His voice persuasive could obtain; Where Jupiter's tall grove a shelter gave 35 Common to all mankind, and chaplets to the brave. For now to his great father's name Perform'd was every sacred rite; And when the full-orb'd lamp of night Pour'd from her golden car the severing flame, 40 He gave each fifth revolving year, Where falls Alpheus' high career, To judge the well-earn'd meed of fame. 39 But in Saturnian Pelops' vale No trees waved beauteous to the gale- 45 No verdant grove, no depth of shade The raging solar beam allay'd; His mind impell'd hinm then to go Where Ister's streams through Scythian regions flow; Latona's huntress daughter there 50 Received the hero as he came From Arcady's deep glens and summits fair. graphical position of the Hyperboreans: some placing them in Europe and others in Asia; nay, they have been said to dwell within the polar circle, in a fruitful and temperate clime, free from all skyey influences of an adverse and malignant nature. In Olymp. viii. 70, Pindar says that the Ister flows through the land of Scythia. Hence this northern El Dorado would be situated in a latitude above the equator,. as high as that of the modern Siberia. But nothing can be more vague and undefined than the notions of antiquity respecting the limits of thd Ister and the territories of the Scythians. In the sixth Isthmian ode, v. 36, Pindar appears to consider the Nile and the Hyperborear regions as the northern and southern extremities of the habitable globe. It appears that the sacred olive which the Theban Her cules is fabled to have transplanted from their regions grew somewhere above the fountains of the Ister or Danube. The tenth Pythian ode contains a poetical description of the fertility and blessedness of these Utopian regions. 39 The Olympic games were celebrated on the'day nearest to THIRD OLYMPIC ODE. 35 When, as Eurystheus' will was told, Necessity from Father Jove To bring the hind with horns of gold 55 His persecuted offspring drove: Which erst, in sacred pomp array'd, raygeta had given to please th' Orthosian maid. 54 This as he urged in warm pursuit, His eyes survey'd the region there 60 Which chilling Boreas render'd bare, Admiring the tall olive's shoot; Then sweet desire possess'd his soul To plant the consecrated root Around the twelve-times circled goal. 65 And now to crown the solemn feast, The hero comes, propitious guest, With deep-zoned Leda's twinborn pair. To them the glorious charge he gave, Ascending to Olympus' height, 70 To fix the contest's laws, and crown the brave Nho sped his victor car, or won the palm of might. 67 Then justly noble Theron's farme My mind exhorts me to proclaim; And sing th' Emmenidaes' high race, 75 Whom Jove's equestrian offspring grace With honours and rewards divine, So bright their virtuous actions shine. By them the sacred rites are paid, By them the liberal banquet laid 80 With more abundant plenty stored Than often crowns a mortal board. 74;he full moon of that month, the new moon of which immediately followed the summer solstice. 5 I1. e. Diana: so named from her salutary obstetrical infiluence, or from a mountain of Arcadia. The younger scholiast gives a long account of the reason why this stag with gilded horns was offered to Diana, who had benevolently metamorphoscd into the form of that animal Taygeta, the daughter of Atlas. 36 PINDAR. If water then and shining gold The rank of highest glory hold, Even thus has virtuous Theron gain'd 85 The farthest point by man attain'd. His fame has reach'd that distant land Where the Herculean pillars stand. Beyond this point who strives to sail, Wise or unwise, can ne'er prevail- 90 No farther I pursue-my course is here restrained. 81 THE FOURTH OLYMPIC ODE. TO PSAUMIS OF CAMARINA, ON HIS VICTORY WITH THE QUADRIG/, OR CHARIOT WITH FOUR HORSES, GAINED IN THE EIGHTY-SECOND OLYMPIAD. ARGUMENT. THIS ode opens with a sublime invocation to Jupiter, and a prayer for Psaumis. —The poet then proceeds to the praise of the victor, on account of his hospitality, love of peace, patriotism,' and the care he bestows on the training of his horses.-Subjoins the story of Erginus, the son of Clymenus, as an excuse for the premature whiteness of his hair. THY circling hours, immortal Jove, Who mak'st th' unwearied lightnings move, With song and lyre's accordant string Rouse me the victor's praise to sing. When friends succeed, the good rejoice, 5 And hail the sweet-toned herald's voice. Oh son of Saturn!-thou who rul'st above Where.Etna with his burning load impress'd Weighs down the hundred-handed Typhon's breast, Deign with thy favour to approve 1( This hymn which to the victor's praise address'd,,Aspires to crown th' Olympic strife, That gilds with glory's beam the latest hour of life. 15 High on his car triumphant placed, His brows with Pisa's olive graced, 15 Lo! Psaumis brings the meed of fame To raise his Camarina's name. 38 PINDAR. The god who joys to bless thee now, Propitious hear eacl future vow! 22 Him shall my constant praise await, 20 Who skill'd to train the generous steed, To every guest unf, l;s his rate, And tranquil aids his native state Nurtured to each pacific deed. No falsehood e'er shall stain my lay, 25 Experience proves the man, and will his worth display. 30 From taunts by Lemnian women made, This Clymenus' brave offspring freed. The course, in brazen arms array'd, He left to take the victor's meed, 30 And thus Hypsipyle address'd:"s'Tis I who gain the palm of speed, Mine the firm hand, th' undaunted breastHowe'er upon my youthful brow Are shed untimely hues of snow." 42 35 28 Erginus, one of the Argonauts, who, on their departure for the golden fleece, contended at Lemnos in the funeral games instituted by Hypsipyle in memory of her father Thaos, king of the island. He is mentioned by Statius (Theb. ix. 305.) among the heroes killed by Hippomedon, who, in imitation of Achilles, rushes into the Ismenus, and dies its waves with slaughter. Erginus's complaint of his premature gray hairs may be parodied by Boethius (de Consol. Philos. i. 11.) Intempestivi funduntux vertice cani. Hesiod (Op. et Dies, 181.) mentions as a mark of the iron race that they are gray headed from their birth. THE FIFTH OLYMPIC ODE. TO THE SAME PSAUMIS, ON HIS THREE VICTORIES, ONE IN THE CHARIOT DRAWN BY FOUR HORSES; ANOTHER IN THE APENE, OR CHARIOT DRAWN BY MULES; AND THE THIRD IN THE SINGLE-HORSE RACE-ALL GAINED IN THE EIGHTY-SECOND OLYMPIAD. ARGUMENT.'Prl poet in this ode invocates Camarina, a sea nymph, from whom the town and lake in Sicily were fabled to have taken their name; to bespeak her favourable acceptance of the hymn in which are celebrated the three victories of' Psaumis; whom he also commends for his liberality and patriotism.Concludes by supplicating Jupiter to grant continued prosperity to the victor, and expressing his own good wishes towards him. DAUGHTER of Ocean! this sweet strain, Which Psaumis' lofty virtues wake, Whose mules untired glide o'er Olympia's plain, And victory's fairest chaplet gain, With mind propitious take. 7 5 Eager to grace with high renown, Oh Camarina! thy well-peopled town; To the bright rulers of the skies He bade the six twin altars rise, And spread to each celestial guest 10 Of oxen slain the liberal feast; Five times the sun's diurnal blaze Each well-contested strife surveys, The strong-yoked chariot's conquering speed, Drawn by fleet mule or generous steed; 15 40 PINDAR. Or where impatient of control The courser presses to the goal. 15 Thy mighty combatant to thee Conveys the meed of victory, That bids the herald's loud acclaim 20 loin with thy new-built walls his father Acron's name. 19 From Pelops' and CEnomaus' pleasant seat, Oh Pallas! our loved city's guardian pride, The victor comes with festal hymn to greet Thy solemn grove and fair Oanus' tide, 25 The native lake, the sacred source Whence Hipparis directs his course, And pours, the thirsting host to lave, Through long canals his fruitful wave, Transported down whose rapid tide 30 Beams for the stable fabrics glide, When Psaumis rears the wondrous pile, Lightens his country's'woes, and renovates hex smile. But labour still and cost his steps attend, Whose virtue strives to gain this glorious end, Around his path uncertain hazards wait, 36 And clouds obscure the mighty combat's fateYet when his persevering toils succeed, A nation's voice confirms the wisdom of the deed. 38 Hear, earth's protecting sovereign, Jove, 40 Who dwell'st enthron'd in clouds above, And on the Cronian mount-whose care Alpheus' widely flowing wave, And Ida's venerable cave Protects, oh hear thy suppliant's prayer!- 45 Who, breathing on his Lydian reed, Implores thee still to crown this state with valour's meed. Oh Psaumis! victor in th' Olympic strife, Who mak'st Neptunian steeds thy joy and pride, FIFTH OLYMPIC ODE. 41 May placid age attend thy closing life, 50 Thy children standing round to grace a father's side! 53 Of fortune's ample stores possess'd, And with fair reputation bless'd, No higher let thy wishes rise, Since all that mortals gain is thine, 55 Nor madly try to reach the skies, Ambitious of a lot divine. 57 D THE SIXTH OLYMPIC ODE. TO AGESIAS OF SYRACUSE, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE CHARIOT DRAWN BY MUL3;S.ARGUMENT. TIIE scholiast informs us that this ode, according to some, was inscribed to Stymphelius, son of Sostratus, and that his victory was achieved in the eighty-sixth or eighty-seventh Olympiad. -The poem opens with a noble simile drawn from the frontispiece of a building, to which he compares the opening of his ode, expatiating on the glory of the Olympic contest.-He then proceeds to mention the praises and regret expressed by Adrastus on Amphiaraus, occasioned by the death of the latter; instituting a comparison between Agesias and the Theban seer.-The birth of Iamus, one of the ancestors of the victor, who are thence called Iamida, is then related at great length, together with the story of Evadne, daughter of AEpytus.-Agesias derived his lineage on the mother's side from Arcadia; and as there was a connection between the inhabitants of that country and the Thebans, the poet includes them in his praises.-He then addresses AEneas, the master of the chorus, whom he compliments on his musical skill, and exhorts to wipe away by his exertions the proverbial disgrace attachedto his countrymen by the appellation of Bceotian swine.-Renews his praise of Agesias, and concludes with a prayer to Neptune, still to keep the victor under his propi. tious guidance, and to render the poet's hymns agreeable to those in whose honour they are written and sung. OFT as the architect's creative hand Bids the fair porch on golden columns rise, And all the dome's magnificence expand, To strike the gazing eye with mute surprise — 1 Gwillim, in a quaint epigram placed after the title page to his book on heraldry, thus alludes to the opening of this ode:" The noble Pindar doth compare somewhere, Writing with building, and instructs us there SIXTH OLYMPIC' ODE. 43 Thus splendid from afar should gleam 5 A noble deed's incipient beamThe guard of Jove's prophetic shrine, If he thy wreath, Olympia, bear, Sprung from that old and noble line Who founded Syracusa fair, 10 A grateful city hymns the hero's name, While her unenvying sons unite in glad acclaim 11 In this exalted station placed, The son of Sostratus is found With no inglorious chaplet graced, 15 But with his well-earn'd honours crown'd. The warrior on the battle plain, The sailor on the trackless main, Through paths of peril and dismay Wim:s to renown his arduous way, 20 And when his toils achieve some glorious deed, The memory of the good shall be his meed. Agesias, may such ready praise be thine, As to Oiclides, seer of Theban line, Adras;us gave, when in an earthly tomb 25.Himself and noble steeds were hurried to their doom. But when the seven funeral pyres Raised to the dead their sacred fires, In sorrow thus his Theban host The son of Talaus address'd: 30 " Tl e pride of all my army lost Fills with regret this aching breast. Quench'd is the augur's prescient light, Nerveless the warrior's arm of tight." T hat every great and goodly edifice Doth ask to have a comely frontispiece. 23 Amphiaraus, son of Oicleus. I have here followed the ingenious emendation of Dr. Bloomfield, Cv AlpKq, instead of the common flat reading ev &rq. 44 PINDAR. The triumphs which these hymns afford 35 Wait on my Syracusan lord.' 32 No lover of contention, I Respect my oath's compulsive tieAnd while this honest suffrage crowns my lays, I'he sweet-toned muses' choir will ratify his praise Oh, Phintis! spurn each dull delay, 4 And haste the vigorous mules to joinPursue thy clear and open way To reach his ancestors' remotest line. 41 No other guide our steps will need 45 Safe through these lofty paths to lead. Since upon their victorious brow Olympia's verdant chaplets glowThen to their flight expanding wide Let us unbar the gates of song- 50 Where Pitane in towering pride O'erlooks Eurotas' sacred tide, This day the bard must pass along. 47 To Neptune of Saturnian race She the black-hair'd Evadne bore- 55 40 The commonly received interpretation of the word Phintts or Philtis, given by the elder scholiast, is doubtless the true one, viz., the poet's own soul, considered as the directing charioteer of the body. With this passage compare Cowley (to his muse:)" Go, the rich chariot instantly prepare, The queen, my muse, will take the air. The wheels of thy bold coach pass quick and free, And all's an open road to theeWhatever god did say, Is all thy plain and smooth, uninterrupted way." 50 The metaphor here is strikingly similar to that inl Psalm Lxviii. 23. " Open me the gates of righteousness, that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord." SIXTH OLYMPIC ODE. 45 This tale to rutnour's voice we traceBut when the circling moons reveal'd What virgin throes her bosom long conceal'd, To brave Eitatides her high command Bade the attendant damsels bear 60 The nursling to the hero's care, Whose sceptre ruled Arcadia's land In fair Phaesana by Alpheus' shore. Apollo taught her there to prove The fond solicitudes of love. 57 65 When time to Epytus confess'd The stolen caresses' fruit divine, The hero in his manly breast Unutterable rage repress'd, And humbly sought the Pythian shrine, -A With mind intent the end to know Of this intolerable wo. Her virgin zone with saffron died, And urn of silver laid aside, In the thick grove conceal'd from sight 75 She brought the heavenly babe to light. Meanwhile the god with golden hair Propitious fate invoked, and kind Eleutho's care. 72 Her pleasing pains without delay Produced young Iamus to day. 80 While there upon the verdant glade By his afflicted parent laid, Two dragons of caerulean eye Commission'd by the will divine, With bees' innoxious produce hie 85 To feed the youth of heavenly line. But when from Pytho's rocky height The monarch urged his chariot's flight, He sought of all the menial train Evadne's infant to regain,.90 77 I. e. Apollo: this epithet is applied by Alcaus to Zephyrus. (Frag. v. ap. Blomf.) XpuvoKOIAq Zefqvp~ 11tycaa. 46 PINDAR. Whom erst from his prophetic throne Phoebus, he said, had call'd his own. 84 That he, o'er all of mortal birth, His sire's prophetic power might claim, Nor should his race e'er fail on earth 95 To keep alive their deathless name. Thus spoke the god-but they averr'd No eye had seen, no ear had heard; Though since his natal day The fifth revolving sun had shed 100 Its lustre o'er the infant's head. 89 Meanwhile within the rushy glade,. And tangled bushes' thickest shade, His tender frame all wet with dew, And gemm'd with violet's purple hue, 105 Conceal'd from human sight he lay 93 And hence his mother bade the prophet's name To each succeeding age his birth proclaim. Soon as he gain'd from opening time The golden flower of youthful prime, 110 Shrouded in night his steps he bore Down to Alpheus' middle shore, Invoking from the depths below His great forefather Neptune's might, And potent sire, whose silver bow 115 Defends the heaven-built Delos' height. That public honour and renown, His brows might with their chaplet crown. When thus in accents of eternal truth 119 His father's voice approved the suppliant's prayer, "' To Pisa's crowded plain, adventurous youth, Follow my call, and strive for glory there." 108 104 The exquisite periphrasis of the original may be illuas trated by a passage in Lord Byron, (Childe Harold, iv. cxvii.) "The sweetness of the violet's deep-blue dies, Kiss'd by the breath of heaven, seems colour'd by its skies." SIXTII OLYMPIC ODE. 47 To lofty Cronium's sun-crown'd hill they came; Where great Apollo bade his son receive A twofold portion of prophetic fame; 125 To hear the voice that knows not to deceiveBut when the glory of Amphitryo's line Alcides prosperous in each bold design Appear'd to crown his sire's immortal feast, From every clime to call the frequent guest, 130 And fix the laws of each heroic game, He placed the augur's seat near Jove's exalted shrine. 119 New glories hence through Hellas grace Th' Iamidau's illustrious raceAnd wealth attends to crown their state- 135 For those who seek with high emprise The steep where virtue's guerdon lies, The brightest walks of life await. In his own path each seeks renown, But carping Envy most his course attends, 140 Who first to win Olympia's crown Twelve times around the goal his chariot bendsOn him sweet Grace distils a lustre all her own. 128 Agesias! if thy brave maternal line, Who dwelt beneath Cyllene's hallow'd shade, 145 Duly their suppliant vows and rites divine To Mercury, the god's swift herald, paid; Whose favouring power the contest's law maintains, And guards Arcadia's richly peopled plains; By him and by his thundering sire decreed, 150 Oh son of Sostratus! expect the victor's meed. Another motive prompts my tongueWhich as the stone that whets the blade Upon its sharpening surface laid, Impels me down the flowing tide of song. 143 155 153 Pindar uses the same metaphor-(Pyth. i. 172.) Hence 48 PINDAR. From the Stymphalian nymph, Metopa fair, My mother drew the vital airWithin equestrian Thebes, whose fame Salutes her with a founder's name. At her pure wave my thirst I slake, and raise 160 The varied hymn that chants the warriors' praise. Now, ~Aneas, urge thy tuneful band, Parthenian Juno first demands the strain. 150 Then let clear truth the old disgrace That loads Beeotia's sons efface; 165 Thou, like the general's trusty wand, Art charged the faithful embassy to bear, From the sweet muses with the lovely hair, Who bade thy cup the sounding lays retain. 155 Command them in their grateful verse 170 The praise of Hiero to rehearse, That monarch whose unblemish'd sway Ortygia's isle and Syracuse obey. probably Horace borrowed the idea in his well-known lines, (ad Pis. 304:)" Fungar vice cotis, acutum Reddere quas ferrum valet, exsors ipsa secandi." 166 The scholiast on this passage gives a long explanation ot the scytale, or staff, which was used in battle to convey orders from the Lacedaemonian general that were to be unintelligible to all but the personto whom they were sent.-(Corn. Nepos. in vit. Pausan. cap. 3.) Aulus Gellius is still more minute in his account of this enigmatical wand. (Lib. xvII., cap. ix. 1.) His description is too long to be transcribed, and will not easily admit of abbreviation. Pindar calls AEneas the scytale of the muses, as being the faithful messenger in conveying his poetical strains to those in whose honour they were addressed. 172 The reader will be reminded by this passage, especially in the original, in which Hiero is spoken of as governing wi'h a clear sceptre, of Macbeth's commendation of the royal Duncan " Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office." SIXTH OLYMPIC ODE. 49 To Ceres and her daughter fair Whose milk-white steeds the goddess bear, Duly he pays each sacred rite, 176 Adoring Jove's XEtnean might. His name the song and sweet-toned lyre resound, Oh! may no future age his happy state confound! With willing mind may he receive 180 The hymn which in Agesias' praise I weave. Since Fortune now the hero calls To kindred Syracuse again, Far from his own Stymphalian walls That crown Arcadia's fleecy plain. 185 E'en thus amid the wintry tides, Secure the rapid vessel rides, If two firm anchors' grasp her bulk maintain. 173 Still may the god exalt thy state With either nation's prosperous fate; 190 And sceptred Amphitrite's lord, Whose trident rules the stormy sea, Through his own realm a path afford From adverse winds and troubles free. Adorning with sweet flowers my song, 195 To hail thy vessel as it speeds along. 180 188 Compare Casimir, (Lyric. iv. 36, 27.)' Fortius proram gemino revincit Anchora morsu." E rHE SEVENTH OLYMPIC ODE. TO DIAGORAS, THE RHODIAN, ON HIS VICTORY WITH TH1 CIESTUS, GAINED IN THE SEVENTY-NINTH OLYMPIAD. ARGUMENT. PINDAR begins this beautiful ode (which, as the younger scho liast informs us, was said to have been written in letters of gold, and suspended in the temple of Minerva) with a highly poetical simile drawn from domestic life, which introduces the praise of the Rhodian victor and his race.-He then proceeds to the story of Tlepolemus, an ancestor of Diagoras, who, after having murdered Licymnius, departed for Rhodes by the command of Apollo; the shower of gold which Jupiter caused to descend there.-Then follow the fables respecting the origin of Rhodes, the birth of Pallas, her most ancient sacrifices instituted without the aid of fire, and the gifts imparted by her to the favoured Rhodians, especially their skill in statuary.-Then follows a digression explaining the reason for consecrating the island to the sun-(Hyperionides;) his intrigue with the nymph Rhodos, from which sprang seven sons, one of whomngave birth to Camirus, Lindus, and Ialysus, who built the three cities of the island of Rhodes, which were named after them. The poet then proceeds to panegyrize Tlepolemus and Diagoras, enumerating the several victories of the latter. The ode concludes with an invocation to Jupiter, to whom di-vinq honours were paid on Atabyrius, a mountain of Rhodes, propiSiating his continued favour both for the poet and the victor, and a moral reflection on the mutability of human for tune As when a sire the golden bowl All foaming with the dew of wine, Takes with a liberal hand and soul, Chief gem where all his treasures shineThen tends the beverage (hallow'd first 5 By prayers to all the powers above) SEVENTH OLYMPIC ODE. 51 To slake the youthful bridegroom's thirst, In honour of connubial love. The social pledge he bears on high, And homeward as his course he bends, 10 Blesses the fond connubial tie, Admired by all his circling friends. 11 E'en thus I bring the nectar'd strain, The muses' gift, to those who gain The Pythian and Olympic crown; 15 Thrice bless'd, to whom'tis giv'n to share The arduous fruit of mental care, Cheer'd by the voice of high renown! Full many a victor in the fray My life-inspiring strains survey- 20 Which bids the sweet-toned lyre its music raise, And wake the sounding flutes through all their notes of praise. 22 And now, Diagoras, to thee They breathe united melody. When Rhodes the warlike isle is sung, 25 Apollo's bride from Venus sprung; He too, the hero brave and bold, With hardy frame of giant mould, Who by Alph6us' sacred tide, And where Castalia's waters glide, 30 First in the caestus' manly fray Bore the triumphant prize away. Let Damagetus next, his sire, To justice dear, the strain inspire. Fix'd on that isle which three fair cities grace, 35 Where Embolus protects wide Asia's coast, They dwell united with the Argive host. 35 36 "Lycia," says the younger scholiast, "is opposite to Rhodes, and in Lycia is a place called Embolus, sharp and narrow, and jutting into the sea, so named from its resemblance to the prow of a ship." 52 PINDARe Now to Tlepolemus my song would trace As its first source Alcides' potent race. From Jove their sire's high lineage springs; 40 While to Astydameiass line Amyntor, born of race divine, An equal lustre brings. 42 But ah! what crimes round erring mortals wait, Unnumber'd torments in their happiest state- 4 Who, ere the checker'd scene of life be past, Can tell if weal or wo shall mark his lot at last. 48 Since the high founder of the Rhodian state, Impell'd by fierce ungovernable hate, Laid with his olive sceptre's deadly blow 50 On earth Alcmena's bastard brother low. Licymnius, whom his hand to Pluto sent, From Midea's chamber as his steps he bent.'Tis thus the maddening tumults of the mind Have oft seduced the wisest of mankind. 56 55 He sought the god who. could unfold The purpose of the will divine, When thus the power with locks-of gold Spoke from his perfume-breathing shrine: "Go, launch your fleet from Lerne's strand, 60 To gain the sea-encircled land, Where the great-monarch of the skies Sent from his golden clouds a shower With flames commission'd to devour Th' accepted sacrifice. 65 What time by aid of Vulcan's art And brazen axe, Minerva sprang 38 Homer relates the history of Tlepolemus, son of Hercules and Astydameia, and the Rhodians at great length, (I1. ii. 653.) TX?7r0XoeyoS''HpaKXE13Sg, 7US g r7 pEyaS Te, EKc'POOv evvea vnag ayeV, Kc. r.. Astydameia was the daughter of Amyntor, son of Jupiter. SEVENTH OLYMPIC ODE. 53 From Jove's head with impetuous start, With long-continued warlike clang: While heaven's high dome and mother earth 70 Shuddering beheld the wondrous birth. 70 Then too the god-whose splendour bright Glads mortals with his radiant light, Bade his loved sons the high behest obey. Them first he urged to rear the splendid shrine, 75 And to the goddess every rite divine With prompt submissive reverence pay. This their immortal sire with joy would cheer, And please the maid who wields her sounding spear. Yet oft oblivion's shadowy veil 80 O'erclouds the well-intending mind; Then wise Prometheus' counsels fail, And reason's path is left behind. So they, obedient to their heavenly sire, Bade in th' acropolis an altar rise, 85 But carried to the shrine no spark of fire To waft from earth the pious sacrifice. On them the supplicated power Rained from his yellow cloud a golden shower. 87 This was a clear manifestation of the divine presence. The same portent attended the birth of Apollo, according to Callimachus, (in. Del. 260:)Xpvarea Trot roTCe 7rar eea OesXza'yetveTro sAnXe, Xpuer 6be rpoxoea-roa ravntlepov eppee AIyvn, K... Thus, too, at the birth of Hercules, Bromia relates to the astonished Amphitryo, (Act. v., sc. i. 44:)" Eides totre confulgebant tuve, quasi essent aurece." So Theocritus, (Idyl. 24:)"And see what light o'er all the chamber falls! Though yet not morn, how visible the walls 1 Some strange event l"-Polwhele's version. Compare also Homer, (Od. xix. 37-40.) 54 PINDAR. Meanwhile the maid with azure eye 90 Her favour'd Rhodians deign'd to grace Above all else of mortal race, With arts of manual industry. Hence framed by the laborious hand, The animated figures stand, 95 Adorning every public street, And seem to breathe in stone, or move their marble feet. 98 Wisdom true glory'can impart Without the aid of magic art. As ancient fame reports, when Jove 100 And all th' immortal powers above Held upon earth divided sway; Not yet had Rhodes in glittering pride On Ocean's breast appear'd to ride, But hid beneath his briny caverns lay. 105 105 Then while the absent god of light Delay'd to claim his equal share, No friendly voice maintain'd his right Of all the bless'd assembly there. Jove, to repair the wrong, in vain 110 Wish'd to adjudge the lots again. Since in his course the sun had found Retired within the hoary deep A fertile land with heroes crown'd, Prolific nurse of fleecy sheep. 116 115 Then straight he gave the high command To Lachesis, whose locks of jet 97 Pindar probably alludes to the Telchines, an ancient people of Rhodes, much addicted to magical fascination, from which probably they derive their name: (Ov. Met. vii. 365:)Phcebeamque Rhodon, et lalysios Telchinas, Quorum oculos ipso vitiantes omnia visu Jupiter exosus, fraternis abdiait undis." 117 This ratifying power, which distinguishes Lachesis above SEVENTH OLYMPIC ODE. 5.5 Are gather'd in a golden net, To fix with her extended hand The oath that binds the powers above, 120 And stamp with fate the nod of Jove, Which the bright isle emerging from the wave, To Phcebus and his latest offspring gave. 124 Hence o'er the land extends his sway Who darts the piercing beams of day; 125 The charioteer whose guiding rein Wide over the celestial plain His fire-exhaling steeds obey. 130 With Rhodos there in amorous embrace Conjoin'd, the god begat a valiant race; 130 Seven noble sons; with wisdom's gifts endow'd By their great sire above the vulgar crowd. Cameirus from this root with Lindus came, And Ialysus, venerable name: Three chiefs who over the divided land 135 In eqdal portions held supreme command. Apart they reign'd, and bade each city bear The monarch's name who sway'd the sceptre there. In that bless'd isle secure at last'Twas thine, Tlepolemus, to meet 140 For each afflictive trial past A recompense and respite sweet. Chief of Tirynthian hosts, to thee As to a present deity, The fumes of slaughter'd sheep arise 145 In all the pomp of sacrifice: Awarded by thy just decree The victor gains his verdant prize. her sister Destinies, is also asserted by Plutarch: (De Facie in Orbe Lunae, sub finemr.) 129 Their names, according to the scholiast, were Cercaphus, Ochimus, Actis, Macaresas, Tenages, Triopes, Phaethon. 56 PINDAR. That crown whose double honours glow, Diagoras, around thy brow: 50 On which four times the Isthmian pine, And twice the Nemean olive shine: While Athens on her rocky throne Made her illustrious wreath his own. 151 Trophies of many a well-fought field 155 He won in glory's sacred cause, The Theban tripod, brazen shield At Argos, and Arcadia's vase. Her palms Bceotia's genuine contests yield; -Six times.AIgina's prize he gain'd, 160 As oft Pellene's robe obtain'd, And graved in characters of fame, Thy column, Megara, records his niame. 159 Great sire of all, immortal Jove, On Atabyrius' mount enshrined, 16 Oh! still may thy propitious mind Th' encomiastic hymn approve, Which celebrates in lawful strain The victor on Olympia's plain, Whose valorous arm the caestus knows to wield. Protected by thy constant care, 171. In citizens' and strangers' eyes Still more exalted shall he rise Whose virtuous deeds thy favour share: 151 Athens is here put synecdochically for the whole of Attica. Pindar, as the younger scholiast observes, leaves it doubtful in what Attic contest Diagoras came off victorious: whether in the Panathenaic, the Heraclean, the Eleusinian, or the Panhellenic;'or whether he obtained the prize in all these. The same epithet is applied by Homer to Ithaca: (Il. ii. 201.) 165 A mountain in Rhodes, on which was erected a temple to Jupiter, containing brazen bulls, that, according to the scho. liast, had the property of lowing whenever any unseemly action was about to be committed there. SEVENTH OLYMPIC ODE. 57 Since he to violence and fraud unknown, 175 Treads the straight paths of equity alone: His fathers' counsels mindful to pursue, And keep their bright example still in view. Then let not inactivity disgrace The well-earn'd fame of thine illustrious race, 180 Who sprang from great Callianax, and crown Th' Eratidae with splendour all their own. With joy and festal-hymns the streets resoundBut soon, as shifts the ever varying gale, The storms of adverse fortune may assail- 185 Then, Rhodians, be your mirth with sober temper ance crown'd. 175 THE EIGHTH OLYMPIC ODE. TO THE YOUTH ALCIMEDON, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE PALESTRA, GAINED IN THE EIGHTEENTH OLYMPIAD; HIS BROTHER TIMOSTHENES, VICTOR IN THE NEMEAN GAMES; AND TO THEIR PR ECEPTOR, OR ALIPTA,* MELESIAS. ARGU MENT. THIS ode begins with an address to Olympia; after which Pindar proceeds to congratulate Alcimedon and Timosthenes, the former on his Olympic, and the latter on his recent Nemean victory.-Then follow the praises of the victor's native island XEgina, from its founder,Eacus, a theme which appearsto be always grateful to our poet, who relates the fables connected with its origin; as well as the assistance of that hero, which was engaged by Apollo and Neptune when building the walls of Troy.-The praises of Melesias are then sung. and the Blepsiadwe, a tribe of 2Eginetans, is recorded, as well as the memory of the victor's departed relatives, Iphion and Callimachus.-The ode concludes with the expression of good wishes. OLYMPIA, mother of heroic games, Whose golden wreath the victor's might proclaims, Great queen of truth! —thou whose prophetic band From victims blazing in the sacred fire Jove's sovereign will, the lightning's guide, inquire, What favour'd mortal shall the.crown command 6 Which bids the anxious hour of contest close, And gives to virtuouq toil the guerdon and repose. 9 The gods above with favouring ear The prayers of pious mortals hear. 10 * Who anointed the combatants, and prepared them for the ing. EIGHTHI OLYMPIC ODE. 59 Ye woody shades of Pisa's grove, That o'er Alpheus' waters bend, From you the wreath which victory wove, And the triumphant hymn descend; Receive the pomp and festal song 15 Which justly to your fame belong. 14 The deeds of glory and renown Mankind with well-earn'd chaplets crown; And by th' indulgent powers of heaven Success in various paths is given. 20 Timosthenes, the influence shed By Jove around thy youthful head, In Nemea's plain effulgent shone; While Cronium's hill return'd the sound, What time Olympia's chaplet crown'd 25 Thy victor brow, Alcimedon. On that fair form and lovely face His glorious deeds shed no disgrace. Triumphant from the wrestler's toil By glory fired and filial pride, 30 His loved AEgina's naval isle With high renown he dignified. Where Themis, the lorn stranger's shield, Assessor of protecting Jove, Her righteous sceptre joys to wield,' 35 Adored by more than mortal love. 30 Where nations meet and various laws prevail,'Tis hard with even poise to hold the scale. But the immortal gods' behest Ordain'd this ocean-girded land, 40 Sure refuge of each wandering guest, Firm as the column's shaft to stand. (And oh! may future ages join Unwearied to assist their great design!) 38 Hence ruled by chiefs of Doric race, 45 Who from great yEacus their empire. trace. 60 PINDAR. On him, to raise the towers of Ilium's wall, Wide-ruling Neptune and Latona's son Deign'd in the mighty work for aid to call. Those towers which, when her destined course wag run, 50 Tremendous war's depopulating sway Should on the ground in smoky ruin lay. 47 When now complete the stately pile appear'd, Their hostile forms three azure dragons rear'd; But from the threaten'd wall with gasping breath 55 Two fell exhausted in the pangs of death. One with terrific shout advancing still, Apollo thus pronounced the boded ill: "' Uprear'd, great hero, by thy hand, Prostrate shall Pergamus be laid; 60 (For true will future ages prove The omen sent from thundering Jove;) But not without thy children's aidWhat by the fathers is begun, Shall in the fourth succeeding age be done." 59 65 Thus having clear'd the fatal sign, Sure presage of the will divine, To Xanthus and the Amazonian band, Whose guiding rein the generous steeds obey, And where flows Ister through the Scythian land, His flaming chariot urged its rapid way. 71 But he who wields the trident's might, His course to sea-beat Isthmus bent, And with his golden coursers' flight Hither great _Eacus he sent 75 To view from Corinth's lofty brow His solemn festival below. 69 But no delight to men secure Shall in this earthly state endure. 65 Telamon and Neoptolemus. EIGHTH OLYMPIC ODE. 61 If of the beardless train I raise 80 The hymn that sings Melesias' praise, Let not the tongue of Envy rail, Nor with sharp stone my fame assail. His valiant deeds in tNemiea's plain Alike inspire the poet's strain — 95 And next the great pancratium's meed, Which to the strife of heroes is decreed. 77 His triumph is our surest guide, Whose feet the arduous paths have tried; But light their mind and counsel vain 90 Whose skill could ne'er the palm obtain. Who tells his own victorious deeds To others points the path of fame, And shows what glorious lot succeeds His conquest in each sacred game. 95 So thine the thirtieth garland won Adds to thy teacher's fame, Alcimedon. 87 With fortune and his manly arm to aid, He sent four vanquish'd striplings back in shame, Darken'd their homeward path with sorrow's shade, And gave to slandering infamy their name. 101'Twas this his grandsire's age inspired With vigorous youth's returning breath; For by the victor's glory fired His mind forgot the hour of death. 96 105 Be mine the task, Blepsiadoe, to raise A record worthy of your deathless praise. 101 Statius appears to have had this highly poetical passage in his mind when, speaking of the return of the worsted and dejected Pelasgi from the field, he says-(Theb. xi. 759:)"Eunt taciti passim, et. pro funere pulchro Dedecorem amplexi vitam reditusque pudendos. No x favet, et grata profugos amplectitur umbra." 62 PINDAR. Ye whom the verdant wreath six times decreed, Again encircles with the victor's meed. And even the dead will joy to share 110 This tribute of the poet's care: Since the bright actions of the just Survive unburied in the kildred dust. 105 There let Iphion's tongue proclaim Callimachus, to charm thine ear, I15 The tale which Hermes' daughter, Fame, Gave him, while yet on earth, to hear.. That Jove once more had deign'd to grace With Pisa's crown their favour'd race. His blessings may he still impart, 120 And ward disease's bitter dart! Forbear amid the happy state Discordant Nemesis to throw, But give secure their life to flow, 124 And crown their country's prosperous fate. THE NINTH OLYMPIC ODE. TO EPHARMOSTUS, THE OPUNTIAN, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE PALESTRA, GAINED IN THE SEVENTY-THIRD OLYMPIAD. ARGUMENT. BEGINNING with the praises of the victor, Pindar digresses to those of his native city Opus.-Then, being led by the mention of the propitious power of the Graces, to speak ot Hercules' contest with Neptune, Apollo, and Pluto, which was carried on by their assistance, he checks himself, considering it an act of impiety to relate tales that may be disparaging to any of the gods.-Then follows a digression relating to Deucalion's flood, and the reparation of the human race after the waters had subsided.-The poet addressing Epharmostus and the citizens of Opus, as being descended from Deucalion and Pyrrha, through their daughter Protogeneia, who had by Jupiter a son called Opus, from whom the city was named.-His hospitality is celebrated, and his reception, among his other guests, of Menaetius, whose son Patroclus is mentioned with high commendation as having assisted Achilles in his attack on Telephus, who had put to flight the Grecian band.-He then aspires to the car of the muses, who would enable him to frame a song that might do justice to the several triumphs of Lampromachus and Epharmostus, which he enumerates; attributing the victor's excellence and various graces to the favour of the gods, and concluding with a compliment to his hero, who, after his victory in the Oilean games, offered sacrifices and funeral rites at the tomb of Ajax. ARCHILOCHUS' Olympic strain With triple harmony combined, Might have sufficed the friendly train, And gratified the victor's mind. 1 It appears to have been customary to sing at the Olympic 64 PINDAR. What time, as Epharmostus leads, 5 By Saturn's hill the pomp proceeds. But haste the sounding shafts to throw From the far-darting muses' bow; The first to heaven's eternal king, Who guides the lightning's lurid wing; 10 The next to Elis' sacred tower, IJprear'd the rocky heights above, Which Lydian Pelops gain'd, fair dower Of chaste Hippodameia's love. 16 Towards Pvtho next thine efforts bend, 15 A sweet and winged shaft to send. Nor shalt thou raise a feeble strain, Earth sprung, that falls to earth again. When in fair Opus' praise you shake the string, And her brave hero of the wrestler's ring; 20 Whose sons, preserved by equal laws, obey Bright Themis and her glorious daughter's sway. There now the virtues flourish wide, And with transplanted radiance glow, Blooming as by Alph6un' tide, 25 Or where Castalia's waters flow. Hence from her verdant grove the frequent crown His Locrian city's fame exalts with fair renown. 32 But I, who joy my much-loved state With festal hymns to celebrate, 30 Swift as the courser sweeps the plain, Or winged vessel ploughs the main, To all the listening world around Will send the conquest's joyful sound. games a hymn of Archilochus, consisting of three strophes% and composed in honour of Hercules; which began thus: KaXXLtvKC %atp' avai'HpaKXst;. To this Pindar hele altuaes. 7 Addressed to the chorus. 22 Eunomia, the genius of good government. NINTH OLYMPIC ODE. 65 Since, aided by a hand divine, 35 Within the Graces' choicest bower, I make their blooming treasures mine, And cull the sweets of every flower. For they the charms of life bestow, While all the brave and wise to them their virtues owe. 43 40 How else could great Alcides' hand With shaken club provoke to fight The god who wields the trident's might, At Pylos when he took his stand, To drive the hero from the land 1 45 How dare to challenge as a foe The monarch of the silver bow. Nor could stern Pluto's grasp retain Unmoved the sceptre of his reign, Which drives the forms devoid of breath 50 Within the hollow vale of death. No more, unhallow'd lips, assail The mighty gods with slanderous tale. It sounds of madness thus to rise In impious vaunts against the skies. 55 Be contests banish'd from the strain That celebrates th' immortal train; And rather by the poet's tongue Protogeneia's city sung.;0 The office which is here attributed to the sceptre of Pluto, it By the poets usually described as characterizing the caduceus oi Mercury.-See Homer, 11. xxiv. 243; Virg., tEn. iv. 242; Hiirat., Od. i. 24.-The last of which passages is thus trans. Lated by Francis:"Yet ne'er returns the vital heat, The shadowy form to animate. Soon as the ghost-compelling god Forms his black troops with horrid rod, He will not, lenient to the breath Of prayer, unbar the gates of death." F 66 PINDAR. Where, as ordain'd by heaven's eternal king, 60 Whose power directs the lightning's varied wing, Descending from Parnassus' lofty height, Pyrrha and her Deucalion sought the plain, Rear'd the first dome, and call'd that race to light, Whose stony birth they bade the name retain. 65 Then wake for them the tuneful stringThough wine improved by mellowing age The palate's suffrage more engage, Yet choose a newer lay the victor's praise to sing. In tales of ancient lore'tis said 70 O'er earth the whelming waters spread Urged all their congregated force. But Jove's high will his headlong course Bade the usurping foe restrain, And sink absorb'd the refluent main. 75 From them your sires, the warlike race Of old Iapetus, descend; Whose glorious deeds the brightest grace To Saturn their forefather lend; 63 Aaos, a people, from Xaas, a stone. So Ovid, speaking of Deucalion's Deluge, (Met. i. 411,) says:" Superorum munere, saxa Missa viri manibus faciem traxere virilem; Et de fcemineo reparata est feemina jactu. Inde genus durum sumus, experiensque laborum, Et documenta damus, qua simus origine nati." Pindar, by deducing the origin of the Locrians from a daughter or daughters of Jupiter, gives another proof of his anxiety to assign to the cities in honour of whose townsmen his odes are composed, as ancient and illustrious a sourceas history or my thology will permit. It would be a futile attempt to supply the defective links in the genealogical chain between Deucalion and Locrus, from whom the people derive their appellation; but this perplexity involves the origin of many ancient nations, who have recourse to mythological fiction for that which the integrity of trut h will not supply. NINTH OLYMPIC ODE. 67 And hence a line of native kings 80 In regular succession springs. 84 Ere yet th' Olympic ruler's hand Had ravish'd from th' Epean land The daughter of fair Opus' lord, And ori the dark Maenalian heights 85 Mingled with her in love's delights; To Locrus then his bride restored, Lest age, death's harbinger, should doom The childless monarch to the tomb. 92 Soon as the heavenly scion came, 90 The raptured hero gazed with joy On the supposititious boy, And call'd him by his uncle's nameIn manly deeds and outward grace Above the sons of mortal race- 95 Permitting to his sceptred hand Dominion o'er the subject land. 100 From Argos some, from Thebes, and Pisa's plain, And fair Arcadia, throng the frequent train. But most his love and admiration won 100 Menaetius, Actor and AEgina's son: Whose offspring, when brave Atreus' host Invaded Teuthras' Mysian land, Alone could with Achilles boast The adverse army to withstand: 105 When Telephus the Grecian train Drove seaward to their ships again. Hence might the wise and prudent find The strength of great Patroclus' mind. 11-5 Hence might the tender love appear 110 By Thetis' warlike offspring shown; " Quit not," he said, " my conquering spear, Nor join the war's array alone." 683 PINDAR. Oh! could I in the muses' car Soar, eloquent of speech, afar- 115 Since bold emprise and power belong To the high-favour'd child of song. Inspired with hospitable aim I come the virtues to proclaim, Which round thy honour'd temples twine, 120 Lampromachus, the Isthmian pine; When both in one triumphant day The victor's chaplet bore away. Two other joys at Corinth's gate His brow in after times await; 125 And victory twice in Nemea's grove The wreath for Epharmostus wove. In Argos' strife of men renown'd, While yet a boy at Athens crown'd; When in the Marathonian field, 130. Departing from the beardless train, He made the veteran warriors yield, The cup of silver to obtain. Oh! with what matchless swiftness there He ran the circus' destined round, 135 While shouting myriads rend the air With admiration's joyful sound. His lonely form and deeds of might Bursting upon the raptured sight. Wondrous in the Parrhasian plain 140 Before contending hosts he strove, When all the congregated train Hallowed thy feast, Lycean Jove. 145 And when Pallene's robe he bears, Warm refuge from the chilling airs. 145 132 I. e., in the Isthmus, where the games were celebrated So AEschylus, describing the Cimmerian Bosphorus, says, (P V.. 754.;)laoIov c' s7r avrtg fTeVs7oroOS 9oL Xtfvng irvXa KqIPispCKOV fELS, NiaT1I OPIYMPIC ODE. 69 Full oft has Iolaus' shrine Upon Eleusis' sea-girt strand Witness'd the splendid acts which shine To crown the efforts of his hand. In his own path each labours well, 150 As nature grants him to excel. While many with laborious aim Toil up the rugged steep of fame, If the kind god forbear to bless Their vain endeavour with success, 155 Let silence hide th' unfinish'd tale Within oblivion's dusky veil. Far different are the ways which tend To glory as their common end. 158 Not all mankind are prone to feel 160 In the same care an equal zeal. But arduous paths must they explore Who to the heights of wisdom soar. While I this lay triumphant bring, With voice sonorous let me sing 165 The hero's praise whose spirit bold Join'd to a frame of hardy mould, Urged him upon th' Oilean plain The palm of glory to obtain. Then round the AEantean shrine 170 In festal pomp the wreath entwine. 168 171 It was the custom for the victors on their return from Olympia to institute sacred rites in honour of the indigenous hero Ajax, son of Oileus, and to crown his shrine with a chaplet. The LEantean games were particularly celebrated at Opus, 'HE TENTH OLYMPIC ODE. TO AGESIDAMUS, SON OF ARCHESTRATUS, THE EPIZEPHYRIAN, OR WESTERN LOCRIAN, ON HIS VICTORY WITH THE CIESTUS GAINED IN THE SEVENTY-THIRD OLYMPIAD. ARGUMENT. THIS ode opens with an address to the muse and to Truth, whom he wishes to remind him of his long-forgotten promise to celebrate the son of Archestratus and the city of the Lo. crians; as well as his alipta Ilas, who encouraged him by the example of Hercules and Patroclus to persevere in the contest notwithstanding its unfavourable commencement.-Then follows a digression concerning the institution of the Olympic games by Hercules, with an enumeration of his conquests over the Molionidwe, and Augeas, king of Elis: the victors in these games are likewise recorded.-The poet then sings the praises of Jupiter, and concludes with complimenting Agesidamus on his prowess and personal beauty, comparing him in this respect to Ganymedes. INSCRIBED upon the poet's mind Archestratus' illustrious son, Who late th' Olympic wreath has won, Thou know'st, celestial muse, to find: For dull oblivion swept away 5 All record of the promised lay. And thou, oh Truth! fair child of Jove, With thine unerring hand efface The tale that speaks his foul disgrace, Who slights a claim, and wrongs tile stranger's love. 10 For when time's rapid course had flown, I felt the glowing tinge of shame, TENTH OLY.MPIC ODE. 71 To think how large the debt became. But ample interest now shall close The'sharp reproach of envious foes, 15 And all the guilty past atone. Now whelm'd beneath the flowing tide, Where is the pebble seen to glide. And to confound the slanderous tongue, How shall the friendly strain be sung. 16 20 For Truth her Locrians' favour'd land, Refresh'd by Zephyr's breath, defends: Calliope her guardian hand O'er them with brazen Mars extends. E'en Hercules' superior might 25 Fainted in the Cycnean fight. And as Patroclus, safe from harm, Bowed grateful to Achilles' arm, So should Agesidamus pay His thanks to Ilas in the fray. 3-0 Who gave him on Olympia's plain The wrestler's chaplet to obtain. For by the favouring god inspired, To glorious deeds the breast is fired, Where emulation points the way. 25 35 But few to eminence can rise, And without labour seize the prize, 17 The metaphor in the original is similar to that m Joshua, v., 9: "Ihave rolled away the reproach of Egypt." I understand the words of Pindar interrogatively with the Oxford editors, although against the opinion of Heyne. 21 One of the scholiasts, instead of ArpsKeia, here reads a'paXeca 7roXtg, as if the poet was alluding to the rocky situation of the town; but the common reading appears far preferable. 36 This passage is rather obscure, and the construction not very clear. From the words as they stand, I have endeavoured to elicit the most obvious and natural meaning. By the Themites, daughters of Jupiter, the poet probably means nothing more than the righteous eye of the heavenly king, surveying with especial interest his own Olympic contests. The younger 72 PINDAR~ The light and joy of fleeting life. Daughters of heaven's eternal king, Urged by your high command, I sing, 40 Ye Themites, the glorious strife. Which Hercules at Pelops' ancient shrine Ordain'd, when from unwilling Augeas' hand, That he the promised guerdon might demand, Neptune's proud sons he slew, who scorn'd his might divine. 45 Within Cleonae's thickes;t wood Alcides in dark ambush lay, When blameless Cteatus pursued With Eurytus his deadly way. Thus was avenged his brave Tirynthian host, 50 By Molion's haughty race in pass of Elis lost. 42 Ere long the fraudulent Epean king Saw potent fire and the devouring blade Destruction to his rich dominions bring, Deep in the lowest gulf of misery laid. 55'Tis hard a mightier foe's assault to quell. Thus the devoted Augeas, seized at last By vengeful fate, bereft of counsel, fell, And death atoned for all his treachery past. 50 His whole array the warlike son of Jove 60 On Pisa's plain assembling with the spoil, Raised to his mighty father Altis' grove, And fenced from tread profane the hallow'd soil. scholiast says: alE Os1treg, 7yovv a voposoataC rou ro A, al taroa VOplOVg rvvq70Etat. 51 This story is related at great length to Patroclus by old Nestor, (I1., xi. 670, et seq.,) whose unseasonable garrulity or. the occasion is justly reprehended by Pope. 61 An early instance of the consecration of a tenth part of the spoils taken in battle to the service of the gods is given by Xenophon, (Anab., v., 3.;) Kal 7r-v EKXarV, "v tp ArokXXOWvL SLXVOV Kat mR EDEistq ApmrsL, &eXaf3ov oi UrparttyoL, rTO tpoS rscaTOg, 0XartEtl rots bsost; at the end of the chapter the planting of a large grove TENTH OLYMPIC ODE. 73 Shrines to th' immortal twelve he placed, Who the celestial banquet graced, 65 Ranking with these Alpheus' wave, To Saturn's hill the name he gave. (For erst, while old (Enomaus' hand Possess'd the sceptre of the land, Upon the nameless mountain's head 70 Their snows unnumber'd ages shed.) On the first rites with aspect mild The destinies assistant smiled; And hoary Time, whose steady ray Oft brings undoubted truth to day. 67 75 He in his onward course reveal'd What time Alcides' conquering might Bestow'd, to found Olympia's field, The earliest offerings of the fight. And on each fifth returning year 80 Bade victory's sons the chaplet wear. Tell, muse, in that illustrious day Who first the glorious prize obtain'd; Who bore the wrestler's palm away; Who the'high meed of swiftness gain'd: 85 Or urged his chariot to the goal, Curbing by deeds the pride of boastful rivals' soul. 75 around the temple of Jupiter is mentioned. Thus Ovid, addres. sing Bacchus, says, (Fast. iii., 729) — "Te memorant, Gange, totoque Oriente subacto, Primitias magno seposuisse Jovi." And Callimachus, addressing Apollo, (in Del. 278)AXXa rot ayobtrctS &KaETaropota avaErapXat TiErofC vrat. On which passage see the learned dissertation of Spanheim, who mentions the same custom to have prevailed among the Jews, who were wont to convey to their holy metropolis the first fruits and tenths of the produce of the soil for the mainte nance of the teniple and its service. Spencer (de Legg. Heb. 1161, &c.) shows at great length that many of the rites oh. served in bringing the first fruits to Jerusalem were borrowed from heathen nations. 74 PINDAR. First in the stadium's level course CEonus, brave Licymnius' son, Who brought from Midea's walls his force, 90 The chaplet's glorious honours won: And Echemus his Tegea's name Raised in the wrestler's ring to fame. Doryclus bade the manly caestus crown His lovely Tirynthian city with renown. 82 95 And Semus' steeds unwearied in the race, Mantinea with the hymn of triumph giace. Phrastor with certain aim the javelin threw; While from Eniceus' hand the discus flew, And as the circling orb ascended high 100 Above the rest, what clamours rent the sky! The full-orb'd moon, with her nocturnal ray Shed o'er the scene a lovely flood of day. 91 And all the grove with festal chorus rang, Oft as the crowd the victor's praises sang. 105 Now shall the muse prepare her loftiest verse, Obedient to the rites of ancient days, The lurid bolts and shafts of light rehearse, And sing the mighty Thunderer's deathless praise Symphonious with the song shall wake the reed, By Dirce's sacred fount-a tardy note indeed! 112 Grateful as comes th' expected heir To bless his age-enfeebled sire, The source of sweetly anxious care, And object of his fond desire. 115 Sirnce wealth, if foreign hands must seize the hoard, Is view'd with hatred by its dying lord. E'en thus, arrived at Pluto's dark domain, The hero, nameless in the poet's lay, By glorious acts and aspirations vain 120 Will not have soothed life's brief and anxious day. The dulcet flute and lyre's accordant string Thy happier deeds, Agesidamus, sing, TENTH OLYMPIC ODE. 75 While the Pierian maids, Jove's tuneful race, On thy fair deeds bestow illustrious grace! 116 125 And I, the muses' faithful friend, With ardent zeal my efforts bend To hymn the mighty Locrians' name: Shedding o'er their well-peopled town The honey'd dews of fair renown, 130 Archestratus' loved stripling I proclaim. Victorious near th' Olympic shrine, With strength of arm I saw him shine In bloom of youth and beauty's flower, Incipient manhood's golden hour, 135 Which with the Cyprian queen of love Disgraceful fate from Ganymedes drove. 125 THE ELEVENTH OLYMPIC ODE.* TO THE SAME AGESIDAMUS, A SUPPLEMENTARY ODES KNOWN BY THE GREEK TITLE Toxos, OR INTEREST ARGUMENT.'rHE poet addresses this short ode to Agesidamus, as a kind of amends for his delay in sending him the preceding.-It contains the praises of the Locri and of Agesidamus: the latter on account of his victory with the caestus; the other for wisdom, hospitality, and fortitude. As men, o'er ocean's paths who sail, Implore from Heaven a favouring gale, And others joy when, at their call, Showers, the clouds' humid daughters, fall; Thus too when some laborious deed 5 Is crown'd with victory's well-earn'd meed, The hero's virtues soft-toned hymns proclaim, Sure pledge that after times shall celebrate his name. Praises like these unenvied yield The conquests of Olympia's field; 10 And such my tongue aspired to gain. But human wishes all are vain, Unless the god his aid bestow, From whom success and genius flow. Son of Archestratus! I raise 15 In thy triumphant cwestus' praise The hymn whose melody around The golden olive's wreath shall sound; * The Greek title of this ode was Totcos, or Interest, as it was sent to Agesidamus with the preceding, in order to compensate for the poet's tardiness in sending him the preceding. ELEVENTH OLYMPIC ODE. 77 While the melodious numbers grace The western Locrians' honour'd race. 15 20 Thither, ye muses, lead the festal train, If to that land your hallow'd footsteps stray, Ye find no rude, inhospitable swain, Who drives the stranger from his door away. But one, in wisdom's ample treasures bless'd, 25 Whose veins with all his father's valour glow; For time but steels the rugged lion's breast, Nor can the tawny fox his wiles forego. 22 THE TWELFTH OLYMPIC OLYMPIC ODE. TO ERGOTELES OF HIMERA, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE FOOT RACE, CALLED. AoIXOJp0oo5,* OR THE LONG COURSE, GAINED IN THE SEVENTY-SEVENTH OLYMPIAD. ARGUMENT. THIS ode, almost as short as the preceding, begins with an invocation to Fortune, the supreme arbitress of events, the issue of which is always uncertain, to be propitious to the Himermlans. The victor would have remained iD ignoble obscurity, passing his life in domestic broils, had he not re. moved from Crete, his native land, to Himera: in which town, being favourably received, he cultivated those faculties of strength and swiftness which enabled him to obtain the Olympic, Pythian, and Isthmian crowns. OH Fortune, saviour of the state, Daughterof Eleutherian Jove, For Himera thy constant love And guardian care I supplicate. Toss'd on the rough and stormy sea, 6 The rapid ships are sway'd by thee; And marshall'd in its long array Uncertain war allows thy sway. Since, or in council or in field, All to thy sovereign fiat yield. 10 While flattering hope's delusive dream Cheats men with visions false and vain; l This course, according to some, consisted of six, according to others, of twenty-four stadia. It was longer than the diaulos, which was a course from the starting post to the goal and back again without intermission TWELFTH OLYMPIC ODE. 79 Now glads the heart with transport's beam, Now whirls them in despair again. 9 But not to any son of earth 15 Has ever yet a sign been given By the immortal powers of heaven To know th' event before it come to birth. Full oft the wishes of mankind An unexpected issue find, 20 When joy's bright promise ends in wo. Oft too the beams of bliss arise To him whose shatter'd vessel lies Whelm'd in the stormy gulf below. 18 Son of Philanor! —like the bird 25 Whose shouts within are only heard, Ne'er had thy speed, unknown to fame, Exalted an inglorious name. -Driven by sedition's broils to roam Far from thy native Cretan home, 30 Olympia's verdant chaplet now Encircles thine illustrious brow. For thee their twofold chaplets twine The Delphic palm and Isthmian pine, Now fix'd in Himera's adopted plain, 35 The tepid fountains of the nymphs you crown, Ergoteles, with your own high renown, And bid their springs unwonted honour gain. 28 25 I. e., the cock, sacred to Mars. By this simile Pindar in. timates that had not Ergoteles been expelled by domestic sedition from his native land, he would still have remained inglori. ous at home. like a cock enclosed within a coop. Heyne re. marks that this image is the more obvious, as the coins of Himera were usually distinguished by the image of that bird. The Himeroaans experienced in a remarkable manner the instability of human fortune, as their city was destroyed by the Carthaginians in little more than two hundred,years from its foundation. 38 This allusion to the celebrated warm springs of Himera is understood by some commentators in an allegorical sense. THE THIRTEENTH OLYMPIC ODE. TO XENOPHON, THE CORINTHIAN, ON HIS VICTORY INTHE STADIC COURSE- AND THE PANTATHLON, GAINED IN THE SEVENTY-NINTH OLYMPIAD. ARGUMENT. TLIE poet begins this ode with celebrating the praises of Xenophon, conjointly with those of his native town.-He then pro. ceeds to enumerate the different conquests of the victor and his father Ptmodorus.-Then returns to Corinth, and digresses to the story of Bellerophon, thrown to earth by Pegasus, who was afterward received into the celestial stalls.-Then follow encomiums of the Oligmthide of the tribe Xenophon, who had been victorious at Thebes, Argos, and various other cities where games, inferior to the four great contests, were celebrated.-Concludes with a prayer to Jupiter that he..ay bless them with continued prosperity. WHILE to the house of Xenophon I raise The grateful tribute of poetic praise, Who, thrice victorious in Olympia's field, With equal care the friend and stranger shield, Well-peopled Corinth, Isthmian Neptune's gate, $ In this triumphant strain I celebrate. Ennomia with her sisters fair, The state's firm guard, inhabit thereConcord and Justice, who dispense To man unbounded affluence. 10 They, prudent Themis' golden train, Impetuous arrogance control; And foul-mouth'd insolence restrain, Which breeds satiety of soul. 12 1.2 The oracle of Bacis, mentioned by Herodotus, (Uramn htxvii.,) ascribes the same birth to satiety:KpaTspov Kopov,'~puos p; s. THIRTEENTH OLYMPIC ODE. 81 But truth and upright confidence prevail 15 O'er my bold tongue to speak its pleasing tale. Sons of Aletes! vainly would you hide The native valour stamp'd upon the mind. To you full often in triumphant pride Victory's high palm the blooming hours assign'd; 20 And oft they bade your skilful art explore The secret mysteries of ancient lore. 24 But all the glorious action's fame Illustrates the inventor's name. Who taught, save Corinth's noble race, 29 The Dithyrambic hymn to grace, In festal pride the bull to lead, Or curb with reins the generous steed. Or on the temples with expanded wing Placed the twin semblance of the feather'd king. 30 Them the sweet-breathing muse inspires, While Mars in his sublime career, Their youth with thirst of glory fires, And gives to hurl the deadly spear. 33 Supreme, wide-ruling Jove, whose sway 35 Olympia glories to obey, Through every age with guardian arm Shielding this happy race from harm, Conducted by thy prosperous gale, May Xenophon's light pinnace sail. 40 16 The Corinthians are so called, as being descended from King Aletes, who came into the Peloponnesus with the HeraclidE, and obtained the empire of Corinth. 29 There is some obscurity in this passage. It is doubted by the commentators whether the double eagle were sculptured on the pediment, (a/toma,) or placed inside of the temple. Green is of the latter opinion, but supports it by rather a singular argument, viz., that the word in the original is,vOeic'; whereas it is evident that the corresponding line in the second epode requires ErO'IC in the first, which is the common and doubtless the true reading. Pausanias, in his description of the temple of Minerva Epyavq, G 82 PINDAR, Receive th' encomiastic strain, His tribute, who on Pisa's plain The pentathletic garland won: Urged by insuperable force While he the stadium's lengthen'd course 45 With rapid foot was first to run. Of all in that great strife renown'd, Such wreaths no former mortal crown'd. 44 His brow, in pride of triumph placed, Twice has the Isthmian parsley graced- 5G. As oft conspicuous in the Nemean field, To him the crown his vanquish'd rivals yieldAnd by Alpheus' shore his father's name, Swift-footed Thessalus, is given to fame. Him the same sun beheld on Pytho's plain, 5S The stadic and diaulic prize obtain: And rocky Athens wove her chaplet fair Thrice in one moon, to deck the victor's hair. 55 Seven times th' iHellotian palm he gain'd; But when on Isthmian Neptune's strand 60 The efforts of his victor hand Join'd to great Pteeodorus' might, His sire and partner in the fight, The glorious prize obtain'd; More lengthen'd pomps and songs proclaim 65 Terpsias' and Eritimus' fame. the Artificer, in the citadel at Lacedaemon, has these words:&e rpor 6voAanS EXEtL 7Wtv (Wv aerovg re Avo, ravc OPVLOaC, Kcat caLa sWR avrots VLKaCg. 59 The Hellotia was a festival of Minerva celebrated at. Corinth; in which was a game called Aatepaospopta, from youths running with lamps in their hands. The scholiast informs us that when the Dorians, with the Heraclidas, invaded Corinth and burned -the city, the greater part of the virgins fled; but Hellotia, with her sister Eurytione, perished in the flames oi the temple of Minerva. 66 The former was the son of Ptweodorus; the latter the son of Terpsias. THIRTEENTH OLYMPIC, ODE. 83 What palms to him from Delphic contests rise! What honours Nemea's grassy field supplies! If all his glorious deeds my song would tell, The shore's unnumber'd stones I might recount as well. 66 70 Wisdom still follows in the mean, On every fit occasion seen. 1, when true friendship wakes the string, Prudence or warlike fame to sing, Not e'en for Corinth's sires will raise 75 Strains of exaggerated praise. Thence Sisyphus, the craftiest son of earth, His hands endued with more than mortal skill, And to this race Medea owes her birth, Whose wedded choice opposed her father's will. 80 Her ready aid, by love inspired, could save Argo and all her crew from the remorseless grave. WVhat time the troops in long array Appear'd before the Dardan wall, Anxious to end the doubtful fray, 85 Begun at the Atridue's call. When, aided by their friendly host, Greece strove her Helen to regain, And Troy beyond her threaten'd coast To drive th' invaders to the main. 90 While Danaus' sons with fear survey'd Glaucus, from Lycia's field array'dThe plain, he said with conscious pride, Where flows Pirene's sacred tide, That was my sire's dominion fair, 95 Whose palace tower'd in splendour there. 88 Bold Pegasus, the snaky Gorgon's son, He strove to curb with many an effort vain, Where that sweet fountain's bubbling waters rua, Till virgin Pallas brought the golden rein. I00 In vision to his couch of rest she came, 84 PINDAR. And cried, "' Can still th' ZEolian monarch sleep. The courser with this wished-for bridle tame, And to the god who rules the stormy deep, As the white bullock on his altar bleeds, 105 Display as strong a rein as checks his fiery steeds.';'Twas thus, as plunged in sleep he lay, The godlike maid, who joys to wield The terrors of her azure shield, Seem'd in the shadowy gloom to say. 110 On eager foot the monarch rose And seized the wonder glittering near, Then straight the whole bright vision shows To Polyidus, native seer, That when by night retired to rest, 115 Obedient to the high behest, Within her consecrated fane, The virgin progeny of Jove, Who darts his lightning spear above, GCave to his hand the golden rein. 111 I The prophet bade him swift obey This passage of the will divine, A sturdy bull to Neptune slay, And to equestrian Pallas rear the shrine. Full oft the gods with power supreme 125 Have brought the wish'd event to birth, Beyond the utmost hope or dream Of the short-sighted sons of earth. Even thus Bellerophon the bold With gentle rein thrown o'er his head, 130 The winged courser's pride controll'd, And at his potent bidding led. 122 Then quickly mounting, sportive play'd In brazen panoply array'd. Borne by his faithful steed, he sought the field, 135 Where blows the desert air with chilling breath; THIRTEENTH OLYMPIC ODE. 85 Made the brave Amazonian squadrons yield, And closed their female warrior ranks in death. Chimaera, breathing fire, his arms o'erthrew, And the proud race of Solymi he slew. 140 His death I sing not-while from thraldom freed, The ancient stalls of Jove receive th' aspiring steed. 132 But'tis not mine beyond the mark to throw The whirling arrows from my potent bow. The high-throned muses' willing slave, I raise 145 With the just tribute of poetic praise, The Oligaethide's Corinthian train, Victors at Isthmus and on Nemea's plain. While in brief tale their glories I rehearse, True is the oath that sanctifies my verse. 150 Since thirty wreaths the herald's sweet-toned sound In either contest won, sings to the world around. 143 Their triumphs on Olympia's plain Ere now my song has given to fame; And future crowns the lay shall move, 155 If true my ardent wishes prove. But should the natal demon bless, Since God alone confers success, To Jove and war's stern lord we leave The embryo glories to achieve. 160 For them what verdant garlands grow On the Parnassian mountain's brow! What chaplets Thebes and Argos yield, And green Arcadia's sacred grove! Where stands as witness of the field, 165 The altar of Lycaean Jove. 154 142 The scholiast says that these were stars anciently called ovot as well as T7arvaL. Perhaps, therefore, it was the Presepe Asellorum, near the constellation Cancer; which, being a summer sign, answers to the description of it given by Theocritus, (xxii. 21.) —ovwv ava peraaov apavprl iarvr, altlavooa lra rapo 7 r)oov Mvina.nara. 86 PINDAR. Pellene, Sicyon, have beheld their mightA'acidae's well-guarded grove, Eleusis, Megara, where oft in fight, As oft in splendid Marathon they strove. 170 Eubcea and the wealthy cities spread Beneath aspiring Etna's head. Through Graecia's realm more wreaths to them belong Than could be number'd in the poet's song. Still, mighty Jove, preserve their tranquil state, 175 And may increasing joys the virtuous race await! 165 THE FOURTEENTH OLYMPIC ODE. TO ASOPICHUS OF ORCHOMENOS, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE STADIC COURSE, GAINED IN THE SEVENTIETH OLYMPIAD. ARGUMENT. THIS ode begins with a highly poetical invocation to the Graces, guardians of Orchomenos, that they may bless the victor with their propitious influence.-The poet concludes with an address to Echo, enjoining her to carry the news of his conquest to the city of Proserpine, in order to gratify his father Cleodamus with the pleasing intelligence. NYMPHS of Cephisian streams! who reign Where generous coursers graze the plain, And rule Orchomenos the fair; Ye Graces! who with power divine Protect the ancient Minywe's line, 5 Oh listen to my humble prayer. To you the grateful bard shall raise His tribute of poetic praise; Since wisdom, beauty, splendour flow From your bright sphere to man below. 10 Not without you the bless'd above Or join in banquet or in chorus move. But throned on high, your lovely train Placed near the Pythian god of day, Whose golden shafts the beams of light display, 15 All the high deeds of Heaven ordain, And praise th' Olympic sire with hymns of endless love. 18 Aglaia, offspring of his might divine, Thalia and Euphrosyne, whose ear 88 PINDAR. The songs of heaven delights to hear, 20 Ye tuneful sisters, harken now to mine. As moving on, with agile state, The festal pomp we celebrate. To hymn, Asopichus, thy fame, With Lydian melodies I came; 25 Since Minyas' prosperous town to thee Owes her Olympic victory. 27 Now to Persephonea's hall, E]ncircled by its sable wall, Haste, Echo, bear thy grateful tale 30 To Cleodamus' ear; Which in illustrious Pisa's vale Announced his bright careerHow in life's early bloom his son The glorious wreath of triumph won; 35 Encircling with that guerdon fair, In winged grace his flowing hair. 35 35 It was usual for the victors at the Olympic games to entwine with garlands the manes of their horses as well as their own hair, To this custom Pindar frequently alludes. TH E PYTHIAN ODES. OF THE PYTHIAN GAMES. THE Pythian Games were instituted in honour of Apollo. Conjectures vary with respect to the origin of the word, which some imagine to have been named from the serpent Python slain by that god. So Ovid (Met. i. 445) describing the generation and death of this monster:" Neve operis famam possit delere vetustas, Instituit sacros celebri certamine ludos; Pythia de domito serpentis nomine dictos." Others derive the term a7ro srov -rvOeOat, because the serpent lay and putrefied there; others again airo rov 7ivv0avauatL, from inquiry, because men in doubt went to consult the Pythian Apollo. But the most probable conjecture is that which derives them from Pytho, the ancient name of the town Delphi, situated in a valley of Mount Parnassus, the scene of their celebration, as the other Grecian games, the-Olympian, Nemean, and Isthmian, were denominated from the spot on which they were held. The Pythian contests, which the Greeks regarded with the highest reverence, were instituted many years after the Olympic, and before the Isthmian. Some authors maintain that they were established by Adrastus, king of Argos, B. C. 1263. At first they were held every ninth, but afterward every fifth year. It is said that in the first Pythiad the gods themselves were combatants; and that Castor won the prize in the stadic course, Pollux in boxing, Hercules in the pancratium, Calais in the foot race, Zetes in fighting with armour, Telamon in wrestling, and Peleus in throwing the quoit; and that the victor's reward was a laurel crown bestowed by Apollo, afterward changed for a garland of palm leaves. Ovid (loc. cit.) says that the wreath was arbitrary. "His juvenum quicumque manu, pedibusve, rotave Vicerat, esculeae capiebat frondis honorem. Nondum laurus erat; longoque descentia crne Tempora cingebat de qualibet arbore Phcebus." The exercises at these games were originally the same as at the Olympic, with the exception of the chariot race, which, however, was at length added. The songs by which the praises of Apollo for his victory over the serpent Pytho were celebrated were, according to Strabo, divided into avaKpovaUt, the prelude; an allusion to which is probably contained in the opening of the Pythian odes: eYrsrepa, the first experiment; KarraKEXeveaos, collecting courage and rousing for the fight; taflosg Kac 6arvruXos, the insults of the god over his prostrate enemy; evptyyes, a shrill air expressing the hisses of the expiring serpent. According to some authors, these games were introduced into Rome under the title of Ludi Apollinares. THE FIRST PYTHIAN ODE. 10 HIERO, TI E AETN1EAN, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE CIIARe IOT RACE, GAINED IN TI-IE TWENTY-N1NTH PYTHIIAD. ARGUMENT. P1.NDAR begins this ode with a beautiful and poetical invocation to the lyre, expatiating on its powerful effects on gods and men.-The impious alone are incapable of enjoying its sweetness: among which number is T'yphceus, who is described with great sublimity, as struggling under the superincumbent weight of AEtna.-This digression leads to the mention of the town built by Hiero at the foot of the mountain, and named from it.-Of this city he had caused himself to be proclaimed a citizen by the herald, who declared him victorious in the Pythian chariot race. This the poet regards as a presage of future triumphs, and invokes Apollo to take the town, to. gether with the surrounding-6ountry, under his especial pro. tection: since, as his pious disposition leads him frequently to declare, all mortal advantages, as wisdom, strength, eloquence, are derived from the gods.-Then follow the praises of Hiero, and good wishes for his future prosperity, together with the mention of his son Dinomenes.-Calling to mind the ancient history of the family and the calamities which they had suffered, the poet invokes Jupiter to be propitious to them in future, and to avert the perils of war by which they were threatened.-Concludes with offering his advice and good wishes. OH golden lyre! to whose harmonious string Apollo and the fair-hair'd muses sing, Glad prelude which the choral train obey, When moving in the mazy dance To the sweet strains the band advance, 5 Their movements guided by thy sovereign sway — Thine is the potent art to tame The lightning's everlasting flame. 92 PINDAR. Jove's slumbering eagle on his sceptre laid, Rests with swift plume o-: either side display'd, 12 Thy melting sounds his eyelids close 11 In the dark shadows of repose. While his curved head and quivering back declare That even in sleep thy darts have enter'd there. Mars, as he listens to thy lay, 15 Gives his impetuous spear to restThy numbers charm his rage away, And lull to peace his stormy breast. Nor less are all the inmates of the' sky Sooth'd by the shafts of harmony; S0 Whene'er Apollo's skilful hand Conducts the muses' sacred band. 24 But wretches whom immortal Jove Deigns not to honour with his love; Hear in confusion the Pierian strain 25 On earth or on the mighty main. As Typhon, he who dared all heaven to brave, And'gaiust the gods with hundred heads to rise, 9 Casimir appears to have imitated this splendid passage: (Lyric. Ep. ix. 15:)" —— tibi przwpes alti Civis Olympi Hinc et hinc pressis reverenter alis Attulit pacem." Homer (I1. xxiv. 361,) calls the eagle Jove's winged messenger, and the strong sovereign of the plumed race. —Pope. Apuleius (Metam. vi. 119,) gives almost a verbal translation of the words of Pindar: " Nam supremi Jovis regalis ales illa, repente, propansis utrimque pennis, affuit rapax aquila." The English reader wilt probably call to mind a poetical paraphrase of the celebrated invocation with which this beautiful ode, begins, by Akenside, in his hymn to the Naiads:"With emulation all the sounding choir, And bright Apollo, leader of the song, Their voices through the liquid air exalt," &c. 27 With this description of the hundred-headed Typhon or TyphTmus, who is also mentioned in the beginning of the fourth FIRST PYTHIAN ODE. 93 Nurtured of old in famed Cilicia's cave, Now whelm'd in black Tartarean darkness lies. 30 Cumae's sea-girdled shores below, And where Sicilia's waters flow, Crush'd by the island's weight, impress'd Upon the rebel's shaggy breast, -,Etna his giant form restrains, 35 Whose towering height the cloud sustains, Nurse of the sharp perennial snow. 39 Forth from her inmost caverns urge their way Fountains of pure and unapproached fire, Rivers of smoke that blot the face of day, 40 And from their source of lurid flame aspire. But flashes of bright hue illume The horrors of nocturnal gloom; And hurl the rocks with thundering sound, Whelm'd in the watery gulf profound. 45 The restless monster from his burning seat Sends up to heaven the springs of direst heat; And strikes with mute surprise their eye and ear Who see the wondrous fire, and sounds prodigious hear. 50 So close his pinion'd form is bound 50 Beneath dark _Etna's leafy head; Supported on the rugged ground, While all his back is torn, reclining on that bed. Olympic and the eighth Pythian, compare Callimachus, (in Del. 141,) who, like Pindar, appears anxious to clothe so vast an image with appropriate magnificence of language:-'gs 6' sror' Arr'atov Opeos TUvpt rurpospsEsO >Etovrac txvXa raiv-a, KaarovsatoLo yLyavros. 37 See Theocritus, (Id. xi. 47,) where the Cyclop, descri bing the delights of his AEtnaean resi dence, says, There, from deep-shaded AEtna's melting snows The cooling spring's ambrosial beverage flows. POLWHELE. Compare also Euripides-(Phcen. 815.) 94 PINDAR. Oh! may thy power, protecting Jove, My humble prayer and deeds approve; 55 This mountain's guard, whose lofty brow O'erlooks the fruitful land below, And to the neighb'ring city gives its name, Rear'd by the builder of immortal fame, While the loud herald's shout declared afar 60 First in the Pythian course AEtnman Hiero's car 64 To men who o'er the ocean sail'Tis sweet to launch before the gale, And ere they leave the port, discern The omen of a bless'd return; 65 So might th' encomiastic lay Recording these triumphant deeds, Foretel in many a future day Of garlands won by conquering steeds; Which shall th' illustrious city raise 70 In festal melodies of praise. Oh Lycian Phebus! Delian king, Who lovest Castalia's pure Parnassian spring, May these warm hopes acceptance find With )Etna's valiant sons, in thine approving mind! For by the ruling powers of heaven 76 All virtues are to mortals given. Wisdom is theirs-from them are sprung The active hand, the fluent tongue. And when, the victor's might to sing, 80 Eager I wake the lyric string, I fear not from an erring bow The brazen-headed shaft to throw, But scattering far the darts of song, Hope to confound the rival throng. 85 Oh! thus may Hiero's happy state Suceeeding ages give to last, 59 Hiero, to whom the first Olympic ode is addressed. FIRST PYTHIAN ODE 95 And grant, to crown his prosperous fate, Oblivion of the sorrows past! 90 Her solace too Remembrance yields, 90 Recording in what numerous fields His hand the noble chaplet gain'd; While by the favouring powers of heaven To him were brighter honours given Than Grecian victor e'er obtain'd: %5 He still, though with enfeebled might, Like Philoctetes, waged the fight. Howe'er oppress'd, the brave contend To sooth him with the name of friend. 100'Tis said that erst the godlike band 100 Urged with inquiring haste their way To Lemnos' solitary strand, Where Paean's tortured offspring lay; Without whose bow the fated wall Of Priam's city ne'er could fall.' 105 Though sickness all his powers opposed, Yet he the Grecian labours closed. Thus from the deity may Hiero gain All future joy and respite from his pain. Then aid me, muse, the lay to raise, 110 Sulg to Deinomenes' glad earThe pious youth a father's praise From conquering steeds will joy to hear. 115 Come, let us find a friendly hymn, to sing The majesty of Mtna's future king: 115 89 An allusion is here made to Hiero's recovery from a very dangerous illness under which he had been labouring. The transition to the story of Philoctetes, and comparison of that hero with the Sicilian monarch, is highly poetical and just. The scholiast informs us that a covert allusion is here made to Anaxilaus, king of Rhegium; or, as others understand it, to Theron, king of Agrigentum. 96 PINDAR. To whom that city Hiero rear'dSubjected to the bonds of law Which Doric states from Hyllus drawSince heavenly freedom reigns- where laws are fear'd. The heroes who their noble race 120 From Pamphilus and great Alcides trace, Who dwelt in distant times below Taygetus' aspiring brow, By true allegiance bound would still AEgimius' high behests fulfil. 125 From Pindus rushing to the main'Twas theirs Amyclae's walls to gain. In glory as in station near The heavenly twins from Leda sprung, 129 Whose milk-white steeds and conquering spear Throughout th' applauding world are sung. 129 Still o'er their fortune, Jove, preside, And may the tongue of Truth proclaim By Amena's Sicilian tide Their citizens' and monarch's fame. 135 Still may the venerable king Direct his son's obedient mind, To harmony his subjects bring, And in firm ties of concord bind. Saturnian king!-if aught my prayers avail, 140 Soon will the shouts of hostile Tuscans cease, Phoenicia's baffled sons from Cumme sail, And all our naval contest end in peace. 141 By Syracusa's lord o'erthrown, What sad reverses have they known! 145 118 The colony of.Etna, as well as the Megarensians and Syracusans, were of Doric origin; the latter of whom received their laws from Hyllus, son of Hercules. 142 This naval victory, achieved by the brothers Hiero and Gelo over the Etruscans off the coast of Cumme, is again mentioned in the ninth Nemean ode, v. 69, et sq, with nearly the FIRST PYTHIAN ODE. 97 From the swift ships their youth he hurl'd Deep plunged beneath the watery world; Setting the land of Hellas free From the rude bonds of slavery. To praise th' Athenian name, my muse 150 From Salamis her lay would choose; While Sparta glorious in the fight Waged near Cithaeron's towering height; When her brave progeny o'erthrew The Median archers' bended yew. 155 E'en thus, Deinomenes, thy fame Sounded in hymns of loud acclaim, Near Himera's well-water'd shore, Where thy strong arm in glory's field Made the contending foeman yield, 160 Thy latest children shall explore. 156 If just, the brief and simple tale O'er lengthen'd numbers shall prevail: While loathes the breast and sated ear Exaggerated strains to hear; 165 Strains which disgust. and envy raise By superfluity of praise; same invocation to Saturnian Jupiter to grant continued peace and prosperity to the Sicilians, as well as to the Grecians in general. Pindar ascribes to it the most important consequences, no less than the liberation of Greece, and not merely of Sicily, from the heavy yoke of captivity. The second victory, recorded at v. 154, was that gained by the sons of Deinomenes over the Carthaginians at Himera on the same day with the victory by the Athenians at Salamis, (A. C. 480.) These were themes worthy bf the patriotic poet's enthusiasm, and he appears to expatiate on them with peculiar delight. In v. 152 Pindar alludes to the battle of Platina, gained by Pausanias with the united forces of Lacedaemon and Athens over an army of Persians vastly superior in number, (A. C. 479,) on the same day with that of Mlycale. This great victory completed the liberation of Greece; and perhaps in the whole range of descriptive poetry we shall scarcely find a series of victorious actions more concisely yet more appropriately described. a.-J8 PINDAR. And the dark jealous mind annoy That hears with pain another's joy. But unsubdued by envious hate, 170 (For pity were a lower state,) Still be thine honest actions sung; With steady hand direct the helm, Protector of the peopled realm, And on truth's whetstone edge thy tongue. 168 For know, a fault of lightest blame 176 Would brand a king with flagrant shame. Since be thy bearing good or ill, Unnumber'd eyes survey thee still. Then tarnish not thy generous mind, 180 If thy delighted ear rejoice In honest fame's applauding voice, Be all thy bounties unconfined. Like the skill'd pilot, spread thy sail Before the free and liberal gale. 177 185 Nor, friend, let flattery's specious wile Thy better judgment e'er beguile. When life's brief span is past away, And closed the transitory scene, The storied page or poet's lay 190 Declares how bright that life has been. Still Creesus' philanthropic virtue lives; While Phalaris, who made his victims flame Within the brazen bull's ignited frame, To everlasting infamy survives: 195 170 That is, as the scholiast explains the passage, you had better be praised for your virtues than pitied for your vices or bad actions. 176 A similar sentiment occurs in Fletcher's Thierry and Theodoret, (act i., sc. 1.), where the Prince of Austracia says of royal delinquents, "The sins we do people behold through optics, Which show them ten times more than common vices, And often multiply them." FIRST PYTHIAN ODE. 99 Nor is the hated tyrant sung In festal chorus by the youthful tongue. Success is mortals' chief reward belowThe next when hymns proclaim the glorious prizeBut he whose lot in both triumphant lies 200 Receives the highest crown that Fortune can bestow. 195 THE SECOND PYTHIAN ODE. TO THE SAME IIIERO, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE CHARIOT RACE. ARGUMENT. PINDAR begins this ode with an address to Syracuse, declaring that he brings her a hymn on account of Hiero's victory.-The merits of the victor justly demand this tribute.-By way of illustration, he digresses to the story of Ixion, who repaid the benefits received from Jupiter by base ingratitude, and when placed on the wheel, uttered a memorable saying, in order to deter men from such conduct: this leads to the fabulous birth and history of Centaurus.-The poet then adds various moral sentiments, with a view of confirming the moral truth deduced from this narration, and repels the odious charge of having slandered his patron and benefactor, from which the example of Archilochus would be sufficient to deter him.Then follow the praises of Hiero, especially on account of his wisdom, and the glory of his martial exploits, in the assistance which he rendered to his brother Gelon, whom Hiero succeeded on the throne of Syracuse, in his contest with the Carthaginians.-In conclusion, he subjoins various precepts and admonitions, especially warning him not to lend an ear to the voice of adulation. OH Syracuse! in whom combine Four towns their might to furnish thine, Mars' loved abode-of generous steedst And men renown'd for martial deeds, The fostering nurse divine — To thee from splendid Thebes I come, And bear the grateful tidings home,, 2 These towns are thus enumerated by the scholiast: Acradina, Neapolis, Tyche, Epipole: justly, therefore, might the poet address Syracuse by the epithet pcyaXo7roMsXs. SECOND PYTHIAN ODE. 101 How Hiero's victor coursers' might Sped his earth-shaking chariot's flight. By frequent crowns that shine afar 10 Resplendent in the Pythian war, Ennobling high Ortygia's seat, Where Dian's river shrine Alpheus' waters greet. Without whose aid his agile grasp in vain Had check'd his coursers with the varied rein. 15 For prompt with each assisting hand, The huntress maid who joys to slay With certain aim her sylvan prey,. And Mercury whose godhead claims Dominion o'er the sacred games, 20 Placed round his polish'd car the shining band. Taming by bit and curb applied The docile steeds' impetuous pride; And calling to the arduous course The god who wields the trident's force. 25 Each lyric poet for a different lord Frames the sweet hymn his valour to record. The Cyprians thus with acclamations sing The praise of Cinyras, their glorious king; Loved by Apollo with his golden hair, 30 The priest of Venus and her cherish'd care. Favours of friends conferr'd upon the good, Lead to a just return of gratitude. Son of Deinomenes! the Locrian maid Raises the loud and joyful strain to thee, 35 13 I. e., the island Ortygia, at the south of Sicily. The scholiast interprets 7roraplta by tsa A)Ee(oaeaS. 19 The scholiast quotes a fragment of AEschylus in which Mercury is called evayovLos, president of the games. In the Agamemnon (v. 521.) the herald invokes Apollo under the titles of acwrp K(ra-aywvtos; and in the next verse addresses rovs aywvtovs Osov HlavraS. 29:;Homer, who so often confirms the historical. and mythological tales of Pindar, also mentions Cinyras, king of Cvprus, as having given to Agamemnon a breastplate, as a pledge of hospitable friendship: (11., xi., 19, 20.) 102 PINDAR. Whose step secure proclaims her nation made By thy brave arm from war's dire tumults free. As fame reports, thus by the gods' behest, Whirl'd on his rapid wheel Ixion cries"6 Mortals, bear this upon your minds impress'd- 40 Requite their love from whom your blessings rise." This truth he from experience drew, Dwelling with heaven's Saturnian train, His raptured soul unable grew Such mighty transport to sustain; 45 When raging with unhallow'd flame His wild imagination strove To ravish the celestial dame Who shares the glorious couch of Jove. The deed, with peril fraught, he tried, 50 By fearless insolence impell'd; But quickly his aspiring pride Avenging retribution quell'd. These crimes with double weight pursued The sinning hero to his doom, 55 Hands first in kindred blood imbrued, A father hurried to the tomb. 59 Next his endeavour, rash and vain, The partner of Jove's bed to gain. Let this instruct ambitious man 60 The measure of his might to scan; Since but disgrace and endless wo From unallow'd embraces flow. The fool who grasp'd at heavenly charms Fill'd with a cloud his cheated arms; 65 Whose form became the stately mien That marks the bright Saturnian queen. The hands of Jove this dire deceit Framed, for his crimes a guerdon meet. -57 This alludes to the murder of Deioneus by his son-in-law Ixion, which was perpetrated by throwing him alive into a pit filled with burning coals. SECOND PYTHIAN ODE. 103 There on the deadly circle laid, 70 Whose fourfold chain himself had made, His litnbs in dreadful tormlent wound Th' inevitable wheel around, The wretch with tardy wisdom fraught, To all mankind this lesson taught. 75 Submitting to his strong embrace, Her proud ungracious son she bore, Unhonour'd by the heavenly race, Nor known to mortal birth before. Centaurus (such the nursling's name) 80 Mingled in Pelion's shady grove With the Magnesian mares in love, And hence a wondrous army came. Each parent's nature form'd to showBent to the mother's shape below, 85 While rose the stately sire above. 88 The god whose sp'ed prevents the eagle's wing, And moves more swiftly than the dolphins sweep, Sporting on rapid fin, the watery deep, Can mortal hopes to prosperous issue bring; 90 Subdues the pride of one aspiring mind, And deathless fame to others has assign'd. But let me not with slanderous tale Like beast of hostile tooth assail; For as I saw, though far away, 95 Archilochus, whose bitter vein His rancorous spleen could ne'er restrain, O'erwhelmed in want and misery lay. Imperial wealth by wisdom graced In the first lot of bliss is placed; 100 71 I. e., the wheel with four radii or spokes to which Ixion was bound. 96 The story of this poet, who, by the bitterness of his poetical slander, caused the death of his father-in-law Lycambes, presents a remarkable instance of retributive justice. By far away is meant distant in point of time, as Archilochus flourished,aearly one hundred and fifty years prior to Pindar. 104 PINDAR. And this high rank is clearly thineLord of the host and well-buiit town, Let thy free mind with blessings crown Those whom thy fates to thee assign. Of all thy mighty fathers gone, 105 Whatever tongue should dare proclaim Through Greece that any hero's fame In wealth or honours brighter shone, With folly's mark would stamp his name. 112 But when thy virtues wake the song, 110 By flowery ways I pass along. In youth the valour of thine arm Shielded thy life from adverse harm. Hence I declare that thou hast found A glory which exceeds all bound; 115 Whether on foot the warriors rage, Or in equestrian strife engage; And free from blame my praise shall sound Thy counsels in maturer age. Farewell-this hymn across the hoary sea, 120 As by Phoenician craft, I send to thee. 121 It appears from this passage, which is confirmed by a fragment of Sophocles, as well as one of Aristophanes, that the Phcenicians, like the Canaanites of Scripture, were always distinguished above other nations by their eminence as merchants, which seems to have passed into a sort of proverb. The Castorean song, which Pindar sends across the sea to Hiero, it is probable that nothing more is intended than a hymn commemorative of an equestrian victory, Castor being the god of horsemanship: nor must it be confounded with the Kauopetov pEXos, or war song of the Spartans. The purport of the following passage is very obscure, referring, probably, to some story unknown to us. The praise of the righteous judge, Rhadamanthus, which follows, Heyne considers to have been a favourite theme with the ancient poets, and affords another proof of the noble independence of Pindar's mind, and of the value of his friendship, which prompted him to warn even a king with perfect plainness and sincerity against being corrupted by the false praises of ve. nal adulators. The construction of the next four lines is by no means clear, although the sentiment, cautioning Hiero to be. SECOND PYTHIAN ODE. 105 Thou the triumphant Castorean song, With music that th' ZEolian lyre shall make, To which the seven harmonious chords belong, Skill'd as thou art, with willing candour take. 125 Let witless boys extol the shape Of the defornl'd unsightly ape: But we the lofty'song of praise To Rhadamanthus justly raiseClear-sighted judge! whose rigorous mind 130 With wisdom and experience fraught, Ne'er by the mists of flattery blind, In her seducing wiles is caught. How often from her whisper'd lies Inextricable evils rise! 135 To him whose lips with foxlike art The slanderous calumnies impart; And him who with believing ear The tale of falsehood joys to hear. From such deceit wha- good can spring. 140 Will this or fame or profit bring? As in the fisher's watery toil, Aloft the buoyant cork remains, While laden with its finny spoil, The whelming gulf his net retains. 145 So I from fear and danger free, Float corklike on the briny sea. 147 Ne'er is a good and potent word From lips of treacherous townsman heard. His wiles that all alike deceive, 150 A web of endless mischief weave. Such boldness -ne'er can I approveStill be it mine a friend to love; But like a wolf the foe to view, And in his crooked ways pursue. 155 ware of being misled by the arts of whispering slanderers, is sufficiently obvious. 151 I have here followed Heyne's emendation, atra instead Of the common reading ayav. I 106 PINDAR. Oft from a man of upright tongue A state's true happiness has sprung: Whether- in solitary pride A king the reins of empire guide, Or the grave band of nobles proud, 160 Or chief of the tumultuous crowd. Against the potent will of Heaven'Tis mad ambition to contend, By whom to these now might is given, Now others call the god their friend. 165 But calm content the envious mind In their delight can never find. When the preponderating scale Bids any happier lot prevail, The rankling wound torments their breast, 170 Till in the wish'd possession bless'd. But he, the patient and the wise, Who to the yoke his neck applies, Lifts not, like oxen prone to feel Each casual sting, his angry heel- 175 Be my complacent temper shown, Conversing with the good alone. 176 THE THIRD PYTHIAN ODE. TO THE SAME HIERO, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE SINGLEHORSE RACE, GAINED IN THE TWENTY-SIXTH PYTHIAD. ARGUMENT. WHEN the intelligence of Hiero's victory in the Pythian games was reported to him, that monarch laboured under a grievous disorder.-Hence the friendly poet takes Occasion to express his wish that the centaur Chiron, the preceptor of ZEsculapius in the healing art, could return to life, in order to restore health to the afflicted Hiero.- This leads to the fabulous story of Apollo and Coronis, to whose clandestine love he owed his birth.-He then proceeds to the victor's praises; and prays to.the gods for his continued prosperity.-Then follows a consolatory exhortation to bear adversity with an equal mind, derived from the uncertain condition of mortality, and the constant interruption to earthly happiness; whico truth he illus trates by the examples of Cadmus'and Peleus; interweaving the mythological story of the nuptials of Peleus and Thetis. -He concludes by recommending equanimity from his own example. OH! could to life my anxious care Chiron Phillynides recall; (If my weak tongue may form a prayer Breathed for the common good of all;) Celestial Saturn's potent child, 5 To rule o'er Pelion's valleys still, Howe'er in form like monster wild, Yet men approved his friendly will. He nurtured once the hero kind, Asclepias, whose assuaging art 1L For the rack'd limbs relief could find, And bid each torturing pain depart. 13 Him e'er by Eilithyia's aid Equestrian Phlegyas' daughter bore, 1 0 PINDAR. Transfix'd by Dian's shafts, the maid 15 Went down to Pluto's dreary shore; And lifeless in her chamber lay, A victim to the god of day. No slight or trivial wounds proceed From wrath of Jove's immortal seed. 20 Her sire beguiled-her mind subdued By folly-with contempt she view'd The ties that charm'd her heart before; Loved by the god, whose locks unshorn His brow with youthful grace adorn,'25 The fruit of heavenly race she bore. Her haughty soul could ne'er sustain To see the marriage table spread, Or listen to the nuptial strain By the- coeval virgins led; 30 Whose melody their raptured ear At evening's hour delights to hear: But sicken'd with desire to prove The ardours of an absent love. Full many share the damsel's pain- 35 What tribes of mortals, rash and vain, Blind to the good that courts their view, Eager some distant joy pursue! And lured by hope's delusive gleam Chase but an unsubstantial dream. 41 40 Fair-robed Coronis' scornful mind Such fate was justly doom'd to find; For in the stranger's couch. she lay, Who from Arcadia bent his way. But Loxias, who on Pytho's shrine 45 With kingly eye in act divine Sees many a victim bleed, He who by wisdom all his own Makes to himself each action known, Survey'd the impious deed. 50 45 Apollo or the Sun, so named from his oblique course through the ecliptic. THIRD PYTHIAN ODE. 109 No falsehood mrocks his piercing sight, Nor gods nor men elude the skill Which judges in prophetic light The open act, the secret will. Then having known the fraud that led 55 The nymph to Ischys' foreign bed, His sister fierce with dire intent To Laceraea straigoht he sent. The maid whose habitation rose Where marshy Bcebias' fountain flows, 60 Too soon her alter'd demon drove The ills that wait on crime to prove. When by the cruel plague pursued Her sin the guiltless neighbours rued — 65 Sad victims of a common tombAs from one fatal spark arise The flames aspiring to the skies, And all the crackling wood consume. 67 60 Brebias, so named from one of the nymphs, is a fountain near Laceraea, in Pelasgiotis. Catullus, (de Nupt. Pel. et Thet. 286, ed. Voss:)" Xyniasi et linquens Doris celebrata choreis Beebiados." in which passage some editions read Minosin and Nonatios for Xyniasi and Bcebiados. Doering reads Mnemonidum, and Nonvacuus instead of Brebiados. Strabo (Geogr. lib. ix.) appears to confirm Vossius' reading. 61 It is perhaps unnecessary to refer the critical reader to Bentley's Dissertation on Phalaris (p. 216-218) for an excellent elucidation of the expression aijuywv erepos, which the Examiner had denied to be poetical. The scholiast explains 1repoS by KcaKoVrotos; and quotes a choliambic of Callimachus to confirm his interpretation. To the remarks of our admirable critic, who, if not gifted with any great talent in metrical composition, had nevertheless a very accurate perception of the niceties of poetical expression, I would add the words of Euripides, (Med. 1106:)-lw —-- st& up,7at meaning or osh. meaning (lea)th. 110 PINDJAR, But when upon the funeral pyre Herkindred placed the maid, 70 And curling round the greedy fire, In vivid lustre play'd"My soul," thus spoke the god of day, "Its own bright race abhors to slay; O'erwhelm'd by that most wretched death 75 Which stopp'd the hapless mother's breath." This said, with one short step he came, And snatch'd his infant from the flame; Through whose divided channel troll The feet of the departing god. 80 The rescued child he gave to share Magnesian centaur's fostering care; And learn of him the soothing art That wards from man disease's dart. 82 Of those whom nature made to feel 85, Corroding ulcers gnaw their frame; Or stones far hurl'd, or glittering steel, All to the great physician came. By summer's heat or winter's cold Oppress'd, of him they sought relief. 90 Each deadly pang his skill controll'd, And found a balm for every grief. On some the force of charmed strains he tried, To some the medicated draught applied: Some limbs he placed the amulets around; 95 Some from the trunk he cut, and made the patient sound. 95 But wisdom yields to sordid gain. Hands which the golden bribes contain Are bound by them alone. At their command the grasp of death 100 Restored the man whose forfeit breath Had from its mansion flown. 101 Alluding, perhaps, to the fable of the resuscitated Hippol. THIRD PYTHIAN ODE. 1I But quickly heaven's Saturnian lord Snatch'd with each hand the life restored; And wing'd his bolt of lurid flame 105 Once more to crush the mortal frame. From him let all of human kind Learn to acquire an humble mind: Nor'gainst the rulers of the sky To vaunt their fleeting destiny. 108 110 Affect not then, beloved soul, The life immortal of the bless'd: Let prudence thy desires control, In practicable schemes to rest. If Chiron, of unerring skill, 115 Dwelt in his Pelion cavern still; And if the sweet-toned hymns could find Their wanton passage to his mind, Then my persuasive tongue had pray'd (Nor vainly) the physician's aid; 120 Who should some healing brother give, Latona's son or Jove's, to gain Respite from fever's burning pain, And bid th' afflicted god revive. In ships that cut th' Ionian sea 125 I come to my ZEtnaean friend. Mild-king! whose cares, from envy free, O'er Syracusa's sons extend. Foster'd by him, e'en strangers prove The blessings of a father's love. 126'130 If, crossing the Sicilian deep, Her onward course my bark should keep, To him my grateful hand would bear Of twofold joys a garland fair. Health's golden charm, the loud acclaim 135 That sings the Pythian victor's fame; ytus, thence called Virbius; some suppose Tyndarus, others Glaucus, others Hymcnceus, others Orion, or Capaneus. 112 PINDAR. Such triumphs as in days of yore At Cirrha Pherenicus bore: And brighter than the airy star For him my splendour beams afar. 136 140 But to the mother would 1 pray, Whose altar near my dwelling stands: There oft the nymphs, who bend their way To her and Pan, their vows to pay, Assemble in nocturnal bands. 145 Thee, Hiero, whose exalted mind Can to the heights of science rise; True wisdom, with experience join'd, And former ages render wise. When gods or man one good bestow, 150 That blessing leads to double wo. While fools can ne'er with decent pride Sustain their adverse fate, Calm patience, outwardly elate, Shows but the brighter side. — 155 in the first rank of fortune placed, Monarch! such happiness is thine; For kings, with power superior graced, Must above all conspicuous shine. Peleus nor godlike Cadmus led 160 A life exempt from every care; Who, beyond mortals bless'd, were said The height of happiness to share. They heard when Pelion's woody hill And the seven Theban portals rang 165 With strains which the melodious skill Of the gold-netted muses sang. One fair Harmonia to the nuptial bed, One prudent Nereus' child, illustrious Thetis led. 164 To both the hymeneal feasts 170 Came Saturn's sons, heaven's kingly guests; 139 I. e., the sun. See 01. i. v. 9. THIRD PYTHIUA ODE. 113 Whom, seated on their thrones of gold, They saw the splendid gifts unfold. Thus every care and labour past, Rewarded by the fostering love 175 That guards the favour'd sons of Jove, Their drooping hearts were raised at last. But Cadmus, in a later age, By his three daughters' wretched fate, Their awful death and frantic rage, 180 Fell from his bless'd paternal state; When Father Jove, in radiant flame, To thy sweet couch, fair-arm'd Thyone, came. 177 While Peleus' offspring, whom on Phthia's shore Her only son, immortal Thetis bore, 185 Burn'd on the funeral pyre, in cries of grief Compell'd the Greeks to mourn their slaughter'd chief. 182 Whoever then of mortal kind To certain truth directs his mind, Let him with grateful heart enjoy 190 What good the blessed gods bestow: His shortlived pleasures to destroy Soon will the adverse tempests blow. How great soe'er, it speeds away, Though rushing with the tempest's sway. 195 179 The fate of two of the daughters of Cadmus, Ino and Semele, has been mentioned before, (01. ii. 36.) To these Pindar now adds the third, Agave, who, in a fit of madness, slew her son Pentheus. (See Ovid. Met. lib. iii. ad fin.) The history of these three sisters, to whom may be added Autonoe, mother of the ill-fated Acteeon,-presents a striking instance of the uncertain tenure by which mortal prosperity is held. In v. 184 Semele is called Thyone; so named, says the scholiast, aro rov Irept erov Atove'ov -ra;ovs, rTt Ove Kat VOOqvrCut Kara rovs Xopove; as the name Semele was given, orTt estt ra is-Aw rVZo otvovpyovVro-W avrov ( Atosvueos scil.) 193, 194 The metaphor is here expressed in nearly the same words as in the last verse of the seventh Olympic ode. 114 PINDAR. Lowly when in a lot obscure, But liberal if my fortunes rise; These blessings I shall render sure, Obtain'd with all my energies. If wealth the favouring god should give, 200 I hope that not unknown to fame My honour'd and illustrious'name In ages yet to come may live. We know that glorious powers belong To the sweet poet's epic song; 205 What time he wakes the sounding lyre, And bids departed worth aspire. Such Nestor's lot. This charm could save Lycian Sarpedon from the grave: But few the lengthen'd age obtain 210 Whose virtue blooms in lyric strain. 205 THE FOURTH PYTHIAN ODE. TO ARCESILAUS OF CYRENE, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE-CHARIOT RACE, GAINED IN THE THIRTY-FIRST PYTHIAD. ARGUMENT. IN the opening )f this extremely long and highly poetical ode, Pindar, whose subject leads him to the mention of Cyrene, interweaving mythology with historical relation, digresses to the origin of the colony, and the prediction given by Medea to Euphemus, one of the Argonauts, and subjoins the interpretation of it from the Delphic oracle given-to Battus concerning the origin of the colony which was to be planted by him in Libya.-This introduces a long and episodical narration of the Argonautic expedition; the slaying of the dragon, and the recovery of the golden feece, —The simple and beautiful description of Jason's sudden appearance amoig the citizens of Iolcos.-The remainder of the ode is occupied with admonitioins to Arcesilaus respecting the prudent and judicious government -of his kingdom.-In this part the piety and wisdom' of the poet are conspicuous, although it may be justly doubted whether the conclusion be altogether suitable to the nature of a lyric ode. Trins day thy prompt assistance lend, Muse, to the hero and the friend, Lord of Cyrene, famed for generous steedsTo Delphi and Apollo raise The well-earn'd melody of praise, 5 As the bright pomp Arcesilaus leads. In ages past the priestess there, Who near Jove's golden eagles held her throne, With voice oracular made known What truths the present god inspired her to declare. 8 These were placed near the Delphic tripod, and probably gave rise to the story of the two birds sent by Jupiter, one from 116 PINDAR. That Battus, when he left the sacred isle, 11 (The colonist of Libya's fruitful land,) Should rear th' equestrian city's towering pile, Secure upon its chalky rock to stand. 15'And treasured in his mind should lie 15 Medea's ancient prophecy. Which when the seventeenth age was past, _etes' vengeful child foretold, In every point fulfill'd at last, The sons of Thera should behold. 20 The Colchian queen inspired to tell What from her lips immortal fell, Thus spoke the fates' supreme command To warlike Jason's naval band: "From gods and mighty heroes sprung, 25 Give ear to my prophetic tongue. Hereafter from this seabeat shore The child of Epaphus shall move, By mortals cherish'd as before, And plant the root where men adore 30 The majesty of Libyan Jove. 28 Then for the short-finn'd dolphin's speed Shall they direct the rapid steed; Instead of oars, their rein shall steer The cars that mock the storm's career. 35 That omen issuing from the skies True will the sure event declare, When spacious Thera shall arise, Metropolis of cities fair: Which at the mouth of the Tritonian lake, 40 From the great god in human form, whose hand the east and the other from the west, in brder to ascertain the true centre of the earth, and which met at Pytho, or Delphi. 11 The island Thera or Callista. 32-35 I.e., instead of the naval pursuits of islanders, they shall emulate the equestrian skill of their continental neighbours. FOURTH PYTHIAN ODE. 117 T'o his kind host return'd the fertile land, Euphemus hurried from the prow to take. To ratify the sign, Saturnian Jove Thunder'd auspicious from his throne above. 41 Now while the brazen anchor's might, 46 Curb of the rapid Argo's flight, The sailors o'er the ship suspend, He comes their labours to attend. Twelve days from ocean's watery bed 50 On the earth's desert back we led, Counsell'd by me, the naval frame. The cheerful mien assuming then Of himn, the most revered of men, Alone the mighty godhead came; 55 As when to each arriving guest The liberal master of the feast At first his courteous speech applies. 55 But sweet desire, our homeward way. To urge, forbade a longer stay. 60 Eurypylus who traced his birth, To him who girds and shakes the earth, Observed our eager haste to move: Then snatching straight the fertile clod, Pledge of the hospitable god, 65 To give it to Euphemus strove. Obedient to the will divine, The hero leap'd upon the strand, Receiving with extended hand The mystic earth his fates assign: 70 That whelm'd beneath the briny tide, When evening's shadows gather'd round, BWas from the vessel heard to glide Far in the watery gulf profound. 70 49 The god Triton in the form of Eurypylus. 64 This mythological tale is related at length by Apollonius, sh the fourth book of his Argonautics: (1550-1600.) 118 PINDAR. Full oft had I the menial train 75 To guard that precious gift enjoin'd; But dull oblivion seized their mind, And render'd all my caution vain. Now in this isle is shed before the time The immortal seed of spi: ious Libya's clime; 80 For when by sacred Tan;arus he pass'd, Whose subterranean mouth to Hades leads, At home the treasure had Euphemus cast, Great Neptune's son who rules his potent steeds; Whom in a former age Europa bore, 85 Daughter of Tityus, on Cephisus' shore. 82 His children's fourth succeeding race Had seized, with Grecian arms to aid, The continent's extended space; When, exiles from great Sparta made, 90 Mycenae and the Argive bay, The wand'ring train pursue their way. Now will he find that chosen race Sprung from the Lemnian dames' embrace, When honour'd by th' immortal host, 95 They come to this sea-girded coast, And there bleget the man, whose reign Shall stretch o'er Libya's clouded plain. When to the sacred Pythian dome That glitters with abundant gold, 100 Battus in after times shall come, Phoebus will his decree unfold, That he in ships should bring a numerous band Far as Saturnian Nilus' fruitful land." 99 83 Virgil appears to have imitated this passage: (Georg. iv. 467:)" Tcenarias etiamnfauces, alta ostia Ditis, Et caligantem nigra formidine lucum Ingressus, Manesque adiit, Regemque tremendum." 104 The scholiast says that Pindar here mentions Nilus instead of Jupiter, since this river was by the Egyptians worshippedc as a god. He also quotes a hemistich from Parmeno, address ing the Nile as the Egyptian Jove: ALyu7rrts Zev NeL;X. FOURTH PYTHIAN ODE. 1 19 Such were the strains by fate inspired 105 That dropp'd from sage Medea's tongue, Silent the godlike men admired, And round in fix'd attention hung. Bless'd son of Polymnestus! thee, Gladden'd by this spontaneous strain, 110 The Delphic priestess' augury Bade the sublimest hopes maintain. Thrice cried her monitory voice, " Cyrene's destined king, rejoice!" When thou inquiredst at the Pythian shrine 115 The doubtful issue of the voice divine. 112 And now, as in the vernal hour Impurpled glows each opening flower, So shines his eighth succeeding race, Arcesilaus' youthful grace. 120 Apollo in the Pythian field And just Amphictyons' high decree To his triumphant coursers yield The glorious palm of victory. Him will I to the muses' train 125 Give with the ram's bright fleece of gold, For which when sail'd the Minyae bold, Honours from heaven'twas theirs to gain. 123 111 The expression in the original is remarkable, pc>tXac A5cXLts. So Callimachus of the priestesses of Ceres: Aiot 6' ovt aro 7ravroS iS&op oqopeovrN MeAtrcat. See the annotation in Benedict's edition. Perhaps #ieXcrra in this sense may not improbably be derived from the Hebrew ty',7D, an intercessor or interpreter, whose office it was to smooth, or render agreeable the suit of the petitioner:* (Parkhurst ad verb.:) as e)Xurtra, a bee, probably descends from the same' root in its primitive meaning of sweet. Virgil, indeed, speaking as a Py thagorean, says, (Georg. iv. 253,) "Hence to the bee some sages have assign'd A portion of the god, and heavenly mind." Sotheby's Version. So Horace of Orpheus, (ad Pis. 391,) sacer interpresque denluen * The word in Genesis, xlii., 23. i20 PINDAR. To urge their bark's career what cause was found. In chains of adamant what peril bound. 130'Twas doom'd that Pelias should expire By force or fraudulent design, Who waked the hero's vengeful ire, Sprung from the brave;Eolian line. To his quick thought returning still 135 The oracle of Delphi spoke In sounds of wo that loud and shrill From earth's well-wooded centre broke; And bade his jealous mind beware The man with foot of sapdal bare. 140 When he from Chiron's high retreat The stranger citizen should come To famed Iolcos' western seat, And gain at length a foreign home. Then brandishing his double spear, 145 Approach'd the -wondrous mortal near. Wrapp'd are his limbs of beauteous mould Within a double vesture's foldMagnesian, and the foreign pard,'Gainst pelting rains the surest guard; 150 While locks in sacrifice unshorn His ample back with grace adorn. Straight coming on with quiet tread, He show'd a mind devoid of dread. 151 When one among th' assembled crowd 155 Turn'd to th' unknown, thus spoke aloud: "'Tis not Apollo I behold, Nor Venus' spouse, the god of war, Who thunders in his iron car. Long since, as ancient fame has told, 160 Deceased in fertile Naxos lie Iphimedeia's progeny, Otus, and thou, King Ephialtes bold. 163 Homer (Od., iv., 304,) gives the same character of the Aloidce gemini. See also Virg. zXn., vi., 581; and Stat. Theb., x., 850. " Vidisti Aloidas, cum cresceret impia tellus." &h. FOURTH PYT1HIAN ODE. 121 The virgin huntress' rapid dart From her unconquer'd quiver flew, 165 And high-aspiring Tityus slew, That mortals may desire to prove The transports of permitted love." 164 So they their mutual thoughts impart Then with his mules and polish'd car 170 Came Pelias rushing from afar. Mute wonder held his mind in thrall Soon as alone the right foot round He view'd the well-known sandal bound. But with dissembled fear address'd 175 The monarch, his unwelcome guest: G What country boast'st thou thy dear land to call. Fair offspring of a spotless womb, By mortal lineage art thou come? Tell quickly thine illustrious race, 180 Nor by detested lies disgrace." 178 To him the bold and fearless youth In placid words this answer gave: " I come from Chiron's shady cave, Who disciplined my soul to truth. 185 By Chariclo and Philyra the fair, Centaurus' daughters, I was nurtured there. But when the twentieth year had fled, Homeward my youthful steps I bent, To them no word of parting said, 190 Naught that could mark my fix'd intent To take the sceptre of the land, Grasp'd by another's lawless hand. An honour which the king of heaven ro _Eolus and to his sons had given. 192 195 For Fame reports that Pelias bold, Slave to his wishes uncontroll'd, My honour'd. parents' rightful sway Has snatch'd with violence away. K 1 22 PINDARi They, when I first the light survey'd, 200 -Dreading the haughty leader's pride. Sent me in purple robes array'd, (While female shrieks on every side Raised through the house in solemn show The mimic note of funeral woe,) 20 When only dark and silent night Was conscious of my secret flight; And to Saturnian Chiron gave, The nurture of his hand to crave. 205 But all the tale ye know full well- 210 Where rose m.y noble sire's abode, In car with milk-white steeds who rode, Illustrious townsmen, clearly tell. Great ZEson's offspring, lo! I come A native to no foreicn home. 215 From Saturn sprung, the heavenly beast His charge by Jason's name address'd." He spoke: a father's doting eye Soon recognised his progeny; And from his aged lids below 220 The copious tears began to flow; Which showed the soul's o'erflowing joy To see his best and loveliest boy. 219 Attracted by the hero's fame, To them both XEson's brothers came. 225 This Pheres from Hyperia's fountain calls, And Amythaon from Messene's walls. These soon Admetus and Melampus join'd, To greet their kinsman with a friendly mind. Them at the hospitable board 230 Jason i:ith courteous speech address'd, And bade the cheer profusely stored Exhilarate the frequent guest. Five days and nights their courses roll, 234 While pleasure warms each festive soul. 233 FOURTH PYTHIAN ODE. 123 But on the sixth, once more the youth Repeats his tale in words of truth. Then follow'd by the kindred band, In haste he from the mansion went. Their steps to Pelias' ddme they bent, 240 On rushing with tumultuous stand. Soon as the sound assail'd his ear Came bright-hair'd Tyro's offspring near. From Jason's lips with sweetness fill'd, The mild and gentle speech distill'd. 245 245 " Petrean Neptune's son, the mind To praise deceit is more inclined, Than justice, though in grief it end, And to a bitter issue tend. Hence let our lawless anger cease, 250 Be all the future joy and peace. One mother, as full well ye know, Bore Cretheus and Salmoneus bold, And the third race from them who flow, We the sun's golden might behold. 255 The fates survey with adverse eyes When impious kindred feuds arise. 260'Tis not for us with sword or dart, That perforate the brazen shield, Our fathers' ample wealth to part, 260 The heritafe their glories yield. I the white flocks that graze the plain, And yellow herds to thee resign, With all our parents' wide domain, Which thou hast seized, enlarging thine. 265 Nor shall my mind with envy grieve To see thy house new wealth receive. But thou the sceptred monarch's throne, Seat of old Cretheus' royal son, Whence he the laws with justice firauglt To his equestrian subjects taught 1 24 PINDAR. These without pain that both must rue, Restore-lest fresher grief ensue!" 276 When thus the youthful hero spoke, From Pelias this mild answer broke: 275 "Such will I be-though tardy age Now warn me of life's closing stage, While thou art fresh in youth's gay fiow'ret stillPotent thy vigorous arm shall prove, Th' infernal godheads' wrath remove, 280 And murder'd Phryxus' high behest fulfil:' Haste, from AEetes' chambers bear My soul, he cried, and golden hair, On the ram's fleecy back outspread, That once a certain refuge gave 285 From stepdame's treachery and the wave.''Twas thus the wondrous vision said. Where the Castalian waters flow, To search the oracle I goWhen straight the voice prophetic there 290 Bids me for naval flight prepare. If thou thy prompt assistance lend, Which may this arduous contest end, I swear to make the lot thine own, To monarchize and rule alone. 295 Firm witness of the faithful.oath Be Jove, the common sire of both." 298 They part; this compact ratified, Jason the herald's trump of fame, His instant voyage to proclaim, 300 Urges to sound on every side. Thither the sons of Leda fair And of Saturnian Jove repair; 281 Phryxus, whose manes, as Pelias craftily insinuates, are to he appeased by the youthful Jason, was the father of Atha. nlas and Ino, who were driven from their paternal soil and died in Colchis. FOURTH PYTHIAN ODE. 125 Alemena's too, her eyelids set Within a silken fringe of jet. 305 Two heroes of th' earth-shakers race, Whose locks in clustering beauty play, Dreading by fear or dull delay Their ancient valour to disgrace; From Pylos one directs his flight, 310 And one from the Taenarean height. Be this, Euphemus, to thy glory told, And thine, oh Periclymenus the bold! The harper Orpheus join'd the valiant train, Apollo's vaunted son, and father of the strain. 315 And Hermes of the golden wand 316 Sent his twin sons, whose bosoms beat To join the enterprising band With fervent youth's impetuous heat. Prompt at the call, with fearless heart 320 Echion, Erytus depart I From their loved home, that lay below Distant Pangaeus' lofty brow. Boreas, whose rule the winds obey, Arm'd his brave sons, whose back display'd 325 The ample pinions' purple shade, Zetes and Calais for the fray. 326 Great Juno waked the sweet desire Which bade the demigods aspire With Argo o'er the deep to roam; 330 That fix'd in his maternal home Remote from peril none should stay, And wear his laggard age away. But share his fellow heroes' toil, Death's fairest antidote, the spoil 335 Soon as to proud Iolcos' town Came the bright flower of seamen down, Jason extoll'd with praises due, And number'd all the valiant crew. 126 I'INDA t. Skill'd in each bird that cleaves the sky, 340 And sacred lots of augury, Mopsus enjoin'd the host their sail To spread before the favouring gale. But when they hang upon the prow Their anchors o'er the deep below, 345 Fix'd at the stern, the chief displays His sacred vial's golden blaze. Invoking heaven's great father Jove, Who wields his lightning spear above; Waves that o'er ocean's bosom play, 350 And breezes' every varying way, Calm nights and days his prayers implore, And sweet return, their wanderings o'er. 349 Propitious thunder's awful sound Heaven's favouring answer quickly spoke, And lightning's forked darts around 356 From all the clouds irradiate broke. Elated at the prosperous sign, The heroes glow with joy divine. The augur issued his command 360 To ply their oars with constant force, Suggesting to the valiant band Sweet hopes to cheer them on their course. Quick gaining with the breezy south Th' inhospitable ocean's mouth, 365 There to the god a shrine they rear Who sways the raging sea's career. (Of Thracian bulls a tawny herd, To aid the sacrifice, appear'd,) And hollow altar's heaven-built pile, 370 From stony quarry hewn erewhile. 367 Not yet the dangerous pass explored, They supplicate the vessel's lord To fly the inevitable shock That springs from the twin clashing rock. 375 FOURTIt PYT1HIAN ODE. 127 But now the jarring portals close, For ever fix'd in dead repose: Since the proud demigods by fate Are urged to cross the narrow strait. And next the wandering heroes trace 380 To Phasis' flowing streams their way, Mingling with Cblchis' swarthy race, And great AEetes in the fray. Venus, whose darts inflict the sharpest wound, First to mankind the.raging songster bore, 385 Which to the wheel indissolubly bound, That from Olympus gain'd its magic round, Taught wise IAsonides her charmed lore; 386 That from Medea's raging mind All shame of parents left behind 390 Persuasion's lash might take, and prove Greece the sole object of her love. The sum of all the labours dire Enjoin'd him by her cruel sire She told; and mingled with the oil 395 Her antidotes to rugged toil, Given to anoint his manly frame, Then in sweet Hymen's bands they vow'd to quench their flame. 397 But when the adamantine plough Eetes in the midst had set, 400 386 This is the celebrated ivyT, a bird which was supposed to possess the power of inspiring the emotions of love. The scholiast gives us a long explanation of its properties, and in his comment on Nem. iv. 56, where it is again mentioned, gives its allegorical pedigree,- by declaring it to have been a daughter of Echo, or, as some assert, of Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, who by filters, or magical incantations, allured Jupiter to the love of Ino, and was transformed by the revengeful Juno into a bird, which by its continued whirling expressed emtlblematically the raging agitation of love. The classical reader will call to mind the importance attached to its agency by Simutha, in the second Idylliurn of Thieocritus. 128 - PINDAR. And oxen wont the fires to blow From cheeks that rage with constant fret, While thundering on alternate feet, The soil with brazen hoofs they beatHe only their rough spirit broke, 105 And led obedient to the yoke. Then straight a cubit's length impress'd' Of furrow on earth's yielding breast, And thus he spoke: " In this high deed If the ship's ruler shall succeed, 410 The fleece immortal let him bear, Irradiate with its golden hair." 411 He said: his robe of saffron hue Aside the youthful Jason threw, And trusting in immortal aid, 415 His arduous enterprise essay'd. On him the fire could work no harm, Awed by his potent hostess' charm. Then dragging on the rustic load, Their necks and well-ribb'd haunches bound 420 With thongs compulsive thrown around, He urged the sharp and bitter goad; Then labour'd on with manly strength, Completing soon his measured length. O'erwhelm'd at first in speechless wo, 425 Metes view'd the arduous deed; Then admiration's transports flow, And praises unrepress'd succeed. 424 To the brave youth their friendly hands Extend the social train, 430 His brow they crown with verdant bands, And greet in courteous strain. Straight the sun's wondrous offspring show'd Where was the shining skin bestow'd, Extended high on Phryxus' sword, 435 A gift to war's impetuous lord. FOURTH PYTHIAN ODE. 129 But still, these mighty dangers pass'd He hoped the youth would fail at last. For in an ambush'd wood'twas laid, Kept by a greedy dragon's care, 440 With whose dire bulk, at large display'd, No lengthen'd vessel might compare, Though urged by fifty oars, by strokes of iron made. Still could I speed my chariot's way, But time forbids the long delay. 445 A shorter path I know full well, In wisdom who the rest excel. The varied snake of azure hue He soon, Arcesilaus, slew; And with it bore Medea home, 450 Author of murder'd Pelias' doom. Then mingling in the ocean deep, The Erythraean sea they sweep; Thence mid the Lemnian race, who gave Their youthful husbands to the grave, 455 A test of corporal strength they made(Aside the cumbering garments laid) And shared their couch of sweet repose. 452 Thus in a foreign region bright By day or in the peaceful night 460 Your beams of happiness arose. For planted there, Euphemus' race Illustrious shines with endless grace. 453 It would not be an easy task to explain the geographical course.which Pindar here describes the Argonauts to have taken on their return from the expedition in quest of the golden fleece. By the Erythrman RSe, the Indian Ocean is to be understood, through which it seems they came into Africa, and when arrived on land, carrying the ship on their shoulders until they came to the Tritonian lake, they sailed into the Mediterranean, and touched at Thera; thence through the Egean they came to the island of Lemnos, and connected themselves with its homicidal women. L 130 PINDARt. To Lacedenmon's fertile seats And hardy sons the wanderers come; 465 Then fair Callista's island greets The heroes in a foreign home. With honour hence derived from heaven TIo you Latoides has given Fair Libya's wealthy plain to crown, 470 And golden-throned Cyrene's town With counsel justly framed to sway, Which her bless'd citizens obey. 466 Now learn the Theban sage's artIf sharp-edged axe with ruthless stroke 475 Her branches from the giant oak, The form disgraced, compel to part, Though shorn her fruit, enough is there Her pristine beauties to declareIf fire be ever sought at last 480 To shelter from the wintry blast, Or among pillars straight and tall, It now sustain some lordly dome,i Hard labour in a foreign wall, Leaving all bare its native home. 479.485 Thou a most timely healer art, Since Paean's favour crowns thy nameThen, oh! a tender hand impart To heal the state's disorder'd frame: A city's pride the weakest arm 490 May shake with danger and alarm. But hard indeed the task to place Her glory on its ancient base, Unless the god with sudden sway Direct the steersman on his way. 495 469 Apollo, the son of Latona. 474 (Edipus. In the remaining part of this ode Pindar cautions Arcesilaus against using unnecessary severity towards his Cyrenean subjects. FOURTH PYTHIAN ODE. 131 For thee in gratitude is wove The garland of a people's love; Then still let bless'd Cyrene share Thy kind and persevering care. 492 Now, monarch, with attentive ear 500 This maxim of the poet hear; A virtuous messenger will crown Each action with supreme renown; And thus will to the muse accrue Praise from the herald's message true. 505 Long time through fair Cyrene's town Has just Demophilus been known; And Battus' glorious house confess'd The graces of his spotless breast. Ere yet complete youth's narrow span, 510 Among the boys he shone a man: In solemn counsel he appears The Nestor of a hundred years: Slander's free tongue he bids be mute, His virtues all her tales confute: 504 515 Taught the base railer to abhor, And with the good to wage no war; Protracting naught by slow delay, For short with man occasion's stay. Well can he seize the fitting hour, 520 No slave to wayward fortune's power. The heaviest this of human woes, That he who each fair blessing knows, Bound by necessity's strong chain, Must his encumber'd foot restrain. 525 Like Atlas, tottering with the weight Of all the bright incumbent heaven, 500 The maxim of Homer, called by eminence the poet, to which Pindar alludes, is contained in the fifteenth book of the Iliad, in the exhortation of Neptune to Iris. 520 Alludes to Demophilus, who had been banished by Arcesilaus, and whom Pindar wishes the monarch to recall. 132 PINDAR. He struggles with oppressive fate, From home and his possessions driven. Immortal Jove the Titan crew 530 Released at length from thraldom due. The seaman in a flagging gale Loosens his idly-fluttering sail. 521 But soon, his deadly troubles o'er, He prays to see his home once more. 535 There by Apollo's sacred spring To youthful revels yield his soul, And to his skilful townsmen bring The lyre its varied strains to ro'I With them to lead, remote from Strife, 540 The quiet tenour of his life. And then in Thebes recall'd to dwell, His grateful tongue shall freely tell What new fount of ambrosial lays lIe struck, Arcesilaus, in thy praise. 533 545 543 This perhaps alludes to the discovery of the fountain Hippocrene by the horse Pegasus. THE FIFTH PYTHIAN ODE. TO THE SAME ARCESILAUS ON HIS VICTORY IN THE CHARIOT RACE, GAINED IN THE THIRTY-FIRST OLYMPIAD. ARG UMEN'T. PINDAR begins by proclaiming the happiness of A rcesilaus, especially in gaining the Pythian victory, for which he exhorts him, in his usual pious manner, to return thanks to the gods, and to his charioteer Carrhotus; at the same time cautioning the victor not to expect sincere and perpetual happiness, since no one is free from trouble.-The reader should bear in mind that this ode was written at a time of civil dissension between the kin.g and people of Cyrene.-Nevertheless the ancient felicity of Battus iwill attend Arcesilaus, who is protected by the favour of Apollo.-The poet then makes a transition to the predictions of that god, which induced the Heraclidae to return into Peloponnesus, A. C. 1104, eighty years after the Trojan war; at which time Pindar's ancestors, the AEgidHe, came with the colony to Thera, and thence to Cyrene.-Then follow the praises of Battus, and of his posterity, particularly of Arcesilaus.-The ode concludes with good wishes for their prosperity. ALL-POWERFUL iS the wealth of kings, The golden store when Fortune brings, And Virtue her pure radiance blends. Around, to bless their mortal state, Attendant crowds obsequious wait 5 Of clients and expecting friends. Oh thou! to whom, by favouring heaven, Arcesilaus, wealth is given, Which Glory, from life's earliest day, Illumines with her brilliant ray; 10 Shining by Castor's aid afar, Refulgent in his golden car; 134 PINDAR. Who, the tempestuous winter o'er, Returning quiet gives to reign, When the retreating clouds restore 15 Light to thy blessed house again. 13 The gifts that mark Heaven's favouring care, With brighter grace the prudent bear. Round thee wealth flows in copious tide; Whose feet the paths of justice tread; 20 Whose potent empire, far and wide, Is over numerous.cities spread. The fairest charms of royal sway, Prudence and majesty combined, In thee their genuine marks display, 25 Whose eye declares a kindred mind. Now happy in thy recent fame, Won in th' equestrian Pytho's game; This pomp displaying hymn is thine, Which leads Apollo's sport divine. 29 30 Nor thou, great king, forget the lays That celebrate Cyrene's praise; Cyrene, round whose fertile soil The charms of lovely Venus smile. Ascribe the whole to God above, 35 And more than all Carrhotus' love! Who not to Battus' royal court, Where Justice and her train resort, Convey'd Excuse, with glozing tongue, From laggard Epimetheus sprung. 40 30 AroXXwovtov Ovpza. The Roman Ludi Apollinares. 36 The charioteer of Arcesilaus. 39 Epimetheus, the fabled brother of Prometheus, married Pandora, and thus introduced all kinds of evil among mankind. Excuse or Negligence was the daughter of the former, as Prudence sprang from the latter. This passage of Pindar will perhaps bring to the recollection of the reader a similar one in Milton: (Par. Lost, ix. 853:)" In her face excuse Came prologue, and apology too prompt." FIFTH PYTHIAN ODE. 135 But in his victor chariot borne, Where pure Castalia's waters flow, He gain'd the envied wreath, thy brow With honour'd triumph to adorn: Urging his wheels' uninjured force 45 Twelve times around the sacred course. 44 For never by unskilful stroke His car's compacted strength he broke; But, the Criswean hill o'ercome, This fabric of ingenious hands 50 Is hung aloft in Phoebus' dome That in the woody hollow stands,.Upon the beam of cypress laid, Where the bright image is display'd; Which, fix'd by Cretan archers, stood, 55 A single offspring of the wood; Conspicuous on its lofty place, The proud Parnassian fane to grace.'Tis then thy part, with willing mind, To meet thy benefactor kind. 60 Offspring of Alexibius, thee Extol the bright-hair'd graceful three. How bless'd to have thy labours past Long in the poet's record last! Of forty guides, whose skill would steer 65'Gainst thine their chariot's rash career, Bringing with fearless mind thy car Alone unbroken in the war. And now, the strife of glory past, Thou art return'd once more 70 45 The scholiast informs us that forty charioteers contended with Arcesilaus, and all had their cars broken in the course; but Carrhotus preserved uninjured that of his employer: in consequence of which the unbroken chariot was placed in the temple at Delphi, and consecrated to Apollo. This is one of the earliest recorded instances of the custom of suspending votive offerings in the temples of the gods, as testimonies of gratitude for favours received or calamities avoided. 136 PINDAR. To thy paternal walls at last, On-Libya's fertile shore. 70 But no one is, or e'er shall be From grief, the lot of mortals, free. Yet Battus' ancient fortunes wait 75 His prosperous and his adverse state, He forms the city's guardian pride, A shining light to all beside. Struck with de~ep awe and panic dread, From him the roaring lions fled; 80 When he to speak, divinely taught, A language o'er the ocean brought. Apollo struck the beasts with fear, Who led the colonizing train, Lest great Cyrene's lord should hear, 85 And find the high prediction vain. 84 He who to man with healing art Could blunt disease's heavy dart; Who gives the lyre's sweet notes to flow, And muse to still each mental wo; 90 Bidding within his favourites' breast The tranquil love of virtue rest, And ruling the prophetic sound That issues from his cave profound, This could in Lacedacmon place, 95 - In Argos, Pylos the divine, The chiefs of brave Alcides' race, And old XAgimius' noble line. Let me the fair renown proclaim, Which from illustrious Sparta came. 98 100 My fathers hence to Thera's seat Th' JEgidoe moved their wandering feet. 79 It is related by Herodotus that Battus, the founder of Cv rene, meeting a lion in Libya, uttered a cry so piercing as to FIFTH PYTIIIAN ODE. 137 Heaven and the fates' supreme behest Impell'd them to the victim feast. Apollo, taking hence the hoard 105 Which thy Carnean rites afford,.We raise the strain of fair renown To hymn Cyrene's well-built town, Where Trojans of Antenor's race, All sheathed in brass, have fix'd their place. 1 10 For they with Helen came, when they survey'd Their native soil by war in smoky ruin laid. 113 Approaching then th' equestrian band, The courteous natives of the land Receive with hospitable care, 115 And sacrifice with presents bear. These Battus led, when the deep wave To his swift ships a passage gave. He to th' inhabitants divine Rear'd the tall grove and ample shrine, 120 Making for steeds a smooth and stony way, That the great god whose potent art From mortals wards disease's dart, Might all his festal pomp display; Where at the forum's utmost bound 125 Now dead he lies apart in holy ground. 126 While among men, his life was bless'd; And when the hero sank to rest, scare the savage beast, and to restore to him the use of his voice, according to the prediction of Apollo. 104 This is the epithet of Apollo mentioned by Callimachus, and which he prefers to that derived from Claros: (in Apol. 70.) See also v. 88, where he describes the festivities celebrated near the fountain of Cyre, where the men danced in solemn measure with the yellow-haired Libyan damsels. 118 It appears that Aristotle, surnamed Battus, constructed a paved way, (aicvpworav Mov,) by which the sacred pomps were brought to the temple of Apollo. On this passage the scholiast remarks: XcysrWrats Kuvpwrn avri rov WX0oarpwros; the word used 138 PINDAR. A people's love was still his own; While other sacred monarchs laid 130 Apart to death's impervious shade Before the palace gates are flown. And now thy mighty valour's fame, Steep'd in the hymn's mellifluous dewv Piercing their ear with loud acclaim, 1315 Earth's dark recess shall travel through. The common bliss of all the race, Whose wreaths Arcesilaus grace. His triumphs in the Pythian field Apollo with his sword of gold 140 In graceful numbers shall unfold; A recompense the lyric strain Recited by the youthful train, For all his toil and cost will yield.'Tis said of old the prudent raise 145 Their voice in such- a hero's praise. Superior to his tender years, He carries an unshaken mind, And bold of tongue and heart appears The eagle of the feather'd kind; 150 Whose wide-extended wings display His sheltering valour in the fray. He from his early youth sublime Was skill'd to raise the sudden rhyme, And foremost in th' equestrianwar. 155 Guide to the goal his rapid car. 154 Of native arts through each fair road His persevering steps have trod; And still to crown his efforts high May heaven its ready aid supply; 160 And grant him, bless'd Saturnian line, In council as in act to shine! by St. John (xix. 13) ax denoting.the same place which the He brews called rapflaOa. F1iTl'fI PYTHIAN ODE. 139 Let not the black tempestuous gale With hostile force his life assail, As when th' autumnal fruits are cast 165 On earth before the wintry blast. The sovereign majesty of Jove Guides the bless'd object of iis love. And may Olympia's chaplet grace, Bestow'd by him, great Battus' race! 168 170 THE SIXTH PYTHIAN ODE.* TO XENOCRATES OF ACRAGAS. ON HIS VICTORY IN THI CHARIOT RACE, GAINED IN THE TWENTY-FOURTH PYTHIAD. ARGUMENT. THE poet panegyrizes Xenocrates on account of his countfy and his victory in the Pythian games, promising him the immortality of verse: he then addresses Thrasybulus, the son of the victor, whom he celebrates on account of his piety and filial affection, comparing him in these respects to Antilochus the son of Nestor.-Concludes by praising Xenocrates for his moderation and proper use of wealth his evenness of temper and suavity of manners. GIVE ear-for either through the plain Of Venus with the laughing eyes, Or through the Graces' fair domain, The bard's poetic journey lies. * This short poem, which the scholiast asserts to be monostrophic, and which, both in its construction and metrical arrangement, has much embarrassed the commenitators, opens with a declaration on the part of the poet to proceed to the temple of the Delphian god, placed in the centre of the earth, in order to celebrate the praises of Xenocrates, father of his friend Thrasybulus, which had before been sung by Simonides, and are again recited in the second Isthmian ode. The periphrasis for Delphi in the third verse, oploaXog ef3ipopov x0ovos, may be illustrated by Euripides: (Orest. 323:)TpviroSoc arro, 0aciv, as i mottos EXalK, eapesvot, ava To carTEOmov, iva PaoplaXot XEyovratl PvXot. Again v. 584, 585: — AiroXXwv is mcerojaaXo vS hlpas valov flpo0rozt(r aromea vEIEt aqCEsra-'ov. The allusions to the central situation of Pytho or Delphi are o SIXTH PYTHIAN ODE. 141 To thundering earth's prophetic dome, 5 In the just centre placed, we come;'Where, guarded by the holy shade, Apollo's golden grove contains The treasure of the Py milian strains Which there, Xenocrates, is laid 10 The bless'd Emmenidwe to crown, And watery Acragas' renown. 9 This nor the wintry storm's array, The roaring cloud's terrific host, Nor winds and whirling sands convey, 15 Beneath the depths of ocean lost. And thou, with countenance serenely bright, To thy great sire shalt tell the pleasing tale, Oh Thrasybulus! when in Crissa's vale, Thy race ennobling, sped his chariot's flight. 18 20 Firmly thou hold'st the precept fair Which erst they say with guardian care Upon his mountain station wild The son of Philyra impress'd On Peleus' vigorous orphan child, 25 To reverence Jove, the chief of all the bless'd. Lord of the thundering bolt and lightning's flame, And through the term allow'd by heaven, Such honour be to parents given As may not rob them of their rightful claim. 27 very frequent occurrence among the ancient poets. See Pyth viii. 82, where the expression yag o[(~aXov srap' aoiLrlov is doubtless of parallel import to ollpaXoS srLtppoouv xOovos in this ode. 13 Thus paraphrased by Casimir, (Lyric. iii. 31, 6:)" Quam neque turbidus Auster, neque emotus refuso Subruat Oceanus profundo." 142 PINDAR. This noble mind in daysopf yore Antilochus the valiant bore, Who }thiop Memnon's deadly strife Sustaining, saved his father's life; For struck by Paris' dart, the steed 35 Slack'd the Nestore.il chariot's speed; While he the powerful spear urged on, And the Messenian sage, his breast By agitating fear oppress'd, With no vain effort call'd his son. 36 40 Thus the firm hero's yielded breath Redeem'd his much-loved sire from death. Of all who in a former age E'er trod the world's eventful stage, Him first this wondrous act will prove 45 In virtue and parental love. But his renown has pass'd away. Among the heroes of the day Shines Thrasybulus, whose fair deeds proclaim His steps have reach'd the height of sire and uncle's fame. 46 50 Hlis youth, exempt from fraud and pride, Collects deep wisdom's ample store, Wont in the muses' haunts to hide, And cull their scientific lore; While thy sweet arts his willing mind, 55 Equestrian lord, earth-shaking Neptune, bind; And his sweet soul, in social converse free, Transcends the honey'd labour of the bee. 54 31 See Homer, I1., viii., 100; Od., iv., 255; Pope's version In the former of these passages the incident mentioned by Pindar is related, and in the latter the death of Antilochus, son of Nestor, is alludel to by his brother Pisistratus. THE SEVENTH PYTHIAN ODE. 10 MEGACLES THE ATHENIAN, ON HIS VICTORY WITH THE QUADRIGl, GAINED IN THE TWENTY-EIGHTH PYTHIIAD. ARGlTME NT. I'sis short ode opens with an address to Athens, whence the victor derives a great portion of his fame, tracing his lineage to Alcmaeon; his triumphs in the different games of Greece are enumerated. —The poet expresses his concern that the happiness of Megacles should be diminished by the envy of his rivals, and the mutability of human fortune, Iwhich, however, affects all men alike. THE fairest prelude to' my strain Athena's noble walls contain; Whence struck, thy steeds thelyre shall grace, That. hymns Alcmmon's potent race. What house, what country shall I name 5 Through Greece of more illustrious fame, When all the various cities round Erectheus' townsmen's praise resound? 7 They. who in Pytho the divine, Apollo, rear'd thy wondrous shrine. 10 Five triumphs in the Isthmian field Urge me the lyric song to yieldOh Megacles! one glorious crown, In Jove's Olympic strife obtain'd, And two from Cirrha's sacred town, AS By thee and.thy forefathers gain'd. 16 I joy that merited success Should all thy recent efforts bless. l44 mPINDAR. But I lament that envy's cloud Must thy victorious actions shroud. 20 Yet such they say is man —whose fate By weal or wo is checker'd still; No constant happiness his state Attends without approaching ill. 23 THE EIGHTH PYTHIAN ODE. TO ARISTOMENES OF.EGINA, ON HIS VICTORY WITH THEt CESTUS, GAINED IN THE THIRTY-FIFTH PYTHIAD. ARGUMENT. PINDAR begins this ode with a beautiful invocation to'ranquillity; then expatiates on the might of Apollo, by whose favour Aristomenes, thea son of Xenarces, gained his Pythian conquest.-Then follow the praises of /Egina, the mother of heroes, especially from the descendants of ZEacus.-He then resumes the commendation of Aristomenes, applying to him the saying of Amphiaraus, that innate valour is hereditary, and interweaves that seer's prediction respecting the Epigoni, descendants of Adrastus and the Argive chiefs, who should besiege Thebes.-To these he subjoins the expression of his affection for Alcmmon, and the esteem with whic-h he regards him.-Returning to the victory, he supplicates Apollo to crown him with success in future, reminding him that he is indebted to the favour of the gods for his past glory, the several instances of which he proceeds to enumerate.-Expatiates on the felicity of those who conquer in the games, which is sufficient to counterbalance the miseries of shortlived mortalitv.-And concludes with an address to.Egina. BLAND Quiet! who preserv'st the state In tranquil peace serene and great, Daughter of Justice, whose high sway Council and war alike obey, 1-5 This metaphor, denoting the well-ordered tranquillity which distinguishes AEgina, is highly poetical, and is in many other passages applied by Pindar to the same state, the origin of which he traces to AEacus. (See particularly (1., viii., 28; Nem., iv., 19; Isth., v., 24, &c.) 4 In v. 4, how scriptural is the expressionEXotaa KXma'laS'YTrEprarrg, to denote the height of p, ower! (Matt., xvi., 19) Kat &aoa aot ra; MI 146. PINDAR. The Pythian hymn that now I weave 5 For Aristomenes receive; Since well thou know'st thine active aid to lend, Or mildly to the fit occasion bend. 9 When ruthless anger fills the breast, Severe and hostile to the foe, 10 Thy power soon lays the storm to rest, And plunges in the wave below. Thee, ere he felt the deadly stroke, Reckless Porphyrion dared provoke; But learn'd at length the dearest gain 15 From willing owners to obtain. 18 And she by her superior strength The boaster's pride o'ercame at length. Her nor Cilician Typho fled, That dire and monstrous hundred-head. 20 Nor he who ruled the giant brood: For by the lightning's deadly blow, And arrows of Apollo's bow, Were the rebellious tribe subdued.'Twas he that with propitious mind 25 Received Xenarces' son, From Cirrha's walls, his brows entwined With the Parnassian bays in Doric triumph won. 29 And not, as by the Graces scorn'd, Have -Eacus' bright race adorn'd 30 KXEtg jS t3aatAetagS rcv Ovpavov. Again, in Apocal., ix., 1, Kat 3sO70 av7r qc KXEStS rOVU pearoSr rri af/3ecov. See also cap. i., 18. 21 The chief of these are briefly enumerated by Horace: (Od., III., iv., 53:) — "Sed quid Typhceus, et validus Mimas, Aut quid minaci Porphyrion statu, Quid Rhoecus, evulsisque truncis Enceladus jaculator audax?" The scholiast informs us that verse 15 alludes to an attempt made by Porphyrion to take away the oxen of Hercules against the will of that hero. EIG-I'ITH P[TIHIIAN ODE..147 In vain with virtuous deeds the isle Where cities ruled in justice smile; Since from old time her glorious name Excites her sons to deeds of fame: Great heroes nourish'd to the fight 35 Of swiftness and victorious might; And tribes of meaner mortals round Throughout the earth her praises sound. But all my vacant hours will fail; Ere to the lyre and dulcet strain 40 I can commit the lengthen'd tale Satiety the mind will pain. 46 Thy triumphs now, heroic boy, The labours of my muse employ, Who shall convey with winged speed 45 The record of thy latest deed; For in th' Olympic wrestler's game Tracking thy noble uncle's fame, Thine efforts Theognotus not disgrace: And in the strong-limb'd Isthmian fray 50 The wreaths thy vigour bore away The glories of Clitomachus efface. Thy deeds, the tribe of Midylus that raise, Deserve Oicleus son's prophetic praise; Who erst in Thebes beheld with prescient sight 55 The martial youth still constant in the fight, When having now twice left their Argive home, To the seven-portall'd town th' Epigoni were come. When thus he spoke: " Of those whose heart Nature with generous ardour fires, 60 I see th' impetuous youth depart, Warm'd with the spirit of their sires. 54 Amphiaraus, the Theban prophet, whose son Alcma~on, called by Pindar Alcman, bears on his shield the insigne of a dragon, prefiguring, according to the scholiast, the death of his father, who was to descend alive into the grave, as that animal goes into the holes and caverns of the earth. 148 PINDAR. Aleman on his refulgent shield Whirling the dragon's varied form Clearly I view, while in the field 65 Foremost at Cadmus' gates he bides the battle storm. And he who in the former fray Fatigued and vanquish'd urged his way, Adrastus of heroic might Now views a better omen's flight; 70 Howe'er in his domestic state Vex'd by the storms of adverse fate. To him alone of all the Grecian band With his uninjured host by equal heaven, His dead son's bones, collected through the land, 75 To bring to Abas' spacious streets'tis given."'Twas thus Amphiaraus said: And I around Alcmaeon's head The verdant chaplet joy to place, Sprinkled with hymns' mellifluous grace. 80 He, guarded by whose neighb'ring fane, All my possessions safe remain, To earth's prophetic centre as I went, By his paternal art convey'd The answer in night's gloomy shade, 85 Which to my charmed ear Apollo sent. 87 Far-darting god, whose glorious dome Within the Pythian hollow stands, Receiving from all distant lands Whatever suppliants thither roam, 90 76 Argos is thus denominated by Pindar, as having been built by Abas, son of Lynceus, and father of Adrastus, whose son IEgialeus was the only one of the Epigoni, i. e., the descendants of the seven Argive chiefs who did not return safe to their native land after the Theban war. 81 The house of Pindar stood near the temple or shrine of Alc maon; and as tke poet went to consult the oracle of the Pythian Apollo, the answer was conveyed to him in a dream by that hero, who appears to have been worshipped with great reverence-auyyovoLo TrXvalt, i. e., by the art of vaticination, practised by his father. EIGHETIH PYTHIAN ODE. 149'Twas there thou deignedst to bestow The greatest joy of man below, And gav'st him at thy feast, oh king, Snatch'd with an eager hand, to bring The high pentathlic guerdon home. 95 With willing mind accept my prayer, And view the numbers which declare In honey'd pomp, but words- of truth, The deeds of this victorious youth. Your fate, XenarcidTc, to bless 100 I ask the gods' perpetual love. 103 For should a hero's might success With no laborious effort prove, His prosperous life the witless tribe To his own prudent aims ascribe. 105 The vigour of a mortal hand Such happiness can ne'er command. For by the gods' superior power To hope and joy the vanquish'd rise, While he whose boundless wishes tower, 110 Beneath their arm defended lies. Thy valiant deeds unknown to fail, Delighted Megara proclaims, And Marathon's sequester'd vale; Thee too in Juno's kindred games 115 Thrice crown'd th' applauding circle sees, Victorious Aristomenes! 116 Triumphant in the wrestler's hardy toil Thy frame upon four prostrate bodies layNo wish'd return from the dire Pythian fray 120 The gods decreed to their loved native soil. 115 Alluding, probably, to the Heraean contests, established in AEgina, by imitation of those at Argos, the favoured city of the queen of gods. The AEgineta were a colony from the Argives; hence the epithet kindred. Didymus, as the scholiast informs us, says that the Hecatombmean contests are here alluded to. 121 I think there can be little doubt that the right reading 150 PINDAR. No mother's smile of joyful praise Could their desponding spirits raise; But as their steps in coward flight Shunn'd the proud adversaries' sight, 125 Harass'd by shame and grief they trod the darkest ways. But he who has obtain'd the meed That crowns each fair and noble deed, With hope and joy transported glows. Him swift-wing'd valour gives to rise, 130 And a superior good supplies To all the bliss that wealth bestows. 131 Full often with increasing light Glitters each mortal pleasure bright, And shortly dash'd upon the ground 135 By some unhappy stroke'tis found. Man, the frail being of a day, Uncertain shadow of a dream, Illumined by the heavenly beam, Flutters his easy life away. 140 AEgina! guardian of the land Peopled by freedom's generous band, Preserve this city with a mother's love. Thee may King _AEacus behold, Peleus and Telamon the bold, 145 With bless'd Achilles and immortal Jove. 145 here is cpItOq, (pro EKptOL,) was decreed, although some commentators prefer Ev HvOta&l KpOp: founding the interpretation on a notion, which I believe to be quite gratuitous, of the victors in the Pythian games being sent home, crowned with a barley chaplet. Besides that the first syllable in the Homeric word pCOn,1 hordeum, is long; (I1., xl., 69; Od., ix., 110; xix., 112, &c.;) whereas the corresponding verse in the antistrophe requires a short one:"ZYO peals, eXY Kcpescaova IrXOovrov. THEE NINTH PYTHIAN ODE. TO TELESICRATES, THE CYREN1AN, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE ARMED COURSE, GAINED IN THE. TWENTY-EIGHTH PYTHIAD.* ARGUME NT. rHE poet begins with celebrating the praises of his hero, which leads him to a digression concerning the early history of Cyrene, the forcible abduction of the nymph from whom that city was named, and the birth of Aristeus, the fruit of her connection with the god Apollo.-Returns to his subject, with which he unites the story of Iolaus, a friend of Hercules, who, having had his life renewed for one single day, made use of his recovered existence to overcome and slay Eurystheus. -Excuses the episodical style of his narrative by the wish that all poets entertain to celebrate the praises of Hercules. —Returns to the victor, and enumerates his triumphs.Recalls the memory of an old contest, in which Antaeus, the Libyan, proposed as a reward to the victor the hand of his daughter, which was gained by Alexidamas, a fellow-towns man, or ancestor, of Telesicrates. THE hero of the brazen shield, Victorious in the Pythian field, Great Telesicrates my lays Would with the deep-zoned Graces praiseBless'd man! Cyrene's joy and crown, 5 Equestrian seat of high renown. Her in his golden car of yore Ravish'd from Pelion's sylvan dell, Where storms with ceaseless fury swell, Latona's bright-hair'd offspring bore;'10 * The armed course was one in which the contending heroes tan with brazen shields, as the first line indicates. This ode is remarkable for the flowing beauty of its diction and general simplicityff construction. 152 PINDAR. Giving the huntress virgin's hand Empire o'er Libya's realm to keep, Third portion of the peopled land, That teems alike with fruits and sheep. 15 The silver-footed Cyprian dame 15 Received her Delian guest, And with a touch ethereal press'd The heaven-built chariot's frame; And o'er his genial bed she threw Sweet modesty of virgin hue; 20 Joining the god in nuptial tie EWith powerful Hypseus' progeny: He who then made his regal sway Th' impetuous Lapithae obey: The second hero whose bright line 25 From'ocean drew its source divine. Him erst in Pindus' valleys fair Peneus' bed well-pleased to share, Daughter of earth, Creiisa bore, While he a father's tender love 30 His white-arm'd child, Cyrene; gave to prove. 32 Not fond with dull delay to pore The web's repeated progress o'er, Nor hallow with domestic rites The banquet's festival delights. 35 13 Alluding to the ancient division of the habitable globe into Asia, Europe, and Libya, or Africa. 25 Peneus was the son of Oceanus, and Hypseus, the father of Cyrene, was the son of Peneus, and of the nymph of Creusa, daughter of Tellus. The description given by the poet in this passage of the martial disposition of Creusa will:remind the classical reader of the character of Camilla as'sketched by Virgil: (,En., vii., 805, sq:) — "Bellatrix; non illa cole calathisve Minervwe Foemineas assueta manus; sed proelia virgo Dura pati, cursuque pedum praevertere ventos." NINTH PYTHIAN ODE. 153 But with her dart and brazen spear The beasts of savage brood to chase, And render free from every fear Her father's herds of quiet race; Permitting the dull weight of sleep 40 But lightly o'er her lids to creep; When on her sweet and tranquil bed The early beams of morn were shed. 44 Her, as unarm'd she waged the fight'Gainst an impetuous lion's might, 45 Apollo found, whose matchless art From his broad quiver wings the dart. Then Chiron from his mansion straight He bade the potent call await. " Hasten, Phillyrides, to leave 50 The dark and venerable cave, In mute astonishment survey What, mind a woman dares display; Fearless of heart, what perils dread She brings to her courageous head, 55 A damsel whose unconquer'd soul No labours tire, no fears control! What mortal gave her vital air? Sprung from what source, a scion fair Holds she th' umbrageous mountain's breast, 60 With more than human valour bless'd 60 Is it a hallow'd action, say, By fraud to seek the virgin bower, And pluck with ruthless arm away The sweetness of her hallow'd flower." 65 To him the sturdy centaur, while From his relaxing brow a smile In placid sweetness softly broke, Without delay his counsel spoke: 69 "' The key that opes persuasion wise 70 Conceal'd in mystic darkness lies; 154 PINDAR. Since gods and men alike approve, Oh Plihebus! that ingenuous shame Should hide the deeds of sacred flame, And all be secrecy in love. 74 75 But thee, whom falsehood ne'er can reach, Some motive of a doubtful kind Has with feign'd ignorance inclined To utter this ambiguous speech. For whence, oh king! thy fond desire 80 The damsel's lineage to inquire. Whose eye of all events surveys The fated end, the various ways; Who to what leaves the teeming earth In spring's prolific hour gives birth, 85 What sands are moved when waves tempestuous swell, Canst number with omniscient mind, And every future period find Which time's revolving course shall e'er impel. 89 But if with thine I must compare 90 My wisdom, this I will declare. Her husband thou who seek'st this vale' Shalt o'er the paths of ocean sail; And to the verdant plain of Jove Convey the object of thy love. 95 Thou shalt appoint Cyrene there The ruler of a city fair, Collecting all the island train To the steep hill that crowns the plain. 86 Thus Apollo with oracular voice declares of himself: (Herod., Clio, xlvii.:)Otia 6' Eyw #lalpOV T' apt0sov, ICaL yerpa OaXaarlg. 94 A figurative expression, denoting the amenity of tho soil and climate of Libya; or so called on account of the worship paid there to Jupiter Ammon. NINTH PYTHIAN ODE, 155 Now sacred Libya's empire wide 100 Possesses thine illustrious bride, Who her fair residence shall hold That glitters with imperial gold. Jrustly to her that fertile field Will its unceasing produce yield, 105 A land with fruits abundant crown'd, Where beasts unnumber'd graze around. 103 She shall produce an offspring there, Whom to the high-throned Hours and Earth Illustrious Mercury shall bear.110 From the dear authors of his birth. They on their knees the babe shall place, Bidding his young and tender lip Sweet nectar and ambrosia sip; And with immortal honour grace; 115 Making the rustic shepherd boy, Whom mortals Aristaeus name, Skill'd to pursue the savage game, His friends' delight and dearest joy; Adored with almost equal love 120 To sacred Phebus or to Jove." 116 Thus having said, he moved his'breast In wedlock to be fully bless'd. But when the gods to action speed, Short is the road and swift the deed. 125 That very day's revolving sun Beheld the fated purpose done: Saw them on Libya's golden strand Join.d in the hymeneal band; ~Where she protects that beauteous town 130 Which in each contest gains renown. Once more upon the Pythian plain, Carneades, thine offspring brave By the bright wreath which fortune gave, For her new lustre joys to gain. 135 156 PINDAR. Glory for her his conquests weave Who shall with willing mind receive The hero from the Delphic toil, In his loved female-beauteous soil. 132 Great virtues ask a lengthen'd song — A40 But to adorn a high emprise Briefly, is grateful to the wise; Since its due limits to each act belong. Seven-portall'd Thebes great lolaus knew The fitting opportunity pursue. 145 Him, when the proud Eurystheus' head His vengeful sword had severed, By charioteer Amphitryo's tomb Earth hid within its tranquil breast, Whither in ages past had come 150 His grandsire, th' earth-sown warrior's guest; Who dwelt where milk-white coursers' feet Sounded in the Cadmaean street. 147 Compress'd by his and Jove's embrace, With the same pang Alcmena bore 155 Of sons a twin heroic race. Mute and unskill'd in sacred lore Were he who would refuse to raise His voice in great Alcides' praise; Forgetting the Dirc~ean spring, 160 That nurtured him and Iphicles, to sing. To them will I the hymn address'Who crown my efforts with success. Ne'er let the vocal Graces' ray Cease to illuminate my lay. 165 Already has the victor's fame Oft raised this glorious city's nanle, Once in IEgina's day of fight, And thrice on the Megarean height; Forbidding o'er the victor's tale 170 Silence to draw her dusky veil. 163 NINTH PYTHIAN ODE. 157 Then let the friendly townsmen tell, Nor e'en the candid foe conceal What his strong arm hath wrought so well, Laborious for the common weal. 175 The words of ocean's hoary sage Submissive reverence should engage "Crown e'en an enemy's fair deed With approbation's honest meed." Thee too at Pallas' stated feasts 180 Full often have my eyes survey'd Triumphant o'er th' assembled guests, While many a silent gazing maid Her husband or her offspring thee Has wish'd, oh Telesicrates, to be! 176 185 To him in bright Olympia's day, And in deep-bosom'd Rhea's fray, And heroes on his native field The palm in every contest yield. From me, then, who the debt would pay, 190 Slaking my thirst of song, they claim Once more to build the lyric lay, And hymn thy great forefathers' fame: As to Irasa's walls the suitors came, To seek the Libyan nymph, Antaeus' fair-hair'd dame. 187 195 Kinsmen with many a stranger vied, Illustrious throng! to call her brideEager to crop of form sublime The flow'ret in its golden prime: But her ambitious sire, whose ear 200 From Argive Danaus joy'd to hear That he had bobnd in wedlock's tie His numerous virgin progeny 195 Named by the scholiast Barce, or Alceis. Irasa was a city in the Tritonian lake. The Antaeus here mentioned is not to be confounded with the gigantic antagonist of Hercules. 158 PiNDAR,. Ere yet the sun's resplendent light Had travell'd its meridian height, 205 For his own daughter hoped to gain A brighter hymeneal chain. 200 For in the stadium's farthest end To the whole choir he fix'd a place, And bade the amorous train contend 210 By skill in the pedestrian race, Where each aspiring hero strove To win the object of his love.'Twas thus the Libyan sire allied The husband to his destined bride. 215 A-dorn'd in all her bright array Close to the goal he bade her stay. 208 Sweet issue of their manly toil" Her garments," thus he cried aloud, "Who touches first, of all the crowd, 220 Shall bear away the lovely spoil." Alexidamus then, who press'd Through the swift course before the rest, Seizing the noble virgin's hand, Led her through Libya's warlike band. 225 To him in many a strife before The leafy crown they gave, on victory's wing to soar! 220 227 The metaphor here is the same as at the conclusion ol the fourteenth Olympic ode, and at v. 129 of the eighth, and the last of the ninth Pythian, on which passage the scholiast considers the expression as simply a periphrasis for victory. It ap pears to be a favourite image with Pindar to denote the exultation produced by victory on the ardent mind. West, however, in his note on the fourteenth Olympic ode, maintains the opinion, founded on apassage in Plutarch, that the word wings is to be taken in its literal sense, to denote some emblematical ornaments added to the Olympic wreaths, &c. Let the reader decide. THE TENITH PYTHIAN ODE. TO HIPPOCLEAS, THE THESSALLAN, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE RACE OF TWO STADIA, GAINED IN THE TWENTYSECOND PYTHIAD. ARGUMENT. THE poet, tracing the victor's lineage to Aristomachus, the descendant of Hercules, attributes his conquest to the favour of Apollo, and the example of his father Phricias.-Expresses his wiahes' for the perpetuity of the good fortune which both father and son have acquired, and which is so great that no mortal can surpass it; as the traveller who has arrived at the Hyperborean regions can proceed no farther.-This leads him to a digression on the mythology of the Hyperboreans.Pindar then checks himself, and concludes with renewed commendation of the victor, and his kinsmen and brothers, Thorax, &c., whose glorious deeds ennoble their native Thessaly. BLESS'D Lacedaernon! Thessaly the bless'd! Whose sceptred kings their potent race To the same valiant Hercules can trace, Why should my ardent spirit raise Strains of unseasonable praise. 5 But me prophetic Pytho's wall, Aleva's sons and Pelinaeum call; Wishing Hippocleas to grace With strains of high renown by tuneful bards express'd. 10 6 Aleva was an ancient king of Thessaly, from whom the inhabitants were named. Pelinaum. was the native city of the victor. It is doubted by commentators whether the word'AptarospaXov be used by Pindar as an epithet to Hercules or to 160 PINDAR. For in the contests as he tried his strength, 10 Amphictyon's host and the Parnassian cave Pronounced him foremost of the youthful brave, Contending in the double stadium's length. Apollo! if thine aid befriend, Sweet is man's onset and his end; 15 This deed the youth achieved through thee, And thine auspicious deity. Twice from the field, by kindred fire, Urged in the footsteps of his sire, Th' Olympic chaplet he convey'd, 20 In martial panoply array'd. 23 And where, upon her sheltering plain, Beneath the rock fair Cirrha lies, Swift-footed Phricias joy'd to gain The Pythian contest's glorious prize. 25 In times to come may prosperous fate Exalt, as now, their blissful state! Nor, having gain'd an ample share Of all that Greece esteems as fair, May envious blasts from Heaven assail 30 The victims of a backward gale. 31 Still may the god with liberal heart Unshaken happiness impart! Hymn'd is that man in poets' lay Who with strong hands or rapid feet 35 Has borne the noblest palms away; In whom firm strength and valour meet. Still living, by'his youthful son Who saw the Pythian garlands won. Not yet to them the lot is given 40 To scale the brazen soil of heaven: denote one of the -Ieraclide, from whom Aleva derived his oA igin. The scholiast asserts the former. 41 This epithet of Olympus is repeated in the seventh Isthmian: (v. 72.) It will probably remind the reader of that ter TENTH PYT'HIAN ODE. 161 But the remotest point that lies Open to human enterprise Their course has gain'd, well skill'd to sweep The wide expanse of glory's deep; 45 But not along the wondrous way'To Hyperborean crowds can ships or feet convey Of old, as at their sacred feast, Whole hecatombs appeased the god, The steps of an illustrious guest, 50 Perseus, their habitation trod; Whose festivals and songs of praise Apollo with delight surveys; And smiles to see the bestial train In wanton pride erect and vain. 56 55 Yet never will th' impartial mIuse To dwell with minds like these refuse: Around them move the virgin choirs, The breathing flutes and sounding lyres; And twining with their festive hair 60 The wreath of golden laurel fair, With temperate mirth and social glee They join in solemnn revelry. Nor dire disease, nor wasting age, Against their sacred lives engage: 65 But free from trouble and from strife, Through the mild tenour of their life rible prophetic denunciation of the Jewish lawgiver: (Deut., xxviii., 3:) "Thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass." 46 This digression to the Hyperborean regions, which Pindar here seems to consider as the western boundary of the world, and to the story of Perseus, who came suddenly on the pious inhabitants as they were sacrificing hecatombs of wild asses to Apollo, is greatly censured by the scholiast as an unreasonable deviation from the original scope and design of the ode. But these irregularities are so characteristic of our poet, that whatever place or persons the progress of his story leads him, however slightly, to mention, we look as a matter of course for any mlythological record conulected with them. N 162 PINDAII. Secure they dwell, nor fear to know Avenging Nemesis their foe. Erst, breathing with a heart of flame, 70 The valiant son of Danae came; Who by divine Athena's hand, Led to the bless'd heroic band, Slew Gorgon, and her dire head bore With dragon locks all cover'd o'er; 75 And thus, with stony ruin fraught, Death to the islanders he brought. 75 But when the gods their power display, How strange soe'er the mighty deed, Firm rev'rence and belief to pay, 80 Nor doubt nor wonder shall impede. Restrain the oar; and from the prow Fix, to secure against the shock Of many a sea-imbosom'd rock, Your anchor in the deep below. 85 For now th' encomiastic lay, Like bee that flits on changeful wing, To fresher glories hastes away. 84 But ardent hope inspires my breast, That while the Ephyraeans sing 90 My sweet lays by Peneus' spring, Hippocleas above the rest, Mindful of each triumphant crown, Among the old, the virgin train, And fellow-combatants, the strain 85 Shall dignify with bright renown. In various minds far different objects move The cares and fond solicitudes of love. 94 But he whose fortune can obtain The object of his strong desire, 100 Calm and contented should remain, Nor to uncertain good aspire; TENTH PYTIIAN ODE. 163 Since veil'd in doubtful gloom appear The issues of the coming year. I trust in Thorax' friendly care, 105 Who wishing my kind deeds to share, Has yoked for me the muses' car, By its four coursers whirl'd afar; Urging, with like affectionkd soul, The willing poet to the goal. 104 110 As gold to Lydian stone applied, Thus shines the upright mind when tried. Then to his virtuous brother's praise Let us the joyful tribute raise; Since their bright deeds Thessalia's state 115 On wings of fame have borne elate; Enrich'd by whose paternal sway, Her children glory to obey. 112 THE ELEVENTH PYTr-IAiN ODE. TO THRASYD&AiUS, THE THEBAN, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE STADIC COURSE, GAINED WHEN A- BOY, IN THE TWENTY- EIGHTH PY'THIAD. ARGUMENT. THE poet begins this ode with an invocation to the deities of his country-Semele, Ino, and Alcinena-entreating their presence when the pomp of triumph is to be brought to the temple of Ismenian Apollo, and naming the field of conquest the rich plain of Pylades, he digresses to the story of his friend Orestes, and the murder of Agamemnon by Clytemnestra.Returns to his subject, commending the victor and his father on account of his numerous triumphs.-Declares his preference of the moderate but secure fortune which they enjoy to the unstable pomp by which tyrants are surrounded.-Concludes by citing the examples of Iolaus, son of Iphiclus, Castor, and Pollux. DAUGHTERS of Cadmus Semele the fair, Companion of th' Olympic train, And Ino, now Leucothea, given to share The couch of Nereids in the main; Go with the mother of Alcides brave 5 To Melia's dark and sacred cave, Where lies the golden tripod's store, To which unerring Loxias bore 1 The opening of this ode affords another prool of the fond. ness with which Pindar alludes to the story of the daughters of Cadmus and Harmonia; Semele, now an assessor or companion of the gods, and Ino, deified as Leucothea, or Matuta, goddess of the morning, whose rites were only approached by freeborn matrons. (See O1., ii.; Pyth., iii. and xi.) 6 Melia was an ocean nymph, who became the mother of Ismenus and Tenerus by Apollo. ELEVENTH PYTHIAN ODE. 165 Superior love, and bade the hallow'd fane, Seat of prophetic truth, Ismenus' name retain. 10 HIarmonia's children! ye whose heroine band, Assembled by the god's command, At close of day he bids in social state Pytho and Themis celebrate, With earth's truth-speaking centre-to proclaim 15 Seven-portall'd Thebes and Cirrha's ganie, Where Thrasydeus by the third won crown Hath his paternal hearth's renown Exalted where great Pylades' command (Spartan Orestes' friend) ruled o'er the fertile land. 24. 20 Him, when his slaughter'd father lay, By Clytemnestra's hand subdued, The nurse Arsinoe stole away From the dire scene of fraud and blood; What time with Agamemnon's soul 25 She, whom no pity could control, Urging the sharp and glittering blade, Dardanian Priam's daughter hurl'd Cassandra to th' infernal world, 31 Where flows sad Acheron through realms of shade. Did her to the unhallow'd stroke Iphigenia's doom provoke, Who died, far from her native land, A victim on Euripus' strand. Or lust of an adulterous bed, 35 That to the nightly dalliance led. 17 One by his father, one by his uncle, one by himself. Orestes is called Spartan, (v. 20,) since, although a native40f Mycena, he was made king of Sparta. The following digression, relating his story, with the adultery of Clytemnestra, &c.. is also revrehended by the scholiast as irrelevant to the subject of the ode. The same narration is made by the shade of Agamemnon to Ulysses in the infernal regions: (Od., xi., 404-434.) Compare the tale as related by Sophocles: (Electra, 94, et seq.) 166 PIN'DAR. A crime of most abhorrent die In her whose wedded bliss is young! The violated marriage tie Is told by every foreign tongue- 40 Since naught to'hide the guilty tale From slanderous townsmen can avail. 44 Envy is wealth's perpetual foe,'Gainst which the humble mutter low. Ev'n when the great Alcides came 45 To Sparta, seat of ancient fame, Bringing destruction on the prophet maid; He fell, who saw the wasting fire For Helen's baneful charms aspire, And low in dust Troy's splendid fabrics laid. 50 Orestes with his youthful head To hospitable Strophius fled, His aged friend, who dwelt below Parnassus' elevated brow. At length with valiant arm he gave 55 His mother and iEgisthus to the grave. 57 Now, friends, in devious track I stray From the direct and beaten way; Slave to some arbitrary gale, That guides the pliant vessel's sail. 60 Muse, if by compact or for gain A mercenary voice thou raise, Exaggerate in varied strain The subject of thy venal praise. Let Trasydaeus now inspire 65 Thy lay, or his triumphant sire, The Pythian victor, they whose fame Shines with a bright and glorious flame. 69 Late conquerors in th' Olympic car, And the renown'd equestrian war, 70 With naked limbs in Pytho's race, They rushing through the stadium's space, ELEVENTH PYTHIiAN ODE. 167 The Grecian host in speed o'ercame. Such blessings as the gods impart Still may I love with tranquil heart, 75 Seeking in life an easy stateI find the middle ranks endure In lasting happiness secure, And blame th' exalted tyrant's fate. 81 T'he virtues of a common kind 80 Engage my unambitious mind, Since loss o'er envy still impends. He who has gain'd the summit fair, Living remote from anxious care, Nor to injurious wrong descends, 85 Reaches black death's most wish'd-for bound, Shedding, to bless a lovely race, The richest of possessions round His noble deeds' illustrious grace; 90 Such as in hymns transmits to fame 90 Triumphant Iphiclides' name. Thee, kingly Pollux, and great Castor's mightSons of the gods! who one day dwell Within Therapne's gloomy cell, Another on Olympus' towering height. 95 93 This part of the history of Castor and Pollux, who underwent for each other the alternate vicissitudes of life and death, is also related by Homer: (Od., xi., 371, seq.:)"By turns they visit this ethereal sky, And live alternate, and alternate die."-Poepe. So Virgil: (AEn.,..vi., 121:)"Si fratrem Pollux alterna morte redemit, Itque reditque viam toties." Therapne was a town of Laconia, where Castor and Pollux were born. Heyne conjectures, and I think with great probability, that this fable of the Dioscuri owed its origin to some confused notion of the daily rising and setting of Luciferus and Hesperus, Pindar again relates the story: (Nem., x., 100, et seq. 173, seq.) THE TWELFTH PYTHIAN ODE. TO MIDAS OF ACRAGAS, ON HIS VICTORIES IN THE MUSICAL CONTEST, GAINED IN THE TWENTY-FOURTH AND TWENTY-FIFTH PYTHIAD. ARGUMENT. THE poet in this beautiful ode first invokes the city of Agrigenturn, personifying her under the character of a goddess.-Proceeds to describe the invention of the flute, which he attributes to Minerva, who by its shrill tones imitated the cry of the Gorgon slaughtered by Perseus.-He then expatiates on its various other uses, in exciting the combatants to the field,, &c.-Concludes with a highly poetical reflection on the mutability of human fortune. THEE, shining on the well-:built mountain's head, Fairest of mortal cities, I entreat, Proserpina's imperial seat, By Acragas' sheep-feeding banks outspread, With gods' and men's propitious love, 5 Accept this crown from Pytho's plain, Won by illustrious Midas' strain, And him who conquers Greece approve, In that high art Athena found of old, Which mimick'd in their howl the Gorgon sisters bold. 14 10 10 The name Athena, I JtalrXefatra, the weaver, in its literal sense, may probably be deduced from lDs, filum texuit. The origin of the Gorgonian strain is here finely related. The triple monster surrounded by its dragon locks is described by XEschy lus: (P. V. 796, seq.:)eXags 6' apaLt i-wVJE TrpE; KCararrEpot, paKovrotsa,\Aot op7ovyE, pporocrrvytes The r ames of the three Gorgon-sisters were Stheno, Eu ryale, Medusa: and each head ie-afterward described (v. 35, &c.) as TWELFTH PYTHIAN ODE. 169 As from the triple virgin's head, By dragon locks encompass'd round, She heard the voice, ere life had fled, Elaborate a mournful sound; When Perseus' valiant arm had slain 15 The third part of the sister train; And whelm'd beneath her people's grave, Seriphus bosom'd in the wave; Obscuring, by the foul disgrace, Phorcys' imperishable race; 20 When he to Polydectes brought The festal gift with ruin fraught: Who long his mother Danae held Captive in wedlock's chain compell'd, Bearing the head that show'd Medusa's beauteous face. 29 25 He who is call'd in legends old The offspring of self-fallen gold. But when from each laborious deed Her much-loved hero she had freed, The virgin goddess made to sigh 30 The flute's sonorous melody; That soon as left the mournful note Euryale's rapacious throat, Her instrument's shrill sounds might flow In tones of imitative wo. 35 But when she deign'd the heavenly art For mortal pleasure to impart, She bade the high and glorious strain The name of many heads retain, Memorial of that stubborn fight 40 Which roused the adverse people's might. 42 Such as with dulcet voice proceeds From slender brass and vocal reeds; uttering its separate lamentation, which was imitated. in a sepa rate strain. 0 170 PINDAR. Which near the Graces' temple spring, Where festal choirs exult and sing, 45 To witness in Cephisus' grove The bands in measured cadence move. What bliss soe'er to man is known, Laborious efforts gain alone. Such as the god will crown to-day, 50 Or brighten with to-morrow's ray. Though fix'd th' irrevocable doom, Yet soon or late the time shall come That either cheats th' expecting mind, Or leaves its wishes far behind. 55 47 The river Cephisus empties itself into the lake Copais, here designated by KaaorLs, a nymph sprung from that river. 53 This moral conclusion arises naturally from the subject, as we are informed by the scholiast that Midas gained the victory against his expectations, since his pipe became broken in the contest. THE NEMEAN ODES. OF THE NEMEAN GAMES. THESE games were probably so called from Nemea, a town of Argolis, with a wood in which Hercules when a youth is fabled to have killed a lion which infested that region; and in commemoration of this exploit the gaines were instituted, about the same time with the Olympic. They were amnong the most celebrated in Greece, and are said to have been originally held by the Argives, in memory of Opheltes, or Archemorus, son of Lycurgus, and king of Nemea, whose death was occasioned by the bite of a serpent, and to have been renewed by Hercules. According to Pausanias, (in Phocaicis,) Adrastus was the author, and his descendants, the Epigoni, were the restorers of these games, which were held every third year, on the twelfth day of the month called by the Macedonians HIavqelos, by the Athenians Bos7ipolpowv, answering to our August. The Argives, Corinthians, and Cleonrans were alternate presidents of these games, in which were exhibited chariot, horse, and foot races, boxing, wrestling, and all the usual exercises, whether gymnastic or equestrian. The reward at first bestowed on the conqueror was a crown of olive, afterward changed for one of parsley, which being a funereal plant, served to commemorate the death of Archemorus, in whose honour an oration was usually pronounced, and the distributors of prizes at these games were clad in mourning garments. A magnificent account of their celebration is contained in the opening of the sixth book of the Thebais of Statius. THE FIRS'T NEMEAN ODE. TO CHROMIUS, THE.TNIEAN, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE CHARIOT RACE.* ARGUMENT. T'HE poet begins this ode with an address to Ortygia, an island in the bay of Syracuse, which anciently formed one of the four quarters of that city: with this he connects the praises of the victor, and the celebration of his virtues, particularly his hospitality.-He then digresses to the story of Hercules, from his birth to his apotheosis and marriage with IHebe, with which he concludes the ode. FROM noble Syracuse, Ortygia, sprung, Where breathes again Alpheus' long-lost head, Sister of Delos, Dian's natal bed, From thee the sweet-toned hymn is sung, To praise the steeds whose feet like tempests move, By favour of Etnaean Jove. 6 Me Chromius' car excites on Nemea's plain With his proud deeds to join th' encomiastic strain. * Chromius, whose victory is here celebrated, was the son of Agesidamus, and married a sister of Gelon. Virgil appears to have imitated this passage, where he describes the situation of Ortygia and the reappearance of Alpheus after his subterranean wanderings at the mouth of the fountain Arethusa, hence called by Pindar alrveula avovpvov AX)beov, which Cowlev translates inaccurately, the first breathingplace. "Sicanio praetenta sinu jacet insula contra Plemmyrium undosum; nomen dixere priores Ortygiam. Alpheum fama est huc Elidis amnem Occultas egisse vias subter mare; qui nunc Ore, Arethusa, tuo Siculis confunditur undis." yEn., iii., 692. Ortygia is called the sister of Delos, as having originally been known by the same appellation. 174 PINDAR. From the great gods to man arise The springs of valorous enterprise. 10 Success affords the brightest meed Of every great and glorious deed: Such contests as on lyric string The mindful muse delights to sing. Now to the isle some tribute raise, 15 Which Jove, Olympus' sovereign lord, Pledged with a nod his sacred word (When to Persephone's command Was given Sicilia's fertile land) To gild with wealthy cities' towering praise. 20 To her, besides, Saturnius gave'21 A people arm'd, equestrian, brave; And oft encircled with th' Olympic crown. The olive wreath that victory weaves Resplendent with its golden leaves, 25 Full many a time I've aim'd, nor e'er at random thrown. Now at the hospitable gate Chanting the hero's deeds I wait, Where for his poet spread, the feast Adorns the hall that never wants a guest. 34 30 As water drowns th' opposing flame, So shall thy virtues' constant ray Chase the calumnious mists away That vainly would obscure thy fame. Mankind by various arts ascend 35 The paths to eminence that tendIn action, manly strength is shown; In counsel, the reflecting mind; To whose sagacious foresight known, Lies the dark future unconfined. 40 31 This passage is rather obscure, although it appears to me that the general sense of it can be only that which is given in the translation. AesoyXe, placed absolutely, must denote the natural property which water possesses of extinguishing fire. FIRST NEMEAN ODE. 175 Son of Agesidanmus! thee To crown both might and skill agree. A hidden and superfluous store Of wealth I wish not to possess; But while they sing my praises o'er, 45 With ready hand my friends to bless; 47 Since men to arduous deeds who soar Hope the same glory and success. When valour's lofty arts are sung, Alcides prompts my willing tongue, 5p Rehearsing ancient fame. The hero whom in radiance bright Maternal throes sent forth to light, With his twin brother came. Him. Juno on her golden throne survey'd, 55 In swaddling clothes of saffron hue array'd. 58 Then quickly raging at the view, The gods' bright queen her dragons sent; And they, the open portals through, Deep in the spacious chamber went; 60 Eager the infants to compress Within their rapid jaws' caress. But he, with head in proud array Stretch'd forth, began the deadly fray; Daring the double snake to clasp 65 In his inevitable grasp; And soon compress'd, the spirit flies Their members of gigantic size. Struck with intolerable dread, The women trembled round Alemena's bed: 70 While she with naked foot arose, Prompt to repel the rage of her tremendous foes. 76 The chiefs of the Cadmnean band In brazen arms tumultuous went, And bold A mphitryon in his hand 75 Quick vibrating the unsheath'd brand, 176. PINDAR. Thither his sorrowing footsteps bent. Since with an equal weight on all Calamities domestic fall, How soon soe'er from foreign grief 80t The heart uninjured finds relief. 84 By admiration's power subdued, Though mingled with concern, he stood; When his son's fearless pride he saw, Exceeding moderation's law. 85 But as declared the immortal train, The messenger's report was vain. Then, straight he call'd Tiresias near, Jove's truest, most illustrious seer; Who to the chief of all the host 90 Show'd by what adverse fortunes cross'd, How many ravening monsters slain By land or on the trackless main; And him that with unhallow'd pride Should turn from virtue's path aside, 95 Alcides by a hateful doom, He said, should hurry to the tomb. 99 And when the gods on Phlegra's plain Wage combat with the giant train, These monsters of terrestrial birth 100 Would soil their splendid locks with earth; While he, his mighty labourspast, Quiet and peace should gain at last; Enjoying in the mansions bless'd A long eternity of rest; 105 Receiving to his godlike side Hebe, his ever-blooming bride; And seated near Saturnian Jove, The nuptials o'er, his.dome approve. 112 94 Antaus or Busiris, who for their arrogance and violent disposition were both punished with death by Hercules. 'HE SECOND NEMEAN ODE. TO TIMODEMUS, THE ATHENIAN, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE PANCRATIUM,. ARGUMJEN T. THE poet declares this to be the first victory which Timodemus has obtained, considering it as a presage of future success in the Pythianl and Isthmian games. This is the more probable, as his ancestors have rendered the family illustrious by their numerous victories gained in many preceding contests, several of which he enumerates.-Concludes with an exhortation to the citizens to celebrate with hymns the glorious return of Timodemus to his country. As bards of the Homeric train From Jove preluding, weave the strain, So has this hero the foundation laid Of conquests in the sacred games, And now his earliest chaplet claims 5 Where Nemea's grove expands her hallow'd shade. I The scholiast, in commenting on the opening lines of this ode, gives a variety of conjectures on the origin of the phrase - paxrrrLv wSaS, and quotes a fragment of Callimachus, (cxxxviii. Bentl.,) whence some consider )ah4bwovs and Paornwsovs as synonymous. The author of the Etymologicum Magnum says that use7 was anciently used as a generic term for a poem; and in all probability nothing more is meant by a rhapsodist than a composer of verses. The scholiast quotes Hippostratus as his authority for asserting that Cinethus the Syracusan was the first who rhapsodised or wove together the scattered portions of Homer's divine poems. The same expression occurs in Isth. ii., 66, on which passage the classical reader will do well to consult Heyne's elaborate comment (in vv. lect.) Sudorius's paraphrase is opere expolito. 178 PINDAR.. Still oft as onward age proceeds, And in the track paternal leads, Adorning spacious Athens with renown, Triumphant in the Isthmian fray, 10Timonous' son shall bear away Her brightest wreath, and oft the Pythian crown. 1' As where the mountain Pleiads burn, Not far they see Orion turn. How potent, Salamis, thy might 15 To nourish heroes for the fight! Hector perceived, in Troy's sad hour, Thy son, intrepid Ajax' power; And the sustain'd pancratium's praise Shall thee, oh Timodemus, raise! 24 20 Acharnae's glorious tribe of old Have fiourish'd with their heroes bold; And foremost in each solemn game The Timodemidwe proclaimn. They near Parnassus' height obtain'd, 25 Four times the victor's meed have borne, And from Corinthian judges gain'd In glades where valiant Pelops reign'd, Eight several wreaths their brows adorn. 13 The scholiast has a very long note on this passage, relating the mythological story of the Pleiades, whom Pindar designates under the epithet opeav, as being the daughters of Atlas, who was metamorphosed into the famous African mountain. It,ppears that Orion, being violently enamoured of Pleione, who is sometimes understood as denoting the whole cluster of the Pleiades, and having pursued her for a considerable time, Jupiter recorded their hist ry by converting them into neighbouring constellations; the former lying to the northwest, and the latter to the southeast of Taurus. The scholiast further informs us, that Crates read OEpeav instead of opelac, as the rising of the Pleiades was to Greece the indication of approaching harvest: in like manner the Nemean crown is the precursor of Isthmian and Pythian victories, to be achieved hereafter by Aristoclides. SECOND N''.EMEAN ODE. 179 Seven chaplets in the Nemean field- 30 But to recount each various meed Which Jove's Olympic contests yield, I The power of numbers would exceed. Him, citizens, in revels sing, As Timodemus home you bring 35 With glorious pomp, and let your voice In strain, as honey sweet, rejoice! 40 THE THIRD NEMEAN ODE. TO ARISTOCLIDES OF JEGINA, VICTOR IN THE PANCRATIUM. ARGUMENT. THIS ode opens with a beautiful address to the muse, whom the poet invites to pass at AEgina, which was a Doric colony, the sacred month in which the Nemean festival is held.This leads to the praises of the island iEgina, which the victor, son of Aristophanes, has exalted by his triumphs, as much as if he had sailed to the Pillars of Hercules, and thus gained the extreme point attainable by human exertion.- The poet then checks himself, and enters on a theme more closely connected with his subject, the panegyric of the native heroes of _Egina, Peleus, Telamon, Achilles.-He then returns to the victor, declaring him to have fulfilled the various duties of boyhood, manhood, and more advanced age.-Concludes with bidding adieu to his friend, whom he pronounces worthy of the meed which the poet sends him, on account of his triumphs at Nemea, Epidaurus, and Megara. OH sacred muse!-on thee I call, Mother of our poetic band, Come to AEgina's Doric strand, So throng'd at Nemea's festival; For near Asopus' hallow'd wave 5 The youths who frame their choral lay, And sweet-toned minstrelsy display, Thy voice with eager fondness crave. Each deed a different object claimsWhile the proud victor ill the games 10 To the sweet strain his wishes bends, rhat still his virtues and his wreath attends. 13 Then grant this vocal boon to me In unrestrain'd satiety. THIRD NEMEAN ODE. 1 1 Th' accepted hymn, oh child of Jove, 15 Who dwells enthroned in clouds above, Begin, for I to chant his praise Their voice and social lyre will raise. The fruit of my delig, i' f{l toil Shall crown the glory of the soil. 20 Where dwelt the Myrmidons of yore, Whose ancient and illustrious race Aristoclides with disgrace Of tarnish'd fame ne'er cover'd o'er; Subdued in the pancratium's fight, 25 Where heroes strive with valiant might. 27 He who on Nemea's fertile plain The palm of conquest wins, has found An antidote to labouring pain, A healing balm for every wound. 30 With his sweet form's unequall'd grace The valour of his arm agrees, And onward bears in glory's race The son of Aristophanes.: No farther o'er the trackless main 35 An easy passage hope to gain Than where Alcides' pillars stand. 37 Placed by the hero god, to stay The wandering seaman on his way, And witness the proud naval band 40 What time on the Herculean main The mighty monsters he had slain. Impell'd by his adventurous mind The springs of marshy lakes to find, Proceeding far as he could roam, 45 He traced the realm and voyage home. But to what distant headland, say, Waft'st thou, oh mind, my sail away? To AEacus I charge thee bear And to his race the chaplet fair; 50 PINDAR. For Justice adds her flower to raise A tribute to the good man's praise. 50 Unjust the love that only views With pleasure name,, of foveign lore — Wouldst thou a worthy hero choose 55 To raise and ornament thy muse, Domestic chronicles explore. His royal virtues thus prolong King Peleus' fame in ancient song; Who his hewn spear exulting shook, 60 And all alone Iolcos took; Then with aspiring labour strove To win the seaborn Thetis' love; While Telamon's far-potent might With Iolas o'erthrew Laomedon in fight. 63 65 Him to the Amazonian band, Whose bow of brass twang'd in their hand, He follow'd —nor subduing fear Quench'd his impetuous mind's career; For true nobility of soul 70 Prevails beyond all weak control. The man that darkling gropes his way, But for his borrow'd wisdom blind, With foot uncertain where to stray, And hopes that various objects sway, 75 Grasps all alike with feeble mind. 74 Meanwhile in Philyra's abode Achilles of the golden hair In sports of active childhood showed The ripen'd hero's manly care; 80 Shaking his iron-headed dart In hands that play'd the warrior's part. He combated with lions wild, And swift as storms destruction wrought. The boars he slew when scarce were fled 85 Six winters o'er his youthful head, THIRD NEMEAN ODE. 183 And to Centaurus, Saturn's child, Their palpitating bodies brouglht. Him ever wonder'd to behold Diana and Minerva bold, 90 Without or dogs or nets' deceit, O'ercome the stags with rapid feet. 89 I find it thus in legends old: Wise Chiron in his stony cave Long since to Jason nurture gave; 95 And taught Asclepias there to gain The manual art that softens pain; Then bound in matrimonial tie Nereus' fair-handed progeny; -Storing her noble offspring's mind 100 With every excellence combined. 100 That soon as to the Trojan coast Him winds and urging waters bore, He might sustain the battle roar Of Lycia's and of Phrygia's host. 105 Mingled with JEthiopia's band, On high the martial spear who wield, Combining mind with active hand; That ne'er returning from the field Should Helenus' brave kinsman roam, 1101 Memnon their liege, and trace his journey home. 111 Jove, from this source the glories shine Of iEacus' illustrious line, Since from thy sacred blood they spring; While thy great influence rules the game, 115 Which native youths with loud acclaim, And hymns of joy tumultuous sing. Shouts which the victor's triumphs tell Become Aristoclides well; 110 Tithonus, father of Memnon, and Priam, father of He1enus were brothers. ;84 PINDAR. Whose noble deeds this island raise 120 To heights of glory and of praise; Gracing with Phebus' Pythian strain Thearion's venerable fane. The issue of the contest tells In what high efforts each excels. 125 When with the stripling band a boy, A man with men of riper age, He made triumphant aims employ Each period of life's mortal stage; And,lengthen'd time with wisdom fraught 130 Prudence, the fourth best virtue, taught; 130 That can success on each design bestow. Then hail, my enterprising friend; To thee this beverage sweet I send, Where the white milk and mingled honey flow. 135 Thus with the dew of song aspire Soft breathings of th' JEolian lyre, lThough tardy be the lay. 138 Swiftest of birds, the eagle wends Her flight, and with sharp talon rends 140 On high th' ensanguined prey; While daws, below, a chattering brood, Inglorious crop their earthly food. For thee, if high-throned Clio raise In thy victorious spirit's praise 145 The hymn, from Nemea shines the light, From Megara and Epidaurus bright. 148 THE FOURTH NETMEAN ODE. TO TIMASARCHUS OF.EGINA, VICTOR IN THE PAL2ESTRAo ARGUMENT. IN this ode the sweetness and soothing effects of encomiastic poetry are beautifully described.-It is dedicated by the poet to the praise of the victor, his native island, and to the memory of his father, Timocritus.-Then follows a digression to the heroes of /Egina-Telamon, Alcyoneus, and especially Hercules.-Here he recalls his wandering muse, from fear of being reprehended by envious tongues, and indulges himself in anticipations of future excellence which shall be matured by time.-Nevertheless he returns to his digression, and describes the extent of dominion possessed by other heroes of A/Egina-Teucer, Ajax, Achilles, Neoptolemus, and Peleus.Recalls a second time his digressing strain, which he expresses metaphorically by bringing back his vessel from the darkness of Gades to the continent of Europe; since to relate the whole story of the AEacidNe were a fruitless endeavour.He therefore enters on the praises of the tribe of Theandride, to which the victor belonged; of his maternal uncle Callicles,; his grandfather Euphanes; and his alipta, or preceptor, Melesias, with whom he concludes the ode. HILARITY, thou sovereign balm And remedy of labours o'er, Whose pain by arts untried before The muses' vocal daughters calm — What time they wake the lyric string, 5 Not such delight the tepid wave Can to the soften'd members bring, As praise, the meed of efforts have, Which poets to the harp symphonious singBeyond events of transient worth 10 Long their recorded acts shall live - Drawn from the mind's deep treasures forth, Such as the favouring Graces give. 13 P 186 PINDARn Oh! may it be my happy fate To Nemea and Saturnian Jove 15 Where wrestling Timasarchus strove, The prelude hymn to consecrate. May /Eacus' well-guarded seat With candid mind this tribute greet, Where Justice rears her sheltering arm 20 Of power to save each guest from harm. Were still Timocritus thy sire Warm'd by the genial solar ray, Intent upon the varied lyre He oft had framed the victor's lay, 25 That should his numerous wreaths proclaim Won in the Cleon'ean game, In Athens, rich with fair renown, And the seven-portall'd Theban town. 31 When near Amphitryo's splendid tomb 30 For him with no unwilling hand Their chaplets the Cadmnan band Gave for _Egina's sake to bloom; As to his kindred city's walls With hasty steps the hero went, 35 Seeking the bless'd Herculean halls, On amicable purpose bent. 39 With hin to aid, in days of yore Troy the bold Telamon o'erthrew, Invaded Merops' Coan shore, 40 And the stupendous warrior slew Alcyoneus-but first he broke With a huge stone's vindictive stroke Twelve chariots by four coursers whirl'd, And heroes to destruction hurl'd 45 Who tamed the steed and urged the car Of twice that number to the war. Unskill'd in fight must he appear To whom the moral is not clear; FOURTH NEMEAN ODE. 187 Since he that can in aught prevail 50 Must in his turn expect to fail. 52 But the strict law that rules my song And hours which urge their course along, This thought prohibit, and restrain Within just bounds the wandering strain. 55 Though fond desire my heart impel Such tales at the new moon to tell; Thee though the deep sea wave convey Adventurous on thy middle way; Yet, mind, resist the snare; GO Then far superior shall we rise To all our slandering enemies, And walk in splendour fair; While they of envious eye and soul On earth their empty purpose roll. 66 65 To me what energetic power Fate gave me in my natal hour, Full well I know advancing time Shall ripen to its destined prime. Then haste, sweet lyre, the lay to weave 70 With Lydian melody combined, Such as (Enone shall receive, And Cyprus with enraptured mind; Where, banish'd from his own domains, The Telamonian Teucer reigns. 75 But Ajax his paternal soil Yet holds-the Salaminian isle. 78 Achilles rules the shining land Whose splendour gems the Euxine deep. Phthia owns Thetis' high command: 80 While each sublime and beaked steep 78 I. e., the island Leuce, or white, so named from the abundance of herons with which it appears to glitter from afar. The poets describe it as an Elysium where the souls of deceased 188 PINDAR4 That rises eminently o'er Epirus' wide-extended shore, And from Dodona lifts the brow To where the lonian waters flow, 85 Giving in numerous herds to graze, Young Neoptolemus obeys. Iolcos, fair Thessalian town, Which Pelion's woody summits crown, Attack'd by hostile hand, a slave 90 Peleus to his Haemonians gave. 91 He whom Acastus' crafty dame, Hippolyta, by guile o'ercame; While Pelias' son's Dwedalian blade For him the fatal ambush laid. 95 But Chiron far the peril drove, Fulfilling the decrees of Jove. 100 He the dread fire's all-potent might, The terrors of the sharpen'd claws And teeth that arm the direful jaws 100 Of lions raging for the fight, heroes enjoy perpetual repose. In the celebrated scholion om Callistratus, (ev PvprW KXa&, &c.,) Harmodius is addressed as dwelling in the islands of happy spirits with Diomed and the swift-footed Achilles. 94 The obscurity of this passage has greatly embarrassed the commentators. By the sword of D(sdalus the scholiast simply understands a fraudulent design, sharpened for the destruction of its victim. The poet must be understood to institute a comparison between the craft of Acastus and that of Dedalus, who slew Minos by pouring on him a stream of boiling water with the co-operation of the daughters of Cocalus, king of Sicily. In like manner Peleus was subdued by stratagem, and his country Magnesia made subject to the Thessalians, through the treacherous instrumentality of Cretheis, daughter of Hippolytus, and wife to Acastus. The following lines allude to the various shapes of fire, lion, &c., into which Thetis is said to have transformed herself, with the vain hope of avoiding the matrimonial affinity of Peleus. Pindar relates the story again in Nem., v., 53, et seq., more at large and with greater clearness. FOURTH NEMEAN ODE. 189 Subdued, and to his humbler bed A lofty-throned Nereid led. His eye beheld th' assembled train Who rule in heaven and in the main, 105 Seated on high, and bless his race With the rich gifts of power and grace. 111 To Gades none can urge his sail, Which clouds and western darkness veil. Approaching that most distant strand, ~ 110 Return the bark to Europe's land; For never can my tongue avail To sing, IEacidaw, your lengthen'd tale. But faithful to my compact, I Hither a ready herald came, 115 To celebrate those triumphs high In sports that knit the hardy frame; Which Isthmus and Olympia's field To the Theandridae with Nemea's yield. 117 There having made a first essay, 120 Homeward again they bend their way, But not without the frequent crown That bears the fruit of high renown. Thy tribe on thee we hear in solemn state With songs of triumph, Timasarchus, wait. 129 125 If whiter than the Parian stone A monument thou bid me raise To Callicles thine uncle's praise — As fires that sparkling gold refine Give all its purest beams to shine- 130 108 Sudorius thus paraphrases the original expression, which is very peculiar:"Sufficit nautas penitus remotas Visere Gades, Ceca nox ultra est, tenebreque denseQuas licet nullis penetrare remis." 190 PINDAR. So shall the hymn's triumphant tone The hero's glorious deeds that sings Exalt him to the rank of kings. Though now by Acheron he dwell, Yet shall my tongue his conquests tell; 135 When Corinth round the victor's brow In thund'ring Neptune's game her parsley bade to glow. 142 lHe by thy willing grandsire's tongue, Old Euphanes, has erst been sung, Coevals, youth, in other days; 140 For best, as in heroic deeds, By Fortune aided, each succeeds, Each his bright eloquence displays; As he Melesias who commends At once the doubtful strife suspends: 145 Weaving the melodies of song, Unconquer'd in the wrestler's toil, Mild to the good and friendly throng, But rough his enemies to foil. 156 THE FIFTH NEMEAN ODE.* TO PYTHEAS OF IEGINA, VICTOR WITI-H THE CESTUS. AR GUMEN T. THE poet charges his song with the celebration of the victory which Pytheas, son of Lampo, has achieved in the Nemean games.-Hence he digresses to the heroes of nEgina, descendants of AEacus, especially Peleus, Euthymenes, Pytheas, the Athenian Menander his alipta, and Themistius.-Concludes with an address to his muse, exhorting her boldly to sing the triumphs of Pytheas at Nemea and in the festivals which were held at Epidaurus in'honour of _Esculapius. MINE is no statuary's fame, Whose art constructs the mimic frame, Forever standing on the selfsame base. But leave, sweet song, Egina's port, On long-deck'd ships and cutters short, 5 To tell that Lampo's mighty son Pytheas the Nemean crown hath won, Whose honours the pancratium's victor grace. Incipient manhood's tender flower Not yet his downy cheek array'd 1i When his triumphant deeds display'd Th' A]acidae's victorious poweri The opening of this ode contains an indirect reproach of the kindred of Pytheas, who wished to procure from Pindar an ode to commemorate his victory for a less sum than three draahmae, (about ten pounds,) asserting that it would be preferable to purchase a statue for that sum: but afterward, sensible of their error, they request the bard to furnish them with an ode. He therefore begins very appropriately by instituting a comparison between the immobility of a statue and the universal celebrity which verses would obtain for the victor, by penetrating the most distant regions of the habitable world. 192 PINDAR. leroes whose warlike glories spring From Saturn and the heavenly king, A.nd Thetis' golden Nereid train; s15 Illustrating with high renown The parent city's walls that crown AEgina's hospitable plain. 16 Her they implored, as near the shrine Of their Hellenian sire they stood, 20 That bless'd with sons in battle good And naval strife her fame might shine; Then raised their suppliant hands on high Endeis' noble progeny, Together with King Phocus' might, 25 Whom erst bright Psamathea bore, A goddess, on her sandy shore. I dread to speak with lofty tongue, And show what direful ills have sprung From slighted sense of right. 30 By what avenging god expell'd, Their glorious isle the valiant band Deserted-but my song withheld From the sad theme, will make a stand.'Tis not for every truth to show 35 Its undisguised and open browOft the best prudence of the wise In silent meditation lies. 33 But would my song a tribute raise Their wealth or manual strength to praise, 40 And iron firmness in the war, I'd leap beyond the rest afar, *Proving with lightly bended knee My supple frame's agility; While rushes my adventurous strain 45 On eagle wing beyond the main. 24 1. e., Telamnon and Peleus, sons of LEacus, and Endeis, he daughter of Chiron. FIFTH NEMEAN ODE. 193 The ready muses' lovely choir To them on Pelion's mountain sang, And in the midst Apollo's lyre, Struck by his golden plectrum, rang, 50 As the great leader sounded high Its varied seven-toned harmony. 45 They hymn'd, beginning first from Jove, Peleus and Thetis' sacred name, And how the fair Cretheis strove, 55 Hippolyta, to soil his fame. Magnesia's lord, her spouse, she led By many a lure and artful wile, Feigning a tale of treacherous guile, That he Acastus' nuptial bed 60 Attempted basely to defile. 56 sTwas false —for him with raging mind And suppliant prayer she oft address'd: Yet her warmn speech no love could find Responsive in his tortured breast. 65 But he refused the nymph's desire, Dreading His wrath the stranger's sire. Heaven's mighty king, immortal Jove, Who guides the clouds that roll above, Observed the deed, and gave a sign 70 That from the golden-sceptred line Of Nereids sporting in the main The hero should a consort gain; Persuading Neptune to approve The social bond of kindred love; 67 75 The god who oft from IEgwe's height To Dorian Isthmus speeds his flight. 67 I. e., Jupiter the protector of strangers. 74 Neptune and Peleus married Amphitrite and Thetis, two of the Nereids; they were therefore brothers.in-law. 194 PINDAR. Him there receive the festal choir With sound of the melodious reed, And in firm strength of limb aspire, 80 The native test of every deed; While thou, Euthymenes, at rest On the fair goddess Victory's breast, Raisest the varied hymn to crown Thine own }Egina with renown. 85 Now Pytheas' rapid footsteps trace His uncle's fame in glory's race; 80 Illustrating his kindred line. Such fame the strife of Nemea's field And the month's circling periods yield, 90 Which Phcebus views with love-divine. At home and on green Nisus' height, His equals, rushing to the fight, He conquer'd-I exult to view The city these fair deeds pursue. 8G 95 To brave Menander's presence, know, Thy toils their sweet requital owe. Who fits the athletes for the ring Should like himself from Athens spring. No longer let chill fear control 100 The generous purpose of thy soul, Themistius if thou come to sing. But raise thy voice-and to the end Of the tall mast thy sails extend90 I. e., the month Delphinius, in which a contest was cele brated by the XEginetans, sacred to Apollo, called the Hydro phoria. 99 This and the following line are thus paraphrased by Su dorius:" Cecropidam decet Fortem exercitiis prmesse virilibus." It appears from this passage that the Athenians were as pre eminent for their skill in athletic exercises as in arts and arms. FIFTHI NE.MEAN ODE. 1945 Loudly his double palm proclaim, 105 Which in the Epidaurian field The hardy wrestler's glorious game, And the pancratium's contests yield. Assisted by the nymphs of auburn hair, 109 To AEacus' high fane'twas his the wreaths to bear THE SIXTH NEMEAN ODE. TO ALCIMIDAS OF.EGINA, VICTOR IN THE PAL.ESTRAs IN THE CLASS OF BOYS. ARGUiMENT. ThlIs ode begins with a moral reflection on the emanation of divinity by which the mind of man is enlightened, being of the same origin with the divine race.-This is illustrated by the example of Alcimidas, who, though a mere youth, treads in the footsteps of his grandfather Praxidamas.-His victories in the different games are enumerated, by which he has restored the glory of his house, that had been tarnished by the inactivity of his father Theo.-The victories of the tribe of Bassidwa are celebrated.-Pindar then proceeds to expatiate on the glories of the.ginetan heroes.-Returns to the victor, whose five-and-twentieth triumph is celebrated in this ode.-His kinsman Timidas, and his alipta, or charioteer, Melesias, whose rapid skill in guiding the car is compared to that of a dolphin cleaving the waves. OF mortal or immortal race, From the same mother earth we trace Our lives —but not the same degree Of power and vital energy To man of transient space is given, 5 As in the brazen soil of heav'n. Yet some resemblance can-we find Of nature or the mighty mind That links us to the powers divine, Howe'er'tis not in us to know 10 When shall stern fate's recorded blow, By day or night, our course define. 13 Now by Alcimidas is found The kindred excellence display'd, As fields with rich luxuriance crown'd, 15 To mortal life subservient made, S1XTH NEMEAN ODE. 197 Renew their annual vigour, bless'd With due vicissitudes of rest. Warm from the pleasing Nemean game,'Twas thus the hardy stripling camne, 20 This contest, which began from Jove, Pursuing with unwearied pace, H-e for the wrestler's chaplet strove, Eager as huntsman in the chase; Tracking his grandsire's bright career, 25 Praxidamas, his steps appear. Hie, where Alpheus' waters flow, Olympia's wreath around his brow To grace th' iEacidae.entwined, Five times on him the Isthmian crown 30 And Nemea's thrice conferr'd renown; No longer in oblivion pined Soclides, plant of elder shoot From Agesimachus, the parent root. 37 Since they, the triple chaplet gain'd, 35 To valour's summit have attain'dWith labour and triumphant might Contending in the glorious fight. More numerous palms by favouring Heav'n Have to no other house been given, 40 Won in the pugilistic fray, Than such as on the Isthmnian strand, Recess of all the Grecian land, This noble tribe has borne away. 45 With lofty eloquence of speech 45 The destined mark I hope to reach. Thither, oh muse, from out thy bow The shaft of epic sweetness throw. To them the bards of other days Have given the meed of honest praise; 50 Since frequent acts transmit to fame The Bassidie's illustrious name. 198 I'INDAR. A. race renown'd in ancient lore, Who their own high encomium bore, And by their vigorous deeds could yield 55 To such as till Pieria's field Full many a hymn-his hands around The cwestus' leathern safeguard bound, From the same tribe in Pytho's fray Brave Callias erst the prize obtain'd, 60 And Phcebus' high approval gain'd, From golden-sceptred Lato sprung; Whose triumphs at the close of day The Graces' choir in bright array Have by Castalia's waters sung. 66 65 And where the Isthmian bridge divides Th' unwearied and opposing tides, To him the Amphictyons' high decree Assign'd their palm of victory, Who by triennial bullocks slain 70 Appeased the monarch of the main. HIim too the lion's parsley crown'd Triumphant on that sacred ground Which lies beneath the shade outspread Of Phlius' ancient mountain's head. 74 75 Open to bards on every side Is the fair theme, the entrance wide, Who to this glorious island raise The tribute of poetic praise. rTo them the Aiacida have shown 80 Their mighty virtues' ample fame; While far o'er earth and sea has flown The sound of their illustrious name. Even to the distant iEthiops' seat, So Ere Memnon homeward urged his wand'ring feet. 62 The epithet here given to Ltmola is the same by wfich Thetis is distinguished-(Nem., v., 65;) and Amphitrite, wife of Neptune-(Ol., ii., 168.) SIXTH NEMEAN ODE. 199 On them fell strife and heavy war, 86 What time Achilles from his car, Leaping with hasty step on earth, By wrathful spear's ensanguined head The monarch numbered with the dead, 90 Who to bright morning owed his birth. Poets of other ages here Have urged their chariots' swift career: And I in this pursuit am join'dThe waves that near the rudder flow, 95 While the ship cleaves the depths below, First occupy the steersman's mind. 97 But I on willing shoulders bear A. double load of anxious care, And come a herald to proclaim 100 The glories of the sacred game, Whose five-and-twenty garlands grace Alcimidas' illustrious race. Thee, boy, and Timidas, who strove By the Saturnian monarch's grove, 105 The guerdon of Olympia's fray Thy lot forbade to bear away. E'en like the dolphin race that sweep On rapid fin the watery deep, Melesias would I name, whose force 110 And hands direct the chariot's course. ll1 THE SEVENTH NEMEAN ODE. TO SOGENES OF ]EGINA, VICTOR WHEN A BOY IN THE PENTATHLIC GAMES. ARGUMENT. TisIs ode opens with an address to Eilithyia, the goddess who presided at parturition, declaring that Sogenes, the son of T'hearion, was at his birth gifted with so robust a frame as should enable him while yet a boy to conquer in the pentathlum.-The muses, by celebrating in song the glorious actions of heroes, confer on them a celebrity more than commensurate with their importance; nor would Ulysses have acquired such fame but for the praises of Homer.-To them is owing the renown of Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, one of the heroes of AEgina, to whose L story the poet digresses.-Then checking himself, from the fear of exciting satiety in his hearers, he returns to AEgina, Thearion, and the victor Sogenes; invo — king the continued favour of Jupiter, to whom the Nemean games were sacred, of 2Eacus, and especially of Hercules, whom he entreats to become an intercessor with Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, that they may grant their protection to the conqueror and to his latest posterity.-Concludes with declaring his intention not to insult the memory of Neoptolemus by renewing the story of his death; but deprecates repeated apologies to his adversaries. OH thou, to whom a seat is given The deep-revolving Parcae near, Child of the potent queen of heav'n, Prolific Eilithyia, hear! Without thine aid we ne'er should claim 5 In the clear day or sable night To gaze upon the genial light, And view thy sister Hebe's hardy frame. 4 The precise object of Pindar in this opening address to the goddess of parturition has been variously explained by different SEVENTH NEMEAN ODE. 201 Not subject all to equal law, The vital energy we draw. 10 But thou, as different fates prevail, Urgest our ever-varying scale. With thee his valiant arm to bless, Young Sogenes, Theario's son, Shines in renown and high success 15 Mid those who the pentathlic wreath have won. 12 He in thi' AEacida's fair city dwells, Who shake the spear, and rouse with kindred flame The sons to emulate their fathers' fame, Where the song oft the pomp of triumph swells. 20 On him, whom fortune's smiles befriend. The muses' honey'd streams descend; While o'er the deeds that want their tale Darkness extends her dusky veil. We in what polish'd mirror know 25 Illustrious deeds reflected glow, If with resplendent fillet bound Mnemosyne permit to share That sweet reward of toil and care, The epic lay's illustrious sound. 30 Three days ere yet the tempest rise The skilful mariner descries. ancient commentators. It has been suggested by some, with a great appearance of probability, that Thearion, the father of Sogenes, was in the habit of sacrificing to Eilithyia, to whom a temple was erected near his residence. Callimachus (hymn. ad Del. 257) speaks of a lay peculiar to this divinity: Etcrav EXetOVtlS iepOTv iEOSg. The reciting of which is noticed by Madame Dacier as a very unusuai circumstance, but is not commented on by Spanheim. In the Iliad, (xi., 348,) the Eilithyia are mentioned in the plural, as daughters of Juno Lucino, in which passage Pope takes no inconsiderable liberty both with the quality and orthography of this venerable sisterhood, by calling them thefierce llythixe. 31 Pliny in his Natural History (lib. iii.) relates that the inhabitants of the island of Lipara can foretel from the course of the smoke which ascends from it what will be the direction of Q 202 PINDAR. Both rich and poor one common doom Calls undistinguish'd to the tomb. If right I deem, one ampler fame 35 Exalts the great Ulysses' name, From Homer's sweet poetic song, Than to his deeds could e'er belong. 31 Since genius' bright and airy vein Hallows the fictions of his strain; 40 And wisdom in sweet fable dress'd With potent charm allures the breast. Meanwhile the crowd in error stray, Darkness still brooding o'er their way; For had their mind the truth perceived, 45 Brave Ajax, mad with anger's smart; When of the arms by them bereaved, Ne'er with smooth sword had pierced his heart. Him, rivalling Achilles' might, Chief of the Grecian host, in fight, 50 For bright-hair'd Menelaus' bride, Propitious-breathing zephyrs bore To Ilus' walls on Phrygia's shore, In ships that swiftly plough'd the tide. 44 Gulf'd by the same infernal wave, 55 The bright and lowly seek the grave. Yet heroes live beyond the tombWhene'er the muse augments their fame. To earth's deep-bosom'd centre came, Soon as he wrought Troy's final doom, 60 Young Pyrrhus, with the Greeks to aid, And in the Pythian plain was laid. Destined to see his purpose fail, From Scyros when he urged his sail; Till wandering o'er the watery way, 65 To Ephyre the warriors stray. 55 the wind three days afterward. It is probable that Pindar here alludes to some such tradition. SEVENTH NEMEAN ODE. 203 Short time he in Molossia reign'd Whose sceptre still his race retain'd; And bearing from the conquer'd soil The first fruits of the Trojan spoil, 70 Approach'd the god —but fell in deadly strife, Himself a victim to the hostile knife. 62 The Delphians mourn'd with heavy wo; But fate in vengeance urged the blow, By whose decree a king should come 75 Of A/Eacus' high line, to rest Within the grove's time-hallow'd breast, Near Phcebus' wall-encircled dome; Where his presiding eye might still survey Chiefs with heroic pomp the sacrifice display. 80 Three potent reasons will avail To justify the murderous tale. No fraudful witness he who claiims Dominion o'er the sacred games. The race that springs from thee and Jove 85 Will by their virtues' shining beam,?Egina, my bold speech approve, And hallow the domestic theme. 76 But sweet the moment of repose That brings each labour to its close; 90 Since e'en excess of honey cloys, And flow'r of Aphrodisian joys. By nature various lots are thrown, But perfect happiness to none. 71 According to the scholiast, it is related of Neoptolemus that while sacrificing at Delphi, and endeavouring to prevent the people from snatching away the offerings, according to their custom, he was slain by them in a tumult of indignation. Virgil (2En., iii., 330) relates that Neoptolemus was slain by Orestes, iln. revenge for the loss of his kingdom and affianced bride Hermione. 204 PINDAR. Nor can I tell whose prosperous state 95 On constant height is raised by fate: That, bless'd rhearion, gives to thee Due portion of felicity. 87 Since prudence ne'er deserts thy mind, With glorious hardihood combined. 10P May I, a stranger, still be pure From reprehension's tale obscure! As rills convey'd into the field Their fructifying moisture yield, So I with just and liberal praise 10.' The friendly hero's name will raise. Such is the guerdon of the brave. 93 Nor let a Greek attack my name, Approaching near, with voice of blame, Who dwells beyond th' Ionian wave. 95 110 Trusting their hospitable love, Among the townsmen's social throng With look serene and bright I move, And foot estranged from force or wrong. Advancing time new bliss convey! 1lb And let the man who knows me say If to the strain my tongue impart The slanders of a rancorous heart. 102 Oh Sogenes! who from the tribe art sprung Of brave Euxenidae, -(I swear 120 That like the brass-tipp'd javelin, ne'er I sent beyond the mark my rapid tongue,) Who carriedst from the wrestler's toil A sinewy neck and corporal might Which labour's dew could never soil, 125 Nor sun oppress with noonday light. And though full arduous were the deed, More sweet succeeding triumph's meed. SEVENTH NEMEAN ODE. 205 Permit me for the victor's sake A strain of louder note to wake. 130 No churlish bard sings thy renown.'Twere easy for the victor's brow To twine a leafy wreath-but thou Expect the muse's golden crown; Who plucks the flower of ivory hue, 135 And coral steep'd in ocean dew. 117 But, tranquil mind, a bolder lay Must hymn great Jove and Nemea's fray; Since on this soil the heavenly king'Tis fit with voice divine to sing; 140 For, Hercules, thy brother guest, Whose mild sway rules my country bless'd, From him and the maternal seed By fame is stated to proceed. 127 If man to man assistance lend, 145 What joy so grateful. shall we find As that of neighbour and of friend Who loves us with a constant mind? And if the gods are prone to feel The same desire for others' weal, 150 Near thee, who couldst the giants quell, Securely Sogenes might dwell, Tending his sire with pious care In his forefathers' city fair. 136 For as the doubly yoked steed 155 Urges the rapid chariot's speed, On either hand thy neighb'ring dome, Alcides, guards his humbler home. 136 For as the brightness and warmth of the sun bring the vegetable coral to its matured state of hardness, so does the muse bestow on the victor his best reward in her perfect strain of' encorniastic melody. 1if1 mEacus was the son of Jove and the nymph 2Egina, and irl)ttl.-r to Hercules. 206 PINDAR.'Tis thine, bless'd hero, to persuade Jove, Juno, and the blue-eyed maid. 160 Thou oft in troubles canst impart Strength to the fainting mortal heart. Oh! inay their lives thy care engage In shining youth and hoary age, That present honour and more bright success 165 Henceforth his children's children may possess! Never my tongue with bitter sound Brave Neoptolemus shall wound. But to repeat this thrice-told truth Can want of language only prove; 170 As babbling sires instruct their youth, " Corinthus was the son of Jove.'' 155 168 Pindar's reverence for Neoptolemus was strengthened by Mne constant sight of the altar raised at Delphi to that hero, near to which wars placed the seat whence the poet chanted his hymns in honour of Apollo. THE EIGHTH NEMEAN ODE. TO DEINIS9 SON OF MEGAS, VICTOR IN THE STADIC COURSE. ARGUMENT. THIS ode opens with an address to the flower of youth, the harbinger of successful as well as calamitous love.-This leads to the happy amour of Jupiter with the nymph.Egina, the fruit of which was the valiant _Eacus, from whom he supplicates as great a degree of prosperity for the IEginetans as was enjoyed by Cinyras, king of Cyprus.-Returns from his digression, lest he should excite envy and blame.-This was the cause of the death of Ajax, who by an unjust decree was deprived of the arms of Achilles, and of many other mischiefs.-The poet addresses a prayer to Jupiter that he may never indulge this malevolent disposition.-On the other hand, he delights in celebrating by his verses the valour of Deinis, his father Megas, and the tribe of the Chariadae; since the framing of poetical encomia has always afforded a pleasing alleviation of the heaviest calamities. BLESS'D prime of youth! the herald sweet Of Aphrodite's golden joys, Who on the eyelids hast thy seat Of tender nymphs and amorous boys; While one in gentle arms is borne, 5 And from th' embrace another torn. How pleased who in each deed of love Occasion's fair advantage prove, Seizing with a successful aim The objects of their happy flame. 9 10 Such were the guards of Venus' gifts, who shed Their genial influence round AXgina's bed; 208 PINDAR. From whom and mighty Jove was given to spring ~In arm and counsel strong, CEnone's king. Him many oft begg'd to survey, 15 Since of the nations dwelling round, The flower of that heroic train Who led their armies on the plain By rock-protected Athens crown'd, And they of Pelops' valiant band 20 Scatter'd throughout the Spartan land, Would fain his lordly'will obey. 21 While I in suppliant action seize Great AEacus' time-honour'd knees, Imploring the loved city's.weal, 25 And citizens' with anxious zeal. To Deinis now the wreath I bring, With Lydian melodies entwined, And Nemea's double stadium sing, His father Megas' praise combined. 30 From bounties which the god bestows More lasting bliss to mortals flows; Who royal Cinyras erewhile Loaded with wealth in Cyprus' isle. 31 Now on suspended foot I rest, 35 Pausing ere I my tale unfoldSince they who carry to the test Whate'er by ancient bards'is told, Seeking to feign a story new, All that is perilous pursue. 40 Such fictions give the envious food, Who spare the feeble, but assault the good. 38 Pierced by the sword, through these undone, Died Telamon's heroic son. Unskill'd in speech, though brave in soul, 45 Oblivion's waves his deeds control; While varied falsehood in the fray The mighty guerdon bears away. EIG[LTH NERMEAN ODE. 209 For by tile fraudulent decree, When sought the Greeks Ulysses' love, 50 Reft of the golden panoply, With fate in vain brave Ajax strove. 47 Yet dealt their arms far different blows On the warm bodies of their foes, Under the man-defending spear- 55 Some for Achilles newly slain, Some they for other toils sustain, That mark those slaughterous days' career. But among men of old had sprung, Companions of the glowing tongue, 60 Deceit and hatred's foul disgrace; Which often with insidious blow Lays fortune's towering minion low. And gives th' obscure his glorious place. 58 Never, oh Father Jove! be mine 65 Manners so stamp'd by false design; But let my steps, life's journey through, Simplicity's straight paths pursue; That my surviving sons may claim Inheritance of spotless fame. 70 While some for golden treasures pray, Others for land's unbounded sway, May I acquire the townsmen's love, Ere in the earth my limbs are laid — Boldly their virtuous deeds approve, 75 But be their sins with blame repaid! 6R Virtue her growing strength renews, Nurturedby poets' fostering care, As the tree fed by tender dews Shoots proudly through the liquid air. 80 The aid of friends man ever needs, But chiefly in laborious deeds. A faithful mirror true delight Requires to place before the sight. 75 R 210 PJNDAR.'Tis not in imy imperfect art 85 Thy soul, oh Megas! to restore; And empty hopes can but impart The issue vain they ever bore. But a muswean stone to raise To thee, and in thy tribe's high praise, 90 The brave Chariadae,'tis mineWith joy I hail thy double speed, And to reward the glorious deed Send forth the tributary line. Full oft before the child of grief 95 Has found in song a sure relief. Th' encomiastic hymn was rife Before Adrastus' and the Thebans' strife. 87 THE NINTH NEMEAN ODE.'TO CHROMIUS THE AETNEAN, ON HIS VICTORY IN THIC CHARIOT RACE. ARGUMENT. PINDAR invokes the muses to bring the Pythian pomp from Sicyon to the new-built city of lEtna in honour of Chromiue, who has obtained a victory in these games when celebrated at the former city.-Digresses to the history of Adrastus the Argive chief, by whom they were instituted, and the fate of Amphiaraus, together with reflections arising therefrom.Returns to his subject, and offers up prayers to Jupiter for the welfare of the iEtneans.-Concludes the ode with the praises of Chromius, and supplications to Jupiter that he will crown the victor with future triumphs. FROM Sicyon, ruled by Pytho's king, The pomp, oh-muses! we will bring To new-built a.Etna, Chromius' mansion bless'd, Whose doors are open to the frequent guest. But weave a dulcet epic strain- 5 For when he mounts the victor car, The mother and her offspring twain Hail the triumphant voice from far; Whose joint-inspecting eyes survey From Pytho's height the glorious fray. 12 10 By man's consenting voice'tis said No act to prosperous issue brought Should on the earth in scorn be laid. The song with boastful praises fraught 7 I. e., Latona with Apollo and Diana. 212 PINDAR. Offers the due, the noblest meed 15 To recompense the victor'sdeed. The sounding harp then let us raise-D And in th' equestrian contests' praise Give the sonorous flute to blowThose contests which in Phcebus' name 20 Adrastus consecrates to fame, Where pure Asopus' waters flow. These my recording muse shall trace, And with illustrious wreaths the hero grace. 24 Who ruling then with sceptred sway 25 In contests of corporeal might, And in his polish'd chariots' flight, Raised his loved city's name on high With new and festal revelry. From bold Amphiaraus far 30 Fell discord and intestine war, And Argive home he urged his way. No more by this dire fiend oppress'd, Their empire Talaus' sons possess'd: But a good man composes hate, 35 And enmities of ancient date. 36 As when the firmest pledge of truth, Adrastus to CEclides' bed His sister Eriphyle led, Her who subdued the hapless youth- 40 Over the bright-hair'd Grecian train'Twas theirs dominion to obtain. When they to Thebes' seven portals bring (Cheer'd by no bird's auspicious wing) Their numerous host-Saturnian Jove, 45 Who hurls his lightning shafts above, Exhorted their mad haste to stay, Nor urge from home their lengthen'd way. 48 34 The children of Talaus were Adrastus, Parthenopmeus, Pronax, Mecistheus, and their sister Eriphyle, who was married o the prophet Amphiaraus. NINTH, NEMEAN ODE. 213 With brazen arms and steeds elate The crowd rush"d on to open fate; 50 And vanquish'd on Ismenus' banks, Cut off from hope of sweet return, The bodies of their slaughter'd ranks, Fattening the lurid volumes, burn; For, placed on seven funereal pyres, 55 The youthful heroes feed the fires. Jove the earth's solid bosom broke By his all-potent thunder stroke, And low Amphiaraus laid In chariot with the steeds array'd, 60 Ere, Periclymenus, thy spear Controll'd his warlike mind's career, And on his wounded back a trace Fix'd of indelible disgrace. 63 For when the gods with fears excite, 65 Their very sons are moved to flight. Oh! that my prayers, Saturnian Jove, The dire essay and warlike boast That rouses the Phlenician host Could far from JAtna's walls remove, 70 Of thee a long and prosperous fate I for her children supplicate; 75 Whose favour can the people crown With civic honour and renown. A. race of men inhabit there, 75 Well pleased the generous steed to train, Who an exalted spirit bear, That soars above the thirst of gain. Incredible my words must prove For shame and glory's noble fire, 80 Quench'd in unequal strife, expire With lucre's mercenary love. Oh! hadst thou stood by Chromius' side In the pedestrian battle's tide, 214 PINDAR. And when his coursers whirl'd the car, 85 And vessels waged the naval war, Then had thine eye discern'd aright The peril of that deadly fight; And how that goddess' power endued His warlike mind with fortitude, o0 The terrors of the dire affray And Mars' assaults to drive away. 88 But few by strength or prudent mind From their own threaten'd ranks can find Of present death to turn the cloud Backward upon the hostile crowd. Hector's bright fame is said to glow Near where Scamander's wateris flow. 95 By steep HIelorus' banks of stone, Where men Area's traject nanre, 100 In his first youth with glory's flame Agesidamus' offspring shone. His labours wrought in other days, Whether upon the dusty plain, Or islands of the neighb'ring main, 105 With due encomium will I praise. Such as in fervid youth are wrought, If justice sanctify the deed, Through life with sweet enjoyment fraught, To age's latest hour proceed. 110 99 The HFelorus was a very rapid river in the southeast of Sicily, mentioned by Virgil, (,En., iii., 698,) on the banks of which the scholiast informs us that Gelon, with the assistance of Chromius, obtained a victory over the Carthaginians. Area's traject is not so clearly defined by geographers. The scholiast is of opinion that it was a name given to that part of the Freturn Siculum contiguous to Rhegium, in commemoration of the war like events which took place on that coast, and tells us that iL is a doubtful point whether the true reading be ApeLas, or Peas. One edition gives apEtua, from apart, as denoting the traject cf threats-(viz., of the Carthaginians.) NINTH NEME'AN ODE. 215 From heaven's immortal rulers know Such wondrous happiness must flow. 108 If ever wealth's abundant store Illustrious glory should convey, No higher eminence explore, 115 No farther mortal feet canllstray. As the convivial board is crown'd By jocund youth's enlivening sound, Thus the soft luxuries of song Tro recent conquest's praise belong. iso Where'er the festal cup is shown The voice assumes a bolder tone. Let this by any mingled be, Sweet harbinger of revelry! 120 Let him in silver goblets pour 125 The potent offspring of the vine; With which the steeds in days of yore Enrich'd triumphant Chromius' store; While Phcebus gloried to entwine For him the justly woven crown 130 From Sicyon's venerable town. To thee, oh Father Jove! I pray Grant me this conquest to display, Assisted by the Graces' choirOh! may I honour in my strain 135 The various wreaths his efforts gain, And to the muses let my shafts aspire. 132 THE TENTH NEMEAN ODE. TO THIEUS, SON OF ULIAS, VICTOR IN THE PALESTRAo ARGUMENT. ADDRESSING this ode to Thiaeus, who had conquered at Argos in the Hecatombaea, or Herea, games sacred to Juno, the poet begins by recounting the ancient histories, and celebrating the heroes and other noted characters connected with that ancient city of Danaus, Perseus, Medusa, Epaphus, Hypermnnestra, Diomedes, Amphiaraus, Amphitryo, and Hercules.Recalls himself to his subject, and enumerates the various triumphs of the victor, as well as those which have at different times graced his family.-From the mention of Pamnphaes, one of his maternal ancestors; who hospitably entertained Castor and Pollux, he is led to relate the history of the Dioscuri, with which he concludes the ode. ARGOS, old Danaus' towering seat, And fifty high-throned daughters' home, Where rises Juno's stately dome, Graces, with hymns of triumph greet; Whose deeds her shining glories raise 5 With endless arguments of praise. Long is the tale how Perseus sped With dire Medusa's gorgon head; And how o'er Egypt's land appear'd The towns by Epaphus uprear'd; 10 Or Hypermnestra pure remrain'd, Whose sheath alone the sword retain'd. 11 The goddess of the azure eye Immortal Diomedes made; And pierced by Jove's artillery, 15 The Theban earth's funereal shade TENTH NEMEkN ODE. 217 Received fEclides, hapless seer, WVho urged the stormy war's career, Nor less in nymphs with lovely hair Refulgent shines the city's fame. 20 This Jupiter's descents proclaim To Danae and Alcmena fair: IHe who to harmony inclined Adrastus' sire and Lynceus' mind; 22 And rear'd Amphitryo to the fight; 25 But he who rules supreme in might Grafted upon the parent tree His own immortal progeny: For when in brazen armour dight He the repulsed Teleboans slew, 30 His hall th' immortal ruling god, Robed in the hero's likeness, trod,'Bearing the intrepid seed to view Herculean-him whose youthful bride, Fairest among the goddess train, 35 Walks by the genial mother's side, Throughout Olympus' high domain. 34 Brief my song's limnits to declare Whlat Argos holds of good and fair; And hard the labour to control 40: In man satiety of soul. But the well-chorded lyre awake, And as a theihe the wrestling take. Oft as adjudged the brazen prize Draws crowds to Juno's sacrifice. 45 Whence Ulias' son twice victor bore Oblivion of his labours o'er..45 17 The death of Amphiaraus, which story might perhaps be founded on some vague tradition of the similar fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram;, was related in the last ode, (1. 57, et seq.) 23 The cause of strife between Lynceus, who had succeeded his father-in-law Adrastus, and Talaus, the father of Adrastus, was related in Nerm., ix., 35, et seq. 218 PINDAR. At Pytho, from the Grecian train Of old he bore the meed away. With like success on Nemea's plain 40 He strove, and in the Isthmian fray, And to the muses gave to sow The wreaths that should adorn his brow. Three the sea's narrow portals yield, And three the venerable field.55 That owns Adrastus' sway. Oh Jove! his tongue will not declare The object of his mental prayer. Yet never with a slothful heart Thy grace he begs thee to'impart, 60 Since his own boldness will the glory share. 56 Known to the god the truths I sing: And he who soars-on venturous wing, In the high contest to prevail, Can verify o'er all my tale. 65 Pisa the highest honour claims, Alcides rules her sacred games. Him the sweet intervals of song Hlave twice proclaim'd in Athens' festal throng. In earth concocted by the flame, 70 To Juno's manly people came, The sacred olive's produce, brought In vessels with devices wrought. 68 Glories thy steps, Thiaus, trace From thy maternal uncles' race, 75 Whose honours make the Graces fair And high Tyndaridae their care. Were I in kindred's social chain To Thrasyclus and Antias bound, 57. I. e., He is not so presumptuous as openly to express a wish to conquer in the Olympic games. 71 Pindar here alludes to the custom of carrying before the victor at the Panathenaic games a sculptured earthenware vase, filled with oil fromn the sacred olive tree. T EN'Tl' NEA.IEAN ODE. 219. In Argos never would I deign 80 To hide my free looks on the ground. How many triumphs shed renown On Prctus' steed-producing town! As well in Corinth's narrow strand, As four times o'er the Cleonmean band. 79 85 From Sicyon came in bright array They who the silver bowls convey; And from Pellene's walls in vest Of the sheep's downy softness dress'd: But never could my hasty verse 90 The brazen ornaments rehearse, Since to complete this arduous task Would more extended leisure ask; Which near the altars of Lycaean Jove Achaia's lofty cities place, 95 While Tegea and Clitorium strove, The first in speed of foot and strength of hand tc grace. 90 To Pamphaes when Castor came, His hospitable board to share, And first in pugilistic fame 100 His brother Pollux tarried there, No wondering doubts the mind should move That athletes they by nature prove, Guardians of Sparta's wide domain, With Hercules' and Hermes' aid, 105 Since they the contest's laws maintain, Whose bright success themselves have made; And ever faithful to their trust, The race divine protect the just. Now with alternate change they move, 110 One day to spend with Father Jove, And one below earth's secret breast, Within Therapne's cave to rest. 110 See the conclusion of the eleventh Pythian ode. -220 PINDAR. Fulfilling thus an equal fate; Since Pollux, scorniig to remain, 115 For ever with the heavenly train, Sharing his much-loved Castor's state, Redeem'd his life in battle slain. 111 Him for his lost herds furious made, Idas transfix'd with deadly stroke, 120 *Aim'd by his spear of brazen head, Whom, seated on a trunk of oak, He from Taigetus survey'd, whose ken In lynx-eyed sharpness conquer'd mortal men. Then straight, devising deeds of might, 125 Approach'd with rapid step and light The sons of Aphareus, whom heaven's high sire Chastised with hands that sent afflictions dire; For Leda's offspring swift in flight pursued, While near their father's tomb the brothers stood; And, snatching thence a polish'd stone 131 With Pluto's effigy impress'd, They aim'd the massy fragment, thrown With force that stirr'd not Pollux' breast, 131 This stone, which the sons of Aphareus hurl with such impotent force against the breast of Pollux, was perhaps part of' the decoration of a stony sepulchre, not a statue, for this was prior to the age of statuary. Sudorius, in his metrical paraphrase, calls it a funereal or deadly stone:" Iminane saxum funereum manu Audace vibravere duri In stomachum medium Laconis." Theocritus, who relates the same story in his twenty-second idyllium, calls the stone araXav.'The passage describing the vain and impious attack of Idas is t.hus translated by Polwhele:"Vindictive of his brotber's doom, He tore a column from Aphareus' tomb, Aiming its massy vengeance at the foe, With wild uplifted arm, in act to throw; Heaven's sovereign lord elanced a flaming brand That dash'd the shatter'd marble from his hand!" 1TENTHr NEMEAN 0 1)i 221 Nor to a backward step could move 135 The hero who with deadly blow Against the sides his javelin drove, Impetuous of the w.t:?' foe; While Jove who dwell on Ida's head Brandish'd his bolt of smoky red, 140 And fired the hapless pair. Mortals in arduous strife engage, Who with superior force to wage Unequal contest dare. 136 To aid his fainting brother's might 145 Tyndarides resumed his flight'; And found him not subdued by death, But gasping out his fitful breath. Then pouring forth a fervid tide Of tears, with mingled sighs he cried, 150 " Saturnian father! what relief Shall terminate my bitter griefl The stroke, oh king, that slays my friend At thy behest on me descend! He whom the social train have left, 155 Of honour is at once bereft; And few of mortals will sustain A faithfil share in others' pain." 147 He said-when Jove his form display'd, And this consoling answer made: 160 "Thou art my son; while of terrestrial race He to a hero must his lineage trace: Then take the proffer'd boon, for I Give thee detested age and death to fly: To dwell with Pallas on Olympus' height, 165 And Mars, who shakes his sable spear in fight. 158 This choice is thine: but if the strife Still arm thee for thy brother's life, 161 Pollux and Helen were the reputed children of Jupiter; Castor and Clytemnestra the offspring of Tyndarus. 222 PINDAR. And strofig affection move thy heart To grant of all an equal part, 170 Beneath the earth thy half breath draw, And by the same impartial law, Half in the golden domnes of heaven."'Twas thus the immortal father spoke; Nor could weak doubts his mind provoke 175 To slight the generous offer given. The god anew the eye and voice unbound Of Castor, with his brazen helmet crown'd. 170 THE ELEVENTH NEMEAN ODE. TO ARISTAGORAS THE PRYTANIS OF TENEDOS, SON OF ARCESILAUS. ARGUI MENT. in this ode the poet supplicates Vesta to receive propitiously Aristagoras and his colleagues, who were entering on their annual dignity at Tenedos.-Commends him on account of his father Arcesilaus, his own beautiful form and numerous triumphs, blaming his parents, whose cautious fears would not allow him to engage in the more illustrious Pythian and Olympic contests.- Details the origin of the victor's ancient family from Pisander and Melanippus; but his race having been for a time obscured and inglorious, he concludes the ode with reflections on human vicissitudes, exhorting his hero to aim at attainable objects. HAIL, Vesta, Rhea's offspring! thou whose care The hearths of Prytanaean mansions share, Sister of Juno, throned on high With Jove in kindred majestyLet Aristagoras and social train 5 A friendly welcome entertain, Where thine illustrious sceptred sign is found, Who guard fair Tenedos and thee adore, Slay the fat victims, the libations pour, While lyre and song, thee, first of gods, resound; 10 And at the constant board they prove The rites of hospitable Jove. 2 The Prytanmeum was the place at Athens where the council of five hundred held their deliberations, and where the sacred fire of Vesta was kept —(Mrporaeprov.) In this part of the city they who had deserved well of their country were maintained at the public charge. 224 PINDAR. May they with heart unwounded still Their annual dignity fulfil. 12 But I the joyful song will raise 1H In his great sire Arcesilaus: That beauteous form I hail with glee, And kindred intrepidity. Let him with rich possessions bless'd, Whose form excels above the rest, 20 Seen in the varied contests bright With glory and surpassing might, Survey his frame of mortal limbs composed, Doom'd at the last to be in common earth enclosed.'Tis just his fellow-townsmen should proclaim 25 In words and varied songs' mellifluous tone, Great Aristagoras' victorious fame, For sixteen palms from neighb'ring rivals won. His noble country these: with high renown In the'pancratium gain'd and wrestler's contest crown. 27 30 But their son's mnight the parents' sluggish fear From Pythian and Olympic fields restrain'd — Fix'd in my sentiment, I firmly swear, That when the hero's footsteps have attain'd The waters of Castalia's fount, 35 And Saturn's wood-encircled mount, Again he seeks his native land, More honour'd than the rival band, Observes the laws, a frequent guest Of Hercules' quinquennial feast; 40 And gayly revelling has bound The purple boughs his hair around. 37 But oft through empty-minded boast Mortals th' expected good have lost; While he by diffidence oppress'd, 45 Failing of bliss he once possess'd, ELEVENTH NEMEAN (DE. 225 Sudden withdraws his backward grasp, Nor dares in mind the blessing clasp.'Twere easy his high birth to trace From old Pisander's Spartan race; 50 For hither as he bent his course, He from Amyclae's walls convey'd, With bold Orestes' friendly aid, His brazen-arm'd AEolian force; And by his mother near Ismenus' flood 55 From Melanippus drew his mingled blood. 47 Oft since their pristine strength renew'd Shines forth in after times vicissitude. Not loaded with perpetual grain, The fields their yellow hue retain: 60 Nor trees an ample harvest bear Of flowers and fruit through all the year; But with just change-thus equal fate Man's faded strength can.renovate. No sign proceeding from above 65 Makes clear the fix'd intent of Jove. 57 But swell'd by many a vain desire, Too high our mortal thoughts aspire; For bound in hope's adhesive chain, The vital energies remain. 70 The foresight of the human mind By narrow limits is confined. Seek not unbounded wealth —nor prove The raging pangs of hopeless love! 63 S THE ISTHMIAN ODES. OF THE ISTHMIAN GAMES. THnESE games received their name from the isthmus of Corinth, the scene of their celebration. The traditional account of their origin is, that they were instituted by Sisyphus, king of. Corinth, and brother of Athamas, B. C. 1326, to commemorate the metamorphosis of Melicerta, son of Athamas and Ino, into a sea deity, named afterward Palhemon by the Greeks, and Portumnus by the Latins, whom his mother had in her phrensy thrown with herself into the sea; after which the name of Ino was changed to Leucothea. (See the opening of the eleventh Pythian ode.) Melicerta was saved from death by the Nereids, one of whom appeared to Sisyphus, and enjoined him to institute games in order to commemorate this event. They were sacred to Neptune, as the Olympic werd to Jupiter, the Pythian to Apollo, and the Nemean to Hercules. Some time after their first celebration they were interrupted by the incursion into Greece of a band of robbers, headed by the fierce and cruel Sciris and Scyron; but at length Theseus,* son of AEgeus, cleared the country of these marauders, who terrified strangers from being present at these games, and reinstituted them about B. C. 1220. He changed the time of their celebration from night to day, and they were held after an interval of three years. (See Nem., vi., 69.) Every kind of combat was exhibited at these games, and the reward of the victor at first consisted of a wreath of pine leaves, which was afterward changed to parsley, as being a funereal plant, and therefore more appropriate to games instituted in honour of the drowned Melicerta. The Corinthians originally presided at them; but on the capture of Corinth by Mummius, A. C. 146, this honourable office was transferred to the Sicyonians. Afterward, nowever, it was restored to the Corinthians, and enjoyed by them as long as the celebration of these games continued. It is to them that St. Paul so finely alludes: (1 Cor., ix., 24-27.) * This and other exploits of a similar nature performed by Theseus are mentioned by Ovid: (Met., vii., 433, &c.) "Great Theseus! thee the Marathonian plain Admires, and wears with pride the noble stain Of the dire monster's blood, by valiant Theseus slain " Tate's version. THE FIRST ISTHMIAN ODE. TO HERODOTUS OF THEBES, VICTOR IN THE CHIARIOT RACE. ARGUMENT. THE poet, having laid aside the task which he had on hand, declares his wish to compose an ode to the conqueror Herodotus, after the example of Castor and lolaus, in praise of whom he digresses.-Justice of celebrating the victor's triumphs, which are recorded in the remaining part of the ode. OH mother, Thebes with golden shield, My theme shall to thy glory yield. Let rocky Delos not disdain, For whom I late have pour'd the strain. Aught happier can the virtuous prove 5 Than venerated parents' love. Bl'ess'd by Apollo's fostering care, Resign, oh isle, thine envied place. With the gods' aid, a double grace To happy issue will I bear. 10 Hymning the unshorn Phoebus' might, Round Ceos where the waters flow, And Isthmus, that with giant height Uprears her ocean-girded brow. 11 Since on the brave Cadmagan band 15 Six chaplets his victorious arm Bestow'd, to grace his native land With conquering valour's brightest charm. Alcmena there in days of yore Her own intrepid offspring bore; *0 Him whom Geryon's monsters bold With terror shudder'd to behold. 230 PINDAR. But 1 who the bright meed prepare, Herodotus, to grace thy car, Who with no foreign hands' control 25 Thy four steeds urgest to the gaol, The Castorean hymn would raise, Or song in Iolaus' praise; For they who the triumphant chariot drove, In Thebes and Sparta born, all heroes rank'd above. First in the numerous contests, they 31 Adorn'd their halls with tripods rare, With golden caldrons, goblets fair, And bore the victor's wreaths away. In naked stadia shines their valour clear, 35 As in the armed course, whence sounds the martial spear. 32 And when they whirl'd the dart on high, Or gave the stony disk to flyFor yet no crown pentathlic gain'd, Eaoh deed its due success obtain'd. 40 Their locks with frequent chaplets bound, Erst in these contests won, Where Dirce's streams refresh the ground, And near Eurotas' wave was found Iphicles' noble son; 45 Who to the earth-sown Theban race Could his illustrious lineage trace, And Tyndarus', whose loved retreat Was in Therapne's high Achmean seat. 43 All hail! while I compose the song, 50 Whose strains to Neptune's power belong, That rules the sacred Isthmian band, Protector of the Onchestian strand. 53 Onchestus was a maritime region of Boeotia, consecrated to Neptune. It is here put for the Copiac lake, or any part of the neighbouring country. Heyne remarks that it is customary with Pindar to celebrate at the same time the victor, the game FIRST ISTHMIAN ODE. 231 Connected with this hero's name, Will I his sire Asopodorus' fame, 55 And thy paternal soil, Orchomlenos, proclaim. 51 Propp'd on a wreck that'scaped the boundless wave, A refiuge from his dire mischance she gave; And now once more congenial fate Has raised him to his ancient state; 60 While prudence arms his mind to bear The heavy load of adverse care. But if to purchase valour's meed, Expense and toil must crown the deed, Ne'er should the victor's praise be sung 65 By an unjust and envious tongue. 61 The poet's recompense is light His various labours to requite; Who by the honest meed of praise A common monument will raise. 70 To mortal toils of various kind Are sweet but different gifts assign'd. The fowler, he that tends his sheep, Who tills the soil, or ploughs the deep, All by laborious efforts strive 75 Hunger's dire pest away to drive. But he whose valour in the fight, Or contests of superior might, Hath borne the splendid prize away, Shall hear his panegyric sung 80 Bv citizens' and strangers' tongue, And gain of highest worth convey. 75 Be mine the task with loud acclaim Saturn's earth-shaking son to name, in which he conquered, and the god who particularly presided over it. It appears that the father of Herodotus had been expelled from Thebes in a civil commotion, and banished to Orchomenos. 232 PINDAR. Whose near protecting godhead leads 85 The chariot with its rapid steeds. And thine, A.mphitryo, to address Eubcea, Minya's green recess, Ceres' famed Eleusinian grove, Along whose winding course the chariots mrVe. 8:2 With these, Protesilaus, I combine, 91 Rear'd by the Greeks in Phylace thy shrine: But to recount what numerous meeds Herodotus' triumphant steeds From Hermes, patron of the games, 95 Have won, more ample limit claims Than bounds my narrow hymn-the mind In silence greater bliss can find. 89 Let him on lofty pinions soar Of the Pierian vocal band, 100 With choice boughs pluck'd from Pytho's store, And where flows on Olympia's shore Alpheus, let him fill his hand. So shall his triumphs with renown Thebes of the seven high portals crown. 105 But he who nourishes a soul That hopes of secret wealth control, Thinks not, while others are his scorn, How his inglorious life to Pluto speeds forlorn. 100 92 Phylace was a town in Thessaly, where Protesilaus reigned, and where funeral games were celebrated't his tomb. THE SECOND ISTHMIAN ODE. TO XENOCRATES OF AGRIGENTUM, SON OF ARCESILAUS, VIC1 TOR IN THE HORSE RACE. ARGUMENT. PINDAR addresses this ode to Thrasybulus, son of the conqueror Xenocrates.-This he professes to do after the example of the old poets, who did not write, as was now done, urged by the sordid incitement of gain.-The triumphs of Xenocrates, his ancestor AEnesidamius, and his charioteer Nicomachus are sung, and Nicasippus is charged with the safe conveyance of this ode, sent in the form of an epistle. OFT have the men of other days From the gold-netted muses' car, Oh Thrasybulus! hurl'd afar The lyre's soft-sounding notes, to praise Youth's ardent prime, that harbinger most sweet 5 Of Venus throned upon her lofty seat. For then, not amorous of gain, The muse sent forth no venal strain — The honey'd lays not then, as now, From sweet Terpsichore that flow, 10 Upon the shining front display'd The silver emblem of their trade. 14 Now she suggests with heedful care The Argive's words in mind to-bear; 14 These words are attributed by the scholiast to Aristodemus the Lacedoemonian, whose constant doctrine it was tnat wealth was always to be sought, and that poverty could never be honourable. This saying afterward passed into a proverb, like Horace's "0 cives, cives, querenda pecunia primum, Virt(s post nummos" u2 2344 PINDAR. Who with loud speech to truth allied, i5 Importunate for money cried, Bereft of all his wealth and friends, I sing to one who comprehends. To him when on the Isthmian field Neptune the triumph deign'd to yield, 20 And bound his coursers' flowing mane With Doric parsley's verdant chain, In his victorious chariot bright He honour'd Agrigentum's light. 25 Him too, engaged in Crisa's fray, 25 Beheld the potent god of day, And gave him glory there, While old Erectheus' noble race Adorn'd his brow with verdant grace In Athens' city fair. 30 Nor would he blame the proud career Of his steed-urging charioteer, Nicomachus, whose hands control The reins that guide him to the goal. 33 Him too supreme in conquering pow'r, 35 The heralds of th' Olympic hour, Priests who to Jove libations bring, (Elean and Saturnian king,) Sharing the hospitable feast,'With gratulating voice address'd; 40 As he fell prostrate at the knee Of golden-imaged Victory. Around their land, which they the grove Designate of Olympian Jove; 41 There, with immortal honours crowvnkd, 45.AEnesidamus' offspring shone; 41 We may imagine an image of Victory in a sitting posture to be placed at the extremity of the goal, into whose bosom, as it were, the victor would rush after having completed his course. (S(ee aNern., v., 81, &c.) SECOND ISTH1MIAN ODE. 23.5)'For in thy halls the revel's sound, Oh Thrasybulus! oft is found, And all the pomp's enlivening tone; Since no steep hill, no rugged way 50 Rears its opposing front on high, Where bards to noble mansions stray, The honour'd guerdons to convey Of Heliconian poesy. Far must my venturous javelin move 55 Ere I could reach the height of fame, Where soars Xenocrates above The rest in nature as in name. 54 View'd by the citizens with awe, He train'd his coursers by the Grecian law; 60 Frequenting at each solemn feast The liberal tables of the bless'd. Nor ever has the flagging gale Straiten'd his hospitable sail, That pass'd in summer hour to Phasis o'er, 65 In winter veer'd to Nilus' southern shore. 62 Not now, when thoughts with envy blind, Hang darkling o'er the mortal mind,:5His father's valour let him hide, Nor pass these hymns in silent pride; 70 Since, unrecited to remain, I framed not the triumphant strain. Such, Nicasippus, be thine errand home, When thou to my familiar host art come. 69 65 These lines are explained by the scholiast as afigurative description of the unbounded hospitality of Xenocrates, which afforded a shelter to guests of the most remote regions. THE THIRD ISrHMIAN ODE. TO MELISSUS OF THEBES, VICTOR IN THE QUADRIGAI. ARGUMENT.'rHE poet in this short ode declares that illustrious deeds ought to be celebrated by poetical praises, such as are due to the present Isthmian, and thp former Nemean victory achieved by Melissus, by which he emulates the deeds of his ancestors. WHOE'ER of men with bliss is crown'd, Or in the glorious strife renown'd, Or can in potent wealth rejoice, And mental insolence restrain, This man is worthy to obtain 5 The citizens' applauding voice. From thee, oh Jove! to man below Success and valiant efforts flow. They who revere thy sacred name A greater happiness may claim. 10 But not to wayward minds secure Through life that fortune will endure. o1 Fair actions due rewards await; The good'tis just to celebrate; Just too the victor's name to raise 15 With solemn pomp and liberal praise: While twofold victories impart Sweet transport to Melissus' heart. First in the wooded Isthmian dell, The wreaths of triumph he obtain'd, 20 Ill the deep-breasted lion's cell, Proclaiming Thebes, th' equestrian crown he gain'd. His glorious deeds will not disgrace The kindred valour of his race. THIRD ISTtIM[AN ODE. 237 Full well ye know what ancient fame 25 Cleonymus' triumphant chariots claim Through Labdacus' illustrious line Their source his sires maternal trace, And with ancestral riches shine, Devoting their heroic life 30 To the four steeds' laborious strife: While fleeting scenes by turns engage This ever-varying mortal stage, Uninjured by the shocks of time, The gods' bless'd children dwell sublime. 31 35 THE FOURTH ISTHMIAN ODE. TO THE SAME MELISSUS. ARGUMENT. f'tis ode begins with the praises of Melissus' ancestors, and relates the melancholy consequences of a defeat sustained by his family; whose good fortune, however, again shone forth in this triumph gained by Melissus.-The panegyric of his ancestors and of himself is resumed, and continued with digression to the story of Ajax and Ulysses, Hercules and Anteus, &c.Apotheosis of HercuIes, and divine honours paid him by the yearly sacrifices of the Thebans.-The ode concludes with the praise of Melissus and his charioteer Orseas. BLESS'D by the gods, to me belong A thousand avenues of song; Thy triumphs in the Isthmian field, ~ Melissus, fair occasion yield The hymn of victory to frame 5 That all thy virtues shall proclaim; With which the god delights to grace Through life Cleonymus' high race; While by the ever-varying blast Mankind are still at random cast. 10 10 For they at Thebes with honour crown'd, From times of ancient date were said To be the hosts of all around, And free from strife's discordant sound, By every deed to make their own 15 What tests of glory wide had flown Among the living or the dead. Brave in the valour of their race, They touch'd at the remotest land, Where the Herculean pillars stand: 20 Nor let ambition ask an ampler space. 22 FOURTH ISTHMIAN ODE. 239 They loved to train the generous steeds, While brazen Mars approved their deeds. But in. the course of one short day The rough and sanguine cloud of war 25 Four heroes had impell'd away From their deserted hearth afar: And now, the wintry darkness o'er, Soon as the vernal months succeed,'Serene they flourish as before; 30 Thus crimson roses cover o'er, At Heaven's behest, the alter'd mead. 32 While he, the earth-disturbing god, Who makes Onchestus his abode, And the sea bridge that bids the tide 35 From Corinth's walls at distance glideGranting this hymn their noble race With wondrous potency to grace, Sings their high deeds, whose loud acclaim Wakes from her couch primeval fame. 40 Aroused, her fair form glows with splendour bright, As mid the other stars shines Phosphor's nobler light. 41 She who in Athens' verdant field Proclaim'd the triumphs of his car, And bade the bards of Sicyon wield 45 Their vocal lyres, to tell afar What wreaths the Adrastean contests yield. 34 See note on ode i., 53. By the sea bridge in the next verse is to be understood the isthmus of Corinth, which Claudian describes in similar terms: (de Bel. Get. 188:)"Vallata mari Scironia rupes, Et duo continue connectens sequora muro Isthmus." So Ovid: (Med. Jasoni, 104:) — "Quique maris gemini distinet isthmos aquas?" (See Nem., vi., 65.) 240 PINDAR, They when the whole assembly strove, Like them their crooked chariot drove; Contending with the Grecian train 50 Whose costly steeds the palm should gain. 50 While they in contest never shown, Are pass'd with silence and unknown. Obscure their fate, too, who contend Ere they attain the wish'd-for end, 55 And this their glorious toils bestow. Oft the superior in the fray Has seen his guerdon snatched away By fraud of some inferior foe. Ye know that Ajax' deadly might 60 By his own sword at dead of night Cut off untimely, reprehension bore To Hellas' sons, who sought the Trojan shore. 62 But Homer's songs with honour grace Him among men of warlike race; 65 Those strains divine his valour raise, Heralds of after ages' praise: For this immortal sound proceeds When bards proclaim triumphant deeds; While through the fruitful earth and main 70 This beam its deathless splendour shall maintain. Propitious be the muses' care! As we the torch of song illume, And to Telesia's offspring bear, Melissus brave, the chaplet fair, 75 Worthy upon the victor's brow to bloom. 56 I have adopted Heyne's conjectural emendation of rovro and KXCos instead of the common reading roov(s and reXos, from which I think none but a weak sense can be elicited. 65 The remarkable expression of the original, Kara tpa/3ov tepaavY, probably means nothing more than that Homer deliverod his rhapsodies in a consecutive series of lines. See the opening of the second Nemean ode. Sudorius' paraphrase is opere epolitor. FOURTH ISTHMIAN ODE. 241 His mind, by labour unsubdued, Rivals the roaring lion's might, Or like the fox in crafty mood, That stays the whirling eagle's flight. 80'Tis just the foe's imperious will By force to conquer or to foil by skill. 81 For not to him Orion's fame Had been assign'd by partial fate. 84 Though mean to view, with ponderous weight Fell from his arm the massive spear. Erst to Antaeus' mansion came From Thebes to fertile Libya's land, Of stature short, but dauntless soul, He that should struggle to control 90 The bloody monster's fierce career, Who could delight with savage hand The fane of Neptune to adorn With scalps fiom hapless strangers torn, Alcmena's son-who took his flight 95 Up to Olympus' sacred height, Exploring earth, and through the hoary wave To mariners a tranquil passage gave. 98 Now by the regis-bearing god In bliss he holds his fair abode 100 With Hebe his celestial bride, Honour'd and graced by love divine, King of the domes with gold that shine, And to heaven's queen in filial bonds allied. To him above th' Electran gates 105 The new-constructed altars rise; On him the genial banquet waits, With all the pomp of sacrifice. His shrine we citizens surround With the eight lifeless bodies crown'd, 110 Who by the sword there slaughter'd lie, Alcides hapless progeny, Whom Megara, great Creon's daughter, bore. 109 rl-' 242 PINDAR. To them, when sets the solar beam, The rising fire's continual gleam 1 15 Is given night's darkness to explore; While lambent smoke's thick volumes rear Its fumes of incense through the air. 113 The deed of strength, the second day Still terminates the annual fray: 120Where round this victor's honour'd brow Chaplets of pallid myrtle glow; Rewarding past and present fame, Which boyhood's threefold triumphs claim. In his skill'd driver he confides, 125 Who, steersman-like, the chariot guides. Him, then, with Orseas will I praise, Distilling grace from my mellifluous lays. 124 'rHE FIFTH ISTHMIAN ODE. TO PHYLAOIDES OF AiGINA, VICTOR IN THE PANCRATIUM. ARGUMENT. THIS ode opens with an invocation to Thia; who, according to the ancient theogony, was the mother of the Sun, Moon, and Aurora.-Under this name the poet designates glory and renown; for the sake of which men achieve the most illustrious deeds.-He then makes a transition to the victor, with a digression commemorating the heroes of _Egina. —Then to the battle of Salamis.-Returns to Phylacides, and concludes by the praise of Pytheas, his alipta: (the person whose office it was to train and anoint the combatants for the games.) ILLUSTRIOUS mother of the solar beam, Mankind, bright Thia, for thy sake esteem The first of metals, all-subduing gold; And ships, oh queen! that struggle in the deep, With car-yoked coursers o'er the plain that sweep, To honour thee, the wondrous contests hold. 6 Through thee in every warlike game H1-eroes the frequent meed of fame. Achieve, whose hair the wreath around, By strength or swiftness won, is bound. 10 When two events propitious meet, They make the span of life most sweet, I Pindar, in this magnificent exordium, addresses Thia, the goddess of splendour, and, according to Hesiod, cited by the scholiast, the mother, by Hyperion, of Sol, Luna, and Aurora. By this invocation he intimates the glory of the Egi. netans, to whose exertions in the battle of Salamis the victory over the Persian fleet was mainly attributable. (See 1. 56, et. seq.) 244 PINDAR. If any combatant success And fair report united bless. 17 Then seek not Jove's immortal state, 15 Since thine is all this prosperous fate. Mortals in mortal thoughts should rest. The Isthmian plain and Nemea's fray To thee, Phylacides, convey Their double wreaths, and Pytho's day, 20 Whose heroes the pancratium's meed contest. But hymns shall never touch my heart If.Eacus receive no part. To this fair city have I come, Which law and justice make their home, 25 To Lampo's offspring, by the munes' aid. Envy not him whose foot proceeds In the pure path of heavenly deeds, If by a mingled song his labours are repaid. 31 Brave warriors of heroic race 3( Ere now have won the meed of fame, Whom harps and sounding flutes proclaim Victors through lengthen'd ages' space; Affording to the vocal train, From Jove, high matter for their strain. 35 Th' equestrian chaplet Iolaus gain'd At Thebes, in Argos Perseus' skill obtain'd; And where the waters of Eurotas flow Castor and Pollux' spear dealt the triumphant blow. 43 But in IEnone's island bright 40 Th' Xacida-'s high natures shone, They by whose conquering arms in fight Twice were the Trojan walls o'erthrown. 31 The metaphor in this line is repeated with greater amplification in the opening of the next ode, addressed to the same hero. FIFTH ISTHMIAN ODE. 245 First tracking Hercules' career, Then ranged beneath th' Atridae's spear. 45 Now urge thy chariot o'er the plain, And say by whom was Cycnus slain; By whom great Hector tell whose blade In death the fearless Memnon laid, Chief of the iEthiopian ranks, 50 Who by his spear's impetuous force Arrested Telephus' bold course, And smote him near Caicus' banks? To them iEgina's beauteous isle Report assigns the native soil. 56 55 That tower was built in ancient time, To which their virtues soar sublime: Sounding their praise, my fluent tongue Can hurl full many a dart of song. And now shall Ajax' city prove 60 A witness in the dire affray; Fair Salamis; whose seamen strove In the-destructive shower of Jove The deadly hail of countless hosts to stay. 64 But let forgetful Silence veil 65 In her cold dews the boasting tale; For Jove, the lord of all, at will Directs alike the good and ill. These honours, gain'd by each triumphant deed, Delight to win the poet's honey'd meed. 70 Let him who labours to this end Like Cleonicus' race contend: Never in dark oblivion's shade The heroes' lengthen'd toils shall fade; Nor care distract the mind that views 75 What cost the wish'd-for palm pursues. -74 Now Pytheas' praise demands the strain, Who foremost in th' athletic train 246 PINDAR. With dexterous arm and mind as free Directs the blows to victory. 80 Then for his temples weave the crown, To him the woolly chaplet bear, The winged strain of high renown, As to Phylacides, prepare. 74 THE SIXTH ISTHMIAN ODE. TO THE SAME PHYLACIDES, AND TO HIS MATERNAL UNCLE EUTHYMENES. ARGUMENT. PINDAR begins this ode with the praises of the victor, wlth which he combines the expression of his good wishes.-Digresses to the fabulous story of Telamon and his son Ajax; for whom Hercules had offered up his prayers and consulted the auguries.-Concludes with celebrating the triumphs of his relations and townsmen of the same tribe. As at the hospitable board With flourishing profusion stored, We mix the second cup of lhys To Lampo's valiant offspring's praise; In Nemea's field the first best crown 5 Received, oh Jove! we make thine own. And now upon the Isthmian plain To Neptune with his Nereid train Phylacides' bright palms entwine, Youngest of that heroic line. 10 And may the third libation flow To him who guards Olympus' heights, While on _Egina we bestow Mellifluous poesy's delights. 13 For he that by' expense and toil 15 Erects his virtues' heavenly pile Beholds the much-loved glory shine, Fair progeny of root divine: And honour'd by th' immortal train, E'en now his anchor casts, th' extreme of bliss to gain. 20 248 PINDA R. Versed in these arts, the hour of fate Will Cleonicus' offspring wait, Patient till hoary age shall come, The guide to Pluto's dreary home; While Clotho on her lofty seat, 25 And her dread sisters, I entreat The friendly hero's life to bless, And crown his wishes with success. 26.Aacidam, who shine afar, Refulgent in your golden car, 30 The plain injunction I declare When to this isle my steps repair, To sprinkle her illustrious name With dews of honourable fame: Since in long line a thousand ways 35 Extends his fair deeds' ample praise; Beyond where. Nilus' waters flow, Or realms of Hyperborean snow. Nor can a city e'er be found So rude and barbarous of tongue 40 Where Peleus' glory is not sung, Whom in bless'd filial ties th' immortals bound; 37 Where Telamonian Ajax' name And his great sire excites no fame. Whom led, in brazen armour dight, 4b With his Tirynthians to the fight, Of Troy the bold and prompt ally, (That heroes' scourge, whose valiant host Laomedon by treach'ry lost,) In ships Alcmena's progeny. 50 With him the citadel o'erthrew, And the vast Coan nations slew, And him who fed his fleecy train Like some huge mount on Phlegra's plain, Alcyoneus-nor spared the foe 55 The string of his deep-twanging bow, SIXTH ISTHMIAN ODE. 249 But when the social board was spread,,acides to join their fleet he led. 52 Him standing on the lion's hide, The nectar'd draught he bade to pour, 60 Amphitryo's warlike son adore, And at the sacred rites preside. To him then Telamon the brave, With gold enchased, a goblet gave; His hands extending to the skies, 65 Invincible Alcides cries — " From thee, oh father Jove! if e'er With willing mind thou heardst my pray'r, E'en now this hero's offspring bold, OFi guest, by fate's decree foretold, 70 Of Eribcea sprung, my supplications crave. 67 That frame's insuperable might, (As the huge monster's skin is bound In ample folds my limbs around, Whom erst I slew in Nemea's soil, 75 Achieving there my earliest toil) With an intrepid mind unite." Thus, while he spoke, Jove bade from high The king of birds, his eagle, fly. Sweet pleasure o'er his soul was shed, 80 When thus with prophet voice he said-. "Thine shall hereafter be the son Whom thou entreat'st, oh Telamon! And name him Ajax, since in might The bird that hither wing'd his flight 85 To him will just resemblance yield, Tremendous in the martial field." This said, he paused, and rested straight; But all their virtues to relate, From me a lengthen'd tale would claim.'90 Dispenser of the sacred feast, Muse, to Phylacides a guest, To Pytheas and Euthymenes I came. U 250 PINDAR. Th' encomiastic strain shall be Pronounced with Argive brevity. 87 95 Three crowns in the pancratium's fray, Victorious on the Isthmian shore, And some from Nemea's plain away Th' illustrious sons and uncles bore. What theme for lyric glory bright 100 Their valiant deeds have brought to light! And with the Graces' fairest dew Your tribe, Psaleuchidae, imbue: Themistius' house their love shall crown, Dwelling in this Heaven-favour'd town; 105 While Lampo strives by deeds to prove, And efforts of laborious care,'How much the words of Hesiod move His warm approval to declare; Exhorting his remotest race 110 Their common city's fame by valiant acts to grace. Bless'd in the cherish'd strangers' love, Retain'd within the mild control Of mediocrity of soul: His tongue ne'er wont beyond the mind to move. His name among the athletes known, 116 Who oft were taught his might'to feel, Sounds like the hardy Naxian stone, Which best subdues the temper'd steel. To slake their thirst, them will I lave 120 In Dirce's pure and hallow'd wave, Which the fair nymphs to light have brought, Mnemosyne's assiduous train, Whose costly robes with gold are wrought, Where Cadmus' gates the well-built walls maintain. 111 125 FHE SEVENTH ISTHMIAN ODE.'0 STREPSIADES THE THEBAN, VICTOR IN THE PANCRATIUM. ARGUMENT. PINDAR begins this highly poetical ode with an address to Thebes; concisely enumerating her ancient glories, and the most remarkable events in her history.-Praises the maternal uncle of Strepsiades, who had fallen in battle.-Then returns to the victor, and mingles good wishes with his commendations.-Concludes with beseeching Apollo' to add a victory in the Isthmian games to the other triumphs of Strepsiades OH happy Thebes! of all thy former joys, Which now the most thy mind employs. Is it the hour when first to light of day The fair-hair'd Bacchus sprang, By Ceres throned, whose priests their homage pay. With cymbals' brazen clang. 6 Or think'st thou of the midnight hour When veil'd within a golden shower The chief of the celestial band Deign'd at Amphitryo's doors to stand! 10 10 I Dodwell, in his classical Travels in Greece, (vol. i., p. 271,) has a passage in which the glories and heroic characters of Thebes are enumerated, apparently in illustration of the highly poetical exordium of this ode. "The early or heroic history of Thebes is particularly splendid; and neither Athens, Lacedmemon, Argos, nor Mycene, were so much celebrated as the capital of Bceotia for great events, for heroes, and for demigods. The names of Kadmos, Semele, Bacchus, Antiope, Zethes, Amphion, Amphitryon, Alcmena, H.ercules, Laius, and his unfortunate race, furnish strong evidence of the early power and original lustre -of this country. No part of Greece produced characters of more exalted 252 PINDAR. To aid, while sojourning on earth, His spouse at the Herculean birth, Or of Tiresias' counsels wise, Or Iolaus, skilful charioteer, Or earth-sown heroes, wielding as they rise 15 The indefatigable spear:Or when thou sent'st Adrastus far From the rude shout and din of war, Reft of his numerous friends, to roam Back to equestrian Argos home: 20 Or when from distant Doris' land Thou gavest on foot erect to stand The colony of Spartan lineThy sons besieged Amyclae's wall, AEgidwe, faithful to the call 25 Of the prophetic Pythian shrine. 22' But mighty deeds of old renown Sleep unremember'd and unknown, Save when enrich'd the record lie In the sweet dews of poetry. 30 Then lead the pomp, the hymn's soft lays Awake, Strepsiades to praise, fame than Hesiod, Pindar, Pelopidas, Epaminondas, Plutarch, and Sextus Charonensis. The dulness, therefore, which the rest of the Grecians ascribed to the Boeotians, on account of the density of their atmosphere, was not always agreeable to truth or consonant with experience. The conscious sublimity of Pindar repelled the imputation." 15 This origin of the Thebans, who were fabled to spring from the sown teeth of-the dragon, is frequently alluded to by the ancient poets. So Ovid: (Amor., iii., 12. 35:)" Protea quid referam, Thebanaque semina, dentes?" and Euripides: (Herc. F. 4, 5:)"' evO' i yJ3yv'w s l.raprcov oraXvs fAaarrev." See also Eur., (Phcen., 953;) and Ovid, (Met., iii., 110:)"Crescitque seges clypeata virorum."' Virg., (Georg., ii., 140,) &ce SEVENTH ISTHMIAN ODE. 253 Who, victor in the Isthmian fray, Bears the pancratium's palmn'away; Conspicuous in triumphant might, 35 And form pre-eminently bright; 32 While valour with an equal pace Accompanies corporeal grace. The dark-hair'd muses crown his fame Whose triumphs a new grace have shed 40 On his maternal uncle's name, Him lately in th' embattled field The deity with brazen shield Hath number'd with the dead. But honour still the brave attends. 36 45 This let the patriot warrior know Who drives the cloud of slaughter that impends O'er his loved native soil, upon the foe. His fame among the citizens shall bloom, Growing through life, and living in the tomb. 50 But thou, Diodotus' brave son, Rival of Meleager's fame, Who emulatest Hector's name, And glories by Amphiaraus won; 54 Breath'dst forth in war's first ranks thy flower of life, Where the most brave sustain'd war's hopeless strife. Then grief ineffable I bore; But now the god, whose potent might Girds the firm earth, day's splendour bright. Gives me for winter's gloom that lower'd before. 60 The victor's praise will I declare, And fit the chaplet to his hair; Nor let th' immortal train molest With vengeful ire my tranquil breast, Since to the destined term of age 65 Calm I approach life's closing stage, And seize the fleeting pleasures of the day; Though subject to unequal fate, 254 PINDAR. Death's common stroke we all await' But he that wouldr the scene beyond survey, 70 To him will never find it given To tread the brazen soil of heaven. 63 The winged Pegasus o'erthrew Bellerophon his lord, who flew In thought the heavenly seats above 75 To the bright council hall of Jove; For still a bitter end alloys The transport of unlicensed joys. But, Phoebus, thou whose locks are spread In golden lustre round thy head, 80 Grant us to gain the Isthmian crown, And that which Pytho yields in contests all thine own! 72 THE EIGHTH ISTHMIAN ODE. TO CLEANDER OF 1EGINA, VICTOR IN THE PANCRATIUAI. ARGUMENT. Tn.H poet in this ode exhorts the youths liberated from the caamities of the Persian war to apply their minds to the framing of hymns in honour of the victor.-It becomes a Theban to sing the praises of an,Eginetan, on account of their common origin.-Thenlce he digresses to fables of the 2Eacidwe and the nuptials of Peleus and Thetis; which leads him to panegyrize Achilles.-Returns to the praisd of the victor, and his uncle Nicocles, with which he concludes the ode. To celebrate Cleander's praise, Oh youths! the hymn of triumph raise, That ever forms the glorious meed To crown the blooming hero's deed. To Telesarchus' splendid halls 5 Some friend his victor offspring calls The pomp and revel to convey: Potent upon the Isthmian plain, The wreath of conquest to obtain, And Nemea's guerdon bear away. 10 For him, though bitter grief control The wonted ardour of my soul, To me is given th' unequal task The golden muses' aid to ask. 12 Now from our mighty sorrows free, 15 No want of chaplets may we find, Around the victor's head to bind, Nor feed again our misery. 256 PINDAR. Pausing a while, from fruitless wo Let us direct the patriot mind 20 Some public blessing to bestow; Since a kind god hath turn'd aside Of threat'ning ills the direful shockThat hung like the Tantalean rock O'er Grmecia's land, unskill'd the storm to bide. 23 But now my fear has pass'd away, 26 And anxious Care relax'd her sway. To seize each object as it lies Before his foot becomes the wise. O'er man impends deceitful age, 30 Revolving still life's onward stage. Yet mortals e'en these ills may cure, While liberty continues sure.. In -calm contentment let them rest, Of favourable hope possess'd. 35 Me too the happy task awaits, (Nurtured where Thebes expands her sevenfold gates,) With the bright muses' wreath to grace _,gina, nymph of kindred race. Twin daughters of a common sire, 40 And youngest of Asopus' line, Whose beauties could the soul incline Of Jove himself to fond desire. 41 To her the heavenly lover gave By Dirce's sweetly flowing wave 45 O'er that fair city to preside, Who joys the rapid car to guide. Thee to CEnopia's isle convey'd, The thundering sire a parent made Of ZEacus, whose honour'd birth 50 Raised him above the sons of earth. 24 See the note on 01., i., 90. EIGHTH ISTHMIAN ODE. 257 His godlike offspring's latest line With might from him reflected shine, Who erst, their skill and prudence to display, Appeased the brazen din of the celestial fray. 55 This on the memory dwells impress'd 56 Of the assemblies of the bless'd. What time for lovely Thetis Jove And the illustrious Neptune strove; Each wishing the fair nymph to gain, 60 Bound in the hymeneal chain: For mighty love their souls possess'd. But to complete their nuptial state The counsels of th' immortal kind, Soon as they heard the will of fate, 65 And prudent Themis' voice, declined; 67 Who to the circle of the skies Pronounced the destinies' decree, That soon a sovereign progeny From the sea goddess would arise, 70 Superior to his potent sire, Whose hand should wield a dart of fire, Fiercer than lightning's rapid flame, Or trident which no force can tame. Such is the fruit of Jove's embrace, 75 Or brother's, of immortal race. Then cease your strife-in battle slain She who could but a mortal couch obtain Is doom'd her offspring to behold, With hands that rivall'd Mars in deed, 80 And feet which mock'd the lightning's speed. Should I my mind's intent unfold, Let the fair prize decreed by heaven To Peleus,%sprung from XEacus, be given; That pious hero, bred upon Iolcos' plain. 87 85 76 I. e., Neptune's. 258 PINDAR.I. To Chiron's venerable cave Quick let the messengers repair: Nor Nereus' daughter give, as once she gave, To us the records of contention there. But when at evening's highest noon 90 Rides in her state the full-orb'd moon, The hero may untie the zone, And make the virgin prize his own.'Twas thus the goddess spoke to the Saturnian train; When from immortal lids reveal'd 95 Th' approving nod their purpose seal'd. Nor fell her words with empty sound, Like fruitless blossoms on the ground: For, as'tis said, high-ruling Jove Thetis with him to join in wedlock strove. 100 Hence to th' unskill'd the poet's tongue Achilles' youthful valour oft has sung; Who on the Mysian soil, with vines o'erspread, By Telephus possess'd, black streams of slaughter shed. 110 Who gave th' Atridae back to roam 105 With liberated Helen home, And sever'd with his spear Troy's nervous strength; Hlector, who in the murderous fray With Memnon dared a while to stay His fury o'er the plain's extended length: 110 And other chiefs to whom Achilles show'd The path that led to Proserpine's abode. Guard of th' lEacids, whose virtues grace }Egina and his own illustrious race. Him the sweet song's melodious breath 115 Deserted not when cold in death, But round his tomb and funeral pyre Stood the fair Heliconian choir, And -gave the sounding notes of wo In honour of his name to flow; 120 EIGHTH ISTHMIAN ODE. 259 Since to their hymns it pleased th' immortal train To render back the valiant hero slain. 132 And now to haste with loud acclaim The muses' rapid car, agrees With him who would exalt the fame 12 Of pugilistic Nicocles, Whose valour on the Isthmian plain The Doric parsley could obtain: Since he as well in days of yore The palm from neighb'ring rivals bore.; 130 And their presumptuous spirit broke With his inevitable stroke. 141 Actions like these will ne'er disgrace His valiant uncle's noble race. May one of the coeval band 135 The laurel crown with friendly hand, For the parrcratium's victor twine, Around Cleander's brow to shine; Since him before with prosperous fate Alcathous' game in festal state 140 Throng'd by the Epidaurian youth, received. Well may the good resound his praise Who ne'er the morning of his days Consumed in idle sloth, by no fair deeds retrieved. END -OF PINDAR, ANACREON.' TRANSLATED BY THOMAS BOURNE. NEW YORK: HiARIPERI & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, 329 & 331 PEARL STREET, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 1864. CONTENT S. FAGE BIOGRAPIHICAL SKETCH OF ANACREON. V Ode I.-On his Lyre. 13 - II.-On Women... 14 - III. —Cupid Benighted...... 15 - IV.-On Himself 16 - V.-On the Rose 18 - VI.-The Banquet 19 - VI. —On Cupid....... 20 - VII.-On his Dream 7 21 - IX.-On a Dove... 22 - X.-On a Waxen Cupid.... 24 - XI.-On Himself..... 24 - XII.-On a Swallow.... 25 - XIII. —On Himself..... 26 - XIV.-On Cupid..... 27 - XV.-Happy Life.....28 - XVI.-The Captive..... 29 X- VII.-On a Silver Bowl. 29J - XVIII.-On the same subject.... 31 - XIX.-Reasons for Drinking. 31 - XX.-To his Mistress...... 32 - XXI.-Summer. 33 - XXII.-The Bower. 34 - XXIII.-The Vanity of Wealth.. 35 - XXIV.-Life to be Enjoyed..... 35 - XXV.-The Cure for Care.... 36 - XXVI.-In Praise of Wine... 36' - XXVII.-The same subject..... 37 lv CONTENTS. Ode XXVIII.-On his Mistress 37 - XXX.-Cupid taken Prisoner. 40 - XXXI.-Pleasing Phrensy..40 - XXXJI.-On the Number of his Mistresses 41 - XXXIII.-On a Swallow. 42 - XXXIV. —To his Mistress. 43 - XXXV.-On a Picture representing Europa.. 44 - XXXVI.-Life to be Enjoyed. 44X. - XXXVII.-On the Spring......45 - XXXVIII.-On Himself.. 46 - XXXIX.-On Himself. 47 - XL.-Cupid Wounded.... 48' - XLI.-The Banquet of Wine.. 49' - XLII.-On Himself...... 50 - XLIII.-On the Grasshopper. 50 - XLIV.-The Dream. 52 - XLV.-Cupid's Darts... 52 - XLVI.-The Power of Gold.54 - XLVII.-Young Old Age. 55 - XLVIII.-Happy Life. 55 - XLIX.-To a Painter.. 56 -L.-On Bacchus.561' - LI.-On a Medal representing Venus. 57 - LII.-On the Vintage... 59 -LIII.-On the Rose...., 60 - LIV.-On Himself...... 62 L- V.-The Lover's Mark.. 63 - LVI.-On his Old Age... 64 - LVII.-That Moderation enhances Enjoyment 64 - LVIII.-Love in the Heart.65 - LIX.-On Himself... 65 LX.-On the Spring.... 66 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF ANACREON. OF this delightful author, nothing, beyond what we are already acquainted with, can now be known. Antiquity has long since interposed its impenetrable veil; and however brief and unsatisfactory the accounts which have been handed down to us, with them we must still remain satisfied. Succeeding writers, it is true, may seek to impart an air of novelty to their relations, by a new andl ingenious arrangement of the scanty materials they possess; still, however, must they relate facts, substantially the same as others, and present to their readers, if' not a tedious, yet certainly a " thricetold tale." For the only authentic incidents relative to this elegant poet we are indebted to contemporary writers, or to those who flourished shortly after him. and from them we glean the few following particulars. x 6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Anacreon was born at reos, a seaport' town of' Ionia. Who his.parents were is uncertain, though it is conjectured from good authority that his family was noble. The time of his birth, according to Barnes, was in the second year of the fifty-fifth Olympiad, about the beginning of the reign of Cyrus, in the year of Rome 194, and A;C. 554. According to this calculation he was about eighteen years of age when Harpagus, the general of Cyrus, came with an army against the confederate cities of the Ionians and XEolians. The Teians, finlding themselves too weak to make a stand against the enemy, chose rather to abandon their country than to give up their liberty; and accordingly withdrew with their families and effects to the city of Abdera in Thrace; where, however, they had not long been settled before the Thracians, jealous of the new-comers, began to give them disturbance. From Abdera our poet sailed to Samos, nld took refuge at the court of Polycrates; at that time considered the politest and most flourishing of any in Asia; a distinction which it owed in no small degree to the liberality and personal accomplishments of that prince himself. We may readily suppose that a person of Anacreon's character would meet with a welcome reception wherever wit and gayety were esteemed; OF ANACREON. 7 and accordingly we find that Polycrates not only honoured him with his friendship, but even made him the confidant of his most secret counsels. How long he continued at Samos is uncertain; but it seemns probable that he resided there the greater part of that prince's reign. This opinion seems also to be confirmed by Herodotus, who assures us that Anacreon of Teos was with that prince in his chamber when he received a message from Orcetes, governor of Sardis, by whose treachery Polycrates was soon after betrayed and inhu. manly crucified. Anacreon, it would seem, had left Samos a short time previous to this remarkable event, and had removed to Athens; having been invited thither by Hipparchus, the eldest son of Pisistratus, one of the most learned and virtuous princes of his time; and who, as Plato assures us, sent a vessel with fifty oars to convey him across the.Egean. Hipparchus being assassinated in the conspi racy of Harmodius and Aristogiton, he returned to his native country Teos; for after the death of Cyrus the Teians had been suffered to reinhabit their country unmolested. Here he remained, as Suidas informs us, till a fresh commotion in the state obliged him once more to fly to Abdera, where he ended his days. There is something so remarkable in the manner of his death, that it seems more 8 - BIOGfiAPHICAL SKETCH in accordance with what might be termed poetical justice than with the sober strain of history, were it not a fact asserted by writers of credit and reputation. He was choked with a grape-stone as he was regaling on some new wine, and expired in the eighty-fifth year of his age. As to the personal character of this author, he appears to have been a professed despiser of business and the cares of the world, and indeed a lover of pleasure in every shape; though it seems neither just nor generous to form our judgment of him solely from the nature of his writings. The severe and moral Plato condescends to call him the " wise Anacreon;" a title which it is not likely he would have bestowed on him had he possessed no other claim to it than the harmony of his verse or the gayety of his disposition. Independent likewise of this expression of Plato, which must certainly be regarded as no mean evidence in his favour, the grammarian Athenaeus distinctly mentions him, as v xtwv "on cyayooo;, sober and honourable. It now remains to speak of his writings, which were long the delight of other days, and are still read and admired by every scholar of taste and learning in our own. His Odes, the only part of his works which have reachedus entire, are written in the Ionic dialect, remarkable for its softness and sweetness., The subjects, though often simple and OF ANACIEON. - 9 trifling in themselves, are by the master-hand of the poet rendered susceptible of so many beauties, that they deserved to be sung by the Graces to the harp of Apollo. His language, free and unrestrained, flows on in an uninterrupted strain of melody, like the streamlet so beautifully described in the twenty-second ode as.$ovoaC troovs, rolling persuasion; and the reader is at once charmed with the sweet music of his song, and the beauty and simplicity of his descriptions. As to their moral tendency, a reflection which now necessarily presents itself, it certainly is my decided opinion, that in this poet far less will be found to offend the reader of taste and delicacy than in almost any other ancient author who has written on the same subjects. His language is everywhere pure and elegant; and his sentiments, however much at variance with our own altered ideas and circumstances, are such as might naturally be expected from one who, ignorant of higher and better hopes, mistook the road to happiness through the flowery paths of pleasure. In short, while we condemn, and with justice, those licentious thoughts and expressions which occur but too frequently in almost every author of antiquity, and which, in a greater or less degree, debase and disfigure their brightest pages, we ] 0 BIOGRAPHIICAL'SKE'TC I should still remember that thev are but the erroneous maxims of men who had only the dim..light of nature to direct them; and still more thankful ought we to be for those purer precepts of morality which it is our exclusive privilege to enjoy. From what has been observed respecting the peculiar style of this author's writings, it will easily be supposed that a translation of them into any other language must be attended with many lifficulties. To preserve the Ionic elegance of the, —iginal, without diverging too far from the text — ti imitate its conciseness, without sacrificing its beauties-this indeed is a task much more difficult than might at first be imagined. In fact, I much doubt whether a foreign idiom, confined to the jingling monotony of modern verse, can ever hope to do justice to the sweet warblings of the playful and polished Anacreon. Still more hopeless, I conceive, would be the attempt to render them by a strictly literal version; and in this persuasion, I have endeavoured on every occasion to give what I imagined to be the meaning of my author, without a servile adherence to the letter on the one hand, or a too great license of interpretation on the other. With what success these endeavours have been accomplished, it is the province'of others to determine. Perhaps, however, [ may here be per OF ANACREON. II imitted to observe, that I have never hesitated to sacrifice poetic beauty to purity of language and expression; happy if, by this means, I have rendered accessible to the cabinets of my fair countrywomen a poet whose beauties are ma.nv, and whose faults, which were those of his age and coun. try, I have studiously endeavoured to conceal. TA7 R. IN the notes will be ibund no laboured comments on the pe culiar force or meaning of a Greek particle, nor any long disser tations on disputed passages. To the scholar and the critic they would impart no new information, and to those unacquainted with the original must be altogether useless. I have preferred selecting from various writers such extracts as I thought likely to prove interesting te the general reader, and to facilitate his comprehension of the English version, by illustrating those manners and customs. which are still peculiar to the people of the East. To preceding editors I am indebted for many useful observa tions, which I have distinguished by the names of their respectiv.e authors. In the arrangement of these notes I am happy likewise to acknowledge the judicious advice and assistance ol my friend, Mr. T. Gandy, member of the Philomathic Society, and of several other literary institutions. T. B3 ODES OF ANACREON. ODE I.-ON HIS LYRE.* WHILE I sweep the sounding string, While th' Atridwe's praise I sing,t Victors on the Trojan plain, Or to Cadmus raise the strain, Hark! in soft and whisper'd sighs, Love's sweet notes the shell replies. Late I strung my harp anew,t Changed the strings-the subject too: Loud I sung Alcides' toils, Still the lyre any labour foils; Still with Love's sweet silver sounds Every martial theme confounds.{ " As love is the prevailing subject of the poet's muse, this beautiful little ode is with great propriety placed at the commencement of most editions. t Agamemnon and Menelaus, the sons of Atreus, who were the chief commanders at the siege of Troy. By the Atridwe is meant the Trojan, and by Cadmus, the Theban war.: It was common among the ancient poets to say that " they had new strung their lyre," when about to celebrate any important subject, or extraordinary event. Q In order to understand this passage clearly, we must imagine Anacreon singing and playing on his lyre, which, instead of returning sounds suitable to the lofty subject of his song. perversely warbles "Love's sweet silver sounds." The original is here beautifully expressive, signifying not merely to send forth a v''-ngnote. but one directly contrary to that intended to 14 ANACREON. Farewell! heroes, chiefs, and kings, Naught but love will suit my strings. ODE II.-ON WOMEN.* POINTED horns, the dread of foes, Nature on the bull bestows; Horny hoofs the horse defend, Swift-wing'd feet the hare befriend; Lions' gaping jaws disclose Dreadful teeth in grinning rows; Wings to birds her care supplied, Finny fishes swim the tide; Nobler gifts to man assign'd, Courage firm and strength of mind.f From her then exhausted store Naught for woman has she more: How does Nature prove her care 1 Beauty's charms is woman's share, be produced. The lyre is said to have been made of the shell o. the tortoise, and its invention is by some ascribed to Anacreon. * The. sentiment of this little ode is natural and beautiful, and it has been imitated by many succeeding writers.'he first of modern poets, Lord Byron, has in the f6llowing beautiUr upassage a similar idea to that contained in the latter part of it:"Oh, too convincing, dangerously dear! In woman's eye the unanswerable tear! That weapon of her weakness she can wield To save-subdue-at once her spear and shield." Corsair, Canto ii., 15. t The single word in the original thus translated, usually sig -fies wisdom or prudence; but surely so polite a poet as Anac. weon would not have denied these important qualities to the, adies. It may likewise be rendered, as in the text, " Courage, Jr strength of mind;" but in neither sense may we arrogate to ourselves the title of " the exclusives," so long as the deeds and Jaying of the softer sex live in the Records of Woman, and are related by such a champion as Mrs. Hemans. ANACREON. 15 Stronger far titan warrior's dress Is her helpless loveliness. Safety smiles in beauty's eyes, She the hostile flame defies: Fiercest swords submissive fallLovely woman conquers all! ODE II. —CUPID BENIGHTED.*'TwAs at the solemn midnight hour, When silence reigns with awful pow'r, Just when the bright and glittering Beart Is yielding to her keeper's care; When, spent with toil, with cares oppress'd, Man's busy race has sunk to rest, Sly Cupid, sent by cruel fate, Stood loudly knocking at my gate. "Who's there," I cried, " at this late hour T Who is it batters thus my door? Begone! you break my blissful dreams." But he, on mischief bent, it seems, With feeble voice and piteous cries In childish accents thus replies: " Be not alarm'd, kind sir,'tis 1, A little, wretched, wandering boy. Pray ope the door —I've lost my way This moonless night —alone I stray: I'm stiff with cold, I'm drench'd all o'er; For pity's sake pray ope the door." Touch'd with this simple tale of wo, And little dreaming of a foe, * Longuepierre has observed that this is one of' the roost beautifil odes in the collection; and it is, I think, a good proof of the truth of this remark, that after a lapse of more than two thousand years its spirit and meaning are still preserved, and are to be found imbodied in a pretty little song, which was a few years ago a popular favourite. t The Bear and Bobtes, or the Bearkeeper, are two constel-,ations near the North Pole. 16 ANACREON. I rose, lit up my lamp, and straight Undid the fastenings of the gate; And there indeed a boy I spied, With bow and quiver by his side. Wings too he wore-a strange attire! My guest I seated near the fire, And while the blazing fagots shine, I chafed his little hands in mine. His dank and dripping- locks I wrung, That down his shoulders loosely hung. Soon as his cheeks began to glow, " Come now," he cries, " let's try this bow; For much I fear, this rainy night, The wet and damp have spoil'd it quite." That instant twang'd the sounding string, Loud as the whizzing gadfly's wing: Too truly aim'd, the fatal dart My bosom pierced with painful smart.* Up sprung the boy with laughing eyes, And, " Wish me joy, mine host," he cries. " My bow is sound in ev'ry part; Thoult find the arrow in thy heart." ODE IV.-ON HIMSELF. ON this flowery couch reclining, Thick with leaves of myrtle strew'd,t Every graver-care resigning, I will drink in joyous mood. * In the original it is "pierced through'the middle of my liver." The ancients, as may be,proved by numerous passages, considered the liver to be the seat of the affections; and it is reasinable to suppose that the sympathy existing between this organ and the brain was as well known to them as it is to physicians in the present day. t Madame Dacier observes that the ancients were fond of reposing on leaves of fragrant herbs and flowers, which af. forded them a soft and pleasant couch, and at the same time re. ANACREON. 17 Hlis tunic shorten'd - standi-ng near me, His waist with rushy girdle bound, With rosy wine let Cupid cheer me, And serve the goldeln goblet round. For, aah! with what unwearied pace* The ceaseless wheel of life runs on Just like the chariot's rapid race, How swift the course, how quickly run! Yet thus, alas! our moments fly; Thus pass our fleeting years away; And soon shall we neglected lie, A little dust-a lump'of clay! Then why, when life's short scene is o'er. Anoint a cold unconscious stone'lt Why vainly rich libations pour, Or call my ghost with useless moan? galed their senses with their agreeable odours. A passion for perfumes and flowers seems to be common to all oriental nations. ~ If, according to the ancient proverb, it is commendable to receive instruction even from an enemy, surely we should not disdain to be made wiser by a heathen. These lines contaic a fine moral sentiment'; and the Christian reader, excited by high'er motives, will seek to improve that time which, ceaseless in its progress, and irrevocable ini its flight, is given to him for nobler purposes than to be wasted in trifling pursuits or sensual indulgences. f The custom among the ancients of pouring sweet unguents on the tombs of their deceased friends, and crowning them with chaplets, of flowers, is well known. The eastern nations am.e still remarkable forA;the careful and affectionate attention they bestow on their departed relatives. "The Turkish burying ground stands on the slope of the hill, at a small distance from the town, near that of the Jews and is encircled by a deep grove of cypress trees. No guard' or shade around a cemetery can be so suitable as that of this noble tree; with its waveless and mournful foliage, it looks the very emblem of mortality. The Orientals love that everything should be sad and impressive round the abodes of their (lead, which 1s8 ANACREON. Nay, rather, friends, anoint me no-;, While life remains, and fate is kind; With rosy garlands crown my brow, And go, my lovely fair one find. My cares I'll drown in pleasure's tide, Before my wand'ring spirit go Where unsubstantial spectres glide, And danc e in dismal shades below.* ODE V.-ON THE ROSE.t WITH sparkling wine sweet roses join,'Twill make the nectar'd draught divine; Let mirth and laughter rule the hour, While roses, pluck'd from Love's own bower, Around our moisten'd temples twine, And add fresh fragrance to the wine. they never approach but with the deepest reverence; and they often sit for hours in their, kiosks on the Bosphorus, gazing with mournful pleasure on the shores of Asia, where the ashes of their fathers are laid."-Carne's Letters from the East, p. 65. * It seems not a little remarkable that the ancients, amid al. their wild and extravagant fancies, never" affected the skies;" or, in other words, that they contented themselves with an elysium in the infernal regions, assigning the heavens above them to their gods and demigods alone" In this, as in many other respects, Christianity has enlarged our ideas, and exalted our hopes beyond the most daring conceptions of the heathen world. t Among the ancients, especially the Grecians, the rose was particularly esteemed. It was always introduced at entertain-' ments; and it was customary on such occasions to employ flowers and perfumes, not merely for pleasure, but because they imagined their odours prevented the intoxicating effects of wine. With the Romans they were held in equal estimation, as ap. pears from the following passage:"Here pour your wines, your odours shed; Bring forth the rose's shortlived flower, While fate yet spins thy mortal thread, While youth and fortune give th' indulgent hour." Francis's Horace, b. ii., ode 3. ANACREON. Oh, lovely rose! to thee I sing, Thou sweetest, fairest child of spring! Oh thou art dear to all the gods, The darling of their bless'd abodes. Thy breathing buds and blossoms fair - Entwine young Cupid's golden hair, When gayly dancing, hand in hand, He joins the Graces' lovely band. Then bring fresh garlands, crown my brows, And while thus joyous, I carouse, Admitted, Bacchus, to thy shrine, Thy praise I'll sing in hymns divine; Or, thick with rosy chaplets crown'd, With Chloe dance a sprightly round, Whose snowy bosom softly swells, And tales of tender transport tells. ODE VI.-THE BANQUET. WITH glowing wreaths of roses crown'd. We'll pass the cheerful goblet round; But with no squeamish, modest sips, The cup shall kiss our thirsty lips. And see, to grace the festive hour, The maiden seeks our shelter'd bower,* Whose pretty, slender foot well suits The music of the soft-toned lutes; While ivy wreath'd, her thyrsus fairt She rustles through the yielding air. And hark! a fair-hair'd youth begins,J And as he wakes the warbling strings * A custom seems to be here alluded to which is still common tr Turkey; at the entertainments of persons of consequence dancing girls, called almas, are hired to amuse the company by their performances. t The thyrsus was a spear encircled with ivy, and sometimes with vine leaves, and was carried by those who attended the feasts in honour ofBacchus. 1 The following extract may perhaps elucidate this pas 20 ANACRIEON. His liquid voice breathes odours round, And mingles with the melting sound. With golden locks, young Cupid see, And Bacchus, young and fair as he; With these is lovely Venus too, Who hastes to join the sportive crew; While we old men can scarce refrain To live the life we loved again. ODE VII.-ON CUPID.* CUPID once, with staff in hand, (A slender hyacinthine wuand,) Slow walking with a tottering pace, Defied me to the rapid race. Away we flew o'er flood and fell, O'er craggy rock and bushy dell, Till hastening on with swiftest speed, A serpent stung mle; thenr indeedt My'heart forgot its wonted play; I fainted-sunk-and died away. sage: "The summer is already far advanced in this part of the world and, for some miles round Adrianople, the whole ground is laid out in gardens, and the banks of the rivers are set with rows of fruit trees, under which all the most considerable Turks divert'themselves every evening; not with walking, that is not one of their pleasures; but a set party of them choose out a green spot, where the shade is very thick, and there they spread a carpet, on which they sit drinking their coffee, and are generally attended by some slave with a fine voice, or that plays on some instrument."-Lady Montague's Letters. Letter to Mr. Pope fromt Adrianople, April 1st, 1717. * As commentators are by no means agreed either as to the text or meaning of this ode, I have given it the turn which I conceived most agreeable to the genius and style of the author. By a pleasing allegory, he seems to intimate, that under whatever disguise love may appear, his power is equally certain an'. resistless. f It is observed by Madame Dacier that his being stung by a serpent was a punishment f6r his insensibility and presumption ANACREON. 21 The urchin laughed at my disgraceo And while his pinions fann'd my face, "My friend," he cried, " you clearly prove That you are not a match for Love!" ODE VIII.- ON HIS DREAM.* PEACEFUL slumbering through the night, On a purple couch reclined, Dreams of joy and visions bright Bacchus sent to charm my mind. Methought I join'd in rapid race With flying nymphs a sportive crew, And urging on with swiftest pace, Still kept the lovely game in view. While youths, as young Lyaeus fair,t With jealous hate, and envy stung, Who saw my joy, but could not share Reviled me as I pass'd along. A kiss I claim'd-my promised prize; But as on pleasure's brink I seem, The vision fled my cheated eyes: I woke, and lo!'twas all a dream! Then lonely, sad, and angry too,J To find my high-raised hopes were vain, * For the different metre of this ode, and of some others in the collection, I have only to remark that I have deviated from the usual Anacreontic measure for the sake of variety. t Lyaus is a name given to Bacchus. It is derived from a Greek verb, signifying to loosen or free, and is, from the circumstance of wine freeing the mind from anxiety, appropriately assigned to him. t There is a similar passage in one of Ovid's epistles; in that from Sappho to Phaon, so beautifully translated by Pope. 1 7y 22 ANACREON. The deai delusion to renew,. I sigh'd, and sunk to sleep again. ODE IX. —ON A DOVE. PRETTY pigeon, tell me, pray, Whither speeding, whence away? Breathing balmy odours round, Where thy fluttering pinions sound I Who despatch'd thee through the air? What commission dost thou bear 1 " Anacreon, the blithe and gay, The master dear whom I obey, Sent me swift from yonder grove To seek the lady of his love. I dare not tell the name she bears, But beauty's sweetest smile she wears' Possess'd of every pleasing art, She-reigns supreme o'er every heart. Fair Venus sold me to the bard, A little hymn the fix'd reward.f have transcribed it, in order that the reader may have the please ure of comparing them:" Oh, night, more pleasing than the brightest day,'When fancy gives what absence takes away, And dress'd in all its visionary charms, Restored my fair deserted to my arms! But when with day the sweet delusions fly, And all things wake to life and joy, but I, As if once more forsaken, I complain, And close my eyes, to dream of you again." * To understand this ode properly, we must remember that it was a custom among the ancients, when they undertook long journeys, and were desirous of sending back any news with uncommon expedition, to take tame pigeons along with them. When they thought proper to write to their friends, they let one of these birds loose, with letters fastened to its neck: the bird, once released, would never cease its flight till it arrived at its nest and young ones. The same custom is still common among the Turks and other Eastern nations. + It is impossible not to admire the address and delicacy of ANACREON. 23 So now the poet's page am 1, His courier through the pathless sky; And sometimes, as you see me now, The bearer of some tender vow. Hle thinks, perhaps, he pleases me, By saying I shall soon be free; But though I should the boon obtain, His willing slave I'll still remain. For, ah! I do not wish to roam, Or quit my sweet, my happy home, FLar flying over hill and plain My wretched, rustic food to gain; Or shivering on some tree to stay, And coo the cheerless hours away: For now I feast on dainty bread, And by the hands I love am fed; And when the cup has press'd his lip, His sweet delicious wine I sip; And when my heart is light and gay, I sometimbes little frolics play; Upon his shoulder take my place, And with my wings o'erspread his face. Or if to sleep my humour suit, I perch upon his warbling lute, And by his careful hand caress'd, By softest sounds am lull'd to rest. I've told you all-begone! adieu! And let me now my flight pursue. Nay, friend, no longer urge my stay, For I have prated like a jay." this indirect compliment to his own writings. Venus, the god. dess of beauty, and mother of the Graces, is represented as being willing to purchase a little hymn of his composing at the price of one of her favourite doves. This passage is cited by Fawkes as a proof that Anacreon wrote hymns in honour of the gods: but be this as it. may, it is certain that few fragments have reached us, and those of doubtful authority. 24 ANACREON. ODE %X. —-ON A. WAXEN CUPID. A WAXEN Cupid, nicely wrought, A rustic youth for sale had brought. " Say, what's your price, my friend'!" I cried, When thus the silly clown replied, In Doric phrase,* devoid of skill: " E'en take him, sir, for what you will:'Tis cheap, you'll say; but, truth to tell, No images 1 make or sell. But as for this young rogue you see, He must not —shall not dwell with me." " If so, my pretty youth," I said, " Our bargain shall be quickly made: To you this little coin I'll give,t And, Cupid, thou with mne shalt live. And do thou now my breast inspire, There kindle all thy former fire; Oh let me boast a lover's nlme,l Or thou thyself shalt melt in flame."t ODE XI. —ON HIMSELF.' ANACREON," the lasses say, "Old fellow, you have had your day: * The Doric dialect was remarkable for its broadness and harshness. It was the most ancient of the four, and was used only by the common people of Greece. It is not therefore with >ut reason, as the commentators have remarked, that Anacreon nakes this young rustic speak it, since he was so insensible tc the charms of love as to wish to get rid even of his image. t In the Greek it is a drachm, an Attic coin worth about nine pence English, or, according to some, only seven pence, three farthings, or, eight pence farthing. t Barnes observes that the ancient heathens used to treat the images of their gods in the same manner as they fancied they had been treated by them. The modern Indians. when any calamity befalls them, are accustomed to chastise their idols with scourges. d However snccessful!y the spirit and meaning of this author ANACIRE ON. 25 Consult your mirror, mark with care,* How scanty now your silver hair;t Old wintry Time has shed his snows, And bald and bare your forehead shows." But faith! I know not where they're gone, Or if I've any left-or none; But this I know, that every day Shall see me sportive, blithe, and gay; For'tis our wisdom so to do The nearer death appears in view. ODE XII. —ON A. SWALLOW. WHAT punishment shall I decree, Vexatious, chattering bird, to thee? Say, shall I clip thy restless wing. Or, like the cruel Thracian king,' Tear out that tongue whose noisy scream Has loused me from so sweet a dream? may sometinces be preserved, it is impossible to convey an ade. quate idea (f that facility of thought and easiness of expression which are so peculiarly his own. What would in others justly be considered the perfection of art, in him appears perfectly natural; and one might almost imagine that his numbers flowed spontaneously to the warblings of his lyre. These remarks are particularly applicable to this ode, which, for simplicity and playfulness of expression, is inferior to no one in the collection. * Before the invention of glass, mirrors were used made of brass or some other metal, and sometimes of stones highly polished. t It was remarked by an ancient author that Venus herself, if (lestitute of hair, would not, though surrounded by the Loves and Graces, have had charms sufficient to please her husband Vulcan. I Tereus, king of Thrace, for whose story the reader is referred to the sixth book of Ovid's Metamorphoses. Though Anacreon seems to adopt the less usual acceptation of the fable, that it was Philomnela, and not Progne, who was transformed into a swallow. ANAC.-C 26 ANACREON. For oh! methought my love was nigh, Till, startled by thy twittering cry, She fled upon the wings of morn,* And left me joyless and forlorn. ODE XIII.-ON HIMSELF. PooR Atys,t as old poets sing, O'er the wild mountains wandering, Degraded from his former state, Cybele's love now turned to hate, With plaintive cries invoked relief, Till madness brought an end to grief. And some who to the waters throng, Of laurell'd Phcebus, god of song, At Claros drink the vocal waved And with prophetic fury rave; Then shall not I when wine inspires, And Chloe's eyes dart love's bright fires, When bathed in sweets, without alloy, And rapt in wild, delirious joy, Refuse a while stern reason's sway, And be as madly wild as they. * Horace has a similar idea in the first ode of the fourth book which has been thus admirably imitated by Pope:" Thee; dress'd in fancy's airy beam, Absent I follow through th' extended dream; Now, now I seize, I clasp thy charms, And now you burst (ah, cruel!) from my arms; And swiftly shoot along the mall, Or softly glide by the canal; Now shorn by Cynthia's silver ray, And now on rolling waters snatch'd away." t Atys was a young Phrygian of great beauty, beloved by Cy bele, the mother of the gods, who afflicted him with madness fol violating his vow of chastity. According to Ovid, he was after ward turned into a pine-tree. t Claros was a city of Ionia, near Colophon, and was famous tfor a fountain sacred to Apollo. The term vocal alludes to the ANACREON. 27 ODE XIV.o-N CUPID.* CEAsE, cease the combat, I'11 obey, Oh, mighty Love! I own thy sway. Cupid plann'd a new campaign, And bade me join his camp again; But I, grown weary of the trade, Like a rebel disobey'd. Straight the monarch, much displeased, His dreadful bow and quiver seized, And, wafted on his pinions light, Defied me to the field of fight. Then clad for war, like Peleus' son, A corslet bright I'buckled on; With ample shield and quivering spear, I waited till the foe drew near. His bow-string twang'd —then seized with dread, My courage fail'd-I trembling fled. He plied his darts till all were spent; Nor did his anger then relent: Himself he changed into a dart, And shot like lightning through my heart.t property which the waters of this spring were said to have of imparting to those who drank of them the gift of prophecy. * In this ode Anacreon intends to show the irresistible power of" mighty love;" and he here represents himself as contending with Cupid armed with a spear and shield. The combat is described with much spirit; but in the end the arrows of his antagonist achieve the victory. The poet concludes with an admirable reflection on the uselessness of defending the out posts, when the enemy has already entered. "t This thought is very beautiful and ingenious. It is taken from an ancient piece of gallantry, which ought not to be passed over in silence. The heroes of antiquity, when in any despe rate engagement they found their darts spent, their strength ex.nausted, and saw no prospect of surviving long, would collect all their spirits and strength, and rush headlong with amazing impetuosity on their enemies, that even in death the weight of their bodies, thus violently agitated, might bear down their adversaries. " — Fawkes. 28 ANACREON. Ah me! I felt mly life-blood flow; I sunk beneath my conquering foe How vainly then a shield I wear! In vain defensive arms I bear; For victory who can hope to win While-fiercely burns the war within? ODE XV. —HAPPY LIFE. FAMED Gyges' treasures I could see,* From envious thoughts and wishes free. On golden heaps with scorn I frown; I would not wear a monarch's crown. Far other joys and cares are mine, For which such bawbles I resign. To bathe my beard with sweet perfumes,t To crown my brows with spring's fresh blooms; These-these are things that claim my care. This day is mine-I'll freely share The joys it brings; for who can know If he shall see the next or no 3 Then, while thy summer sky is clear, Nor death nor danger hover near, The happy hours of life employ In song, and dance, and festive joy; -~ According to Herodotus, Gyges was the favourite of Candaules, king of Lydia, whose queen was remarkably and passionately admired by her husband. In his vanity he extolled her charms above measure to Gyges, and, to convince him of her beauty, determined to give him an opportunity of seeing her undressing. This he effected, but not without the queen's discovering the affront; who next morning sent for Gyges, and resolutely told him he must either suffer immediate death for what he had done, or despatch Candaules, and take her and the kingdom of Lydia for his recompense. The choice was ditficult, as he greatly valued his master: however, the love of life prevailed: he stabbed Candaules, married the queen, and took possession of the kingdom. t The Turks and Persians take a particular pride in this ven. erable appendage, and consume much time in dressing and per tuming it. ANACREON. 29 And let the rattling dice assign* The royal honours of the wine, Ere surly Death thy garland tear, Or fell disease with frown severe, Forbid the nectar'd juice to sip, And dash the goblet from thy lip. ODE XVI. —THE CAPTIVE. SOME sing of Thebes, and some prolongThe battle-shouts of Phrygian wars; But I must trill a captive's song,J Sigh o'er my wounds, and count my scars Of conq'ring fleets no slave am I, No armies claim me for their prize; But all my foes in ambush lie, And dart their fires from Pyrrha's eyes! ODE XVII. —ON A SILVER BOWL. MULCIBER, thou skilful wright, Carve for me this silver bright; But I do not wish to see Polish'd arms or panoply. What are arms or wars to me? * It was usuai among the ancients to appoint a master of the feast by the cast of dice, whose office it was to determine the size and number of the cups, and to decide on the proe:er ceremonies. t Anacreon here alludes to the famous war waged by the seven captains against Eteocles, king of Thebes, in order to restore to his brother Polynices his share in the government, according to their agreement on their father's death to reign annu. ally in turn. On this subject AEschylus has written a tragedy, and Statius a noble poem called the Thebaid. t The poet here alludes to the numerous instances in which he had been brought under the dominion of love. Z 30 ANACREON. Carve me out a mighty bowl, That my ever-thirsty soul In the generous juice may steep. Make it very-very deep. On the margin do not trace Uncouth shape or horrid face: Grave not there the northern wain Stern Orion, god of rain,t BoBtes, or the Pleiades; What concern have I with these? Trail thereon the tender vine, There let purple clusters shine; Picture too the god of wine. There let fair-hair'd Cupid be, And Bathyllus, fair as he: Make them beautiful and bold, Burnish'd high like polish'd gold: Let them in one labour join, Treading out the gushing wine. * The author here alludes to the emblazoning of the shield of Achilles as described in the eighteenth book of the Iliad:"There shone the image of the master mind; There earth-there heaven-there ocean he design'd; Th' unwearied sun, the moon completely round; The starry lights that heaven's high convex crown'd; The Pleiads, Hyads, with the northern team; And great Orion's more refulgent beam, To which around the axle of the sky The Bear revolving points his golden eye, Still shines exalted on th' ethereal plain, Nor bathes his blazing forehead in the main," Pope's Homer's Iliad. t The Greek term signifies' hateful," and is used by the poet, because the constellation Orion was considered the forerunner of tempests, and therefore dreaded by mariners. ANACREON. 31 ODE XVIII.-ON THE SAME SUBJECT.* DEAR artist, take this silver store, And try thy skilful hand once more; Produce a large and handsome bowl To charm my eyes, and cheer my soul. Around its polish'd surface bring The flowery pride of purple spring; There let the soft and vernal hours Shed rosy sweets in plenteous showers. Engrave no foreign mystic rite, No marv'lous tale that shocks the sight; But draw the gen'rous god of wine, Blithe Bacchus, son of Jove divine. Let Venus, love's sweet smiling queen, With youthful Hymen deck the scene: His dread artillery laid aside, Let Cupid mid the Graces glide,t As in the sprightly dance they join Beneath the high-imbowering vine, Whose glowing clusters peep between The foliage bright of glossy green. With these a youthful group display, As fair as Phcebus, god of day, Though Phoebus join not in their play., ODE XIX.-REASONS FOR DRINKING. THe; earth drinks up the genial rains Which deluge all her thirsty plains; * The subject of this ode is the same as that of the prece ding. t " It is not without reason that Anacreon, after having mentioned Venus, introduces Love among the Graces, being sensible that though beauty alone might please, yet, without the aid of other charms, it could not long captivate the heart." Fawkes. t This apparently alludes to the fable of Hyacinthus, a vyouth slain by Apollo while playing with him at quoits. 32 ANACREON. The lofty trees that pierce the sky* Drain up the earth and leave her dry; Th' insatiate sea imbibes, each hour,t The welcome breeze that brings the show'r; The sun, whose fires so fiercely burn, Absorbs the wave; and, in her turn, The modest moon enjoys, each night,j Large draughts of his celestial light. Then, sapient sirs, pray tell me why, If all things drink, why may not I. ODE XX.-TO HIS MISTRESS. ON desert Phrygia's silent sands Poor Niobe an image stands;( And Pandion's injured child, we know,I Still, twittering, tells her tale of wo. lut would the gods the change allow, And hear and grant my tender vow, Dear girl! thy mirror I would be, That thou might'st always smile on me. T* he poet here refers to the supply of moisture which trees receive by means of their roots and fibres. t','his passage, which seems to have given the commentators some trouble, is by many supposed to be an error in the text. I have followed the usual reading, though I think Fawkes's amend. men; very judicious. He has it, " the sea drinks up the rivers," certainly a much more natural idea. $ The moon is said to drink from the sun, because she bor rows her light from that luminary. ~ Niobe was the daughter of Tantalus, king of Phrygia, and wife of Amphion, king of Thebes; by whom, according to Homer, having six sons and six daughters, she became so proud of her offspring and high birth, that she had the vanity to prefer herself to Latona, the mother of Apollo and Diana; who, to revenge the affront offered to their parent, in one day slew all her children: on which Niobe was struck dumb with grief, and remained stupid. For that reason the poets have feigned her to be turned into a stone.-See Ovid's Met., book vi. II The poet here alludes to the fabled transformation of Phi. lomela. See note, p. 25. ANACREON. 33 Thy vest I'd be, to guard with care Those heaving breasts, and nestle there. Oh! would I were a limpid wave, Thy soft and beauteous limbs to lave; Thy perfumed oil, that I might share The glory of thy golden hair! Or, dearer still, that slender zone, Which makes thy beauties all its own: Thy pearly chain, that shines so fair, Baat cannot with thy neck compare: Thy very sandal I would be,*'2' kiss the'foot that trod on me! ODE XXI.- SUMMER. BRING, maidens, bring a well-mix'd bowl, And let me slake my thirsty soul; For, scorch'd beneath this sultry sky, My spirits sink-I faint-I die. This garland, late so fresh and fair,t I twined amid my curling hair; But all its faded flow'rcts now Have wither'd on my burning brow. Bring fresher wreaths my head to shade; Bring others still when those shall fade. But, oh! what ease can wine impart When love's fierce flame consumes the heart. - This ode has been imitated by many succeeding writers; and in our immortal bard, who needed no copy but nature, the following passage can only be said to present a remarkable coincidence:S' ee how she leans her cheek upon her hand! Oh! that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek!" Romeo and Juliet, act 2, scene 2. 4 The custom of wearing garlands of flowers at entertain merients has already been mentioned. 34 ANACREON. In vain to groves or shades I fly,* This inward flame will never die! ODE XXII.-THE BOWER.t HASTE, my love, this shade to seek, The spreading tree is passing fair, Like clust'ring curls on Beauty's cheek, See it waves its wanton hair. The streamlet murm'ring at our feet Rolls its music through the grove;T'Tis a scene for lovers meet, Where each object whispers love. The tree, the stream, the silent hour, All persuasive, seem to say, * The reflection here made by the poet is just and natural, and is similar to that at the conclusion of the fourteenth ode. When love has once taken possession of the heart, external defences cease to be useful. t This elegant little ode seems to be a great favourite with the translators and commentators. It has not been thought unworthy of his genius even by the philosophical Beattie, among whose poems it is to be found translated with singular accuracy and beauty. + In the original it is literally a " fountain rolling or flowing with persuasion;" a beauty of expression which we must be contented to admire with very little hope of imitating, since our language seems to afford few facilities fCor accommodating sound to sense. Pope, no mean master of melody, has attempted it in that passage in his Art of Poetry intended to represent the whispering breeze and the flowing stream. "Soft is the strain when Zephyr gently blows, And the smooth stream in smoother numbers flows." On this passage Dr. Johnson, in all the pride of acute, but rather ill-natured criticism, remarks, that " the verse intended to represent the whisper of the vernal breeze must be confessed not much to excel in softness or volubility; and the smooth stream runs with a perpetual clash of jarring consonants."-Rambler vol. i., No. 92. ANACREON. 35 "' Viewing such a lovely bower, Can you pass another way." ODE XXIII.-THE VANITY OF WEALTH. COULD glittering heaps, or golden store, Life preserve, or health restore, Then with ceaseless, anxious pain, Riches I would strive to gain,* That should death, unwish'd for, come, Pointing to the dreary tonmb, I might cry, in sprightly tone, "6 Here's my ransom, Death! begone!" But, alas! since well I know Life cannot be purchased so, Why indulge the useless sigh. Fate decrees that all shall die. Vainly to our wealth we trust, Poor or wealthy-die we must. Present joys then let me st are, Rosy wine to banish care; Cheerful friends that faithful prove, Beauty's smiles and blissful love. ODE XXIV.-LIFE TO BE ENJOYED.t BORN a mortal; doom'd to tread Life's rough path of pain and wo, * There is an anecdote in the history of Anacreon, recorded by Stobaus, to which this ode may possibly bear some allusion. He relates that Anacreon, having received a present of five talents of gold from Polycrates, tyrant of Samos, was so em barrassed with cares and solicitudes about his treasure, that he could not sleep for two nights successively: whereon he sent back the present with. this apology to his patron, " That however valuable the sum migtht be, it was not a sufficient price for the trouble and anxiety of keeping it." t These odes are all nearly similar in subject, and present nothing particularly worthy of remark or illustration. 36 ANACREON. All the past with ease is read, But the future who canll know! Hence! away, distracting cares, Make no fellowship with me; Point not to my silvering hairs, You and I shall ne'er agree. Ere fate forbid all further joy, First amid the festive throng, Bacchus shall my hours employ With Inirth, and dance, and joyous song. ODE XXV. —THE CURE FOR CARIE. WHEN with gloomy griefs oppress'd, Wine can charm those griefs to rest; Toil and trouble, care and wo, I'm determined ne'er to know. Though in care my life were pass'd, Cruel death would come at last. Shall I ever anxious grieve?s Shall I thus myself deceive No! we'll drain the rosy bowl,'Tis a cordial for the soul;'Tis a charm that lulls to rest Every anxious, aching breast. ODE XXVI.-IN PRAISE OF WINE. WHEN the nectar'd bowl I drain Gloomy cares forego their reign; Richer than the Lydian king, Hymns of love and joy I sing; Ivy wreaths my temples twine, And, while careless I recline,, While bright scenes my vision greet, Tread the world beneath my feet. ANACREON. 37 Fill the cup, my trusty page, Anacreon, the blithe and sage,'As his maxim, ever said, Those slain by wine are noble dead. ODE XXVII.-THE SAME SUBJECT WHEN the generous god of wine, Bacchus, son of Jove divine, Frees my soul from anxious care, Fills my breast and revels there, Then I lead the mazy dance, Rapt in pleasure's giddy trance. Oh! what transports then I proveSweet the joys of wine and love! Music breathes its softest strains, Venus too with Bacchus reigns. Thus, with wine and beauty bless'd, Thus I charm my cares to rest, Ever joyous, blithe, and gay, Dance the happy hours away. ODE XXVIII.-ON HIS MISTRESS.* BEST of painters, lend thy aid, Draw the lines of light and shade; Master of the Rhodian art,t Paint the charmer of my heart; The version of this ode, first published in the Guardian, is adopted both by Addison and Fawkes; but however beautiful and spirited it may be thought, another translator, Mr. Girdlestone, shrewdly remarks, that no painter could make a beautifu I picture from a description which leaves out the nose. In the original not a single feature is omitted; and therefore the version above mentioned must be defective. t The Rhodians were, according to Pindar, the first people acquainted with the arts of painting and sculpture. 38 ANACREON. Absent though the maiden be, Beauties I'll describe to thee,* Thou, undazzled, ne'er couldst see. Paint her dark and glossy hair, Flowing down her neck so fair: Further yet I must presume, Let it seem to breathe perfume. Her iv'ry forehead next thy care, Shining mid her jet-black hair; Let thy utmost skill be seen In the dainty space between, Where by sable archers cross'd, Where the less'ning shade is lost. Let her liquid eye of fire, Like Minerva's, awe inspire; With Cytherea's softness too Temper the celestial blue; * To give the reader an opportunity of judging whether or not this picture be too highly drawn, I have transcribed the following passage from a work deservedly held in the highest estimation:" The women, as I have intimated, are handsome; indeed, you rarely meet with an ugly face among them. The form of the head, the general cast of countenance, are classical; and in their profile I have frequently found that exquisite, gently curving line, we see in ancient Greek statues and mnedals, (and which we have been accustomed to consider the line of ideal beauty,) identified in' real flesh and blood.' Their large, black eyes, with long lashes, and their delicately arched eyebrows; the latter, when not denaturalized and spoiled by the too common practice of dying them, are the finest I have ever seen."M'Farlane's Constantinople, vol. i., p. 99. And again, "'The Greek village of Panagea, situated on the seashore, to the south of Chesme, is celebrated for the beauty of its womer.; but throughout these regions the sex is universally handsome and graceful. Poverty, that cruel enemy to the charms of the person as well as of the mind, cannot destroy their attractions: the bright, intelligent, large black eye beams, the clear cornplexion, the exquisite Grecian nose, mouth, and chin, the clas, sical contour, are there, in spite of its wrongs; and anr innate grace of manner and motion develops itself through the cover. ing of rags. I do not seek the recondite causes of th!ls pexli ing of rags., t ler~- ulult; iitatn n ANACR F;EON 39 Paint her lovely cheek and nose, Blending milk with blush of rose; Paint her pretty, pouting lips, Where the bee its honey sips, Where Persuasion sits and smiles, With a thousand winning wiles. Every pleasing grace must deck Her pretty dimpled chin and neck; And let nameless beauties dwell In her bosom's gentle swell. In a thin and purple dress Veil this form of loveliness: Her body hide, her shape express. Enough! no further proof I seek, She lives-she breathes-soft! did she speak. arity; but, be it descent from a superior race, be it the soil and clime, such are the women of Ionia." —lIbid., p. 201. Perhaps the reader would be pleased to see a po;trait of the "fair Ionian" in another light, by a master whose unrivalled pencil has left all competitors at an immeasurable distance:*' You see, this night Made warriors of more than me. I paused To look upon her, and her kindled cheek; Her large black eyes, that flash'd through her long hair As it stream'd o'er her; her blue veins, that rose Along her most transparent brow; her nostril Dilated from its symmetry; her lips Apart; her voice that clove through all the din, As a lute's pierceth through the cymbal's clash, Jarr'd but not drown'd by the loud brattling; her Waved arms, more dazzling with their own born whiteness Than the steel her hand held, which she caught up From a dead soldier's grasp; all these things made Her.seem unto the troops a prophetess Of victory, or Victory herself. Come down to hail us hers." Lord Byron.-Sardanapalus, act 1, scene I. 40 ANACREON. ODE XXX. —CUPID TAKEN PRISONER,* CUPID, once, was rambling found On the Muses' hallow'd ground; Straight they weave a rosy chain, And the little god detain. Him to Beauty soon they gave, Mighty Love is Beauty's slave. Cytherea ransoms brought, To release her son she sought; But no fee, no ransom now, The happy captive will allow. Love hath learn'd his art too well, And with Beauty still will dwell. ODE XXXI.-PLEASING PHRENSY. Yes! let me-let me drain the bowl, And pour its pleasures on my soul; Let Bacchus now his reign employ, Till reason reels, oppress'd with joy. Orestes, by the fuiries led,f Barefooted to the mountains fled. Alcmmon too, in firantic mood, Like him was stain'd with mother's blood; But I disclaim such dreadful deeds, My madness from my joy proceeds. Then bring the bowl, I cry again, Who shall that maddening joy restrain? *This ode is very fine, and the fiction extremely ingenious [ believe Anacreon would inculcate that beauty alone cannot long secure a conquest, but that when wit and beauty meet, it is impossible for a lover to disengage himself."-Madame Dacier. t Alcmaeon's father had been put to death by his mother's contrivance, whom on that account he slew. Orestes slew his mother Clytemnestra, to revenge the death of his father Agamemnon, who at his return from the Trojan war had been murdered by her and lier lover 2Agisth ~ ANACREON. 41 When HIercules went mad of yore, The Iphitean bow he bore; His rattling quiver's dreadful sound Spread awe and const -'-lation round. Great Ajax, too, whes, iadness raged,f Whole hosts of fancied Greeks. engaged; When, grasping fierce his seven-fold shield, With Hector's sword he sought the field.t But ihough with wine I mad should be, May no such fury seize on me! No dreadful how or sword I bear, A flowery garland decks my hair. This brimming bowl shall crown my bliss, Then welcome madness such as this! ODE XXXII.-ON THE NUMBER OF HIS MISTRESSES. IF thou canst number o'er to me Every leaf on every tree, Or count the ceaseless waves that roar Against the billow-beaten shore, Thou sufficient skill hast proved; Thou shalt count the names I've loved. At Athens first, Minerva's town, Full five-and-thirty write me down; But oh! at Corinth, rich and fair,{ What hosts of loved ones had I there. * Iphitus was slain by Hercules, who carried off his bow. t When. the armour of Achilles was adjudged to Ulysses, Ajax was so enraged at the affront that he went mad; a:'d falling on a flock of sheep, which he toolk for Grecians, he first slew them and then himself. t Hector and Ajax made an exchange of presents, which gave birth to a proverb, "that the presents of enemies are generally fatal.;" for with this sword Ajax killed himself. Q Corinth, the metropolis of Achaia, was famous for beautiful women. 42 ANACREON. For beauteous nymphs it bears the sway, For none so beauteous sure as they. Next, my lovely Lesbians tell, Ionians, Carians, those that dwell At far-famed Rhodes -you may in all The trifling sum tw.. i-.,ousoild call. What! think'st thou that I yet have done? Resume thy tablets-one by one,* I'll count thee o'er my Syrian fair, And Egypt too must claim a share; And fertile Creta yet remains,t Where Love his empire still maintains. The dark-eyed nymphs that shared my flane, At Spain and Afric, shall I name? To sultry India's farthest pole, Whose dusky charms have fired my soul! ODE XXXIII.-ON A SWALLOW. PRETTY, twittering, fickle guest, Here you build your summer nest; But, ere storms deface the sky, Back to warmer worlds you fly;t * The page to whom Anacreon is here making this extrava gant enumeration, may well be supposed to drop his tablets in astonishment, as the original expression is, "add still to the wax." The ancients wrote on tablets made of this material with a pointed instrument called a stylus or style, the upper end of which was flat and blunt, for the purpose of making erasures. Hence arose the term " an author's style," as applied to his peculiar mode of expression. t Anacreon, to denote its fertility, calls it Crete abounding in all things. It is mentioned by the ancient poets as having ahundred cities. T " Since the days of Anacreon to our own, this is a problem in natural history which has never been solved. Among the ancients it was a generally received opinion that swallows and other birds, on the approach of winter, crossed the sea in search of warmer climates; but more accurate observers have taught us to doubt the truth of this opinion. Pecklinius, in his book A NACREON. 43 To Memphis, or the banks of Nile, Where bright suns for ever smile. But, alas! nor peace nor rest Dwells within my hapless breast: Love still builds and hatches there, Full-fledged loves for flight prepare; Some, unhatch'd, yet quiet dwell, Some just struggling through the shell, While their ceaseless chirping noise Every hope of peace destroys. Some usurp the parent's care, And the younger inestlings rear; These, when grown, will young ones breed; Others still to them succeed. Thus, alas! what hope remainsWhat can ease my bosom's pains, Since within its secret cell Loves innumerable dwell 3 ODE XXXIV.-TO HIS MISTRESS. FLY me not, thou scornful fair, Why reject me so - Is it that my scanty hair Is whiter than the snow.' De AMris et Elementi defectu, et Vita sub Aquis,' assures rrs that swallows retire to the bottom of the water during the win. ter; and that it is common for the fishermen on the coasts of the Ba.tic to take them in their nets in large knots, clinging together by their bills and claws; and that on their being brought into a warm room, they will separate, and begin to flutter about as in spring. Kircher,-in his book' De Mundus Subterraneus,' affirms the same, and that in the northern countries they hide themselves under ground in the winter, whence they are often dug out."-Longuepierre. If the reader be desirous of further information on this point he may consult Buffon's Natural History, or Goldsmith's Ani mated Nature. 44 ANACREON. Beauty's blooming flower is thine, And on thy cheek it glows; But do not lilies brighter shine When blended with tile rose 1 ODE XXXV.-ON A PICTURE REPRESENT ING EUROPA.* TrHIs bull, my boy, is surely meant The mighty Jove to represent, Since on his back he seems to bear Through pathless seas a Tyrian fair. With steady strength he stems the tide, His hoofs the billows dash aside; For sure no other bull but he Would from his lovely heifers flee, And tempt the dangers of the sea. ODE XXXVI.-LIFE TO BE ENJOYED. WHY prate to me of critic rules, And jargon of the jangling schools. Your learned dogmas, prithee, spare, They're useless all-not worth my care. I'll hear thee gladly, canst thou tell The, happy art of living w'll; How best to mix the sparkling wine, To make the mellow draught divine; We must here imagine that we have before us a picture cmedal representing the fable of Europa. According to the Poets, it was from this princess that our quarter of the globe derives its name. "Yet sigh no more, but think of love, For know thou art the wife of Jove; Then learn to bear thy future fame When earth's wide continent shall boast thy name." Francis's Horace, book iii., ode 27 ANACREON. 45 How best to please the lovely fair, For this indeed is worth my care. Alas! each day, each hour I know, My hoary locks still whiter grow: Then bring the goblet-let me drink,'Twill only make me sad to think How near, how very near the day* When, mix'd with earth and kindred clay, My soul no more shall taste of joy, Nor schemes of bliss my mind employ. ODE XXXVII.-ON THE SPRING. THE newborn Spring awakes the flowers, And bathes their buds in dewy showers: The roses bloom, the Graces wear Fresh flowery garlands in their hair. How sleeps the sea in placid rest! No storms disturb its peaceful breast; But oft upon its surface green The diving duck is sporting seen. From distant skies now comes the cranet To seek her well-known haunts again; hat can present a stronger picture of the deplorable'state af those who only in this life have hope, than this desponding reflection? The prospect of death, considered merely as a termination of the pleasures of life, was too dreadful to be entertatied, and therefore he resolves to banish all thoughts of such an event in scenes of mirth and festivity. Is it not to be feared that he has too many imitators, even among those who, enlightened by Revelation, know that this life is but a probationary state, and yet not only neglect its duties, but, judging from their conduct, seldom bestow a single thought on them? t The migratory habits of the crane are thus described by Goldsmith in his History of Animated Nature: "The crane changes place like a wanderer; he spends the,autumn in Europe; he then flies off, probably to some more southi:ern climate, to enjoy a part of the winter; returns to Europe in the spring; crosses up to the north in summer; visits those lakes that are never dry; and then comes down again to make depredations on our cultivated grounds in autumn." A A 46 ANACREON. The smiling sun resumes his sway, And drives the dismal clouds away; The teeming earth is big with fruits, Forth into day the olive shoots; Rich, juicy clusters deck the vine, Which soon shall ripen into wine: The charming sight with joy I see, To Bacchus welcome-and to me. ODE XXXVIII. —ON HIMSELF. TRUE, ah! true, I'm growing old; Why should not the truth be told? Still, from youths I never shrink When the business is to drink. When the joyous troop advance, Still I join the merry dance: I no useless sceptre bear;* But on high my bottle rear. Should the grape some hero fire, Should he wars and fights desire, Let him fight then, if he please, I prefer my peaceful ease. Bring me, then, my gentle page, Wine that glows with strength and age.t * Among the ancients, the leader in the Bacchanalian dances bore a rod or sceptre. t However degenerated in other respects, the modern Greeks still know " where the best Chian, and what it may cost them;" at least if we may judge from the following extract: " The red wine is the most esteemed in the island: a small part only is exported, the Greeks making too good a use of it themselves. It cannot greatly sooth or propitiate a Turk's feelings towards the despised arid infidel Greeks to see them quaffing with keen delight the rich juice of the grape, and giving loose in the moment to unbounded gayety; while he, poor forbidden follower of Islam! must solace himself gravely with the pure fountain, his meager sherbet, or at most a cup of the coffee of Mocha. "-Carne's Letters from the East, vol. i., p. 63. ANACREON. 47 True, I'm old; but you shall see Old Silenus, full of glee,* Acted to the life by me. ODE XXXIX. —ON HIMSELF. WHIEN the rosy wine inspires, Every muse my bosom fires, All the joys of love and song Cheer my heart and tune my tongue. When the joys of wine I share, Farewell every anxious care; Sportive winds my sorrows sweep To the restless, roaring deep. When I drain the spacious bowl, Bacchus charms my ravish'd soul; Perfumed gales from beds of flowers Bathe in bliss the happy hours. When with rosy garlands crown'd; The social cup I pass around; Rapt in fancy's airy dream, Peaceful pleasures are my theme. When I quaff the grape's rich juice, Bathed in liquid sweets profuse, Venus claims my votive strain, Chloe fills my arms again. * Silenus was the foster-father and tutor of Bacchus, repwesented as a little, flat-nosed, bald, fat, tun-bellied, old, drunken fellow, riding on an ass. His picture is thus drawn by Ovid: — "Around the Bacchae and the Satyrs' throng, Behind; Silenus drunk lags slow along; On his dull ass he nods from side to side, Forbears to fall, yet half forgets to ride."-Eusden. 48 ANACREON. When the joy-inspiring draught Frees my soul from anxious thought, Grgaver thoughts I fling away, Sporting' with the young and gay. When I glow with generous wine, Life's real blessings all are mine, Joys beyond the reach of fateDeath is sure in every state. ODE XL. —CUPID WOUNDED.~ YOUNG Cupid, once, in luckless hour, Saw and pluck'd his favourite flower, A blooming rose-whose leaves among A bee that slept his finger stung. Loud he scream'd with sudden pain, Stamp'd and sobb'd —then scream'd again. He runs-he flies through mead and grove, To seek the beauteous Queen of Love. I' Ah me! mamma, I'm ki]l'd," he cries, "Thy child, thy own dear Cupid dies! For, as I play'd on yonder plain, A winged serpenltt-ah! what pain! A thing the plou-ghmen call a bee, With dart of poison wounded me." Fair Venus, smiling, thus replies: B' Oh dry those pretty pearly eyes; The ideas contained in this.ode have been made the subject of a song, which was a great favourite, and is still frequently heard. It is however very doubtful whether many who sing it know that they are warbling the strains of a poet who flourished more than two thousand years ago; or, in other words, that they are singi.ng a new version of one.of the odes of Anacreon. t In order to make:Cupid express his pain and alarm more strongly, Anacr.eon has made him persist in calling the bee a serpent. Theocritus has imitated this beautiful ode in his nine teenth idyllium. ANACREON. 49 Think if a little insect's sting Such painful smart to Cupid bring, Oh, what must their keen anguish be Who're wounded to the heart by thee!'Z ODE XLI.-THE BANQUET OF WINE. CoMne, let the mantling cups be crown'd, And let the jovial song go round. To Bacchus still the strain prolong, Who taught the dance, and loves the song. Companion blithe with Cupid seen, Beloved alike by beauty's queen; The father, he, of joy and mirth, To him the Graces owe their birth.s He heals the wounds of pain and grief, In him the wretched find relief. When blooming youths present the bowl Sweet joys alone possess the soul; And, borne aloft, our sorrows fly On swift-wing'd storms that sweep the sky. Then let us anxious thoughts dismiss, And pledge the cup to scenes of bliss; For what avails heart-rending care, Since mortal man is sorrow's heir. How short his life's-uncertain date!f Unknown and dark his future state. But when the brimming bowl I drain I love to dance along the plain, * Madame Dacier supposes this to be the passage on which was founded the opinion that the Graces were the daughters of Venus and Bacchus. t The ancient poets all agree in enforcing the necessity of enjoying life, on account of its brevity and uncertainty. Martial says, "I'll live to-morrow, none but fools will say: To-morrow is too late-live then to day." If this be true in the sense in which they meant it, how much 50 ANACREON. With sweet perfumes to bathe my hair And frolic with the young and fair. Let anxious idiots still despise The joys which wiser men will prize. Then, while the jovial cup goes round, To Bacchus let the song resound. ODE XLII. —ON HIMSIULF. A FRIEND to mirth and harmless sport, I love the dance which Bacchus taught. I dearly love to wake the lyre When wine or love my lays inspire; But dearer, sweeter joys I prove, When with gay smiling maids I rove While hyacinths sweet odours breathe, And round my brows their blossoms wreath, My heart from envious thoughts is free,* And even Envy still spares me: From Slander's venom'd tongue 1 fly, Aind shun the shafts of calumny. Fierce quarrels o'er the festive board My honest heart has e'er abhorr'd: But, dancing to the lute's soft strain, I love to join the blooming train. Oh! let us banish barb'rous strife, And lead a happy, peaceful life.t ODE XLIII.-ON THE GRASSHOPPER.4 HAPPY insect! all agree None can be more bless'd than thee; more forcibly will it apply to our own altered views and circum stances! * Such sentiments as these do honour to the poet, and establish his claim to the title of " the wise Anacreon." t Anacreon seems to have esteemed tranquillity the greatest blessingof life: thus, ode 39, " Peaceful pleasures are my theme.' $ This insect, though called a grasshopper, is certainly of a ANACREON. 5] Thou, for joy and pleasure born, Sipp'st the honey'd dew of morn. Happier than the sceptred king, Mid the boughs we hear thee sing. All the season's varied store, All thy little eyes explore, Fruits that tempt, and flowers that shine, Happy insect! all are thine. Injuring nothing, blamed by none, Farmers love thee-pretty one! All rejoice thy voice to hear Singing blithe when summer's near. Thee the tuneful Muses love, Sweetly chirping in the grove; Thee the great Apollo bless'd With a voice above the rest. Thou from wasting age art free, Time has naught to &) with thee. Skilful creature, child of song, Though to earth thou dost belong,? Free from Nature's woes and pains, Free from flesh, or blood-fill'd veins,i Happy thing! thou seem'st to me Almost a little god to be! very different species of locust from that so commrnon in our fields and meadows. Indeed, its habit of settling on trees is of itself a sufficient distinction. I am not aware that jt has any proper English name, though by some writers it is called the cicada, or cicala. * The ancient Athenians compared themselves to these insects, either on account of their skill in music, or because, like them, they were descended from the earth. They likewise wore golden ornaments in their hair, resembling grasshoppers. The Chinese ladies still wear fastened to their heads by springs small golden figures of a bird, the wings of which flutter with the slightest motion. -f Homer represents the gods as being free fro-m blood; and, speaking of Venus being wounded, he says, "From the clear vein a stream immortal flow'd, Such stream as issues from a wounded god; 52 ANACREON. ODE XLIV.-THE DREAM.* I DREAM'D, that over earth and sky, Possess'd with wings, I seem'd to fly; While Love pursued with swiftest pace, And soon o'ertook me in the chase; Though at his little feet were hung Large leaden weights, that loosely swung. "What can this vision mean?" I cried; " It surely may be thus applied,That I, who once could freely rove Through all the flowery paths of love, Who laugh'd at lovers and their pains, Am fetter'd now with stronger chains." ODE XLV.-CUPID'S DARTS. THE rugged mate of love's soft queen Was at the Lemnian forges seenll;t Pure emanation! uncorrupted flood! Unlike our gross, diseased, terrestrial blood. (For not the bread of man their life sustains, Nor wine's inflaming juice supplies their veins.)" Pope's Homer, book v. * Madame Dacier. says that this is one of the finest and most gallant odes of antiquity, and if she for whom it was composed was as beautiful, all Greece could -produce nothing more charming. Its meaning seems to be simply this: that passion suddenly conceived is generally transient and fleeting; but love founded on esteem and regulated by reason, though slow in its approaches, and imperceptible in its growth, makes an impression on the heart at once permanent and indelible. t Lemnos was an island in the Egean Sea, sacred to Vulcan, who, in the first book of the Iliad, gives an account of Ju.. piter's throwing him from heaven, and his fall oil that island: — " Once in your cause I felt his matchless might, Hurl'd headlong downward from th' ethereal height; Toss'd all the day in rapid circles round: Nor till the sun descended touch'd the ground; ANACREON. 53 And while their fires intensely glow. Was forging darts for Cupid's bow; Sharp-pointed shafts of peiish'd steel, Which human hearts so keeiny feel. The gentle Venus, for her part, In honey dipp'd each finish'd dart; But cruel Cupid took them all, And steep'd their barbed points in gall. Returning from the battle rude, Thie mighty Mars their business view'd; And, leaning on his massy spear.* "' What use,"' he cried, with scornful sneer "' These puny darts-these trifling toysMere playthings-only fit for boys l" " Hold!" Cupid cries, "here's one —try this, You'll find it not so much amiss;'Tis strongly made; and, for its size, Its weight will cause you much surprise." The god received it. Venus tried To check her laugh, and turn'd aside; But Mars, with sudden grief possess'd,f Cried, groaning from his inmost breast, " This little shaft gives wondrous pain; Here —take it-take it back again." "Nay, Mars, I give it with good will; Pray keep the pretty plaything still." Breathless I fell, in giddy motion lost; The Sinthians raised me on the Lemnian coast.' Pope's Homet. - The proportions of the spear and arrow are finely con-?rasted. Thetiny weapon makes the deeper wound. This sentiment is extremely beautiful; intimating that one cannot even touch the darts of Cupid with safety. Moschus concludes his first idyllium with a similar thought:"Perhaps he'll say,'Alas! no harm I know, Here, take my darts, my arrows, and my bow.' Ah! touch them not, fallacious is his aim, His darts, his arrows, all are tipp'd with flame." Fawkes. 54 ANACREON. ODE XLVI.-THE POWER OF GOLD. A THOUSAND pains we lovers prove,* Still what were life devoid of love 1 But ah! what wo, when doom'd to mourn The love that never meets return! In vain we boast of noble birth, And vain is wisdom, wit, or worth, Since sordid wealth alone is sought, And even love with gold is bought. Oh may he sleep ill endless night,'Who brought the shining plague to light iWho first gave worth to useless ore, And taught mankind to sigh for more! Gold breaks through every sacred tie, And bids a friend or brother die; The fruitful source of kindred strife,t' Gold would not spare a parent's life. Long wars and murders,'crimes untold, All spring from cursed thirst of gold; * "Oh, love! what is it in this world of ours Which makes it fatal to be loved? Al! why With cypress branches hast thou wreath'd thy bowers, And made thy best interpreter a sigh? As those who dote on odours pluck the flowers, And place them on their breast-but place to die. Thus the frail beings we would fondly cherish Are laid within our bosoms but to perish." Thus sings the bard; the magic of whose verse, in spite of reason, leads the fancy captive; the efforts of whose mighty genius will be regarded by. flture ages with sentiments of ad-.mriration, pleasure, and regret. For him the muses wove tneir brightest wreaths: why did he perversely mingle weeds, rank, poisonous weeds, with their sweet perennial flowt.s? t The ancient poets are loud in their invectives against the "auri sacra fames." Ovid says, "This is the golden age; all worship gold: Honours are purchased, love and beauty sold. Our iron age is grown an age of gold,'Tis who bids most, for all men would be sold." ANACREON. 55 And I by sad experience know'Tis gold that works the lover's wo! ODE XLVII.-YOIJNG OLD AGE. I LOVE the cheerful, blithesome sage, Whose temper ne'er betrays his age. I love the youth that dances well, To music of the sounding shell. But when an aged youth like me Can join the dance with sportive glee, Though age in hoary locks appears, His heart is ym)ng, despite his years. ODE XLVIII.-H- APPY LIFE. OH! for the harp, the harp of fire, Th'lat godlike Homer strung: But ah! on such a blood-stain'd lyre Could love's soft notes be sung? No! let the measured cups be brought,* And from this scroll divine I'll read the laws which Bacchus taught To votaries of the wine. Then warm in heart, but wisely gay,t I'll join the sportive throng; * The custom of appointing a master of the revels by the cast of a die has already been alluded to.-See ode xiv. t I find but few commentators who have noticed the very singular expression of the original in this passage. It means literally, "preserving the mind;" and is intended to express that degree of pleasurable excitement which exhilarates the spirits without overpowering the senses; or, as Cowper sa) s, " Cups which cheer but not inebriate:" though the remark is certainly applied to a beverage of a very different nature 56 ANACREON. With joy the merry harp I'll play, And thrill the jovial song. ODE XLIX. —TO A PAINTER. DEAR artist, while I wake the string, Paint thou the lovely scenes I sing: First, let my fix'd, delighted eyes, Behold a well-built city rise; And with inventive skill portray Its people happy, blithe, and gay. Describe the Bacchanalian throng, Engaged in festive dance and song; Where, while the shrill-voiced pipe is mute, Is heard the softly-breathing flute. And if the crowded space permit,* To make the blissful scene complete. Let happy pairs be seen to rove, Intent on life's best bus'ness-love. ODE L.-ON BACCHUS. SEE! the youthful god descends; Bacchus, who the youth befriends, * Allusion is here again made to the famous shield of Achilles, thus described by Homer:"Two cities radiant on the shield appear, The image one of peace, and one of war; Here sacred pomp and genial feast delight, And solemn dance and hymeneal rite; Along the streets the new-made brides are led, With torches-flaming, to the nuptial'bed: The youthful dancers in a circle bound To the soft flute and cittern's silver sound; Through the fair streets the matrons in a row Stand in the porches, and enjoy the show." Pope's Homer's Iliad. NACR iON. 57 Strings his nerves, strong toil to bear, Courage gives to win the fair; Graceful ease and skill bestows. When the vigorous dancer glows. In his hand behold he bears A.n antidote for human cares; Bless'd with which poor mortals gain Pleasure's draught unmix'd with pain. He preserves the future wine, While the crimson clusters shine, Ere the juice is taught to flow, Sweet assuager of our wo. Wine, the cure of every ill,* Proves the best physician still; All its happy patients find Health of body, ease of mind. Sound in mind —in body sound, While the rolling year goes round, Till the grapes again appear, Med'cine for another year. ODE LI.-ON A MEDAL REPRESENTING VENUS. WHA.T matchless skill! what art divine On this bright silver medal shine! On every side; above, below, The floods of ocean seem to flow; * A similar passage occurs in the Odyssey, book iv., in which the princess Helen is introduced mixing this sovereign cordial; "Meantime with genial joy to warm the soul, Bright Helen mix'd a mirth-inspiring bowl; Temper'd with drugs of sovereign use, t' assuage The boiling bosom of tumultuous rage; To clear the cloudy front of wrinkled care, And dry the tearful sluices of despair. Charm'd with that virtuous draught, th' exalted mind All sense of wo delivers to the wind." Fenton. 58 ANACREONM. While softly gliding, calm and clear, The undulating waves appear. Some heav'n-taught genius, in its flight, Has dared attempt the wondrous sight* Of Venus, love's soft deity, Emerging from the silver sea. What bright anid dazzling beauties rise To charm the gazer's ravish'd eyes! And those the jealous waves conceal, Sure none but impious hands reveal. She, like some sea-flower, fresh and gay, Shines glittering on her watery way. Where'er the lovely goddess swims, Obsequious billows kiss her limbs; Now rise above, now sink below Her rose-bud breasts and neck of snow. As virgin lilies brighter show Amid the dark-leaved violet's glow, So through the dark-blue wave is seen The beauteous form of love's dear queen. See, gayly sporting at her side, Young laughing Loves on dolphins ride, And o'er the silvery surface glide. The crooked natives of the deep, With wanton curve and bounding leap, Attend the goddess in her train, Where'er she smiling skims the main. * Many a poet has dared attempt the description. Ticke., s tis " Prospect of Peace," has the following lines:"As when sweet Venus, so the fable sings, Awaked by Nereids, from the ocean springs; With smiles she sees the threat'ning billows rise, Spreads smooth the surge, and clears the low'ring skies; Light o'er the deep, with fluttering Cupids crown'd, The pearly conch and silver turtles bound; Her tresses shed ambrosial odours round." ANACREON. 59ODE LII. —ON THE VINTAGE. Now ripen'd by the genial sun, The grapes are glean'd; the sports begun See youths and smiling virgins bear* The purple produce of the year; In vats the luscious burden lies, And home the modest maiden hies: For joyous youths alone remain, With blood-red juice their- limbs to stain,j To crush the cluster's bloomy pride, And revel in the crimson tide. Then loud they raise the vintage hymn, When foaming o'er the vessel's brim They view the joy-inspiring juice, Which Bacchus sends them for their use. Should hoary age inhale the draught, His youth renew'd, at least in thought, His tott'ring, trembling limbs advance, And try the long-forgotten dance. But when the youth its influence feels, When wine prevails, and reason reels; When wandering through the lonely grove His heart beats high with hopes of love; If there, beneath the secret shade, He chance to spy some lovely maid, Who, press'd by sleep's invading pow'r,, " Fair maids and blooming youths, that smiling bear The purple product of th' autumnal year." Pope. t We are informed by travellers that the ancient custom of treading the grapes is still practised in many of the wine countries. Matthews, in his " Diary of an Invalid," has given us a full description of this disgusting process, which he witnessed in Portugal. After the juice-is crushed out it is put into vats to ferment itself fine, during which process all impurities are carefully removed. It may however be proper to mention, that of late years wine-presses have come into more generlal use 60 ANACREON. Lies slumb'ring mid the leafy bowei,7 Herself the fairest, frailest flower,Before the startled maid can rouse He breathes his hasty, burning vows, And while his breast with Bacchus glows, His lawless love he dares propose. In vain the angry fair denies, He better reads her telltale eyes; And sure of victory ere'tis won, His eager suit he urges on; And when his soft persuasion fails, Rude, boisterous Bacchus oft prevails. And thus the wallton god decoys The youth to wild intemperate joys. ODE LIII.-ON THE ROSE.* Trou, my friend, shalt sweep the string, I, in softest strains will sing, While its fragrance round us flows, The queen of flowers-the lovely rose. Its perfumed breath ascends the skies On every gentle gale that sighs: Its sweets descend to earth again Alike beloved by gods and men. When Spring awakes the slumbering flowerse And music breathes amid the bowers, Thee, darling gem, the Graces wear Intwined amid their flowing hair; And rosy wreaths alone may dress The queen of love and loveliness. In every song and fable knownt The Muses claim thee as their own. * This ode will be understood by supposing that Anacreon, while celebrating a rose, requests a lyrist to accompany his voice. t The editor of an ingenious little edition of this author observes. "Did Anacreon anticipate the beautiful fable cf the ANACREON. 61 Thou bidd'st thy blooming sweetness blow In thorny paths of pain and wo. But, oh! what joy, when bless'd we rove Through rosy bowers, and dream of love; While bliss on every breeze is borne, To pluck the rose without the thorn: With gentlest touch its leaves to press, And raise it to our soft caress! Oh! thou art still the poet's theme, And thee a welcome guest we deem, To grace our feasts and deck our hair, When Bacchus bids us banish care. E'en Nature does thy beauties prize, She steals thy teints to paint the skies; For.rosy-finger'd is the morn With which the crimson veil is drawn The lovely nymphs we always deck With rosy arms and rosy neck, rose'Sultana of the Nightingale,' so justly a favourite with later eastern poets? "All the country is now full of nightingales, whose amours with roses is an Arabian fable, as well known here as any part of Ovid among us." —Lady Mlontague's Letters. " For well may maids of Helle deem That this can be no earthly flower, Which mocks the tempest's withering hour, And buds unshelter'd by a bower -; Nor droops, though Spring refuse her shower Nor woos the summer beam: To it the livelong night there sings A bird unseen, but not remote: Invisible his airy wings, But soft as harp that Houri strings His long, entrancing note! It were the bulbul; but his throat,'Though mournful, pours not such a strain: For they who listen cannot leave The spot, but linger there and grieve As if they loved in vain!"-Bride of Abydos The reader will, I trust, pardon the length of this extract, ox account of its enchanting beauty. ANAC. —F 62 ANACREON. And roseate teints are ever seen To bloom the cheeks of beauty's queen. Its power to sooth the pangs of pain* Physicians try, nor try in vain; And e'en when life and hope are fled Its deathless scent embalms the dead: For, though its withering charms decay, And, one by one, all fade away, Its grateful smell the rose retains, And redolent of youth remains.t But, lyrist, let it next be sung From whence this precious treasure sprung — When first from ocean's dewy spray Fair Venus rose to upper day; When, fearful to the powers above, The armed Pallas sprung from Jove;'Twas then they say the jealous earth First gave the lovely stranger birth. A drop of pure nectareous dew From heaven the bless'd immortals threw; A while it trembled on the thorn, And then the lovely rose was born. To Bacchus they the flower assign, And roses still his brows intwine. ODE LIV.-ON HIMSELF. WHILE I view the youthful throng Fancy whispers I am young! To the merry dance I fly, Who so gay, so brisk as I. Haste, Cybele, bring me flowers, Bring sweet roses from the bowers; * In Anacreon's time roses were frequently used medici nally. t " And redolent of joy and youth To breathe a second spring." Gray's Ode to Eton College. ANACREON. 63 Quick a graceful garland twine, Youthful vigour still is mine. Hateful, hoary age, away! Let me sport with striplings gay; Bring the bright autumnal bowlAge can ne'er subdue the soul. Still I raise the cheerful strain, Still the brimming bowl I drain; Still with native humour gay, Sport the happy hours away! ODE LV.-THE LOVER'S MARK. THE courser bears a brand of fire, To mark his owner, or his sire; The turban, twisted round his brows,* The fiery foreign Parthian shows; And I by instinct sure can tell The lover's mark —I know it well: For love in vain concealment tries, The soul peeps through the telltale eyes.t * The tiara worn by the ancient Parthians resembled the modern turban. Addison has translated from Dionysius the following description of the situation and manners of this ancient people:"Beyond the Caspian straits those realms extend, Where circling bows the martial Parthians bend. Versed only in the rougher arts of war, No fields they wound, nor urge the shining share; No ships they boast to stem the rolling tide, Nor lowing herds o'er flow'ry meadows guide: But infants wing the feather'd shaft for flight, And rein the fiery steed with fond delight. On every plain the whistling spear alarms, The neighing courser, and the clang of arms; For there no food the little heroes taste Till warlike sweat has earn'd the short repast." t The eyes, the windows of the soul, are notorious telltales of what is passing within. 64 - ANACREON. ODE LVI. —ON HIS OLD AGE.* ALAS! my youth, my joys have fled, The snows of age have bleach'd my head. Tedious, toothless, trembling age, Must'now alone my thoughts engage! Adieu, ye joys which once I knewTo life, to love, to all, adieu! Henceforth, unhappy! doom'd to know Tormenting fears of future wo! Oh! how my soul with horror shrinkst Whene'er my startled fancy thinks Of Pluto's dark and. dreary cave, The chill, the cheerless, gaping grave! When death's cold hand has closed these eyes And stifled life's last struggling sighs, In darkness and in dust must 1, Alas! for ever-ever lie! ODE LVI.L-THAT MODERATION ENHANCES ENJOYMENT. HASTE! haste thee, boy, and bring the bowl, To quench this fever of the soul; The copious streani with skill combine, Add ten parts water, five of wine;t * It is supposed by many that the five following odes were not written by Anacreon; but, as Barnes admits them into his edi. tion, and they are given in most other translations, it was thought proper to insert them here. t Let the reader contrast this exclamation of the despairing heathen philosopher, with the exulting language of " Paul the aged"-when ready to be offered, and the time of his departure at hand. X Hesiod, with all the minuteness of "narrative old age," gives many directions to be observed in the summer season. Among the rest, in book ii., he thus advises us: — "With Byblian wine the rural feast be crown'd, Three parts of water, let the bowl go round." —ooke. ANACREON. 65 The cooling draught will thirst assuage, Nor in the breast too fiercely rage. Oh cease, my friends, for shame, give o'er These clamorous shouts, this deaf'ning roar: This Scythian scene all peace destroys;* Turns joy to madness, mirth to noise. Let cheerful temperance rule the soul, The best ingredient in the bowl. ODE LVIII.-LOVE IN THE HEART.t As once, amid the rosy bowers, I wove a crown of fairest flowers, Love, little urchin, lurking sly Beneath the leaves I chanced to spy; Around his wings the wreath I twine, And plunge him in a cup of wine: Then love, in each delicious draught, I from the foaming goblet quaff'd. Oh! still he moves his fluttering wings, Still to my heart strange transport brings ODE LIX.-ON HIMSELF.1 METHOUGHT, in sleep's delightfil trance, I saw Anacreon advance; * The Sicythians were particularly remarkable for their in temperance in drinking, and for quarrelling in their cups. f This ode is by some ascribed to Julian, a king of Egypt, who wrote several other elegant little pieces. Being supposed to possess much beauty, it is given in most translations of Anacreon, and is consequently inserted here. t In the Vatican copy this is placed as the first of Anacreon's odes. By many it is thought that he was not the author, because he himself is the subject of it. Barnes endeavours to prove that he was, by a reference to the ninth ode, in which Anacreon makes mention of himself, and to similar instances of poets in troducing their names in their works. 66 ANACREON. The tuneful Teian, skill'd to sing The lays of love on warbling string. I hasten'd to his kind embrace, And kiss'd his sweetly smiling face. Though somewhat old, he seemed to wage Successful war with spiteful age: For love still beam'd in each bright eye, And from his lips there seem'd to fly Sweet gales of rich and rosy wine, Which shed a fragrance quite divine. His slow and staggering steps were stay'd By laughing Cupid's kindly aid. The garland that intmwined his hair The bard unbound and bade me wear. Anacreon's burning soul it breathed, And I with it my brows enwreathed. E'er since my heart is doom'd to prove The pleasing pains of lasting love. ODE LX.-ON THE SPRING. How sweet through sunny meads to stray, With Flora's rich profusion gay, While Zephyr breathes its softest sighs, And mingled perfumes round us rise! How sweet beneath the secret shade, By the vine's broad foliage made,* With some loved fair to pass the day, And talk th' unheeded hours away! * "The country from hence to Adrianople is the finest iL the vorld. Yines grow wild on all the hills, and the perpetual spring they enjoy makes everything gay and flourishing."-Lady, Montague's Letters. THE END.