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Rh Ev'n so, Apollo, thou, whom Lycia's plain,

Whom Delus, and Castalia's springs obey,

These hopes regard, and Aetna's glory raise

With valiant sons, triumphant steeds, and heav'nly lays!

For human virtue from the gods proceeds;

They the wise mind bestow'd, and smooth'd the tongue

With elocution, and for mighty deeds

The nervous arm with manly vigor strung.

All these are Hiero's: these to rival lays

Call forth the bard. Arise then, Muse, and speed

To this contention; strive in Hiero's praise,

Nor fear thy efforts shall his worth exceed;

Within the lines of truth secure to throw,

Thy dart shall still surpass each vain attempting foe.

So may succeeding ages, as they roll,

Great Hiero still in wealth and bliss maintain,

And joyous health recalling, on his sold

Oblivion pour of life-consuming pain.

Yet may thy memory with sweet delight

The various dangers and the toils recount,

Which in intestine wars and bloody fight

Thy patient virtue, Hiero, did surmount;

What time, by Heav'n above all Grecians crown'd,

The prize of sov'reign sway with thee thy brother found.

Then like the son of Poean didst thou war,

Smit with the arrows of a sore disease;