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62

Through slender brass it flows; through many a reeden quill,

That grew by the Graces' town for choral dance renowned,

In nymph Cephisis' hallowed haunts; true witness of dancers' skill!

Ne'er, save by toiling, mortal aught of bliss hath found;

But all that lacks, in one brief day, can Destiny's power supply.

What fate ordains may none avoid: needs must a day befall

Of chances unforeseen, that, maugre all

Man's scheming, part will grant and part deny!"

The poem has no Epodes, showing that it was intended to be sung by a procession without the usual halts. The prize of the Pythia was a crown of laurel, the especial emblem of Apollo, recalling the legend so beautifully told by Wordsworth:—

Tis sung in ancient minstrelsy,

That Phœbus wont to wear

The leaves of any pleasant tree

Around his golden hair;

Till Daphne, desperate with pursuit

Of his imperious love,

At her own prayer transformed took root,

A laurel in the grove.

Then did the Penitent adorn

His brow with laurel green;

And 'mid his bright locks, never shorn,

No meaner leaf was seen;