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Ere yet the sun's resplendent light

Had travell'd its meridian height,

For his own daughter hoped to gain

A brighter hymeneal chain.

For in the stadium's farthest end

To the whole choir he fix'd a place,

And bade the amorous train contend

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.

Adorn'd in all her bright array

Close to the goal he bade her stay.

Sweet issue of their manly toil—

"Her garments," thus he cried aloud,

"Who touches first, of all the crowd,

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.

To him in many a strife before

The leafy crown they gave, on victory's wing to soar!