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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 Hebe, with which he concludes the ode.

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 Ætnæan Jove.

Me Chromius' car excites on Nemea's plain

With his proud deeds to join th' encomiastic strain.