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174 From the great gods to man arise

The springs of valorous enterprise.

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,

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.

To her, besides, Saturnius gave

A people arm'd, equestrian, brave;

And oft encircled with th' Olympic crown.

The olive wreath that victory weaves

Resplendent with its golden leaves,

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.

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

The paths to eminence that tend—

In action, manly strength is shown;

In counsel, the reflecting mind;

To whose sagacious foresight known,

Lies the dark future unconfined.