Page:Pindar and Anacreon.djvu/183

Rh

Son of Agesidamus! thee

To crown both might and skill agree.

A hidden and superfluous store

Of wealth I wish not to possess;

But while they sing my praises o'er,

With ready hand my friends to bless;

Since men to arduous deeds who soar

Hope the same glory and success.

When valour's lofty arts are sung,

Alcides prompts my willing tongue,

Rehearsing ancient fame.

The hero whom in radiance bright

Maternal throes sent forth to light,

With his twin brother came.

Him Juno on her golden throne survey'd,

In swaddling clothes of saffron hue array'd.

Then quickly raging at the view,

The gods' bright queen her dragons sent;

And they, the open portals through,

Deep in the spacious chamber went;

Eager the infants to compress

Within their rapid jaws' caress.

But he, with head in proud array

Stretch'd forth, began the deadly fray;

Daring the double snake to clasp

In his inevitable grasp;

And soon compress'd, the spirit flies

Their members of gigantic size.

Struck with intolerable dread,

The women trembled round Alcmena's bed:

While she with naked foot arose,

Prompt to repel the rage of her tremendous foes.

The chiefs of the Cadmæan band

In brazen arms tumultuous went,

And bold Amphitryon in his hand

Quick vibrating the unsheath'd brand,