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Whose noble deeds this island raise

To heights of glory and of praise;

Gracing with Phœbus' Pythian strain

Thearion's venerable fane.

The issue of the contest tells

In what high efforts each excels.

When with the stripling band a boy,

A man with men of riper age,

He made triumphant aims employ

Each period of life's mortal stage;

And lengthened time with wisdom fraught

Prudence, the fourth best virtue, taught;

That can success on each design bestow.

Then hail, my enterprising friend;

To thee this beverage sweet I send,

Where the white milk and mingled honey flow.

Thus with the dew of song aspire

Soft breathings of th' Æolian lyre,

Though tardy be the lay.

Swiftest of birds, the eagle wends

Her flight, and with sharp talon rends

On high th' ensanguined prey;

While daws, below, a chattering brood,

Inglorious crop their earthly food.

For thee, if high-throned Clio raise

In thy victorious spirit's praise

The hymn, from Nemea shines the light,

From Megara and Epidaurus bright.