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192 Heroes whose warlike glories spring

From Saturn and the heavenly king,

And Thetis' golden Nereid train;

Illustrating with high renown

The parent city's walls that crown

Ægina's hospitable plain.

Her they implored, as near the shrine

Of their Hellenian sire they stood,

That bless'd with sons in battle good

And naval strife her fame might shine;

Then raised their suppliant hands on high

Endeis' noble progeny,

Together with King Phocus' might,

Whom erst bright Psamathea bore,

A goddess, on her sandy shore.

I dread to speak with lofty tongue,

And show what direful ills have sprung

From slighted sense of right.

By what avenging god expell'd,

Their glorious isle the valiant band

Deserted—but my song withheld

From the sad theme, will make a stand.

'Tis not for every truth to show

Its undisguised and open brow—

Oft the best prudence of the wise

In silent meditation lies.

But would my song a tribute raise

Their wealth or manual strength to praise,

And iron firmness in the war,

I'd leap beyond the rest afar,

Proving with lightly bended knee

My supple frame's agility;

While rushes my adventurous strain

On eagle wing beyond the main.