Page:Pindar and Anacreon.djvu/216

208 From whom and mighty Jove was given to spring

In arm and counsel strong, Œnone's king.

Him many oft begg'd to survey,

Since of the nations dwelling round,

The flower of that heroic train

Who led their armies on the plain

By rock-protected Athens crown'd,

And they of Pelops' valiant band

Scatter'd throughout the Spartan land,

Would fain his lordly will obey.

While I in suppliant action seize

Great Æacus' time-honour'd knees,

Imploring the loved city's weal,

And citizens' with anxious zeal.

To Deinis now the wreath I bring,

With Lydian melodies entwined,

And Nemea's double stadium sing,

His father Megas' praise combined.

From bounties which the god bestows

More lasting bliss to mortals flows;

Who royal Cinyras erewhile

Loaded with wealth in Cyprus' isle.

Now on suspended foot I rest,

Pausing ere I my tale unfold—

Since they who carry to the test

Whate'er by ancient bards is told,

Seeking to feign a story new,

All that is perilous pursue.

Such fictions give the envious food,

Who spare the feeble, but assault the good.

Pierced by the sword, through these undone,

Died Telamon's heroic son.

Unskill'd in speech, though brave in soul,

Oblivion's waves his deeds control;

While varied falsehood in the fray

The mighty guerdon bears away.