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poet, having laid aside the task which he had on hand, declares his wish to compose an ode to the conqueror Herodotus, after the example of Castor and Iolaus, in praise of whom he digresses.—Justice of celebrating the victor's triumphs, which are recorded in the remaining part of the ode.

mother, Thebes with golden shield,

My theme shall to thy glory yield.

Let rocky Delos not disdain,

For whom I late have pour'd the strain.

Aught happier can the virtuous prove

Than venerated parents' love?

Bless'd by Apollo's fostering care,

Resign, oh isle, thine envied place.

With the gods' aid, a double grace

To happy issue will I bear.

Hymning the unshorn Phœbus' might,

Round Ceos where the waters flow,

And Isthmus, that with giant height

Uprears her ocean-girded brow.

Since on the brave Cadmæan band

Six chaplets his victorious arm

Bestow'd, to grace his native land

With conquering valour's brightest charm.

Alcmena there in days of yore

Her own intrepid offspring bore;

Him whom Geryon's monsters bold

With terror shudder'd to behold.