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TO STREPSIADES THE THEBAN, VICTOR IN THE PANCRATIUM.

begins this highly poetical ode with an address to Thebes; concisely enumerating her ancient glories, and the most remarkable events in her history.—Praises the maternal uncle of Strepsiades, who had fallen in battle.—Then returns to the victor, and mingles good wishes with his commendations.—Concludes with beseeching Apollo to add a victory in the Isthmian games to the other triumphs of Strepsiades.

happy Thebes! of all thy former joys,

Which now the most thy mind employs?

Is it the hour when first to light of day

The fair-hair'd Bacchus sprang,

By Ceres throned, whose priests their homage pay

With cymbals' brazen clang?

Or think'st thou of the midnight hour

When veil'd within a golden shower

The chief of the celestial band

Deign'd at Amphitryo's doors to stand?