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Rh Since to their hymns it pleased th' immortal train

To render back the valiant hero slain.

And now to haste with loud acclaim

The muses' rapid car, agrees

With him who would exalt the fame

Of pugilistic Nicocles,

Whose valour on the Isthmian plain

The Doric parsley could obtain:

Since he as well in days of yore

The palm from neighb'ring rivals bore;

And their presumptuous spirit broke

With his inevitable stroke.

Actions like these will ne'er disgrace

His valiant uncle's noble race.

May one of the coeval band

The laurel crown with friendly hand,

For the pancratium's victor twine,

Around Cleander's brow to shine;

Since him before with prosperous fate

Alcathous' game in festal state

Throng'd by the Epidaurian youth, received.

Well may the good resound his praise

Who ne'er the morning of his days

Consumed in idle sloth, by no fair deeds retrieved.