Page:Pindar and Anacreon.djvu/43

Rh When, as Eurystheus' will was told,

Necessity from Father Jove

To bring the hind with horns of gold

His persecuted offspring drove:

Which erst, in sacred pomp array'd,

Taygeta had given to please th' Orthosian maid.

This as he urged in warm pursuit,

His eyes survey'd the region there

Which chilling Boreas render'd bare,

Admiring the tall olive's shoot;

Then sweet desire possess'd his soul

To plant the consecrated root

Around the twelve-times circled goal.

And now to crown the solemn feast,

The hero comes, propitious guest,

With deep-zoned Leda's twinborn pair.

To them the glorious charge he gave,

Ascending to Olympus' height,

To fix the contest's laws, and crown the brave

Who sped his victor car, or won the palm of might.

Then justly noble Theron's fame

My mind exhorts me to proclaim;

And sing th' Emmenidæs' high race,

Whom Jove's equestrian offspring grace

With honours and rewards divine,

So bright their virtuous actions shine.

By them the sacred rites are paid,

By them the liberal banquet laid

With more abundant plenty stored

Than often crowns a mortal board.