Page:Pindar and Anacreon.djvu/59

Rh To slake the youthful bridegroom's thirst,

In honour of connubial love.

The social pledge he bears on high,

And homeward as his course he bends,

Blesses the fond connubial tie,

Admired by all his circling friends.

E'en thus I bring the nectar'd strain,

The muses' gift, to those who gain

The Pythian and Olympic crown;

Thrice bless'd, to whom 'tis giv'n to share

The arduous fruit of mental care,

Cheer'd by the voice of high renown!

Full many a victor in the fray

My life-inspiring strains survey—

Which bids the sweet-toned, lyre its music raise,

And wake the sounding flutes through all their notes of praise.

And now, Diagoras, to thee

They breathe united melody.

When Rhodes the warlike isle is sung,

Apollo's bride from Venus sprung;

He too, the hero brave and bold,

With hardy frame of giant mould,

Who by Alphéus' sacred tide,

And where Castalia's waters glide,

First in the cæstus' manly fray

Bore the triumphant prize away.

Let Damagetus next, his sire,

To justice dear, the strain inspire.

Fix'd on that isle which three fair cities grace,

Where Embolus protects wide Asia's coast,

They dwell united with the Argive host.