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Full oft has Iolaus' shrine

Upon Eleusis' sea-girt strand

Witnessed the splendid acts which shine

To crown the efforts of his hand.

In his own path each labours well,

As nature grants him to excel.

While many with laborious aim

Toil up the rugged steep of fame,

If the kind god forbear to bless

Their vain endeavour with success,

Let silence hide th' unfinish'd tale

Within oblivion's dusky veil.

Far different are the ways which tend

To glory as their common end.

Not all mankind are prone to feel

In the same care an equal zeal.

But arduous paths must they explore

Who to the heights of wisdom soar.

While I this lay triumphant bring,

With voice sonorous let me sing

The hero's praise whose spirit bold

Join'd to a frame of hardy mould,

Urged him upon th' Oilean plain

The palm of glory to obtain.

Then round the Æantean shrine

In festal pomp the wreath entwine.