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TO ASOPICHUS OF ORCHOMENOS, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE STADIC COURSE, GAINED IN THE SEVENTIETH OLYMPIAD.

ode begins with a highly poetical invocation to the Graces, guardians of Orchomenos, that they may bless the victor with their propitious influence.—The poet concludes with an address to Echo, enjoining her to carry the news of his conquest to the city of Proserpine, in order to gratify his father Cleodamus with the pleasing intelligence.

of Cephisian streams! who reign

Where generous coursers graze the plain,

And rule Orchomenos the fair;

Ye Graces! who with power divine

Protect the ancient Minyæ's line,

Oh listen to my humble prayer.

To you the grateful bard shall raise

His tribute of poetic praise;

Since wisdom, beauty, splendour flow

From your bright sphere to man below.

Not without you the bless'd above

Or join in banquet or in chorus move.

But throned on high, your lovely train

Placed near the Pythian god of day,

Whose golden shafts the beams of light display,

All the high deeds of Heaven ordain,

And praise th' Olympic sire with hymns of endless love.

Aglaia, offspring of his might divine,

Thalia and Euphrosyne, whose ear