Antistrophe.
Through slender brass it flows; through many a reeden quill,
That grew by the Graces' town for choral dance renowned,
In nymph Cephisis' hallowed haunts; true witness of dancers' skill!
Ne'er, save by toiling, mortal aught of bliss hath found;
But all that lacks, in one brief day, can Destiny's power supply.
What fate ordains may none avoid: needs must a day befall
Of chances unforeseen, that, maugre all
Man's scheming, part will grant and part deny!"
The poem has no Epodes, showing that it was intended to be sung by a procession without the usual halts. The prize of the Pythia was a crown of laurel, the especial emblem of Apollo, recalling the legend so beautifully told by Wordsworth:—
"'Tis sung in ancient minstrelsy,
That Phœbus wont to wear
The leaves of any pleasant tree
Around his golden hair;
Till Daphne, desperate with pursuit
Of his imperious love,
At her own prayer transformed took root,
A laurel in the grove.
Then did the Penitent adorn
His brow with laurel green;
And 'mid his bright locks, never shorn,
No meaner leaf was seen;
