maiden[1] Hera, and next to know for sure whether we are escaped from the ancient reproach that spake truly of Bœotian swine. For thou art a true messenger, a writing-tally[2] of the Muses goodly-haired, a bowl wherein to mix high-sounding songs.
And bid them make mention of Syracuse and of Ortygia, which Hieron ruleth with righteous sceptre devising true counsels, and doth honour to Demeter whose footsteps make red the corn, and to the feast of her daughter with white steeds, and to the might of Aetnaean Zeus. Also he is well known of the sweet voices of the song and lute. Let not the on-coming time break his good fortune. And with joyful welcome may he receive this triumphal song, which travelleth from home to home, leaving Stymphalos' walls, the mother-city of Arcadia, rich in flocks.
Good in a stormy night are two anchors let fall from a swift ship. May friendly gods grant to both peoples[3] an illustrious lot: and thou O lord and ruler of the sea, husband of Amphitritë of the golden distaff, grant this my friend straight voyage and unharmed, and bless the joyous flower of my song.
- ↑ Hera was worshipped in her prenuptial as well as her postnuptial state.
- ↑ It was a custom between correspondents who wished for secrecy to have duplicate σκυτάλαι, or letter-sticks. The writer wrote on a roll wrapt round his stick, and the receiver of the letter read it wrapt similarly on his. And thus Ainĕas the bearer of this ode would teach the chorus of Stymphalians how rightly to sing and understand it. See σκυτάλη in Dict. Ant.
- ↑ I. e. of Stymphalos and Syracuse. Agesias was a citizen of both, and thus his two homes are compared to two anchors.
