Renew their annual vigour, bless'd
With due vicissitudes of rest.
Warm from the pleasing Nemean game,
'Twas thus the hardy stripling came, 20
This contest, which began from Jove,
Pursuing with unwearied pace,
He for the wrestler's chaplet strove,
Eager as huntsman in the chase;
Tracking his grandsire's bright career, 25
Praxidamas, his steps appear.
He, where Alpheus' waters flow,
Olympia's wreath around his brow
To grace th' Æacidæ entwined,
Five times on him the Isthmian crown 30
And Nemea's thrice conferr'd renown;
No longer in oblivion pined
Soclides, plant of elder shoot
From Agesimachus, the parent root. 37
Since they, the triple chaplet gain'd, 35
To valour's summit have attain'd—
With labour and triumphant might
Contending in the glorious fight.
More numerous palms by favouring Heav'n
Have to no other house been given, 40
Won in the pugilistic fray,
Than such as on the Isthmian strand,
Recess of all the Grecian land,
This noble tribe has borne away. 45
With lofty eloquence of speech 45
The destined mark I hope to reach.
Thither, oh muse, from out thy bow
The shaft of epic sweetness throw.
To them the bards of other days
Have given the meed of honest praise; 50
Since frequent acts transmit to fame
