A race renown'd in ancient lore,
Who their own high encomium bore,
And by their vigorous deeds could yield 55
To such as till Pieria's field
Full many a hymn—his hands around
The cæstus' leathern safeguard bound,
From the same tribe in Pytho's fray
Brave Callias erst the prize obtain'd, 60
And Phœbus' high approval gain'd,
From golden-sceptred Lato sprung; [1]
Whose triumphs at the close of day
The Graces' choir in bright array
Have by Castalia's waters sung. 66 65
And where the Isthmian bridge divides
Th' unwearied and opposing tides,
To him the Amphictyons' high decree
Assign'd their palm of victory,
Who by triennial bullocks slain 70
Appeased the monarch of the main.
Him too the lion's parsley crown'd
Triumphant on that sacred ground
Which lies beneath the shade outspread
Of Phlius' ancient mountain's head. 74 75
Open to bards on every side
Is the fair theme, the entrance wide,
Who to this glorious island raise
The tribute of poetic praise.
To them the Æacidæ have shown 80
Their mighty virtues' ample fame;
While far o'er earth and sea has flown
The sound of their illustrious name.
Even to the distant Æthiops' seat, 84
Ere Memnon homeward urged his wandering feet.
