Offers the due, the noblest meed15
To recompense the victor's deed.
The sounding harp then let us raise—
And in th' equestrian contests' praise
Give the sonorous flute to blow—
Those contests which in Phœbus' name20
Adrastus consecrates to fame,
Where pure Asopus' waters flow.
These my recording muse shall trace,
And with illustrious wreaths the hero grace. 24
Who ruling then with sceptred sway25
In contests of corporeal might,
And in his polish'd chariots' flight,
Raised his loved city's name on high
With new and festal revelry.
From bold Amphiaraus far30
Fell discord and intestine war,
And Argive home he urged his way.
No more by this dire fiend oppress'd,
Their empire Talaus' sons possessed:[1]
But a good man composes hate,35
And enmities of ancient date. 36
As when the firmest pledge of truth,
Adrastus to Œclides' bed
His sister Eriphyle led,
Her who subdued the hapless youth—40
Over the bright-hair'd Grecian train
'Twas theirs dominion to obtain.
When they to Thebes' seven portals bring
(Cheer'd by no bird's auspicious wing)
Their numerous host—Saturnian Jove,45
Who hurls his lightning shafts above,
Exhorted their mad haste to stay,
Nor urge from home their lengthen'd way. 48
- ↑ The children of Talaus were Adrastus, Parthenopæus, Pronax, Mecistheus, and their sister Eriphyle, who was married to the prophet Amphiaraus.
