Ye woody shades of Pisa's grove,
That o'er Alphéus' waters bend,
From you the wreath which victory wove,
And the triumphant hymn descend;
Receive the pomp and festal song 15
Which justly to your fame belong. 14
The deeds of glory and renown
Mankind with well-earn'd chaplets crown;
And by th' indulgent powers of heaven
Success in various paths is given. 20
Timosthenes, the influence shed
By Jove around thy youthful head,
In Nemea's plain effulgent shone;
While Cronium's hill return'd the sound,
What time Olympia's chaplet crown'd 25
Thy victor brow, Alcimedon.
On that fair form and lovely face
His glorious deeds shed no disgrace.
Triumphant from the wrestler's toil
By glory fired and filial pride, 30
His loved Ægina's naval isle
With high renown he dignified.
Where Themis, the lorn stranger's shield,
Assessor of protecting Jove,
Her righteous sceptre joys to wield, 35
Adored by more than mortal love. 30
Where nations meet and various laws prevail,
'Tis hard with even poise to hold the scale.
But the immortal gods' behest
Ordain'd this ocean-girded land, 40
Sure refuge of each wandering guest,
Firm as the column's shaft to stand.
(And oh! may future ages join
Unwearied to assist their great design!) 38
Hence ruled by chiefs of Doric race, 45
Who from great Æacus their empire trace.
