To whom that city Hiero rear'd—
Subjected to the bonds of law
Which Doric states from Hyllus draw— [1]
Since heavenly freedom reigns where laws are fear'd.
The heroes who their noble race 120
From Pamphilus and great Alcides trace,
Who dwelt in distant times below
Taygetus' aspiring brow,
By true allegiance bound would still
Ægimius' high behests fulfil. 125
From Pindus rushing to the main
'Twas theirs Amyclæ's walls to gain.
In glory as in station near
The heavenly twins from Leda sprung, 129
Whose milk-white steeds and conquering spear
Throughout th' applauding world are sung. 129
Still o'er their fortune, Jove, preside,
And may the tongue of Truth proclaim
By Amena's Sicilian tide
Their citizens' and monarch's fame. 135
Still may the venerable king
Direct his son's obedient mind,
To harmony his subjects bring,
And in firm ties of concord bind.
Saturnian king!—if aught my prayers avail, 140
Soon will the shouts of hostile Tuscans cease,
Phœnicia's baffled sons from Cumæ sail, [2]
And all our naval contest end in peace. 141
By Syracusa's lord o'erthrown,
- ↑ The colony of Ætna, as well as the Megarensians and Syracusaus, were of Doric origin; the latter of whom received their laws from Hyllus, son of Hercules.
- ↑ This naval victory, achieved by the brothers Hiero and Gelo over the Etruscans off the coast of Cumæ, is again mentioned in the [[../../Nemean Odes/9|ninth Nemean ode]], v. 69, et sq., with nearly the
