This noble mind in days of yore [1]
Antilochus the valiant bore,
Who Æthiop Memnon's deadly strife
Sustaining, saved his father's life;
For struck by Paris' dart, the steed 35
Slack'd the Nestorean chariot's speed;
While he the powerful spear urged on,
And the Messenian sage, his breast
By agitating fear oppress'd,
With no vain effort call'd his son. 36 40
Thus the firm hero's yielded breath
Redeem'd his much-loved sire from death.
Of all who in a former age
E'er trod the world's eventful stage,
Him first this wondrous act will prove 45
In virtue and parental love.
But his renown has pass'd away.
Among the heroes of the day
Shines Thrasybulus, whose fair deeds proclaim
His steps have reach'd the height of sire and uncle's fame. 46 50
His youth, exempt from fraud and pride,
Collects deep wisdom's ample store,
Wont in the muses' haunts to hide,
And cull their scientific lore;
While thy sweet arts his willing mind, 55
Equestrian lord, earth-shaking Neptune, bind;
And his sweet soul, in social converse free,
Transcends the honey'd labour of the bee. 54
