Glory for her his conquests weave
Who shall with willing mind receive
The hero from the Delphic toil,
In his loved female-beauteous soil. 132
Great virtues ask a lengthen'd song— 140
But to adorn a high emprise
Briefly, is grateful to the wise;
Since its due limits to each act belong.
Seven-portall'd Thebes great Iolaus knew
The fitting opportunity pursue. 145
Him, when the proud Eurystheus' head
His vengeful sword had severed,
By charioteer Amphitryo's tomb
Earth hid within its tranquil breast,
Whither in ages past had come 150
His grandsire, th' earth-sown warrior's guest;
Who dwelt where milk-white coursers' feet
Sounded in the Cadmæan street. 147
Compress'd by his and Jove's embrace,
With the same pang Alcmena bore 155
Of sons a twin heroic race.
Mute and unskill'd in sacred lore
Were he who would refuse to raise
His voice in great Alcides' praise;
Forgetting the Dircæan spring, 160
That nurtured him and Iphicles, to sing.
To them will I the hymn address
Who crown my efforts with success.
Ne'er let the vocal Graces' ray
Cease to illuminate my lay. 165
Already has the victor's fame
Oft raised this glorious city's name,
Once in Ægina's day of fight,
And thrice on the Megarean height;
Forbidding o'er the victor's tale 170
Silence to draw her dusky veil. 163
