Whose noble deeds this island raise 120
To heights of glory and of praise;
Gracing with Phœbus' Pythian strain
Thearion's venerable fane.
The issue of the contest tells
In what high efforts each excels. 125
When with the stripling band a boy,
A man with men of riper age,
He made triumphant aims employ
Each period of life's mortal stage;
And lengthened time with wisdom fraught 130
Prudence, the fourth best virtue, taught; 130
That can success on each design bestow.
Then hail, my enterprising friend;
To thee this beverage sweet I send,
Where the white milk and mingled honey flow. 135
Thus with the dew of song aspire
Soft breathings of th' Æolian lyre,
Though tardy be the lay. 138
Swiftest of birds, the eagle wends
Her flight, and with sharp talon rends 140
On high th' ensanguined prey;
While daws, below, a chattering brood,
Inglorious crop their earthly food.
For thee, if high-throned Clio raise
In thy victorious spirit's praise 145
The hymn, from Nemea shines the light,
From Megara and Epidaurus bright. 148
