Heroes whose warlike glories spring
From Saturn and the heavenly king,
And Thetis' golden Nereid train; 15
Illustrating with high renown
The parent city's walls that crown
Ægina's hospitable plain. 16
Her they implored, as near the shrine
Of their Hellenian sire they stood, 20
That bless'd with sons in battle good
And naval strife her fame might shine;
Then raised their suppliant hands on high
Endeis' noble progeny, [1]
Together with King Phocus' might, 25
Whom erst bright Psamathea bore,
A goddess, on her sandy shore.
I dread to speak with lofty tongue,
And show what direful ills have sprung
From slighted sense of right. 30
By what avenging god expell'd,
Their glorious isle the valiant band
Deserted—but my song withheld
From the sad theme, will make a stand.
'Tis not for every truth to show 35
Its undisguised and open brow—
Oft the best prudence of the wise
In silent meditation lies. 33
But would my song a tribute raise
Their wealth or manual strength to praise, 40
And iron firmness in the war,
I'd leap beyond the rest afar,
Proving with lightly bended knee
My supple frame's agility;
While rushes my adventurous strain 45
- ↑ I. e., Telamon and Peleus, sons of Æacus, and Endeis, the daughter of Chiron.
