Pausing a while, from fruitless wo
Let us direct the patriot mind20
Some public blessing to bestow;
Since a kind god hath turn'd aside
Of threat'ning ills the direful shock
That hung like the Tantalean rock [1]
O'er Græcia's land, unskill'd the storm to bide. 23
But now my fear has pass'd away,26
And anxious Care relax'd her sway.
To seize each object as it lies
Before his foot becomes the wise.
O'er man impends deceitful age,30
Revolving still life's onward stage.
Yet mortals e'en these ills may cure,
While liberty continues sure.
In calm contentment let them rest,
Of favourable hope possess'd.35
Me too the happy task awaits,
(Nurtured where Thebes expands her sevenfold gates,)
With the bright muses' wreath to grace
Ægina, nymph of kindred race.
Twin daughters of a common sire,40
And youngest of Asopus' line,
Whose beauties could the soul incline
Of Jove himself to fond desire. 41
To her the heavenly lover gave
By Dirce's sweetly flowing wave45
O'er that fair city to preside,
Who joys the rapid car to guide.
Thee to Œnopia's isle convey'd,
The thundering sire a parent made
Of Æacus, whose honour'd birth50
Raised him above the sons of earth.
- ↑ See the note on [[../../Olympic Odes/1|Ol., i.]], 90.
