THE FOURTH OLYMPIC ODE.
TO PSAUMIS OF CAMARINA, ON HIS VICTORY WITH THE QUADRIGA, OR CHARIOT WITH FOUR HORSES, GAINED IN THE EIGHTY-SECOND OLYMPIAD.
ARGUMENT.
This ode opens with a sublime invocation to Jupiter, and a prayer for Psaumis.—The poet then proceeds to the praise of the victor, on account of his hospitality, love of peace, patriotism, and the care he bestows on the training of his horses.—Subjoins the story of Erginus, the son of Clymenus, as an excuse for the premature whiteness of his hair.
Thy circling hours, immortal Jove,
Who mak'st th' unwearied lightnings move,
With song and lyre's accordant string
Rouse me the victor's praise to sing.
When friends succeed, the good rejoice, 5
And hail the sweet-toned herald's voice.
Oh son of Saturn!—thou who rul'st above
Where Ætna with his burning load impress'd
Weighs down the hundred-handed Typhon's breast,
Deign with thy favour to approve 10
This hymn which to the victor's praise address'd,
Aspires to crown th' Olympic strife,
That gilds with glory's beam the latest hour of life. 15
High on his car triumphant placed,
His brows with Pisa's olive graced, 15
Lo! Psaumis brings the meed of fame
To raise his Camarina's name.
