THE EIGHTH OLYMPIC ODE.
TO THE YOUTH ALCIMEDON, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE PALÆSTRA, GAINED IN THE EIGHTEENTH OLYMPIAD; HIS BROTHER TIMOSTHENES, VICTOR IN THE NEMEAN GAMES; AND TO THEIR PRÆCEPTOR, OR ALIPTA,[1] MELESIAS.
ARGUMENT.
This ode begins with an address to Olympia; after which Pindar proceeds to congratulate Alcimedon and Timosthenes, the former on his Olympic, and the latter on his recent Nemean victory.—Then follow the praises of the victor's native island Ægina, from its founder Æacus, a theme which appears to be always grateful to our poet, who relates the fables connected with its origin; as well as the assistance of that hero, which was engaged by Apollo and Neptune when building the walls of Troy.—The praises of Melesias are then sung, and the Blepsiadæ, a tribe of Æginetans, is recorded, as well as the memory of the victor's departed relatives, Iphion and Callimachus.—The ode concludes with the expression of good wishes.
Olympia, mother of heroic games,
Whose golden wreath the victor's might proclaims,
Great queen of truth!—thou whose prophetic band
From victims blazing in the sacred fire
Jove's sovereign will, the lightning's guide, inquire,
What favour'd mortal shall the crown command 6
Which bids the anxious hour of contest close,
And gives to virtuous toil the guerdon and repose. 9
The gods above with favouring ear
The prayers of pious mortals hear. 10
- ↑ Who anointed the combatants, and prepared them for the ing.
