THE TENTH OLYMPIC ODE.
TO AGESIDAMUS, SON OF ARCHESTRATUS, THE EPIZEPHYRIAN, OR WESTERN LOCRIAN, ON HIS VICTORY WITH THE CÆSTUS GAINED IN THE SEVENTY-THIRD OLYMPIAD.
ARGUMENT.
This ode opens with an address to the muse and to Truth, whom he wishes to remind him of his long-forgotten promise to celebrate the son of Archestratus and the city of the Locrians; as well as his alipta Ilas, who encouraged him by the example of Hercules and Patroclus to persevere in the contest notwithstanding its unfavourable commencement.—Then follows a digression concerning the institution of the Olympic games by Hercules, with an enumeration of his conquests over the Molionidæ, and Augeas, king of Elis: the victors in these games are likewise recorded.—The poet then sings the praises of Jupiter, and concludes with complimenting Agesidamus on his prowess and personal beauty, comparing him in this respect to Ganymedes.
Inscribed upon the poet's mind
Archestratus' illustrious son,
Who late th' Olympic wreath has won,
Thou know'st, celestial muse, to find:
For dull oblivion swept away 5
All record of the promised lay.
And thou, oh Truth! fair child of Jove,
With thine unerring hand efface
The tale that speaks his foul disgrace,
Who slights a claim, and wrongs the stranger's love. 10
For when time's rapid course had flown,
