Olympian

Pindar

Pindar. Arnson Svarlien, Diane, translator. Created for the Perseus Project, 1990.

  1. but it is by the gift of a god that a man flourishes with a skillful mind, as with anything else. For the present rest assured, Hagesidamus son of Archestratus: for the sake of your boxing victory,
  2. I shall loudly sing a sweet song, an adornment for your garland of golden olive,
  3. while I honor the race of the Western Locrians. There, Muses, join in the victory-song; I shall pledge my word to you that we will find there a race that does not repel the stranger, or is inexperienced in fine deeds, but one that is wise and warlike too. For
  4. neither the fiery fox nor loud-roaring lions change their nature.
  1. I entreat you, child of Zeus the Deliverer, saving Fortune, keep protecting Himera, and make her powerful. For by your favor swift ships are steered on the sea, and on dry land rushing battles
  2. and assemblies where counsel is given. But men’s expectations are often tossed up and then back down, as they cleave the waves of vain falsehood.
  3. Never yet has any man on earth found a reliable token of what will happen from the gods. Our understanding of the future is blind.
  4. And therefore many things fall out for men contrary to their judgement, bringing to some reversal of delight, while others, having encountered grievous storms, in a short time exchange their troubles for high success.
  5. Son of Philanor, truly, like a cock that fights at home, even
  6. the fame of your swift feet would have shed its leaves ingloriously beside your native hearth, if hostile civil strife had not deprived you of your Cnossian fatherland. But as things are, Ergoteles, having been crowned with garlands at Olympia, and twice from Pytho, and at the Isthmus, you exalt the hot baths of the Nymphs, while keeping company with them beside your own fields.
  1. While I praise a house that has been three times victorious at Olympia, gentle to her own citizens, and hospitable to strangers, I shall recognize prosperous Corinth,
  2. the portal of Isthmian Poseidon, glorious in her young men. There dwell Eunomia [*](Good Government) and her sisters, the secure foundation of cities: Dike, [*](Justice) and Eirene, [*](Peace) who was raised together with her, the guardians of wealth for men, the golden daughters of wise Themis. [*](Law)
  3. They are resolute in repelling
  4. Hybris, [*](Arrogance) the bold-tongued mother of Koros, [*](Surfeit) I have fine things to tell, and straightforward boldness urges my tongue to speak. It is impossible to conceal one’s inborn nature. As for you, sons of Aletes, often the Seasons have sent you victorious splendor
  5. for your consummate excellence when you won in sacred contests, and often into the hearts of men