One is the race of men, one is the race of gods, and from one mother do we both derive our breath; yet a power that is wholly sundered parteth us, in that the one is naught, while for the other the brazen heaven endureth as an abode unshaken for evermore. Albeit, we mortals have some likeness, either in might of mind or at least in our nature, to the immortals, although we know not by what course, whether by day, no nor yet in the night watches, fate hath ordained that we should run. :; Even now doth Alcimidas prove to all eyes that the inborn valour of his race resembleth the corn-bearing fields, which in changing seasons, at one while, give to man abundant sustenance from the plains, and, at another while, gather strength by repose. Lo! from the lovely games of Nemea hath now returned that athlete boy, who, following this heaven-sent destiny, hath now shone forth no luckless hunter in the wrestling ring, by planting his step in the foot-prints
of his own true grandsire, Praxidamas. For he, as an Olympian victor, was the first to bring sprays from the Alpheüs to the sons of Aeacus and by winning the garland five times at Isthmus, and thrice at Nemea, put an end to the obscurity of Socleides, who was the eldest born of the sons of Hagésimachus ; since, to his joy, the very crown of prowess was attained by those athletes who made trial of the toil ; and, by favour of heaven, no other house hath the contest in wrestling proclaimed the possessor of more garlands in the very heart of all Hellas. Now that I have uttered this mighty vaunt, I trust I have hit the mark, as though I were shooting with the bow. Come, O my Muse, waft to this victor a glorious breeze of song. For, when heroes have passed away, lays and legends treasure for them their noble deeds, and in these the house of Bassus is not wanting. A clan of ancient fame, laden with a goodly cargo of their own renown, they are well
fitted by their gallant deeds to provide a rich theme of song to those who till the Muses’ field. For, likewise in hallowed Pytho, a scion of this clan, with his hands bound with the cestus, was victorious, even Callias, who erstwhile found favour with the children of Létó with the golden distaff ; and, beside Castalia he was glorified at eventide by the loud chorus of the Graces; and the unwearied bridge of the sea paid honour to Creontidas in the biennial festivals, when bulls are slain in the sacred precinct of Poseidon ; and the lion’s herb of Nemea ? crowned him once on a time, when he was victor beneath the shady primeval mountains of Phlius. To those who are skilled in ancient story, broad on every side are the avenues that lie open for glorifying this famous island, since the race of Aeacus bestowed on them that dwell therein a distinguished destiny, by setting forth an ensample of great virtues ; and their name hath winged its way afar, over the land and across the sea. Even to the Ethiopians hath it sped its flight when Memnon returned not to his home; for Achilles flung on them a heavy
conflict, when he stepped down to the ground from his chariot, what time he slew the son of the gleaming Dawn with the edge of his wrathful sword. This was the theme, which the bards of old found for their beaten path, and I myself am following in their steps, while I meditate my theme; yet it is ever the wave that is rolling nearest to the vessel, which causeth most concern to the mind of every mariner. But I, who am bearing on my willing shoulders a double burden, have come as a messenger to proclaim that thou, Alcimidas, hast won for thy famous family this five and twentieth triumph, from the games which men call holy. Two crowns indeed of the Olympic contest beside the sacred precinct of the hill of Cronus were robbed from thee, the youthful victor, and from Polytimidas, by a lot at random drawn. Of Melésias, as a trainer deft in strength of hands, I would say that in speed he is a match for the dolphin that darteth through the brine.
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