There is a time when men welcome the winds, and a time when they welcome the waters of heaven, the rain-laden daughters of the cloud. But, when anyone is victorious by aid of toil, then it is that honey-voiced odes are a foundation for future fame, even a faithful witness to noble exploits. Far beyond envy is the praise that is thus stored up for victors at Olympia; and such praises my tongue would fain feed and foster; but by the gift of a god alone doth a man flourish for ever, as thou dost, with wisdom of heart. : For the present rest assured, Hagésidamus, son of Archestratus, that, for the sake of thy victory in boxing, I shall loudly sing a sweet strain that shall lend a new grace to the crown of the golden olive, while I duly honour the folk of the Western
Locrians. There join, ye Muses, in the triumph-song ; for I shall pledge my word to you that we shall there find a race that doth not repel the stranger, or is unfamiliar with noble pursuits, but is wise beyond all others and warlike too; for neither the tawny fox nor the roaring lion changes his inborn nature.
Daughter of Zeus the Deliverer! thou saving goddess, Fortune! I pray thee to keep watch around mighty Himera; for, at thy bidding, swift ships are steered upon the sea, and speedy decisions of war and counsels of the people are guided on the land. Verily, the hopes of men are tossed, now high, now low, as they cleave the treacherous sea of fancies vain. But never yet hath any man on earth found a sure token sent from-heaven to tell him how he shall fare in the future, but warnings of events to come are wrapped in gloom. Full many things have befallen man, of which he little dreamed, bringing, to some, reversal of delight, while others, after battling with a sea of troubles, have, in a short space of time, exchanged their anguish for the deepest joy. Son of Philánor! like some Chanticleer, who is courageous at home alone, the fame of thy swift feet would have shed its foliage ingloriously beside thy native hearth, had not hostile faction bereft thee of thy Cnossian fatherland. And now, Ergotelés! having won a wreath once at Olympia, and twice from Pytho, and at the Isthmus, thou art exalting the hot baths of the Nymphs, while dwelling near broad acres all thine own.
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