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And, Hagesidamus, when a man with fine achievements but no songs reaches the house of Hades, he has spent his strength and his breath in vain and gained only a short-lived delight with his effort. But on you the soft-singing lyre and the sweet flute scatter grace
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and the Pierian daughters of Zeus nurture your wide fame.
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While I, earnestly lending my hand, have embraced the famous tribe of the Locrians, showering with honey their city of fine men. And I praised the lovely son of Archestratus,
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whom I saw at that time beside the Olympic altar, winning victory with the valor of his hands—beautiful in form, and blended with that youthful bloom which once
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kept Ganymede from shameless death, with the help of Cyprian Aphrodite.
Olympian 11 For Hagesidamus of Western Locri Boys’ Boxing 476 B. C. E.
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There is a time when men’s need for winds is the greatest, and a time for waters from the sky, the rainy offspring of clouds. But when anyone is victorious through his toil, then honey-voiced odes
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become the foundation for future fame, and a faithful pledge for great deeds of excellence.
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This praise is dedicated to Olympian victors, without stint. My tongue wants to foster such themes;
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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,
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I shall loudly sing a sweet song, an adornment for your garland of golden olive,
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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
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neither the fiery fox nor loud-roaring lions change their nature.
Olympian 12 For Ergoteles of Himera Long Foot Race 466 B. C
