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delivering Hellas from grievous bondage. From Salamis I will win as my reward the gratitude of the Athenians, and in Sparta from the battles before Cithaeron Reading with Snell τᾶν . . μακᾶν for τὰν . . μάκαν ; read either ἄρα (Wilamowitz) or ἀπὸ (Stone, CR 49, 1935, 124) for ἐρέω. Cf. R. W. B. Burton, Pindar’s Pythian Odes, Oxford 1962, 106f. —those battles in which the Medes with their curved bows suffered sorely; but beside the well-watered bank of the river Himeras I shall win my reward by paying my tribute of song to the sons of Deinomenes,
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the song which they earned by their excellence, when their enemies were suffering.
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If you speak in due proportion, twisting the strands of many themes into a brief compass, less blame follows from men. For wearying satiety blunts the edge of short-lived expectations, and what the citizens hear secretly weighs heavy on their spirits, especially concerning the merits of others.
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Nevertheless, since envy is better than pity, do not abandon fine deeds! Steer your men with the rudder of justice; forge your tongue on the anvil of truth:
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if even a small spark flies, it is carried along as a great thing when it comes from you. You are the guardian of an ample store. You have many faithful witnesses of both good and bad. But abide in a blossoming temper,
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and if you are fond of always hearing sweet things spoken of you, do not be too distressed by expenses, but, like a steersman, let your sail out to the wind. Do not be deceived, my friend, by glib profit-seeking. The loud acclaim of renown that survives a man
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is all that reveals the way of life of departed men to storytellers and singers alike. The kindly excellence of Croesus does not perish,
