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in their own land, which they call the precinct of Olympian Zeus, where the sons of Aenesidamus were linked with immortal honors.
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Truly, Thrasybulus, the homes of your family are not unfamiliar with lovely victory-processions, nor with the sweet boasting of songs.
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For it is no hill to climb, nor is the road steep, if one brings the honors of the Heliconian Muses to the homes of famous men.
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Having hurled the discus far, may I fling my javelin as far beyond all others, as Xenocrates obtained a sweet temper surpassing all men. He was honored in his townsmen’s company,
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and he upheld the raising of horses according to the customs of all Greeks. He also welcomed all the banquets for the gods,
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and the force of the blowing wind never made him furl his sail around his hospitable table; he journeyed as far as Phasis in the summer, and in the winter sailed to the banks of the Nile.
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Now, although envious hopes beset the minds of mortals, let him never hush in silence either his father’s excellence
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or these songs. For I did not fashion them to stand idle. Give this message, Nicasippus, when you come across my trusty friend.
Isthmian 3 For Melissus of Thebes Chariot Race at Nemea ?474/3
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If any man has good fortune, either in famous contests or by the strength of his wealth, yet restrains troublesome ambition in his mind, he is worthy to be joined with his townsmen’s praises. Zeus, great excellence attends on mortals
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from you. Greater prosperity lives with those who revere you; but it does not keep company with crooked minds, flourishing equally for all time.
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As a recompense for glorious deeds, it is right to celebrate a noble man, and it is right to exalt him in victory-songs with the gentle Graces. Yes, in two contests Melissus
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has had a share of good fortune, to turn his heart to sweet joyfulness; he received garlands in the glens of the Isthmus, and in the valley of the deep-chested lion he had Thebes announced
