Ode 1 For Argeius of Ceos Boys' Boxing Match (?) at the Isthmus Date unknown
1
Daughters of Zeus ruling on high, famed for the lyre, Pierian Muses weave
1
Isthmian land son-in-law of wise Nereus
1
of the island
1
god-built gates of Pelops' shining island
1
yoked horses to chariots,
1
and they flew
1
thick maidens
1
of sleep, like honey to the mind our ancient city [homes] on the shores of the sea
1
[and under] the rays of the sun
1
and Makelo, loving the distaff,
1
by the fair-flowing stream speaks fawning with the voice
1
I am bereaved with double-edged grief
1
deprivation totally
1
on the third day warlike Minos came with a host of Cretans
1
in fifty ships with flashing sterns.
1
And by the will of Zeus Eukleios he subdued the deep-waisted maiden Dexithea, and left with her half of his people,
1
battle-loving men, to whom he gave the craggy land as their share; and then he sailed off to the lovely city of Knossos,
1
the king, the son of Europa. And in the tenth month the bride with beautiful hair bore
1
Euxantius, to be ruler over the glorious island
1
daughters
1
city cut deep by the sun's rays.
1
From his (Euxantius'?) family descended Argeius, who has a strong hand and the spirit of a lion, whenever the need for battle befalls him; and he is
1
light on his feet, and does not the fine qualities of his father,
1
those which Apollo, famed for the bow, bestowed on Pantheides: the art of healing,
1
and friendly honor towards guests. With a good share of the Graces, and admired by many men, when he ended his life he left behind five greatly-praised sons,
1
one of whom the son of Cronus seated on high has made a victor at the Isthmus, in return for good deeds, and has given a share of other shining garlands. I say it now and I always will: excellence has the greatest glory.
1
Wealth keeps company with worthless men as well,
1
and it tends to swell a man's thoughts; but he who does well to the gods cheers his heart with a more glorious hope.
