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Alcmena’s son. He went to Olympus, after he had explored all lands and the high-cliffed hollow of the gray sea, and had tamed the straits for sailors. Now he dwells beside aegis-bearing Zeus, and has the most beautiful prosperity. He is honored as a friend by the immortals and is married to Hebe;
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he is lord of a golden house, and son-in-law to Hera.
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For him, above the Electran gates, we Thebans, busily preparing the feast and the circle of newly-built altars, pile up burnt offerings in honor of the eight bronze-clad men, now dead, the sons whom Megara, Creon’s daughter, bore him.
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For them the flame rises in the rays of the setting sun and blazes all night long, prodding the air with fragrant smoke.
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And on the second day is that struggle of strength, the final event of the annual games. And there, his head wreathed with white
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myrtle, this man showed forth a double victory, having won before in the boy’s contest by heeding the wise advice of his helmsman and trainer, Orseas. I will honor him together with Orseas in my victory-song, pouring delightful grace on both.
Isthmian 5 For Phylacidas of Aegina Pancratium ? 478 B. C. E.
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Mother of the Sun, Theia of many names, for your sake men honor gold as more powerful than anything else;
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and through the value you bestow on them, o queen, ships contending on the sea and yoked teams of horses in swift-whirling contests become marvels.
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And in athletic contests, someone who has wreathed his hair with many garlands has achieved longed-for fame, when he has been victorious with his hands
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or with the swiftness of his feet. But the valor of men is judged by gods, and there are only two things that cultivate the sweetest flower of life in blossoming prosperity:
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to have good fortune and a noble reputation. Do not seek to become Zeus; you have everything,
