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Just now a herald arrived, having come by foot on the long road from the Isthmus. He tells of the indescribable deeds of a mighty man. That man killed overweening
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Sinis, who was the greatest of mortals in strength; he is the son of Lytaeus the Earthshaker, son of Cronus. And he has slain the man-killing boar in the valleys of Cremmyon, and reckless
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Sciron. He has closed the wrestling school of Cercyon; Procoptes has met a better man and dropped the powerful hammer of Polypemon.
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I fear how this will end.
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Who is the man said to be, and from where? How is he equipped? Is he leading a great army with weapons of war?
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Or does he come alone with only his attendants, like a traveller wandering among foreign people, this man who is so strong, valiant, and bold, who has overcome the powerful strength
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of such great men? Indeed a god impels him, so that he can bring justice down on the unjust; for it is not easy to accomplish deed after deed and not meet with evil.
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In the long course of time all things come to an end.
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The herald says that only two men accompany him, and that he has a sword slung over his bright shoulders and two polished javelins in his hands,
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and a well-made Laconian hat on his head with its fire-red hair. A purple tunic covers his chest, and a woolen Thessalian cloak.
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Bright red Lemnian fire flashes from his eyes. He is a boy in the prime of youth, intent on the playthings of Ares: war and battles of clashing bronze.
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He is on his way to splendor-loving Athens.
Ode 19 (Dithyramb 5) Io: for the Athenians
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There are countless paths of divine song for one who has received gifts from the Pierian Muses,
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and upon whose songs the violet-eyed maidens, the garland-bearing Graces, cast honor. Now, much-praised Cean ingenuity, weave something new, in lovely,
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prosperous Athens . It is fitting for you to travel the greatest road, since you have received an outstanding honor from Calliope.
