O queenly Muse, our mother, hitherward come, I pray, + 

When the holy Moon brings round the Nemean festal day, + 

To Aegina the guest-thronged Dorian isle. Where the ripples are sliding + 

Of Asopian waves, young craftsmen of songs honey-savoured, abiding + 

Thy coming, are longing to hear thy voice’s great song-burden! + 

Sooth, diverse deeds ever thirst for many a diverse guerdon, + 

But victory in these Games above all things loveth Song + 

Meetest companion of crowns and of triumphs achieved by the strong. + 