No fairer prelude of the minstrel’s victory-chant can be + 

Than praise of Athens’ mighty town, + 

When he would hymn the far-prevailing Alkmaionidae, + 

And their swift steeds’ renown. + 

Yea, for what fatherland, what habitation, + 

O singer, canst thou name + 

That doth transcend, through all the Hellene nation, + 

Fair Athens’ fame? + 

There is no city but therethrough doth that proud story ring + 

Of King Erechtheus’ burghers told, + 

Who made thy shrine in hallowed Pytho, Phoebus Harper-King, + 

A marvel to behold. + 

In Isthmian contests five were ye victorious + 

Inspiring the bard’s strain; + 

At Zeus’ Olympian Feast one prize most glorious, + 

At Kirrha twain, + 

Thou and thy sires, O Megakles, achieved. + 

In your fair fortune I delight, + 

Yet for the recompense my soul is grieved + 

That envy doth requite + 

Your noble deeds withal. Yet long-enduring + 

Prosperity still brings, they say, + 

Evil with good; for there is no assuring + 

That bliss shall stay. + 