Sometimes the wind-battalions shouting loud + 

Do men most service, now again + 

The rains of heaven, the children of the cloud, + 

Bring blessing in their train. + 

But when by toil one winneth victory, + 

The singer’s honey-throated lays + 

Upringing, plant for fame that yet shall be + 

A sure foundation, are a prophecy + 

Of exploits worthy praise. + 

Far beyond envy are the praises stored + 

For victors at Olympia crowned. + 

Songs are my sheep; I, as some shepherd-lord, + 

Find them fair pasture-ground. + 

By God’s gift inspiration bloometh aye + 

In the bard’s heart unfadingly. + 

Son of Archestratus, know thou this day, + 

Agesidamus, that my victory-lay + 

Shall sweetly sound for thee, + 

Shall for the triumph of thy ring-craft grace + 

With splendour thy bright olive-wreath, + 

And honour therewithal the Lokrian race + 

Fanned by the West-wind’s breath. + 

O Song-queens, hither speed your festal feet! + 

I pledge me in sincerity + 

No guest-repelling folk ye there shall meet, + 

Nor in fair chivalry + 

Unschooled: nay, over wisdom’s heights they range, + 

They with the spear were valiant ever. + 

That these be like their sires is nowise strange: + 

Red fox and thunder-throated lion change + 

Their inborn nature never. + 