To him and Zeus did royal-souled Alkmena + 

In love united, in one travail bear + 

The might of twin sons: conquerors they were + 

Ever, these twain, in battle’s grim arena. + 

A dullard is the man who never raiseth + 

His voice to sing the deeds of Heracles, + 

And Dirke’s streams remembereth not nor praiseth + 

Whose Fountain-maid reared him and Iphikles. + 

Unto these now will I uplift a chanting + 

Of triumph-song for that their gracious granting + 

Of vows’ fulfilment. On me may your light, + 

O Graces ringing-voiced, shine ever bright! + 

Aegina and Nisus’ Hill have heard me singing + 

Three times ere this, Kyrene’s praise outringing. + 