[Footnote 2:  An epithet appropriate to volcanic soils.]

[Footnote 3:  Cheiron.]

VII.

For Megakles of Athens,

Winner in the four-horse chariot-race.

* * * * *

Megakles won this victory B.C. 490, the year of the battle of Marathon.  He was a member of the great house of the Alkmaionidai, to which Kleisthenes and Perikles belonged.  Megakles was a frequent name in the family:  this Megakles was probably the nephew, possibly the son, of Kleisthenes.

* * * * *

Fairest of preludes is the great name of Athens to whosoever will lay foundation of songs for the mighty race of Alkmaionidai and for their steeds.  What country, what house among all lands shall I name more glorious throughout Hellas?

For unto all cities is the fame familiar of the citizens of Erechtheus, who at divine Pytho have wrought thee, O Apollo, a glorious house[1].

And I hereto am led by victories, at Isthmos five, and one pre-eminent, won at Olympia at the feast of Zeus, and two at Kirrha, which thou, O Megakles, and thy sire have won.

Now at this new good fortune I rejoice; yet somewhat also I grieve, even to behold how envy requiteth noble deeds[2].  Yet thus ever, they say, must fair hap abiding with a man engender bad with good.

[Footnote 1:  The Alkmainodai had lately been spending large sums on the rebuilding of Apollo’s temple at Delphi.]

[Footnote 2:  Megakles was twice ostracized.]

VIII.

For Aristomenes of Aigina,

Winner in the wrestling-match.

* * * * *

The precise date of this ode is uncertain, but there is strong internal evidence of its having been written soon after the battle of Salamis, after which, as is well known, the [Greek:  aristeia] or first honours for valour, were awarded to Aigina.  The insolence of the barbarian despot seems to be symbolized by that of the giants Typhon and Porphyrion.

The ode was apparently to be sung on the winner’s return to Aigina.  No less than eleven of the extant odes were written for winners from that island.

* * * * *

O kindly Peace, daughter of Righteousness, thou that makest cities great, and boldest the supreme keys of counsels and of wars, welcome thou this honour to Aristomenes, won in the Pythian games.

Thou knowest how alike to give and take gentleness in due season:  thou also, if any have moved thy heart unto relentless wrath, dost terribly confront the enemy’s might, and sinkest Insolence in the sea.