Philosopher Pindar: The Complete Odes #15/71

Zeus, Accomplisher, grant that such a destiny may always hold good

for Aetna’s citizens and kings beside the waters of Amenas,*

a true record on the lips of men.

For if you help him, a ruler who advises his son well

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may by honouring his people turn them towards harmonious peace.

I pray you, son of Cronus, grant that the war-cry of Phoenicians and Etruscans

may stay at home, now that they have seen their insolent violence

bring lamentation on their fleet for what it endured at Cumae,

crushed by the Syracusan commander, who hurled their finest men

from their swift ships into the sea, and rescued Greece from harsh slavery.

From Salamis I shall earn the Athenians’ thanks as payment,

and in Sparta for my tale of the battles before Cithaeron,*

where the Medes who shoot with curved bows were overcome.

But by the well-watered bank of Himera

my reward shall be for the song I have made for Deinomenes’ sons,

which they earned by their courage when their enemies were overthrown.

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If you should speak in keeping with the occasion,*

plaiting the threads of many matters into a brief whole,

men will find less fault with you;

for wearisome excess blunts the edge of keen expectancy,

and in their secret hearts men are especially oppressed

when they hear praise of other citizens.

Nevertheless, since it is better to be envied than pitied,

do not deviate from your noble course.

Steer your people with the rudder of justice,

and forge your tongue on the anvil of truth.

You know that even a trivial word can carry great influence,

if it leaps like a spark from your mouth.

You hold great wealth in trust, and there are many men

to bear reliable witness to your acts, for good or ill.

Retain the full vigour of your spirits,

and if it pleases you to hear that men always speak well of you

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do not grow weary of spending,

but like a steersman let your sail out to catch the wind.

My friend, do not be taken in by unworthy use of wealth,

for the award of posthumous fame is the only testimony

that storytellers and poets can give to the lives of the dead.

Croesus’ generous virtues do not fade,

but he who burnt men in his brazen bull, Phalaris,*

is dogged by an evil report throughout the world,

and no lyres in men’s halls welcome him to the soft embrace of boys’ voices.

Success is the best prize, and the next best destiny is a good reputation;

but the man who lights on both and holds them fast wins the highest crown.

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PYTHIAN 2

For Hieron of Syracuse, winner of the chariot race