Olympian 11: For Hagesidamus of Locri Epizephyrii

There is a time when men welcome the winds, and a time when they welcome the waters of heaven, the rain-laden daughters of the cloud. But, when anyone is victorious by aid of toil, then it is that honey-voiced odes are a foundation for future fame, even a faithful witness to noble exploits. Far beyond envy is the praise that is thus stored up for victors at Olympia; and such praises my tongue would fain feed and foster; but by the gift of a god alone doth a man flourish for ever, as thou dost, with wisdom of heart.:

For the present rest assured, Hagesidamus, son of Archestratus, that, for the sake of thy victory in boxing, I shall loudly sing a sweet strain that shall lend a new grace to the crown of the golden olive, while I duly honour the folk of the Western Locrians. There join, ye Muses, in the triumph-song; for I shall pledge my word to you that we shall there find a race that doth not repel the stranger, or is unfamiliar with noble pursuits, but is wise beyond all others and warlike too; for neither the tawny fox nor the roaring lion changes his inborn nature.