Isthmian 3: For Melissus of Thebes

If any one among men hath had good fortune, by the winning of glorious prizes, or by might of wealth, yet in his heart restraineth insatiate insolence, such a man is worthy to be blended with his townsmen’s praises. For, from thee, O Zeus, do mighty merits attend upon mortals; and, when they reverence thee, their good fortune hath a longer life, but with froward hearts it liveth not in prosperity for all time alike.

But, as a guerdon for glorious exploits, it is meet for us to celebrate the hero, and, amid triumph-songs, exalt him with kindly hymns of praise. Even in two contests hath good fortune been shared by Melissus, to turn his heart to sweet good-cheer. For, in the vales of the Isthmus, hath he won garlands, and again, in the hollow dell of the deep-chested lion, did he cause Thebe to be proclaimed by his victory in the chariot-race. And he bringeth no disgrace on the manliness inherited from his fathers. Ye know, I ween, the olden glory of Cleonymus in the chariot-races: and, being on their mother’s side akin to the Labdacidae, they walked in the ways of wealth with toilsome training of their teams of four horses. But time with its rolling days bringeth manifold changes; scatheless indeed are none but the sons of the gods.