* * * * *
One of the Iamid clan, to which belonged hereditary priestly functions
in Arcadia and at Olympia, had come with the first colonists to Syracuse,
and from him the present victor Agesias was descended. Thus
the ode is chiefly concerned with the story of his ancestor Iamos.
Agesias was a citizen of Stymphalos in Arcadia, as well as of Syracuse,
where he lived, and the ode was sung by a chorus in Stymphalos,
B.C. 468.

* * * * *

Golden pillars will we set up in the porch of the house of our song,
as in a stately palace-hall; for it beseemeth that in the fore-front
of the work the entablature shoot far its splendour.

Now if one be an Olympian conqueror and treasurer to the prophetic
altar of Zeus at Pisa, and joint founder[1] of glorious Syracuse,
shall such an one hide him from hymns of praise, if his lot be among
citizens who hear without envy the desired sounds of song? For in a
sandal of such sort let the son of Sostratos know that his fortunate
foot is set. Deeds of no risk are honourless whether done among men or
among hollow ships; but if a noble deed be wrought with labour, many
make mention thereof.

For thee, Agesias, is that praise prepared which justly and openly
Adrastos spake of old concerning the seer Amphiaraos the son of
Oikleus, when the earth had swallowed him and his shining steeds. For
afterward, when on seven pyres dead men were burnt, the son[2] of
Talaos spake on this wise: 'I seek the eye of my host, him who was