# Pindar and Anacreon/Pindar/Pythian Odes/4

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Celebrating the victory of Arcesilaus IV of Cyrene in the Pythian Games of 462 B. C., and incorporating the tale of Jason and the Argonauts.
"The inner number, placed at the end of the several paragraphs, shows the corresponding line of the original." [ note on p. 17 ]
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THE FOURTH PYTHIAN ODE.
TO ARCESILAUS OF CYRENE, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE CHARIOT RACE, GAINED IN THE THIRTY-FIRST PYTHIAD.
ARGUMENT.
In the opening of this extremely long and highly poetical ode, Pindar, whose subject leads him to the mention of Cyrene, interweaving mythology with historical relation, digresses to the origin of the colony, and the prediction given by Medea to Euphemus, one of the Argonauts, and subjoins the interpretation of it from the Delphic oracle given to Battus concerning the origin of the colony which was to be planted by him in Libya.—This introduces a long and episodical narration of the Argonautic expedition; the slaying of the dragon, and the recovery of the golden fleece.—The simple and beautiful description of Jason's sudden appearance among the citizens of Iolcos.—The remainder of the ode is occupied with admonitions to Arcesilaus respecting the prudent and judicious government of his kingdom.—In this part the piety and wisdom of the poet are conspicuous, although it may be justly doubted whether the conclusion be altogether suitable to the nature of a lyric ode.
This day thy prompt assistance lend, Muse, to the hero and the friend, Lord of Cyrene, famed for generous steeds— To Delphi and Apollo raise The well-earn'd melody of praise,5 As the bright pomp Arcesilaus leads. In ages past the priestess there, Who near Jove's golden eagles held her throne, With voice oracular made known What truths the present god inspired her to declare. ​That Battus, when he left the sacred isle,11 (The colonist of Libya's fruitful land,) Should rear th' equestrian city's towering pile, Secure upon its chalky rock to stand. 15
And treasured in his mind should lie15 Medea's ancient prophecy. Which when the seventeenth age was past, Æetes' vengeful child foretold, In every point fulfill'd at last, The sons of Thera should behold.20 The Colchian queen inspired to tell What from her lips immortal fell, Thus spoke the fates' supreme command To warlike Jason's naval band: "From gods and mighty heroes sprung,25 Give ear to my prophetic tongue. Hereafter from this seabeat shore The child of Epaphus shall move, By mortals cherish'd as before, And plant the root where men adore30 The majesty of Libyan Jove. 28
Then for the short-finn'd dolphin's speed Shall they direct the rapid steed; Instead of oars, their rein shall steer The cars that mock the storm's career.35 That omen issuing from the skies True will the sure event declare, When spacious Thera shall arise, Metropolis of cities fair: Which at the mouth of the Tritonian lake,40 From the great god in human form, whose hand ​To his kind host return'd the fertile land, Euphemus hurried from the prow to take. To ratify the sign, Saturnian Jove Thunder'd auspicious from his throne above. 41
Now while the brazen anchor's might,46 Curb of the rapid Argo's flight, The sailors o'er the ship suspend, He comes their labours to attend. Twelve days from ocean's watery bed50 On the earth's desert back we led, Counsell'd by me, the naval frame. The cheerful mien assuming then Of him, the most revered of men, Alone the mighty godhead came;55 As when to each arriving guest The liberal master of the feast At first his courteous speech applies. 55
But sweet desire, our homeward way To urge, forbade a longer stay.60 Eurypylus who traced his birth, To him who girds and shakes the earth, Observed our eager haste to move: Then snatching straight the fertile clod, Pledge of the hospitable god,65 To give it to Euphemus strove. Obedient to the will divine, The hero leap'd upon the strand, Receiving with extended hand The mystic earth his fates assign:70 That whelm'd beneath the briny tide, When evening's shadows gather'd round, Was from the vessel heard to glide Far in the watery gulf profound. 70
​Full oft had I the menial train75 To guard that precious gift enjoin'd; But dull oblivion seized their mind, And render'd all my caution vain. Now in this isle is shed before the time The immortal seed of spacious Libya's clime;80 For when by sacred Tænarus he pass'd, Whose subterranean mouth to Hades leads, At home the treasure had Euphemus cast, Great Neptune's son who rules his potent steeds; Whom in a former age Europa bore,85 Daughter of Tityus, on Cephisus' shore. 82
His children's fourth succeeding race Had seized, with Grecian arms to aid, The continent's extended space; When, exiles from great Sparta made,90 Mycenæ and the Argive bay, The wand'ring train pursue their way. Now will he find that chosen race Sprung from the Lemnian dames' embrace, When honour'd by th' immortal host,95 They come to this sea-girded coast, And there beget the man, whose reign Shall stretch o'er Libya's clouded plain. When to the sacred Pythian dome That glitters with abundant gold,100 Battus in after times shall come, Phœbus will his decree unfold, That he in ships should bring a numerous band Far as Saturnian Nilus' fruitful land." 99
​Such were the strains by fate inspired105 That dropp'd from sage Medea's tongue, Silent the godlike men admired, And round in fix'd attention hung. Bless'd son of Polymnestus! thee, Gladden'd by this spontaneous strain,110 The Delphic priestess' augury Bade the sublimest hopes maintain. Thrice cried her monitory voice, "Cyrene's destined king, rejoice!" When thou inquiredst at the Pythian shrine115 The doubtful issue of the voice divine. 112
And now, as in the vernal hour Impurpled glows each opening flower, So shines his eighth succeeding race, Arcesilaus' youthful grace.120 Apollo in the Pythian field And just Amphictyons' high decree To his triumphant coursers yield The glorious palm of victory. Him will I to the muses' train125 Give with the ram's bright fleece of gold, For which when sail'd the Minyæ bold, Honours from heaven 'twas theirs to gain. 123
​To urge their bark's career what cause was found? In chains of adamant what peril bound?130 'Twas doom'd that Pelias should expire By force or fraudulent design, Who waked the hero's vengeful ire, Sprung from the brave Æolian line. To his quick thought returning still135 The oracle of Delphi spoke In sounds of wo that loud and shrill From earth's well-wooded centre broke; And bade his jealous mind beware The man with foot of sandal bare.140 When he from Chiron's high retreat The stranger citizen should come To famed Iolcos' western seat, And gain at length a foreign home. Then brandishing his double spear,145 Approach'd the wondrous mortal near. Wrapp'd are his limbs of beauteous mould Within a double vesture's fold— Magnesian, and the foreign pard, 'Gainst pelting rains the surest guard;150 While locks in sacrifice unshorn His ample back with grace adorn. Straight coming on with quiet tread, He show'd a mind devoid of dread. 151
When one among th' assembled crowd155 Turn'd to th' unknown, thus spoke aloud: "'Tis not Apollo I behold, Nor Venus' spouse, the god of war, Who thunders in his iron car. Long since, as ancient fame has told,160 Deceased in fertile Naxos lie Iphimedeia's progeny, Otus, and thou, King Ephialtes bold. ​The virgin huntress' rapid dart From her unconquer'd quiver flew,165 And high-aspiring Tityus slew, That mortals may desire to prove The transports of permitted love." 164
So they their mutual thoughts impart. Then with his mules and polish'd car170 Came Pelias rushing from afar. Mute wonder held his mind in thrall Soon as alone the right foot round He view'd the well-known sandal bound. But with dissembled fear address'd175 The monarch, his unwelcome guest: "What country boast'st thou thy dear land to call? Fair offspring of a spotless womb, By mortal lineage art thou come? Tell quickly thine illustrious race,180 Nor by detested lies disgrace." 178
To him the bold and fearless youth In placid words this answer gave: "I come from Chiron's shady cave, Who disciplined my soul to truth.185 By Chariclo and Philyra the fair, Centaurus' daughters, I was nurtured there. But when the twentieth year had fled, Homeward my youthful steps I bent. To them no word of parting said,190 Naught that could mark my fix'd intent To take the sceptre of the land, Grasp'd by another's lawless hand. An honour which the king of heaven To Æolus and to his sons had given. 192195
For Fame reports that Pelias bold, Slave to his wishes uncontroll'd, My honour'd parents' rightful sway Has snatch'd with violence away. ​They, when I first the light survey'd,200 Dreading the haughty leader's pride, Sent me in purple robes array'd, (While female shrieks on every side Raised through the house in solemn show The mimic note of funeral wo,)205 When only dark and silent night Was conscious of my secret flight; And to Saturnian Chiron gave, The nurture of his hand to crave. 205
But all the tale ye know full well—210 Where rose my noble sire's abode, In car with milk-white steeds who rode, Illustrious townsmen, clearly tell. Great Æson's offspring, lo! I come A native to no foreign home.215 From Saturn sprung, the heavenly beast His charge by Jason's name address'd." He spoke: a father's doting eye Soon recognised his progeny; And from his aged lids below220 The copious tears began to flow; Which showed the soul's o'erflowing joy To see his best and loveliest boy. 219
Attracted by the hero's fame, To them both Æson's brothers came.225 This Pheres from Hyperia's fountain calls, And Amythaon from Messene's walls. These soon Admetus and Melampus join'd, To greet their kinsman with a friendly mind. Them at the hospitable board230 Jason with courteous speech address'd, And bade the cheer profusely stored Exhilarate the frequent guest. Five days and nights their courses roll,234 While pleasure warms each festive soul. 233
But on the sixth, once more the youth Repeats his tale in words of truth. Then follow'd by the kindred band, In haste he from the mansion went. Their steps to Pelias' dome they bent,240 On rushing with tumultuous stand. Soon as the sound assail'd his ear Came bright-hair'd Tyro's offspring near. From Jason's lips with sweetness fill'd, The mild and gentle speech distill'd. 245245
"Petræan Neptune's son, the mind To praise deceit is more inclined, Than justice, though in grief it end, And to a bitter issue tend. Hence let our lawless anger cease,250 Be all the future joy and peace. One mother, as full well ye know, Bore Cretheus and Salmoneus bold. And the third race from them who flow, We the sun's golden might behold.255 The fates survey with adverse eyes When impious kindred feuds arise. 260
'Tis not for us with sword or dart, That perforate the brazen shield, Our fathers' ample wealth to part,260 The heritage their glories yield. I the white flocks that graze the plain, And yellow herds to thee resign, With all our parents' wide domain, Which thou hast seized, enlarging thine.265 Nor shall my mind with envy grieve To see thy house new wealth receive. But thou the sceptred monarch's throne, Seat of old Cretheus' royal son, Whence he the laws with justice fraught270 To his equestrian subjects taught— ​These without pain that both must rue, Restore—lest fresher grief ensue!" 276
When thus the youthful hero spoke, From Pelias this mild answer broke:275 "Such will I be—though tardy age Now warn me of life's closing stage, While thou art fresh in youth's gay flow'ret still— Potent thy vigorous arm shall prove, Th' infernal godheads' wrath remove,280 And murder'd Phryxus' high behest fulfil: 'Haste, from Æetes' chambers bear My soul, he cried, and golden hair, On the ram's fleecy back outspread, That once a certain refuge gave285 From stepdame's treachery and the wave.' 'Twas thus the wondrous vision said. Where the Castalian waters flow, To search the oracle I go— When straight the voice prophetic there290 Bids me for naval flight prepare. If thou thy prompt assistance lend, Which may this arduous contest end, I swear to make the lot thine own, To monarchize and rule alone.295 Firm witness of the faithful oath Be Jove, the common sire of both." 298
They part; this compact ratified, Jason the herald's trump of fame, His instant voyage to proclaim,300 Urges to sound on every side. Thither the sons of Leda fair And of Saturnian Jove repair; ​Alcmena's too, her eyelids set Within a silken fringe of jet.305 Two heroes of th' earth-shakers race, Whose locks in clustering beauty play, Dreading by fear or dull delay Their ancient valour to disgrace; From Pylos one directs his flight,310 And one from the Tænarean height. Be this, Euphemus, to thy glory told, And thine, oh Periclymenus the bold! The harper Orpheus join'd the valiant train, Apollo's vaunted son, and father of the strain.315
And Hermes of the golden wand316 Sent his twin sons, whose bosoms beat To join the enterprising band With fervent youth's impetuous heat. Prompt at the call, with fearless heart320 Echion, Erytus depart From their loved home, that lay below; Distant Pangæus' lofty brow. Boreas, whose rule the winds obey, Arm'd his brave sons, whose back display'd325 The ample pinions' purple shade, Zetes and Calais for the fray. 326
Great Juno waked the sweet desire Which bade the demigods aspire With Argo o'er the deep to roam;330 That fix'd in his maternal home Remote from peril none should stay And wear his laggard age away. But share his fellow heroes' toil, Death's fairest antidote, the spoil335 Soon as to proud Iolcos' town Came the bright flower of seamen down, Jason extoll'd with praises due, And numbered all the valiant crew. ​Skill'd in each bird that cleaves the sky,340 And sacred lots of augury, Mopsus enjoin'd the host their sail To spread before the favouring gale. But when they hang upon the prow Their anchors o'er the deep below,345 Fix'd at the stern, the chief displays His sacred vial's golden blaze. Invoking heaven's great father Jove, Who wields his lightning spear above; Waves that o'er ocean's bosom play,350 And breezes' every varying way, Calm nights and days his prayers implore, And sweet return, their wanderings o'er. 349
Propitious thunder's awful sound Heaven's favouring answer quickly spoke, And lightning's forked darts around356 From all the clouds irradiate broke. Elated at the prosperous sign, The heroes glow with joy divine. The augur issued his command360 To ply their oars with constant force, Suggesting to the valiant band Sweet hopes to cheer them on their course. Quick gaining with the breezy south Th' inhospitable ocean's mouth,365 There to the god a shrine they rear Who sways the raging sea's career. (Of Thracian bulls a tawny herd, To aid the sacrifice, appear'd,) And hollow altar's heaven-built pile,370 From stony quarry hewn erewhile. 367
Not yet the dangerous pass explored, They supplicate the vessel's lord To fly the inevitable shock That springs from the twin clashing rock.375 ​But now the jarring portals close, For ever fix'd in dead repose: Since the proud demigods by fate Are urged to cross the narrow strait. And next the wandering heroes trace380 To Phasis' flowing streams their way, Mingling with Colchis' swarthy race, And great Æetes in the fray. Venus, whose darts inflict the sharpest wound, First to mankind the raging songster bore,385 Which to the wheel indissolubly bound, That from Olympus gain'd its magic round, Taught wise Æsonides her charmed lore;386
That from Medea's raging mind All shame of parents left behind390 Persuasion's lash might take, and prove Greece the sole object of her love. The sum of all the labours dire Enjoin'd him by her cruel sire She told; and mingled with the oil395 Her antidotes to rugged toil, Given to anoint his manly frame, Then in sweet Hymen's bands they vow'd to quench their flame. 397
But when the adamantine plough Æetes in the midst had set,400 ​And oxen wont the fires to blow From cheeks that rage with constant fret, While thundering' on alternate feet, The soil with brazen hoofs they beat— He only their rough spirit broke,405 And led obedient to the yoke. Then straight a cubit's length impress'd Of furrow on earth's yielding breast, And thus he spoke: "In this high deed If the ship's ruler shall succeed,410 The fleece immortal let him bear, Irradiate with its golden hair." 411
He said: his robe of saffron hue Aside the youthful Jason threw, And trusting in immortal aid,415 His arduous enterprise essay'd. On him the fire could work no harm, Awed by his potent hostess' charm. Then dragging on the rustic load, Their necks and well-ribb'd haunches bound420 With thongs compulsive thrown around, He urged the sharp and bitter goad; Then labour'd on with manly strength, Completing soon his measured length. O'erwhelm'd at first in speechless wo,425 Æetes view'd the arduous deed; Then admiration's transports flow, And praises unrepress'd succeed. 424
To the brave youth their friendly hands Extend the social train,430 His brow they crown with verdant bands, And greet in courteous strain. Straight the sun's wondrous offspring show'd Where was the shining skin bestow'd, Extended high on Phryxus' sword,435 A gift to war's impetuous lord. ​But still, these mighty dangers pass'd He hoped the youth would fail at last. For in an ambush'd wood 'twas laid, Kept by a greedy dragon's care,440 With whose dire bulk, at large display'd, No lengthen'd vessel might compare, Though urged by fifty oars, by strokes of iron made.
Still could I speed my chariot's way, But time forbids the long delay.445 A shorter path I know full well, In wisdom who the rest excel. The varied snake of azure hue He soon, Arcesilaus, slew; And with it bore Medea home,450 Author of murder'd Pelias' doom. Then mingling in the ocean deep, The Erythræan sea they sweep; Thence mid the Lemnian race, who gave Their youthful husbands to the grave,455 A test of corporal strength they made— (Aside the cumbering garments laid) And shared their couch of sweet repose. 452
Thus in a foreign region bright By day or in the peaceful night460 Your beams of happiness arose. For planted there, Euphemus' race Illustrious shines with endless grace. ​To Lacedæmon's fertile seats And hardy sons the wanderers come;465 Then fair Callista's island greets The heroes in a foreign home. With honour hence derived from heaven To you Latoides has given Fair Libya's wealthy plain to crown,470 And golden-throned Cyrene's town With counsel justly framed to sway, Which her bless'd citizens obey. 466
Now learn the Theban sage's art— If sharp-edged axe with ruthless stroke475 Her branches from the giant oak, The form disgraced, compel to part, Though shorn her fruit, enough is there Her pristine beauties to declare— If fire be ever sought at last480 To shelter from the wintry blast, Or among pillars straight and tall, It now sustain some lordly dome, Hard labour in a foreign wall, Leaving all bare its native home. 479485
Thou a most timely healer art, Since Pasan's favour crowns thy name— Then, oh! a tender hand impart To heal the state's disorder'd frame: A city's pride the weakest arm490 May shake with danger and alarm. But hard indeed the task to place Her glory on its ancient base, Unless the god with sudden sway Direct the steersman on his way.495 ​For thee in gratitude is wove The garland of a people's love; Then still let bless'd Cyrene share Thy kind and persevering care. 492
Now, monarch, with attentive ear500 This maxim of the poet hear; A virtuous messenger will crown Each action with supreme renown; And thus will to the muse accrue Praise from the herald's message true.505 Long time through fair Cyrene's town Has just Demophilus been known; And Battus' glorious house confess'd The graces of his spotless breast. Ere yet complete youth's narrow span,510 Among the boys he shone a man: In solemn counsel he appears The Nestor of a hundred years: Slander's free tongue he bids be mute, His virtues all her tales confute: 504515
Taught the base railer to abhor, And with the good to wage no war; Protracting naught by slow delay, For short with man occasion's stay. Well can he seize the fitting hour,520 No slave to wayward fortune's power. The heaviest this of human woes, That he who each fair blessing knows, Bound by necessity's strong chain, Must his encumber'd foot restrain.525 Like Atlas, tottering with the weight Of all the bright incumbent heaven, ​He struggles with oppressive fate, From home and his possessions driven. Immortal Jove the Titan crew530 Released at length from thraldom due. The seaman in a flagging gale Loosens his idly-fluttering sail. 521
But soon, his deadly troubles o'er, He prays to see his home once more.535 There by Apollo's sacred spring To youthful revels yield his soul, And to his skilful townsmen bring The lyre its varied strains to roll. With them to lead, remote from strife,540 The quiet tenour of his life. And then in Thebes recall'd to dwell, His grateful tongue shall freely tell What new fount of ambrosial lays He struck, Arcesilaus, in thy praise. 533545
* ↑ These were placed near the Delphic tripod, and probably gave rise to the story of the two birds sent by Jupiter, one from the east and the other from the west, in order to ascertain the true centre of the earth, and which met at Pytho, or Delphi.
* ↑ The island Thera or Callista.
* ↑ I. e., instead of the naval pursuits of islanders, they shall emulate the equestrian skill of their continental neighbours.
* ↑ The god Triton in the form of Eurypylus.
* ↑ This mythological tale is related at length by Apollonius, in the fourth book of his Argonautics: (1550–1600.)
* ↑ Virgil appears to have imitated this passage: (Georg. iv. 467:)— "Tænarias etiam fauces, alia ostia Ditis, Et caligantem nigra formidine lucum Ingressus, Manesque adiit, Regemque tremendum."
* ↑ The scholiast says that Pindar here mentions Nilus instead of Jupiter, since this river was by the Egyptians worshipped as a god. He also quotes a hemistich from Parmeno, addressing the Nile as the Egyptian Jove: Αιγυπτις Ζευ Νειλε.
* ↑ The expression in the original is remarkable, μελισσα Δελφις. So Callimachus of the priestesses of Ceres: Δηοι δ᾽ ουκ απο παντος ὑδωρ φορεουσι Μελισσαι. See the annotation in Benedict's edition. Perhaps μελισσα in this sense may not improbably be derived from the Hebrew מליץי, an intercessor or interpreter, whose office it was to smooth, or render agreeable the suit of the petitioner: (Parkhurst ad verb.:) as μελισσα, a bee, probably descends from the same root in its primitive meaning of sweet. Virgil, indeed, speaking as a Pythagorean, says, (Georg. iv. 253,) "Hence to the bee some sages have assign'd A portion of the god, and heavenly mind." Sotheby's Version. So Horace of Orpheus, (ad Pis. 391,) sacer interpresque deorum.
* ↑ Homer (Od., iv., 304,) gives the same character of the Aloidæ gemini. See also Virg. Æn., vi., 581; and Stat. Theb., x., 850. "Vidisti Aloidas, cum cresceret impia tellus." &c.
* ↑ Phryxus, whose manes, as Pelias craftily insinuates, are to be appeased by the youthful Jason, was the father of Athamas and Ino, who were driven from their paternal soil and died in Colchis.
* ↑ This is the celebrated ιυγξ, a bird which was supposed to possess the power of inspiring the emotions of love. The scholiast gives us a long explanation of its properties, and in his comment on Nem. iv. 56, where it is again mentioned, gives its allegorical pedigree, by declaring it to have been a daughter of Echo, or, as some assert, of Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, who by filters, or magical incantations, allured Jupiter to the love of Ino, and was transformed by the revengeful Juno into a bird, which by its continued whirling expressed emblematically the raging agitation of love. The classical reader will call to mind the importance attached to its agency by Simætha, in the second Idyllium of Theocritus.
* ↑ It would not be an easy task to explain the geographical course which Pindar here describes the Argonauts to have taken on their return from the expedition in quest of the golden fleece. By the Erythræan Sea, the Indian Ocean is to be understood, through which it seems they came into Africa, and when arrived on land, carrying the ship on their shoulders until they came to the Tritonian lake, they sailed into the Mediterranean, and touched at Thera; thence through the Ægean they came to the island of Lemnos, and connected themselves with its homicidal women.
* ↑ Apollo, the son of Latona.
* ↑ Œdipus. In the remaining part of this ode Pindar cautions Arcesilaus against using unnecessary severity towards his Cyrenean subjects.
* ↑ The maxim of Homer, called by eminence the poet, to which Pindar alludes, is contained in the fifteenth book of the Iliad, in the exhortation of Neptune to Iris.
* ↑ Alludes to Demophilus, who had been banished by Arcesilaus, and whom Pindar wishes the monarch to recall.
* ↑ This perhaps alludes to the discovery of the fountain Hippocrene by the horse Pegasus.
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