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Isthmian 3 translated by Charles Zug “For Melissos of Thebes: Winner, Chariot Race� (Strophe) If any man is fortunate, either in glorious prizes Or power of wealth, and holds down direful satiety from his mind, Worthy is he to be mixed with the fine words of his townsmen. Zeus, from you great virtues follow with mortals; Blessedness lives longer in pious-living And shares company with treacherous minds, Though not flourishing for all time. (Antistrophe) In recompense for deeds of good repute It is necessary to laud the brave man, Necessary, reveling, to bear him up with mild graces. And destiny of twofold contests is with Melissos, To turn his heart to sweet well-mindedness; In the glades of Isthmos he accepted the crowns, And in the hollow glen of the deep chested lion he proclaimed Thebes