and it tends to swell a man's thoughts; but he who does well to the gods cheers his heart with a more glorious hope. If a mortal has been granted health and can live off his own goods, he rivals the most fortunate. There is joy in all human life as long as it lacks disease and helpless deprivation. The rich man desires great things the same way the poor man desires less. But it is not sweet for mortals to get everything easily; they always seek to catch what flees from them. A man whose spirit is whirled about by the lightest ambitions has honor only as long as he lives. Excellence is a difficult struggle, but when the struggle is completed rightly it leaves a man, even when he dies, the enviable ornament of renown. Ode 2 For Argeius of Ceos Boys' Boxing Match (?) at the Isthmus Date unknown Fame, whose gifts are revered, speed to holy Ceos bringing the gracious message: that Argeius won the victory in the battle of bold hands, and brought to mind the fine deeds which we, from the holy island of Euxantius, have shown at the famous neck of the Isthmus, winning seventy garlands. the native Muse summons the sweet clang of flutes, honoring the dear son of Pantheides with victory songs. Ode 3 For Hieron of Syracuse Chariot-Race at Olympia 468 B. C. Clio , giver of sweet gifts, sing the praises of the mistress of most fertile Sicily , Demeter, and of her violet-garlanded daughter, and of Hieron's swift horses, racers at Olympia ; for they sped with majestic Victory and with Aglaia by the wide-whirling Alpheus, where they made the son of Deinomenes a prosperous man, a victor winning garlands. And the people shouted,