Epinicians (1.84-1.165)

⋯ on the third day warlike Minos came with a host of Cretans

in fifty ships with flashing sterns.

And by the will of Zeus Eukleios he subdued the deep-waisted maiden Dexithea, and left with her half of his people,

battle-loving men, to whom he gave the craggy land as their share; and then he sailed off to the lovely city of Knossos,

the king, the son of Europa. And in the tenth month the bride with beautiful hair bore

Euxantius, to be ruler over the glorious island ⋯

⋯ daughters ⋯

⋯ city cut deep by the sun's rays.

From his (Euxantius'?) family descended Argeius, who has a strong hand and the spirit of a lion, whenever the need for battle befalls him; and he is

light on his feet, and does not ⋯ the fine qualities of his father,

those which Apollo, famed for the bow, bestowed on Pantheides: the art of healing,

and friendly honor towards guests. With a good share of the Graces, and admired by many men, when he ended his life he left behind five greatly-praised sons,

one of whom the son of Cronus seated on high has made a victor at the Isthmus, in return for good deeds, and has given a share of other shining garlands. I say it now and I always will: excellence has the greatest glory.

Wealth keeps company with worthless men as well,

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