because of his piety, since of all mortals he sent the greatest gifts to holy Pytho . And of all mortal men who live in Greece , not one, o greatly-praised Hieron, will be willing to say that he has sent more gold than you to Loxias. Every man who does not fatten himself with envy may praise a warlike man, a lover of horses, who has the scepter of Zeus, and a share of the violet-haired Muses. once ephemeral you consider; [life is] brief. But winged hope loosens the wits of ephemeral creatures. Lord Apollo said to the son of Pheres: Being a mortal, you must cultivate twin thoughts: that tomorrow will be the last day you see the sun's light, and that you will complete another fifty years of life deep in wealth. Cheer your spirit with pious deeds, for this is the highest of profits. To the thoughtful, what I sing is intelligible. The deep air is undefiled. The water of the sea does not decay. Gold is a delight. It is not lawful for a man to bypass gray old age, and recover flourishing youth. And yet the gleam of a mortal's excellence does not diminish along with the body—no, the Muse nurtures it. Hieron, you have displayed to mortals the most beautiful flowers of prosperity. Silence is no ornament for a successful man. With remembrance of fine deeds a man will also sing the gracious recompense made by the honey-voiced Cean nightingale. Ode 4 For Hieron of Syracuse Chariot Race at Delphi 470 B. C. Golden-haired Apollo still loves the state of Syracuse and honors Hieron, the city's lawful ruler. For his praises are sung as a Pythian victor for a third time beside the navel of the high-ridged land, through the excellence of his swift-footed horses. Ourania's sweet-voiced cockerel, ruler of the lyre but with willing mind showered with hymns. And yet a fourth time we would be honoring the son of Deinomenes if some held the scales of Justice