“The dim echoes of old Triton’s horn”
reached our brass belaboured ears, how many think you would listen with reverence?
Yet surely for a little while we should find some good in letting our imagination dwell upon the scenes and surroundings that were real in Greek life; some good also in cherishing the belief that the dead beliefs of old humanity were once living beliefs.
Pindar, second only because Homer was first, was revered by the whole Greek race, and considered their greatest lyric poet. From the pillars of Hercules to the verge of India, wherever there were Greeks, there Pindar was amongst them. How high an honour, therefore, it was that fell to Midas the flute player.
Strophe.
I pray thee, Queen of Splendour, city of peerless grace,
Persephone’s home; O thou that on thy tower-clad hill
Dwellest, fair Queen, beside the streams of pastoral Agragas!
Propitious greet, with favour of Heaven, and man’s good-will,
The crown, at Pytho’s festival, that glorious Midas won;