And welcome him victorious in that fair Art,—of old,
That Pallas found, ...
Then come antistrophe, and again strophe and antistrophe, but without the intervening epode, by which it is known that this was a processional ode. The poet weaves into his strain numerous allusions to myths which were in common acceptance, and fully understood by his hearers, and acclaimed forthwith. Needless, however, to be given here, although scholars still find interest in them. Pindar goes on to state how Maiden Athene fashioned the flute with its varied strain, and bestowed it on man, and concludes with this
Antistrophe.
Through slender brass it flows, through many a reedy quill,
That grew by the Graces town, for choral dance renowned,
In nymph Cephisis’ hallowed haunts; true witness of the dancers’ skill.
Ne’er, save by toiling, mortal aught of bliss hath found;
But all that lacks in our brief day can destiny’s power supply,