Gold! of all welcome blessings thou'rt the best!
For never had a mother's smile for men,
Nor son, nor father dear, such perfect charm,
As thou and they who hold thee for their guest.
If Kupris darts such glamour from her gaze,
No wonder that she breeds a myriad loves!

Bellerophontes, 288.

[60]

For mere high birth I have small meed of praise;
The good man in my sight is nobly born;
While he who is not righteous, though his sire
Than Zeus be loftier, seems to me but base.

Dictys, 341.

I know not how to think of noble blood:
For men of courage and of virtuous soul,
Though born of slaves, are far above vain titles.

Melanippide, 496.

Lo, in all places how the nobly born
Show their good breed and spirit by brave bearing!

Danaë, 328.