To compensate for the blemishes formerly mentioned, the writings of Pindar abound with the most instructive moral sentiments, as well as with the most exquisite beauties of descriptive poetry. The Poet often throws in a reflection of this kind in the most natural manner, as it seems to arise spontaneously from the subject. Thus he prepares the mind to hear of the catastrophe of Tlepolemus by an exclamation perfectly apposite, and appropriated to the occasion.
Αμφι δ’ ανδρω-
πων φρεσιν αμπλακιαι
Αναριθμητοι κρεμανται
τουτο δ’ αμηκανον εὑρειν
Ὁτι νυν, και εν τελευ-
τα φερτατον ανδρε τυχειν. Pin. Olym. VII.
But wrapt in error is the human mind,
And human bliss is ever insecure;
Know we what fortune yet remains behind?