But whatever fate may attend the present version, I shall scarcely know how to repent of the temerity which urged me to the undertaking, and induced me to persevere in a labour that has furnished an agreeable occupation for many a vacant hour.
It has been my wish to give throughout my version some idea of the energetic, but rather abrupt, style and manner of an author whose language is exalted by sentiments of piety and genuine patriotism—deserved encomiums to the virtuous and brave, as well as heartfelt gratitude to his generous benefactors; whose various compositions are appealed to as authority in doubtful cases by Cicero, Pausanias, and other ancient writers quoted by the scholiast on different passages; whom Plato distinguishes by the epithets most wise and divine; who was considered by one of the early Christian fathers, Clement of Alexandria, to have been well versed in the Scriptures of the Old Testament, and to have borrowed many passages from that treasury of sacred wisdom and sublime eloquence, particularly from the Book of Proverbs; to whom, while living, honours all but divine were paid; and whose dwelling was spared, many ages after his death, in the general sack of his native city.
I have annexed a brief account of the four most celebrated games of Greece, as well as an analysis of each ode; sufficient, I trust, to show the connection of idea that often binds together the most apparently digressive of Pindar's compositions; and added occasional illustrative notes, which may be found useful in explaining historical and mythological allusions: nor shall I, perhaps, be thought too presuming in expressing a hope that the English reader may now be enabled to form a more accurate idea of the poetical character of Pindar than he has hitherto been enabled to effect.
