#16- Hail the fleet hawk of the earth…

In the strange library of Mrs. Bridgestone:

The old woman touched the glass above an engraved placard. “This is a famous ode in the style of the Greek poet Pindar. He was famous for his tributes to Olympic heroes, both men and horses. This verse is dedicated to a chariot horse that won a race in about 480 B.C.”

Meagan squinted at it and wrinkled her nose. “It doesn’t make sense. It is just weird scribbles.”

“It is Greek, dear.”

“Can you read it, Mrs. Bridgestone?”

“Oh, a bit, not much anymore. However, I know this poem quite well.” The woman leaned over the placard and held her glasses close:

Hail the fleet hawk of the earth,
thunder announces his approach.
He gives one man victory,
all men ecstasy.
In this One the gods have taken form.

“Of course, Pindar isn’t so flowery,” Mrs. Bridgestone explained. “It was not the Greek way.”

“I took Latin all last year.” Meagan said gravely, wanting to impress. “I made an A.”

“That is wonderful, dear! Latin is a much undervalued element of education. We should read for ourselves the lessons of history.”