Laudator Temporis Acti

Pindar, Isthmian Odes 5.7-16 (tr. M.M. Willcock):

And in athletic games that man wins the longed-for glory who, victorious by his hands or the speed of his feet, has his hair tied with many crowns. Men's ability is decided, in the event, by the gods. Two things alone cultivate the sweetest perfection of life in flourishing prosperity—if one achieves success and gains a good name. Do not try to be Zeus! You have everything if you win these prizes. Mortal things suit mortal men.

ἔν τ᾽ ἀγωνίοις ἀέθλοισι ποθεινὸν
κλέος ἔπραξεν, ὅντιν᾽ ἀθρόοι στέφανοι
χερσὶ νικάσαντ᾽ ἀνέδησαν ἔθειραν
ἢ ταχυτᾶτι ποδῶν.        10
κρίνεται δ᾽ ἀλκὰ διὰ δαίμονας ἀνδρῶν.
δύο δέ τοι ζωᾶς ἄωτον μοῦνα ποιμαί-
    νοντι τὸν ἄλπνιστον εὐανθεῖ σὺν ὄλβῳ,
εἴ τις εὖ πάσχων λόγον ἐσλὸν ἀκούῃ.
μὴ μάτευε Ζεὺς γενέσθαι· πάντ᾽ ἔχεις,
εἴ σε τούτων μοῖρ᾽ ἐφίκοιτο καλῶν.        15
θνατὰ θνατοῖσι πρέπει.

Thomas D. Seymour ad loc.: