Transcript

English translation

Blesséd Athens, land of Athena divine, city eternal of Theseus and the Erechtheïd line, of you will we sing, whence Athenians and heroes once of old set forth to contend in the Games of Olympia the shining. Now as good luck has decreed that you welcome the games here on your soil once again, let us hail your glory with Pindaric music. Men and women, come to the hearth of the world, gathering here from afar, from nations and lands beyond count, exultant in strength and physique, steadfast in purpose to prevail, and keen in the service of peace to compete with one another. There will be grateful reward for the ones who excel thanks to their marvellous skills, and with finest music let us sing their praises. May the sweet gift of success fall to each victor in turn, joy to the winners to whom God decrees it is their due – timely grace for victory justly attained. But, with God’s assent, may there shine on the city as well undying light, due to her welcoming gifts and her benevolent grace. Now, O mother-city of wisdom, famed throughout the length of Greece, receive with gladness this precious offering of words carefully wrought in the style of ancient times; and in finale, come let us hail you, with voices raised, at your height of fortune.