The general theme of the ode, is labour leading to peace and happiness: Rest is the first word, Home is the last, and between we have the Labours of Heracles indicated by a specimen, his earliest feat of prowess. The poet need not give a complete catalogue of the labours, which every child knew by heart; nor need he give any special one, such as the Nemean Lion: he gives the first, and leaves the etcetera to take care of itself. And by this choice of the first, he brings out one of the underlying thoughts—that natural ability is the great thing. No one can have taught a baby just born what to do when serpents appear. As regards Chromios, the choice of Heracles was proper, if he claimed to be himself a Heracleid, as seems likely; and the general parallel of a long life of labour is close enough, without pressing a detail.