Answer:The author of the quoted lines is Bacchylides. Bacchylides was an ancient Greek lyric poet who lived during the 5th century BCE. He was known for his choral odes and victory songs, which celebrated athletes and their achievements in various sporting events, including the Nemean Games. In the quoted lines, Bacchylides is praising Pytheas, the son of Lampon, for winning the crown in the pankration, a Greek combat sport, at the Nemean Games. Bacchylides compares himself to a poet rather than a sculptor, emphasizing that his words and songs can travel far and wide on merchant ships and mail boats, spreading the news of Pytheas' victory. Bacchylides' works were highly regarded in ancient Greece and showcased his skill in composing lyrical poetry that celebrated the accomplishments of athletes and their glory in sports competitions.