Before I have
stripped
I feel the fire.
Greek Anthology
Greek Anthology
The Greek Anthology is the largest surviving collection of short Greek poems, starting from the earliest poets and going up to Byzantine times. It is primarily based on a compilation of epigrams made by the Byzantine scholar Constantinus Cephalas in the 10th century, with some additions by Maximus Planudes in the late 13th century. It is sometimes called the Palatine Anthology, because the only surviving manuscript of Cephalas' compliation is preserved in the Palatine Library at Heidelberg.
The poems have all been translated by W. R. Paton (1916). The traditional arrangement is in 16 books (with the Planudean Anthology as Book 16); but here the poems are mostly arranged by author. All the poets who are listed here wrote before the end of the 1st century A. D. ; the earlier poets (ones who lived around 100 B. C. or earlier) are marked with an asterisk.
Alcaeus of Messene * Antipater of Sidon *
Antipater of Thessalonica Antiphilus
Anyte * Apollonides
Archias Asclepiades *
Bianor Callimachus *
Crinagoras Dioscorides *
Leonidas of Tarentum * Lucillius
Marcus Argentarius Meleager *
Mnasalcas * Nicarchus
Philippus Philodemus
Simonides * Theodoridas *
The epigrams of Poseidippus are available on the elfinspell. com website.
The epigrams of Theocritus are available on the theoi. com website.
Links to the epigrams of other poets can be found in the List of Other Poets.
Epigrams by other poets, arranged by book:
Book 3 - The Cyzicene Epigrams
Book 5 - The Amatory Epigrams
Book 6 - The Dedicatory Epigrams
Book 7 : 1-356 , 362-748 - The Sepulchral Epigrams
Book 9 : 1-312 , 313-827 - The Declamatory Epigrams
Book 10 - The Hortatory and Admonitory Epigrams
Book 11 - The Convivial and Satirical Epigrams
Book 12 - Strato's 'Musa Puerilis'
Book 13 - Epigrams in Various Metres
Book 16 - Epigrams of the Planudean Anthology
Attalus' home page
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Greek Anthology: Book 3
THE CYZICENE EPIGRAMS
Translated by W. R. Paton. The Greek text of the epigrams can be found on Perseus.
In the temple at Cyzicus of Apollonis, the mother of Attalus and Eumenes, inscribed on the tablets of the columns, which contained scenes in relief, as follows :-
[1] On Dionysus conducting his mother Semele to heaven, preceded by Hermes, Satyrs, and Sileni escorting them with Torches.
The fair-haired daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia, slain in childbirth by the bolt of Zeus, is being led up from Acheron by her son Dionysus, the thyrsus-lover, who avenges the godless insolence of Pentheus.
[2] Telephus recognised by his Mother.
Leaving the valleys of Arcadia because of my mother Auge, I Telephus, myself the dear son of Heracles, set foot on this Teuthranian land, that I might bring her back to Arcadia.
[3] Phoenix blinded by his father Amyntor, whom his own wife Alcimede attempts to restrain.
Alcimede is holding back her husband Amyntor from their son Phoenix, wishing to appease his father's wrath. He quarrelled with his father for his virtuous mother's sake, because he desired to lie with a slave concubine. His father, listening to crafty whispered slander, was wrath with the young man, and approached him with a torch to burn out his eyes.
[4] Polymedes and Clytius, the sons of Phineus the Thracian, who slew their father's Phrygian wife, because he took her to wife while still married to their mother Cleopatra.
Clytius and Polymedes, renowned for wisdom, are slaying their Phrygian stepmother for their own mother's sake. Cleopatra therefore is glad of heart, having seen the wife of Phineus justly slain.
[5] Cresphontes is killing Polyphontes, the slayer of his father ; Merope is there holding a staff and helping her son to slay him.
Thou didst formerly slay, O Polyphontes, the father of Cresphontes, desiring to defile the bed of his wedded wife. And long after came his son to avenge his father's murder, and slew thee for the sake of his mother Merope. Therefore hath he planted his spear in thy back, and she is helping, striking thee on the forehead with a heavy staff.
[6] The Pytho slain by Apollo and Artemis, because it appeared and prevented Leto from approaching the oracle at Delphi which she went to occupy.
Leto in utter loathing is turning away from the earthborn Pytho, a creeping thing, all confusedly coiled ; for it wishes to annoy the wise goddess : but Phoebus, shooting from the height, lays it low in its blood. He shall make the Delphian tripod inspired, but the Pytho shall yield up its life with groans and bitter hisses.
ON THE NORTH SIDE
[7] The story of Zethus and Amphion. They are tying Dirce to the bull, because instigated by jealousy she treated with excessive harshness their mother Antiope, whom her father, Nycteus, owing to her seduction, abandoned to Lycus, Dirce's husband.
Amphion and Zethus, scions of Zeus, slay this woman Dirce, the injurer of your mother Antiope, whom formerly she kept in prison owing to her jealous spite, but whom she now beseeches with tears. Attach her to the bull with a double rope, that it may drag her body through this thicket.
[8] Odysseus in Hades questioning his mother Anticleia concerning affairs at home.
Anticleia, mother of wise Odysseus, you did not live to receive your son in Ithaca ; but now he marvels, seeing you, his sweet mother, on the shore of Acheron.
[9] Pelias and Neleus, the sons of Poseidon, delivering from bonds their mother Tyro, whom her father Salmoneus imprisoned owing to her seduction, and whom her step-mother Sidero tortured.
Let not the bonds of Sidero torment thee any longer, Tyro, crouching before this thy father, Salmoneus ; for he shall not keep thee in bondage longer, now he sees Neleus and Pelias approach to restrain him.
ON THE WEST SIDE
[10] The recognition of Eunous and Thoas, the children of Hypsipyle, by their mother. They are showing her the golden vine, the token of their birth, and saving her from her punishment at the hands of Eurydice for the death of Archemorus.
Show, Thoas, this plant of Bacchus, for so shall you save from death thy mother, the slave Hypsipyle, who suffered from the wrath of Eurydice, since the earth-born snake slew Archemorus. And go thou too, Eunous, leaving the borders of the Asopian land, to take thy mother to pleasant Lemnos.
[11] Polydectes the King of Seriphus being turned into stone by Perseus with the Gorgon's head. He had sent Perseus to seek this in order to marry his mother, and the death he had designed for another he suffered himself by the providence of Justice.
Thou didst dare, Polydectes, to defile the bed of Danaē, succeeding Zeus in unholy wedlock. Therefore, Perseus here uncovered the Gorgon's eyes and made thy limbs stone, to do pleasure to his mother.
[12] Ixion killing Phorbas and Polymelus, for their murder of his mother Megara. They slew her out of anger, because she would not consent to marry either of them.
Ixion, whom you see, laid low Phorbas and Polymelus, taking vengeance on them for their vengeance on his mother.
[13] Heracles leading his mother Alcmene to the Elysian Plains to wed her to Rhadamanthys, and his own reception into the number of the gods.
Bold Heracles gave this his mother Alcmene in holy wedlock to Rhadamanthys.
[14] Tityus shot down by Apollo and Artemis for daring to assault their mother Leto.
Lustful and drunk with folly, why did you try to force the bride of Zeus, who now, as you deserved, bathed you in blood and left you righteously on the ground, food for beasts and birds.
[15] Bellerophon saved by his son Glaucus, when having fallen from the back of Pegasus into the Aleian plain he was about to be killed by Megapenthes, the son of Proetus.
No longer could Bellerophon stay the murderous hand of this son of Proetus, nor the death designed for him by his father. Glaucus, in vain you fear for him (? ) ; he shall escape the plot of Iobates, for thus the Fates decreed. Yourself, too, then did shield your father from death, standing near him, and were an observant witness to the truth of the glorious story.
[16] At the door of the temple as we approach it are Aeolus and Boeotus, the sons of Poseidon, delivering their mother Melanippe from the fetters in which she was placed by her father owing to her seduction.
Aeolus and Boeotus, a clever and pious task ye performed in saving your mother from death. Therefore ye were proved to be brave men, one of you from Aeolis, the other from Boeotia.
[17] Anapis and Amphinomus, who on the occasion of the eruption in Sicily carried through the flames to safety their parents and nought else.
[ The epigram has perished. ]
[18] Cleobis and Biton, who enabled their mother Cydippe, the priestess of Hera at Argos, to sacrifice, by putting their own necks under the yoke, when the oxen delayed. They say she was so pleased that she prayed to Hera that the highest human happiness possible for man should befall her sons; thus she prayed, and that night they died.
This story of Cydippe and her sons' piety is not false, but has the beauty of truth. A delightful labour and a seasonable for men was theirs ; they undertook a glorious task out of piety to their mother. Rejoice even among the dead ye men famous for your piety and may you alone have age-long story.
[19] Romulus and Remus deliver their mother Servilia from the cruelty of Amulius. Mars had seduced her, and they were his children. They were exposed, and suckled by a wolf. When they came to man's estate, they delivered their mother from bondage. After founding Rome they re-established Numitor in the kingdom.
Thou didst bear secretly this offspring to Ares, Romulus and Remus, at one birth. A she-wolf brought them up in a cave, and they delivered thee by force from woe ill to cure.
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Greek Anthology: Book 5
THE AMATORY EPIGRAMS
This selection from Book 5 of the Greek Anthology contains all the epigrams written before the middle of the first century A. D. , as listed in three editions:
(H) A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page, "The Greek Anthology: Hellenistic Epigrams"
(Ph) A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page, "The Greek Anthology: The Garland of Philip and Some Contemporary Epigrams"
(F) D. L. Page, "Further Greek Epigrams"
The labels in green are the numbers assigned to the epigrams in one of these editions. The labels in red are their numbers within the Anthology.
Translations of most of the epigrams are already available elsewhere, as indicated by the links. The translations of the remaining epigrams are taken from the edition by W. R. Paton (1916-18), but have been modified to remove some of the archaic language. Click on G to go to the Greek text of each epigram.
[3]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[4]
Philodemus →
[5] STATYLLIUS FLACCUS { Ph 1 } G
To faithless Napē Flaccus gave myself, this silver lamp, the faithful confidant of the loves of the night ; and now I droop at her bedside, looking on the lewdness of the forsworn girl. But you, Flaccus, lie awake, tormented by cruel care, and both of us are burning far away from each other.
[6]
Callimachus (27)
[7]
Asclepiades →
[8]
Meleager →
[10]
Alcaeus →
[11] Anonymous { F 7 } G
Cypris, if you save those at sea, save me, beloved goddess, who perish ship-wrecked on land.
[13]
Philodemus →
[16]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[17] GAETULICUS { F 1 } G
O guardian of the surf-beaten shore, I send you, Cypris, these little cakes and simple gifts of sacrifice. For to-morrow I shall cross the broad Ionian Sea, hasting to the bosom of my Eidothea. Shine favourable on my love, and on my boat, you who are queen alike of the chamber and of the shore.
[20] HONESTUS { Ph 1 } G
I neither wish to marry a young girl nor an old woman. The one I pity, the other I revere. Neither sour grape nor raisin would I have, but a beauty ripe for the chamber of Love.
[23]
Callimachus (64)
[24]
Meleager →
[25]
Philodemus →
[29] CILLACTOR { F 1 } G
Sweet is fruition, who denies it ? but when it demands money it becomes bitterer than hellebore.
[30]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[31]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[32]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[33] PARMENION { Ph 1 } G
You fell in rain of gold on Danaē, Olympian Zeus, that the child might yield to you as to a gift, and not tremble before you as before a god.
[34] PARMENION { Ph 2 } G
Zeus bought Danaē for gold, and I buy you for a gold coin. I can't give more than Zeus did.
[38]
Nicarchus →
[39]
Nicarchus →
[40]
Nicarchus →
[45] CILLACTOR { F 2 } G
A young girl increases her little store not by her art, but by her nature.
[46]
Philodemus →
[49] GALLUS { F 1 } G
{adapted from the translation by M. Johnson & T. Ryan}
Lyde, who renders service to three men at one and the same time, one over her belly, the other below, and another from above, said: "I let in the boy-lover, the woman-lover, and the violence-lover. If you're urgent, even if you get in alongside two others, don't hold back! "
[51] Anonymous { F 8 } G
I fell in love, I kissed, I was favoured, I enjoyed, I am loved ; but who am I, and who is she, and how it befell, Cypris alone knows.
[54]
Dioscorides →
[55]
Dioscorides →
[56]
Dioscorides →
[57]
Meleager →
[58]
Archias →
[59]
Archias →
[63]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[64]
Asclepiades →
[67] CAPITO { F 1 } G
Beauty without charm only pleases us, but does not hold us ; it is like a bait floating without a hook.
[68]
Lucillius →
[78] PLATO { F 3 } G
My soul was on my lips as I was kissing Agathōn. Poor soul ! she came hoping to cross over to him.
[79] PLATO { F 4 } G
I throw the apple at you, and you, if you love me from your heart, take it and give me of your maidenhead ; but if your thoughts be what I pray they are not, take it still and reflect how short-lived is beauty.
[80] PLATO { F 5 } G
I am an apple ; one who loves you throws me at you. But consent, Xanthippe ; both you and I decay.
[81] DIONYSIUS THE SOPHIST { F 1 } G
You with the roses, rosy is your charm ; but what do you sell, yourself or the roses, or both ?
[82] DIONYSIUS THE SOPHIST { F 2 } G
Proud waitress of the bath, why do you bathe me so fiercely ? Before I have stripped I feel the fire.
[83] Anonymous { F 9 } G
Oh, would I were the wind, that walking on the shore you might bare your bosom and take me to you as I blow.
[84] Anonymous { F 10 } G
Oh, would I were a pink rose, that your hand might pluck me to give to your snowy breasts.
[85]
Asclepiades →
[90] Anonymous { F 11 } G
I send you sweet perfume, ministering to scent with scent, even as one who to Bacchus offers the flowing gift of Bacchus.
[91] Anonymous { F 12 } G
I send you sweet perfume, not so much honouring you as it ; for you can perfume the perfume.
[94] Anonymous { F 13} G
You have Hera's eyes, Melite, and Athene's hands, the breasts of Aphrodite, and the feet of Thetis. Blessed is he who looks on you, thrice blessed he who hears you talk, a demigod he who kisses you, and a god he who takes you to wife.
[96]
Meleager →
[98]
Archias →
[100] Anonymous { F 1 } G
If anyone blame me because, a skilled servant of Love, I go to the chase, my eyes armed with birdlime to catch ladies, let him know that Zeus and Hades and the Lord of the Sea were slaves of violent desire. If the gods are such and they bid men follow their example, what wrong do I do in learning their deeds ?
[101] Anonymous { F 6 } G
He. Good day, my dear. She. Good day. He. Who is she who is walking in front of you ? She. What is that to you ? He. I have a reason for asking. She. My mistress. He. May I hope? She. What do you want? He. A night. She. What have you for her ? He. Gold. She. Then take heart. He. So much {showing the amount}. She. You can't.
[102]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[104]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[105]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[106] DIOTIMUS OF MILETUS { Ph 1 } G
Granny, dear nurse, why do you bark at me when I approach; and cast me into torments twice as cruel. You accompany a lovely girl, and look how treading in her steps I go my own way, only gazing at her sweet form. Why be jealous of eyes, ill-fated nurse ? We are allowed to look on the forms of even the immortals.
[107]
Philodemus →
[108]
Crinagoras →
[109]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[110]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[111]
Antiphilus →
[112]
Philodemus →
[113]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[114] MACCIUS { Ph 1 } G
That persistently cruel Philistiŏn, who never tolerated an admirer unless he had money, seems less insufferable now than formerly. It is not a great miracle her seeming so, but I don't believe her nature is changed. The merciless asp grows tamer at times, but when it bites, it always means death.
[115]
Philodemus →
[116]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[117] MACCIUS { Ph 2 } G
Cornelius' beauty melts me ; but I fear this flame, which is already becoming a fierce fire.
[118]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[119]
Crinagoras →
[120]
Philodemus →
[121]
Philodemus →
[122] DIODORUS { Ph 2 } G
Son of illustrious Megistocles, I beseech you, not even though he seem to you more precious than your two eyes, though he be glowing from the bath of the Graces, do not hang around the lovely boy. Neither gentle nor simple-hearted is he, but courted by many, and no novice in love. Beware, my friend, and fan not the flame.
[123]
Philodemus →
[124]
Philodemus →
[125] BASSUS { Ph 1 } G
I am never going to turn into gold, and let some one else become a bull or the melodious swan of the shore. Such tricks I leave to Zeus, and instead of becoming a bird I will give Corinna my two obols.
[126]
Philodemus →
[127]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[128]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[129] AUTOMEDON { Ph 1 } G
{translated by A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page}
I praise the dancing girl from Asia, her who quivers from her tender finger-tips in lascivious postures, not because she commands every gesture of passion, nor because she flings so tenderly her hands this way and that, but because she knows how to dance around the worn-out peg, and does not shun the wrinkles of age. She tongues and tickles and hugs, and when she throws her leg across, she resurrects the club from Hades.
[130] MACCIUS { Ph 4 } G
Why so gloomy, and what do these untidy ruffled locks mean, Philaenis, and those eyes suffused with tears ? Did you see your lover with a rival on his lap ? Tell me ; I know a cure for sorrow. You cry, but don't confess ; in vain you seek to deny ; eyes are more to be trusted than the tongue.
[131]
Philodemus →
[132]
Philodemus →
[133] MACCIUS { Ph 5 } G
By your majesty, Cythereia, I swore to keep away two nights from Hedyliŏn, and knowing the complaint of my poor heart, methinks you did smile. For I will not support the second, and I cast my oath to the winds.
Before I have stripped I feel the fire.
[83] Anonymous { F 9 } G
Oh, would I were the wind, that walking on the shore you might bare your bosom and take me to you as I blow.
[84] Anonymous { F 10 } G
Oh, would I were a pink rose, that your hand might pluck me to give to your snowy breasts.
[85]
Asclepiades →
[90] Anonymous { F 11 } G
I send you sweet perfume, ministering to scent with scent, even as one who to Bacchus offers the flowing gift of Bacchus.
[91] Anonymous { F 12 } G
I send you sweet perfume, not so much honouring you as it ; for you can perfume the perfume.
[94] Anonymous { F 13} G
You have Hera's eyes, Melite, and Athene's hands, the breasts of Aphrodite, and the feet of Thetis. Blessed is he who looks on you, thrice blessed he who hears you talk, a demigod he who kisses you, and a god he who takes you to wife.
[96]
Meleager →
[98]
Archias →
[100] Anonymous { F 1 } G
If anyone blame me because, a skilled servant of Love, I go to the chase, my eyes armed with birdlime to catch ladies, let him know that Zeus and Hades and the Lord of the Sea were slaves of violent desire. If the gods are such and they bid men follow their example, what wrong do I do in learning their deeds ?
[101] Anonymous { F 6 } G
He. Good day, my dear. She. Good day. He. Who is she who is walking in front of you ? She. What is that to you ? He. I have a reason for asking. She. My mistress. He. May I hope? She. What do you want? He. A night. She. What have you for her ? He. Gold. She. Then take heart. He. So much {showing the amount}. She. You can't.
[102]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[104]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[105]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[106] DIOTIMUS OF MILETUS { Ph 1 } G
Granny, dear nurse, why do you bark at me when I approach; and cast me into torments twice as cruel. You accompany a lovely girl, and look how treading in her steps I go my own way, only gazing at her sweet form. Why be jealous of eyes, ill-fated nurse ? We are allowed to look on the forms of even the immortals.
[107]
Philodemus →
[108]
Crinagoras →
[109]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[110]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[111]
Antiphilus →
[112]
Philodemus →
[113]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[114] MACCIUS { Ph 1 } G
That persistently cruel Philistiŏn, who never tolerated an admirer unless he had money, seems less insufferable now than formerly. It is not a great miracle her seeming so, but I don't believe her nature is changed. The merciless asp grows tamer at times, but when it bites, it always means death.
[115]
Philodemus →
[116]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[117] MACCIUS { Ph 2 } G
Cornelius' beauty melts me ; but I fear this flame, which is already becoming a fierce fire.
[118]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[119]
Crinagoras →
[120]
Philodemus →
[121]
Philodemus →
[122] DIODORUS { Ph 2 } G
Son of illustrious Megistocles, I beseech you, not even though he seem to you more precious than your two eyes, though he be glowing from the bath of the Graces, do not hang around the lovely boy. Neither gentle nor simple-hearted is he, but courted by many, and no novice in love. Beware, my friend, and fan not the flame.
[123]
Philodemus →
[124]
Philodemus →
[125] BASSUS { Ph 1 } G
I am never going to turn into gold, and let some one else become a bull or the melodious swan of the shore. Such tricks I leave to Zeus, and instead of becoming a bird I will give Corinna my two obols.
[126]
Philodemus →
[127]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[128]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[129] AUTOMEDON { Ph 1 } G
{translated by A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page}
I praise the dancing girl from Asia, her who quivers from her tender finger-tips in lascivious postures, not because she commands every gesture of passion, nor because she flings so tenderly her hands this way and that, but because she knows how to dance around the worn-out peg, and does not shun the wrinkles of age. She tongues and tickles and hugs, and when she throws her leg across, she resurrects the club from Hades.
[130] MACCIUS { Ph 4 } G
Why so gloomy, and what do these untidy ruffled locks mean, Philaenis, and those eyes suffused with tears ? Did you see your lover with a rival on his lap ? Tell me ; I know a cure for sorrow. You cry, but don't confess ; in vain you seek to deny ; eyes are more to be trusted than the tongue.
[131]
Philodemus →
[132]
Philodemus →
[133] MACCIUS { Ph 5 } G
By your majesty, Cythereia, I swore to keep away two nights from Hedyliŏn, and knowing the complaint of my poor heart, methinks you did smile. For I will not support the second, and I cast my oath to the winds. I choose rather to be impious to you for her sake than by keeping my oath to you to die of piety.
[134]
Poseidippus (I)
[135] Anonymous { H 57 } G
To his Jug
Round, well-moulded, one-eared, long-necked, babbling with your little mouth, merry waitress of Bacchus and the Muses and Cythereia, sweetly-laughing treasuress of our club, why when I am sober are you full and when I get tipsy do you become sober ? You don't keep the laws of conviviality.
[136]
Meleager →
[137]
Meleager →
[138]
Dioscorides →
[139]
Meleager →
[140]
Meleager →
[141]
Meleager →
[142] Anonymous { H 23 } G
Which is it ? is the garland the rose of Dionysius, or is he the garland's rose ? I think the garland is less lovely.
[143]
Meleager →
[144]
Meleager →
[145]
Asclepiades →
[146]
Callimachus (52)
[147]
Meleager →
[148]
Meleager →
[149]
Meleager →
[150]
Asclepiades →
[151]
Meleager →
[152]
Meleager →
[153]
Asclepiades →
[154]
Meleager →
[155]
Meleager →
[156]
Meleager →
[157]
Meleager →
[158]
Asclepiades →
[159]
Simonides →
[160]
Meleager →
[161]
Asclepiades →
[162]
Asclepiades →
[163]
Meleager →
[164]
Asclepiades →
[165]
Meleager →
[166]
Meleager →
[167]
Asclepiades →
[168] Anonymous { H 3 } G
Hurl fire and snow upon me, and if you will, strike me with your bolt, or sweep me to the cliffs or to the deep. For he who is worn out by battle with Desire and utterly overcome by Love, feels not even the blast of Zeus' fire.
[169]
Asclepiades →
[170] NOSSIS { H 1 } G
{translated by N. Livingstone}
Nothing is sweeter than love, other blessings all come second: even honey I spit from my mouth. This is what Nossis says: but anyone whom Cypris has not kissed is a woman who does not know what roses Love's flowers are.
[171]
Meleager →
[172]
Meleager →
[173]
Meleager →
[174]
Meleager →
[175]
Meleager →
[176]
Meleager →
[177]
Meleager →
[178]
Meleager →
[179]
Meleager →
[180]
Meleager →
[181]
Asclepiades →
[182]
Meleager →
[183]
Poseidippus (V)
[184]
Meleager →
[185]
Asclepiades →
[186]
Poseidippus (II)
[187]
Meleager →
[188]
Leonidas →
[189]
Asclepiades →
[190]
Meleager →
[191]
Meleager →
[192]
Meleager →
[193]
Dioscorides →
[194]
Asclepiades →
[195]
Meleager →
[196]
Meleager →
[197]
Meleager →
[198]
Meleager →
[199] HEDYLUS { H 2 } G
Wine and treacherous toasts and the sweet love of Nicagoras sent Aglaonicē to sleep ; and here she has dedicated to Cypris these spoils of her maiden love still all dripping with scent, her sandals and the soft band that held her bosom, witnesses to her sleep and his violence then.
[200] Anonymous { H 36 } G
The saffron robe of Alexō, and her dark green ivy crown, still smelling of myrrh, with her snood she dedicates to sweet Priapus with the effeminate melting eyes, in memory of his holy night-festival.
[201] Anonymous { H 37 } G
Leontis lay awake till the lovely star of morn, taking her delight with golden Sthenius, and ever since that vigil it hangs here in the shrine of Cypris, the lyre the Muses helped her then to play.
[202]
Asclepiades →
[203]
Asclepiades →
[204]
Meleager →
[205] Anonymous { H 35 } G
Nico's love-charm, that can compel a man to come from overseas and boys from their rooms, carved of transparent amethyst, set in gold and hung upon a soft thread of purple wool, she, the witch of Larissa presents to you Cypris, to possess and treasure.
[206]
Leonidas →
[207]
Asclepiades →
[208]
Meleager →
[209]
Asclepiades →
[210]
Asclepiades →
[211]
Poseidippus (III)
[212]
Meleager →
[213]
Poseidippus (IV)
[214]
Meleager →
[215]
Meleager →
[306]
Philodemus →
[307]
Antiphilus →
[308]
Antiphilus →
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Greek Anthology: Book 6
THE DEDICATORY EPIGRAMS
This selection from Book 6 of the Greek Anthology contains all the epigrams written before the middle of the first century A. D. , as listed in three editions:
(H) A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page, "The Greek Anthology: Hellenistic Epigrams"
(Ph) A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page, "The Greek Anthology: The Garland of Philip and Some Contemporary Epigrams"
(F) D. L. Page, "Further Greek Epigrams"
The labels in green are the numbers assigned to the epigrams in one of these editions. The labels in red are their numbers within the Anthology.
Translations of most of the epigrams are already available elsewhere, as indicated by the links. The translations of the remaining epigrams are taken from the edition by W. R. Paton (1916-18), but have been modified to remove some of the archaic language. Click on G to go to the Greek text of each epigram.
[1] PLATO { F 8 } G
I, Lais, whose haughty beauty made mock of Greece, I who once had a swarm of young lovers at my doors, dedicate my mirror to Aphrodite, since I wish not to look on myself as I am, and cannot look on myself as I once was.
[2]
Simonides →
[3] DIONYSIUS { H 5 } G
Heracles, who tread stony Trachis and Oeta and the headland of Pholoe clothed in deep forest, to you Dionysius offers this club yet green, which he cut himself with his sickle from a wild olive-tree.
[4]
Leonidas →
[5]
Philippus →
[9]
Mnasalcas →
[10]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[11] SATYRIUS { F 1 } G
This and the following five epigrams, as well as Nos. 179-187, are all on the same subject.
The three brothers, skilled in three crafts, dedicate to Pan, Damis the huntsman this long net, Pigres his light-meshed fowling net, and Clitor, the night-rower, his tunic for red mullet. Look kindly on the pious brethren, O Pan, and grant them gain from fowl, fish and venison.
[13]
Leonidas →
[14]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[15]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[16]
Archias →
[21] Anonymous { F 18 } G
To you, Priapus the gardener, did Potamon, who gained wealth by this calling, dedicate the hoe that dug his thirsty garden, and his curved sickle for cutting vegetables, the ragged cloak that kept the rain off his back, his strong boots of untanned hide, the dibble for planting out young cabbages going straight into the easily pierced soil, and his mattock that never ceased during the dry summer to refresh the thirsty beds with draughts from the channels.
[22] ZONAS { Ph 1 } G
The fruit-watcher dedicated to rustic Priapus, carved out of a trunk, this sacrifice from the trees, a newly split pomegranate, this quince covered with fresh down, a navelled fig with wrinkled skin, a purple cluster of thick-set grapes, fountain of wine, and a walnut just out of its green rind.
[23] Anonymous { F 17 } G
Hermes, dwelling in this wave-beaten rock-cave, that gives good footing to fisher gulls, accept this fragment of the great seine worn by the sea and scraped often by the rough beach ; this little purse-seine, the round weel that entraps fishes, the float whose task it is to mark where the weels are concealed, and the long cane rod, the child of the marsh, with its horse-hair line, not unfurnished with hooks, wound round it.
[31]
Nicarchus →
[33] MACCIUS { Ph 6 } G
Priapus of the beach, the fishermen, after surrounding with their deep-sunk net the circling shoal of tunnies in the green narrows of the sea, dedicated to you these gifts out of the profits of the rich catch they made on this strand - a bowl of beech wood, a stool roughly carved of heath, and a glass wine-cup, so that when your weary limbs are broken by the dance you may rest them and drive away dry thirst.
[34] RHIANUS { H 6 } G
Polyaenus hung here as a gift to Pan the club, the bow and these boar's feet. Also to the Lord of the hills he dedicated this quiver and the dog-collar, gifts of thanks for his success in boar-hunting. But do you, O Pan the scout, send home Polyaenus, the son of Symilas, in future, too, laden with spoils of the chase.
[35]
Leonidas →
[36]
Philippus →
[37] Anonymous { F 77 } G
The rustic herdsmen cut on the mountain this beech-branch which old age had bent as it bends us, and having trimmed it, set it up by the road, a pretty toy for Pan who protects the glossy cattle.
[38]
Philippus →
[39]
Archias →
[43] PLATO { F 21 } G
Some traveller, who stilled here his tormenting thirst in the heat, moulded in bronze and dedicated as a vow this servant of the Nymphs, the damp songster who loves the rain, the frog who takes joy in light fountains ; for it guided him to the water, as he wandered, singing opportunely with its amphibious mouth from the damp hollow. Then, not deserting the guiding voice, he found the drink he longed for.
[44]
Leonidas →
[45] Anonymous { H 43 } G
Comaulus hung up alive to Bacchus this hedgehog, its body bristling with sharp spines, the grape-gatherer, the spoiler of the sweet vineyards, having caught it curled up in a ball and rolling on the grapes.
[46]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[47]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[48] Anonymous { H 38 } G
Bitto dedicated to Athene her industrious loom-comb, the implement of her scanty livelihood, for then she conceived a hatred for all toil among workfolk, and for the weaver's wretched cares. To Athene she said, " I will take to the works of Cypris, voting like Paris against you. "
[50]
Simonides →
[51] Anonymous { H 42 } G
To you, my mother Rhea, nurse of Phrygian lions, whose devotees tread the heights of Dindymus, did womanish Alexis, ceasing from furious clashing of the brass, dedicate these stimulants of his madness - his shrill-toned cymbals, the noise of his deep-voiced flute, to which the crooked horn of a young steer gave a curved form, * his echoing tambourines, his knives reddened with blood, and the yellow hair which once tossed on his shoulders. Be kind, O Queen, and give rest in his old age from his former wildness to him who went mad in his youth.
* The curved shape of a double Phrygian flute.
[52]
Simonides →
[53] BACCHYLIDES { F 1 } G
Eudemus dedicated this temple in his field to Zephyr the richest of all winds ; for he came in answer to his prayer to help him winnow quickly the grain from the ripe ears.
[62]
Philippus →
[88] ANTIPHANES OF MACEDONIA { Ph 1 } G
Cythereia herself loosed from her breast her delightful girdle and gave it to you, Ino, for your own, so that ever with love-charms that melt the heart you may subdue men ; and surely you have spent them all on me alone.
[89] MACCIUS QUINTUS { Ph 7 } G
Priapus, who delight in the sea-worn rocks of this island near the coast, and in its rugged peak, to you Paris the fisherman dedicates this hard-shelled lobster which he overcame by his lucky rod. Its flesh he roasted and enjoyed munching with his half-decayed teeth, but this its shell he gave to you. Therefore give him no great gift, kind god, but enough catch from his nets to still his barking belly.
[90]
Philippus →
[91] THALLUS OF MILETUS { Ph 1 } G
The shield is the offering of Promachus, the spears of Aconteus, the sword of Eumedes, and this bow is Cydon's. Hippomedon offers the reins, Melantas the helmet, Nico the greaves, Aristomachus the pike, and Philinus the cuirass. Grant to them all, Ares, spoiler of men, ever to win trophies from the foemen.
[92]
Philippus →
[93]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[94]
Philippus →
[95]
Antiphilus →
[96] ERYCIUS { Ph 1 } G
Glaucon and Corydon, who keep their cattle on the hills, Arcadians both, drawing back its neck slaughtered for Cyllenian Pan, the mountain-lover, a horned steer, and fixed by a long nail to the goodly plane-tree its horns, twelve palms long, a fair ornament for the pastoral god.
[97]
Antiphilus →
[98] ZONAS { Ph 2 } G
To Demeter the Winnower and the Seasons that tread in the furrows Heronax from his scanty tillage offers a portion of the corn from his threshing-floor and these various vegetables on a wooden tripod - very little from a small store ; for he owns but this little plot on the barren hill-side.
[99]
Philippus →
[100]
Crinagoras →
[101]
Philippus →
[102]
Philippus →
[103]
Philippus →
[104]
Philippus →
[105]
Apollonides →
[106] ZONAS { Ph 3 } G
This skin, O woodland god, did Telamon, the slayer of wolves, suspend to you on the plane-tree in the field, also his staff of wild olive wood which he often sent whirling from his hand. But do you, Pan, god of the hills, receive these not very rich gifts, and open to him this mountain, your domain, to hunt thereon with success.
[107]
Philippus →
[108] MYRINUS { Ph 1 } G
Ye Pans, keepers of the high mountains, ye jolly horned dancers, lords of grassy Arcadia, make Diotimus rich in sheep and goats, accepting the gifts of his splendid sacrifice.
[109]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[110]
Leonidas →
[111]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[112] PERSES { H 1 } G
These three heads of Maenalian stags with vast antlers hang in your portico, Apollo. They were shot from horseback by the hands of Gyges, Dailochos and Promenes, the children of valiant Leontiades.
[113] SIMMIAS GRAMMATICUS { H 3 } G
I was formerly one of the two horns of a wild long-haired ibex, and was garlanded with green leaves ; but now the worker in horn has adapted me for Nicomachus, stretching on me the strong sinew of a crumple-horned ox. *
* i. e. the horn was made into a bow ; it seems to have served before as a hook on which to hang wreaths.
[114]
Philippus →
[115]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[116] SAMIUS { H 1 } G
As a gift to you, Heracles, sacker of Orchomenus, did Philip dedicate this, the smooth hide, with its horns, of the loud-bellowing bull, whose glorying insolence he quenched in the rough foot-hills of Orbelus. Let envy pine away ; but your glory is increased, in that from your race sprang the Beroean lord of Macedon. *
* The author of this epigram, Samius or Samus, was a friend of Philip V, king of Macedonia.
[117] PANCRATES { H 1 } G
The hammer from the fire, with the pliers and tongs, is consecrated to you, Hephaestus, the gift of Polycrates, with which often beating on his anvil he gained substance for his children, driving away doleful poverty.
[118]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[119] MOERO OF BYZANTIUM { H 1 } G
Cluster, full of the juice of Dionysus, you rest under the roof of Aphrodite's golden chamber : no longer shall the vine, your mother, cast her lovely branch around you, and put forth above your head her sweet leaves.
[120]
Leonidas →
[121]
Callimachus (63)
[122] NICIAS { H 1 } G
Maenad of Ares, sustainer of war, impetuous spear, who now has set you here, a gift to the goddess who awakes the battle? "Menius ; for springing lightly from his hand in the forefront of the fight I wrought havoc among the Odrysae on the plain. "
[123]
Anyte →
[124] HEGESIPPUS { H 1 } G
I am fixed here under the roof of warrior Pallas' temple, the shield from the mortal shoulders of Timanor, often befouled with the dust of iron war. Ever did I save my bearer from death.
[125]
Mnasalcas →
[126]
Dioscorides →
[127] NICIAS { H 2 } G
A Shield speaks
So one day I was fated to leave the hideous field of battle and listen to the song and dance of girls round the temple of Artemis, where Epixenus set me, when white old age began to wear out his limbs.
[128]
Mnasalcas →
[129]
Leonidas →
[130]
Leonidas →
[131]
Leonidas →
[132] NOSSIS { H 2 } G
These their shields the Bruttians threw from their doomed shoulders, smitten by the swiftly-charging Locrians. Here they hang in the temple of the gods, praising them, the brave, and regretting not the clasp of the cowards they left. *
* The exact date of the combats referred to in 129, 131, 132 is unknown.
[133] ARCHILOCHUS { F 2 } G
Alcibia dedicated to Hera the holy veil of her hair, when she entered into lawful wedlock.
[134] ANACREON { F 5 } G
134-145 are all attributed to Anacreon
Helicomas, she who holds the thyrsus, and Xanthippe next to her, and Glauce, are coming down the mountain on their way to the dance, and they are bringing for Dionysus ivy, grapes, and a fat goat.
[135] ANACREON { F 6 } G
This horse of Pheidolas from spacious Corinth is dedicated to Zeus in memory of the might of its legs.
[136] ANACREON { F 7 } G
Praxidice worked and Dyseris designed this garment. It testifies to the skill of both.
[137] ANACREON { F 8 } G
Apollo of the silver bow, grant willingly your grace to Naucrates, the son of Aeschylus, receiving these his vows.
[138] ANACREON { F 9 } G
Calliteles set me here of old, but this his descendants erected, to whom grant your grace in return.
[139] ANACREON { F 10 } G
Praxagoras, son of Lycaeus, dedicated these gifts to the gods. Anaxagoras was the craftsman.
[140] ANACREON { F 11 } G
Melanthus, the son of Areïphilus, dedicated me to the wreath-loving son of Semele {Bacchus} in memory of his victory in the dance.
[141] ANACREON { F 12 } G
The shield that saved Python from the dread battle-din hangs in the precinct of Athene.
[142] ANACREON { F 13 } G
Echecratidas, the ruler of Thessaly, dedicated me in honour of Bacchus and as a splendid ornament for his city.
[143] ANACREON { F 14 } G
On a Statue of Hermes
Pray that the herald of the gods may be kind to Timonax, who placed me here to adorn this lovely porch, and as a gift to Hermes the Lord. In my gymnasium I receive whosoever wishes it, be he citizen or stranger.
[144] ANACREON { F 15 } G
Leocrates, son of Stroebus, when you dedicated this statue to Hermes, neither the beautiful-haired Graces were heedless of it, nor joyous Academy, in whose bosom I tell of your beneficence to all who approach.
[145] ANACREON { F 16 } G
Sophocles, who won the highest glory of the tragic Muse, first dedicated these altars to the gods.
[146]
Callimachus (54)
[147]
Callimachus (55)
[148]
Callimachus (56)
[149]
Callimachus (57)
[150]
Callimachus (58)
[151] TYMNES { H 1 } G
Miccus of Pellene hung in the temple of Ilian Athene this deep-toned flute of Ares, * the Tyrrhenian instrument by which he formerly uttered many a loud message of peace or war.
* i. e. a trumpet.
[152] AGIS { H 1 } G
Meidon, O Phoebus, dedicated to you his stakes and winged hare-staves, together with his fowling canes - a small gift from small earnings ; but if you give him something greater he will repay you with far richer gifts than these.
[153]
Anyte →
[154]
Leonidas →
[155]
Theodoridas →
[156]
Theodoridas →
[157]
Theodoridas →
[158] SABINUS GRAMMATICUS { Ph 2 } G
Exercise on the Theme of 154
A triple gift did Biton dedicate under the green-wood tree, to Pan a goat, roses to the Nymphs, and a thyrsus to Bacchus. Receive with joy his gifts, ye gods, and increase, Pan, his flock, ye Nymphs his fountain, and Bacchus his cellar.
[159]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[160]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[161]
Crinagoras →
[162]
Meleager →
[163]
Meleager →
[164]
Lucillius →
[165] FLACCUS ? { F 1 } G
Euanthe, when she transferred her hand from the unsteady service of the thyrsus to the steady service of the wine-cup, dedicated to Bacchus her whirling tambourine that stirs the rout of the Bacchants to fury, this dappled spoil of a flayed fawn, her clashing brass corybantic cymbals, her green thyrsus surmounted by a pine-cone, her light, but deeply-booming drum, and the winnowing-basket she often carried raised above her snooded hair.
[166]
Lucillius →
[169] Anonymous { F 19 } G
Comaulus, seeing the porcupine carrying grapes on its spines, slew it in this vineyard, and having dried it, he dedicated to Dionysus, who loves untempered wine, the spoiler of Dionysus' gift.
[170] THYILLUS { F 1 } G
The elms, and these lofty willows, and the holy spreading plane, and the springs, and these shepherds' cups that cure fell thirst, are dedicated to Pan.
[171] Anonymous { H 58a } G
To your very self, O Sun, did the people of Dorian Rhodes raise high to heaven this colossus, then, when having laid to rest the brazen wave of war, they crowned their country with the spoils of their foes. Not only over the sea, but on the land, too, did they establish the lovely light of unfettered freedom. For to those who spring from the race of Heracles dominion is a heritage both on land and
[172] Anonymous { F 20 } G
Cnidian Porphyris suspends before your chamber, Dionysus, these gauds of her beauty and her madness, her crowns, and this double thyrsus-spear, and her anklet, with all of which she raved her fill whenever she resorted to Dionysus, her ivy-decked fawn-skin knotted on her bosom.
[173] RHIANUS { H 7 } G
Achrylis, Rhea's Phrygian lady-in-waiting, who often under the pines loosed her consecrated hair, who often uttered from her lips the sharp cry, painful to hear, that Cybele's votaries use, dedicated her hair here at the door of the mountain goddess, where she rested her burning feet from the mad race.
[174]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[177]
Theocritus (II)
[178] HEGESIPPUS { H 2 } G
Accept me, Heracles, the consecrated shield of Archestratus, so that, resting against your polished porch I may grow old listening to song and dance. Enough of the hateful battle !
[179]
179-187 are another set of variants on the theme of epigrams 11-16
Archias →
[180]
Archias →
[181]
Archias →
[182] ALEXANDER OF MAGNESIA { F 1 } G
Pigres dedicates to you, Pan, his nets for birds, Damis his for mountain beasts, and Cleitor his for those of the deep : a common gift from the brothers for their luck in the various kinds of chase to you who are skilled in the things of sea and land alike. In return for which, and recognising their piety, give one dominion in the sea, the other in the air, the third in the woods.
[183] ZOSIMUS OF THASOS { F 2 } G
The hunter brothers suspended these nets to you, Pan, gifts from three sorts of chase ; Pigres from fowls, Cleitor from the sea, and Damis, the crafty tracker, from the land. But may you reward their toil with success in wood, sea, and air.
[184] ZOSIMUS OF THASOS { F 3 } G
The three huntsmen, each from a different craft, dedicated these nets in Pan's temple ; Pigres who set his nets for birds, Cleitor who set his for sea-fishes, and Damis who set his for the beasts of the waste. Therefore, Pan, make them more successful, the one in the air, the other in the thicket, and the third on the beach.
[185] ZOSIMUS OF THASOS { F 4 } G
This heavy net for forest beasts did Damis dedicate, Pigres his light net that brings death to birds, and Cleitor his simple sweep-net woven of thread for the sea, praying all three to Pan the hunter's god. Therefore, Pan, grant to strong Damis good booty of beasts, to Pigres of fowls, and to Cleitor of fishes.
[186] JULIUS DIOCLES { Ph 2 } G
We three brothers of one house have dedicated three nets to you, Pan, from mountain, air, and sea. Cast his nets for this one by the shingly beach, strike the game for this one in the woods, the home of wild beasts, and look with favour on the third among the birds ; for you have gifts, kind god, from all our netting.
[187] ALPHEIUS OF MYTILENE { Ph 5 } G
The holy triad of brothers dedicate to Pan each a token of his own craft ; Pigres a portion from his birds, Cleitor from his fish, and Damis from his straight-cut stakes. In return for which grant to the one success by land, to the second by sea, and let the third win profit from the air.
The Greek Anthology is the largest surviving collection of short Greek poems, starting from the earliest poets and going up to Byzantine times. It is primarily based on a compilation of epigrams made by the Byzantine scholar Constantinus Cephalas in the 10th century, with some additions by Maximus Planudes in the late 13th century. It is sometimes called the Palatine Anthology, because the only surviving manuscript of Cephalas' compliation is preserved in the Palatine Library at Heidelberg.
The poems have all been translated by W. R. Paton (1916). The traditional arrangement is in 16 books (with the Planudean Anthology as Book 16); but here the poems are mostly arranged by author. All the poets who are listed here wrote before the end of the 1st century A. D. ; the earlier poets (ones who lived around 100 B. C. or earlier) are marked with an asterisk.
Alcaeus of Messene * Antipater of Sidon *
Antipater of Thessalonica Antiphilus
Anyte * Apollonides
Archias Asclepiades *
Bianor Callimachus *
Crinagoras Dioscorides *
Leonidas of Tarentum * Lucillius
Marcus Argentarius Meleager *
Mnasalcas * Nicarchus
Philippus Philodemus
Simonides * Theodoridas *
The epigrams of Poseidippus are available on the elfinspell. com website.
The epigrams of Theocritus are available on the theoi. com website.
Links to the epigrams of other poets can be found in the List of Other Poets.
Epigrams by other poets, arranged by book:
Book 3 - The Cyzicene Epigrams
Book 5 - The Amatory Epigrams
Book 6 - The Dedicatory Epigrams
Book 7 : 1-356 , 362-748 - The Sepulchral Epigrams
Book 9 : 1-312 , 313-827 - The Declamatory Epigrams
Book 10 - The Hortatory and Admonitory Epigrams
Book 11 - The Convivial and Satirical Epigrams
Book 12 - Strato's 'Musa Puerilis'
Book 13 - Epigrams in Various Metres
Book 16 - Epigrams of the Planudean Anthology
Attalus' home page
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Greek Anthology: Book 3
THE CYZICENE EPIGRAMS
Translated by W. R. Paton. The Greek text of the epigrams can be found on Perseus.
In the temple at Cyzicus of Apollonis, the mother of Attalus and Eumenes, inscribed on the tablets of the columns, which contained scenes in relief, as follows :-
[1] On Dionysus conducting his mother Semele to heaven, preceded by Hermes, Satyrs, and Sileni escorting them with Torches.
The fair-haired daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia, slain in childbirth by the bolt of Zeus, is being led up from Acheron by her son Dionysus, the thyrsus-lover, who avenges the godless insolence of Pentheus.
[2] Telephus recognised by his Mother.
Leaving the valleys of Arcadia because of my mother Auge, I Telephus, myself the dear son of Heracles, set foot on this Teuthranian land, that I might bring her back to Arcadia.
[3] Phoenix blinded by his father Amyntor, whom his own wife Alcimede attempts to restrain.
Alcimede is holding back her husband Amyntor from their son Phoenix, wishing to appease his father's wrath. He quarrelled with his father for his virtuous mother's sake, because he desired to lie with a slave concubine. His father, listening to crafty whispered slander, was wrath with the young man, and approached him with a torch to burn out his eyes.
[4] Polymedes and Clytius, the sons of Phineus the Thracian, who slew their father's Phrygian wife, because he took her to wife while still married to their mother Cleopatra.
Clytius and Polymedes, renowned for wisdom, are slaying their Phrygian stepmother for their own mother's sake. Cleopatra therefore is glad of heart, having seen the wife of Phineus justly slain.
[5] Cresphontes is killing Polyphontes, the slayer of his father ; Merope is there holding a staff and helping her son to slay him.
Thou didst formerly slay, O Polyphontes, the father of Cresphontes, desiring to defile the bed of his wedded wife. And long after came his son to avenge his father's murder, and slew thee for the sake of his mother Merope. Therefore hath he planted his spear in thy back, and she is helping, striking thee on the forehead with a heavy staff.
[6] The Pytho slain by Apollo and Artemis, because it appeared and prevented Leto from approaching the oracle at Delphi which she went to occupy.
Leto in utter loathing is turning away from the earthborn Pytho, a creeping thing, all confusedly coiled ; for it wishes to annoy the wise goddess : but Phoebus, shooting from the height, lays it low in its blood. He shall make the Delphian tripod inspired, but the Pytho shall yield up its life with groans and bitter hisses.
ON THE NORTH SIDE
[7] The story of Zethus and Amphion. They are tying Dirce to the bull, because instigated by jealousy she treated with excessive harshness their mother Antiope, whom her father, Nycteus, owing to her seduction, abandoned to Lycus, Dirce's husband.
Amphion and Zethus, scions of Zeus, slay this woman Dirce, the injurer of your mother Antiope, whom formerly she kept in prison owing to her jealous spite, but whom she now beseeches with tears. Attach her to the bull with a double rope, that it may drag her body through this thicket.
[8] Odysseus in Hades questioning his mother Anticleia concerning affairs at home.
Anticleia, mother of wise Odysseus, you did not live to receive your son in Ithaca ; but now he marvels, seeing you, his sweet mother, on the shore of Acheron.
[9] Pelias and Neleus, the sons of Poseidon, delivering from bonds their mother Tyro, whom her father Salmoneus imprisoned owing to her seduction, and whom her step-mother Sidero tortured.
Let not the bonds of Sidero torment thee any longer, Tyro, crouching before this thy father, Salmoneus ; for he shall not keep thee in bondage longer, now he sees Neleus and Pelias approach to restrain him.
ON THE WEST SIDE
[10] The recognition of Eunous and Thoas, the children of Hypsipyle, by their mother. They are showing her the golden vine, the token of their birth, and saving her from her punishment at the hands of Eurydice for the death of Archemorus.
Show, Thoas, this plant of Bacchus, for so shall you save from death thy mother, the slave Hypsipyle, who suffered from the wrath of Eurydice, since the earth-born snake slew Archemorus. And go thou too, Eunous, leaving the borders of the Asopian land, to take thy mother to pleasant Lemnos.
[11] Polydectes the King of Seriphus being turned into stone by Perseus with the Gorgon's head. He had sent Perseus to seek this in order to marry his mother, and the death he had designed for another he suffered himself by the providence of Justice.
Thou didst dare, Polydectes, to defile the bed of Danaē, succeeding Zeus in unholy wedlock. Therefore, Perseus here uncovered the Gorgon's eyes and made thy limbs stone, to do pleasure to his mother.
[12] Ixion killing Phorbas and Polymelus, for their murder of his mother Megara. They slew her out of anger, because she would not consent to marry either of them.
Ixion, whom you see, laid low Phorbas and Polymelus, taking vengeance on them for their vengeance on his mother.
[13] Heracles leading his mother Alcmene to the Elysian Plains to wed her to Rhadamanthys, and his own reception into the number of the gods.
Bold Heracles gave this his mother Alcmene in holy wedlock to Rhadamanthys.
[14] Tityus shot down by Apollo and Artemis for daring to assault their mother Leto.
Lustful and drunk with folly, why did you try to force the bride of Zeus, who now, as you deserved, bathed you in blood and left you righteously on the ground, food for beasts and birds.
[15] Bellerophon saved by his son Glaucus, when having fallen from the back of Pegasus into the Aleian plain he was about to be killed by Megapenthes, the son of Proetus.
No longer could Bellerophon stay the murderous hand of this son of Proetus, nor the death designed for him by his father. Glaucus, in vain you fear for him (? ) ; he shall escape the plot of Iobates, for thus the Fates decreed. Yourself, too, then did shield your father from death, standing near him, and were an observant witness to the truth of the glorious story.
[16] At the door of the temple as we approach it are Aeolus and Boeotus, the sons of Poseidon, delivering their mother Melanippe from the fetters in which she was placed by her father owing to her seduction.
Aeolus and Boeotus, a clever and pious task ye performed in saving your mother from death. Therefore ye were proved to be brave men, one of you from Aeolis, the other from Boeotia.
[17] Anapis and Amphinomus, who on the occasion of the eruption in Sicily carried through the flames to safety their parents and nought else.
[ The epigram has perished. ]
[18] Cleobis and Biton, who enabled their mother Cydippe, the priestess of Hera at Argos, to sacrifice, by putting their own necks under the yoke, when the oxen delayed. They say she was so pleased that she prayed to Hera that the highest human happiness possible for man should befall her sons; thus she prayed, and that night they died.
This story of Cydippe and her sons' piety is not false, but has the beauty of truth. A delightful labour and a seasonable for men was theirs ; they undertook a glorious task out of piety to their mother. Rejoice even among the dead ye men famous for your piety and may you alone have age-long story.
[19] Romulus and Remus deliver their mother Servilia from the cruelty of Amulius. Mars had seduced her, and they were his children. They were exposed, and suckled by a wolf. When they came to man's estate, they delivered their mother from bondage. After founding Rome they re-established Numitor in the kingdom.
Thou didst bear secretly this offspring to Ares, Romulus and Remus, at one birth. A she-wolf brought them up in a cave, and they delivered thee by force from woe ill to cure.
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Greek Anthology: Book 5
THE AMATORY EPIGRAMS
This selection from Book 5 of the Greek Anthology contains all the epigrams written before the middle of the first century A. D. , as listed in three editions:
(H) A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page, "The Greek Anthology: Hellenistic Epigrams"
(Ph) A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page, "The Greek Anthology: The Garland of Philip and Some Contemporary Epigrams"
(F) D. L. Page, "Further Greek Epigrams"
The labels in green are the numbers assigned to the epigrams in one of these editions. The labels in red are their numbers within the Anthology.
Translations of most of the epigrams are already available elsewhere, as indicated by the links. The translations of the remaining epigrams are taken from the edition by W. R. Paton (1916-18), but have been modified to remove some of the archaic language. Click on G to go to the Greek text of each epigram.
[3]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[4]
Philodemus →
[5] STATYLLIUS FLACCUS { Ph 1 } G
To faithless Napē Flaccus gave myself, this silver lamp, the faithful confidant of the loves of the night ; and now I droop at her bedside, looking on the lewdness of the forsworn girl. But you, Flaccus, lie awake, tormented by cruel care, and both of us are burning far away from each other.
[6]
Callimachus (27)
[7]
Asclepiades →
[8]
Meleager →
[10]
Alcaeus →
[11] Anonymous { F 7 } G
Cypris, if you save those at sea, save me, beloved goddess, who perish ship-wrecked on land.
[13]
Philodemus →
[16]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[17] GAETULICUS { F 1 } G
O guardian of the surf-beaten shore, I send you, Cypris, these little cakes and simple gifts of sacrifice. For to-morrow I shall cross the broad Ionian Sea, hasting to the bosom of my Eidothea. Shine favourable on my love, and on my boat, you who are queen alike of the chamber and of the shore.
[20] HONESTUS { Ph 1 } G
I neither wish to marry a young girl nor an old woman. The one I pity, the other I revere. Neither sour grape nor raisin would I have, but a beauty ripe for the chamber of Love.
[23]
Callimachus (64)
[24]
Meleager →
[25]
Philodemus →
[29] CILLACTOR { F 1 } G
Sweet is fruition, who denies it ? but when it demands money it becomes bitterer than hellebore.
[30]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[31]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[32]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[33] PARMENION { Ph 1 } G
You fell in rain of gold on Danaē, Olympian Zeus, that the child might yield to you as to a gift, and not tremble before you as before a god.
[34] PARMENION { Ph 2 } G
Zeus bought Danaē for gold, and I buy you for a gold coin. I can't give more than Zeus did.
[38]
Nicarchus →
[39]
Nicarchus →
[40]
Nicarchus →
[45] CILLACTOR { F 2 } G
A young girl increases her little store not by her art, but by her nature.
[46]
Philodemus →
[49] GALLUS { F 1 } G
{adapted from the translation by M. Johnson & T. Ryan}
Lyde, who renders service to three men at one and the same time, one over her belly, the other below, and another from above, said: "I let in the boy-lover, the woman-lover, and the violence-lover. If you're urgent, even if you get in alongside two others, don't hold back! "
[51] Anonymous { F 8 } G
I fell in love, I kissed, I was favoured, I enjoyed, I am loved ; but who am I, and who is she, and how it befell, Cypris alone knows.
[54]
Dioscorides →
[55]
Dioscorides →
[56]
Dioscorides →
[57]
Meleager →
[58]
Archias →
[59]
Archias →
[63]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[64]
Asclepiades →
[67] CAPITO { F 1 } G
Beauty without charm only pleases us, but does not hold us ; it is like a bait floating without a hook.
[68]
Lucillius →
[78] PLATO { F 3 } G
My soul was on my lips as I was kissing Agathōn. Poor soul ! she came hoping to cross over to him.
[79] PLATO { F 4 } G
I throw the apple at you, and you, if you love me from your heart, take it and give me of your maidenhead ; but if your thoughts be what I pray they are not, take it still and reflect how short-lived is beauty.
[80] PLATO { F 5 } G
I am an apple ; one who loves you throws me at you. But consent, Xanthippe ; both you and I decay.
[81] DIONYSIUS THE SOPHIST { F 1 } G
You with the roses, rosy is your charm ; but what do you sell, yourself or the roses, or both ?
[82] DIONYSIUS THE SOPHIST { F 2 } G
Proud waitress of the bath, why do you bathe me so fiercely ? Before I have stripped I feel the fire.
[83] Anonymous { F 9 } G
Oh, would I were the wind, that walking on the shore you might bare your bosom and take me to you as I blow.
[84] Anonymous { F 10 } G
Oh, would I were a pink rose, that your hand might pluck me to give to your snowy breasts.
[85]
Asclepiades →
[90] Anonymous { F 11 } G
I send you sweet perfume, ministering to scent with scent, even as one who to Bacchus offers the flowing gift of Bacchus.
[91] Anonymous { F 12 } G
I send you sweet perfume, not so much honouring you as it ; for you can perfume the perfume.
[94] Anonymous { F 13} G
You have Hera's eyes, Melite, and Athene's hands, the breasts of Aphrodite, and the feet of Thetis. Blessed is he who looks on you, thrice blessed he who hears you talk, a demigod he who kisses you, and a god he who takes you to wife.
[96]
Meleager →
[98]
Archias →
[100] Anonymous { F 1 } G
If anyone blame me because, a skilled servant of Love, I go to the chase, my eyes armed with birdlime to catch ladies, let him know that Zeus and Hades and the Lord of the Sea were slaves of violent desire. If the gods are such and they bid men follow their example, what wrong do I do in learning their deeds ?
[101] Anonymous { F 6 } G
He. Good day, my dear. She. Good day. He. Who is she who is walking in front of you ? She. What is that to you ? He. I have a reason for asking. She. My mistress. He. May I hope? She. What do you want? He. A night. She. What have you for her ? He. Gold. She. Then take heart. He. So much {showing the amount}. She. You can't.
[102]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[104]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[105]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[106] DIOTIMUS OF MILETUS { Ph 1 } G
Granny, dear nurse, why do you bark at me when I approach; and cast me into torments twice as cruel. You accompany a lovely girl, and look how treading in her steps I go my own way, only gazing at her sweet form. Why be jealous of eyes, ill-fated nurse ? We are allowed to look on the forms of even the immortals.
[107]
Philodemus →
[108]
Crinagoras →
[109]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[110]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[111]
Antiphilus →
[112]
Philodemus →
[113]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[114] MACCIUS { Ph 1 } G
That persistently cruel Philistiŏn, who never tolerated an admirer unless he had money, seems less insufferable now than formerly. It is not a great miracle her seeming so, but I don't believe her nature is changed. The merciless asp grows tamer at times, but when it bites, it always means death.
[115]
Philodemus →
[116]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[117] MACCIUS { Ph 2 } G
Cornelius' beauty melts me ; but I fear this flame, which is already becoming a fierce fire.
[118]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[119]
Crinagoras →
[120]
Philodemus →
[121]
Philodemus →
[122] DIODORUS { Ph 2 } G
Son of illustrious Megistocles, I beseech you, not even though he seem to you more precious than your two eyes, though he be glowing from the bath of the Graces, do not hang around the lovely boy. Neither gentle nor simple-hearted is he, but courted by many, and no novice in love. Beware, my friend, and fan not the flame.
[123]
Philodemus →
[124]
Philodemus →
[125] BASSUS { Ph 1 } G
I am never going to turn into gold, and let some one else become a bull or the melodious swan of the shore. Such tricks I leave to Zeus, and instead of becoming a bird I will give Corinna my two obols.
[126]
Philodemus →
[127]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[128]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[129] AUTOMEDON { Ph 1 } G
{translated by A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page}
I praise the dancing girl from Asia, her who quivers from her tender finger-tips in lascivious postures, not because she commands every gesture of passion, nor because she flings so tenderly her hands this way and that, but because she knows how to dance around the worn-out peg, and does not shun the wrinkles of age. She tongues and tickles and hugs, and when she throws her leg across, she resurrects the club from Hades.
[130] MACCIUS { Ph 4 } G
Why so gloomy, and what do these untidy ruffled locks mean, Philaenis, and those eyes suffused with tears ? Did you see your lover with a rival on his lap ? Tell me ; I know a cure for sorrow. You cry, but don't confess ; in vain you seek to deny ; eyes are more to be trusted than the tongue.
[131]
Philodemus →
[132]
Philodemus →
[133] MACCIUS { Ph 5 } G
By your majesty, Cythereia, I swore to keep away two nights from Hedyliŏn, and knowing the complaint of my poor heart, methinks you did smile. For I will not support the second, and I cast my oath to the winds.
Before I have stripped I feel the fire.
[83] Anonymous { F 9 } G
Oh, would I were the wind, that walking on the shore you might bare your bosom and take me to you as I blow.
[84] Anonymous { F 10 } G
Oh, would I were a pink rose, that your hand might pluck me to give to your snowy breasts.
[85]
Asclepiades →
[90] Anonymous { F 11 } G
I send you sweet perfume, ministering to scent with scent, even as one who to Bacchus offers the flowing gift of Bacchus.
[91] Anonymous { F 12 } G
I send you sweet perfume, not so much honouring you as it ; for you can perfume the perfume.
[94] Anonymous { F 13} G
You have Hera's eyes, Melite, and Athene's hands, the breasts of Aphrodite, and the feet of Thetis. Blessed is he who looks on you, thrice blessed he who hears you talk, a demigod he who kisses you, and a god he who takes you to wife.
[96]
Meleager →
[98]
Archias →
[100] Anonymous { F 1 } G
If anyone blame me because, a skilled servant of Love, I go to the chase, my eyes armed with birdlime to catch ladies, let him know that Zeus and Hades and the Lord of the Sea were slaves of violent desire. If the gods are such and they bid men follow their example, what wrong do I do in learning their deeds ?
[101] Anonymous { F 6 } G
He. Good day, my dear. She. Good day. He. Who is she who is walking in front of you ? She. What is that to you ? He. I have a reason for asking. She. My mistress. He. May I hope? She. What do you want? He. A night. She. What have you for her ? He. Gold. She. Then take heart. He. So much {showing the amount}. She. You can't.
[102]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[104]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[105]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[106] DIOTIMUS OF MILETUS { Ph 1 } G
Granny, dear nurse, why do you bark at me when I approach; and cast me into torments twice as cruel. You accompany a lovely girl, and look how treading in her steps I go my own way, only gazing at her sweet form. Why be jealous of eyes, ill-fated nurse ? We are allowed to look on the forms of even the immortals.
[107]
Philodemus →
[108]
Crinagoras →
[109]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[110]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[111]
Antiphilus →
[112]
Philodemus →
[113]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[114] MACCIUS { Ph 1 } G
That persistently cruel Philistiŏn, who never tolerated an admirer unless he had money, seems less insufferable now than formerly. It is not a great miracle her seeming so, but I don't believe her nature is changed. The merciless asp grows tamer at times, but when it bites, it always means death.
[115]
Philodemus →
[116]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[117] MACCIUS { Ph 2 } G
Cornelius' beauty melts me ; but I fear this flame, which is already becoming a fierce fire.
[118]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[119]
Crinagoras →
[120]
Philodemus →
[121]
Philodemus →
[122] DIODORUS { Ph 2 } G
Son of illustrious Megistocles, I beseech you, not even though he seem to you more precious than your two eyes, though he be glowing from the bath of the Graces, do not hang around the lovely boy. Neither gentle nor simple-hearted is he, but courted by many, and no novice in love. Beware, my friend, and fan not the flame.
[123]
Philodemus →
[124]
Philodemus →
[125] BASSUS { Ph 1 } G
I am never going to turn into gold, and let some one else become a bull or the melodious swan of the shore. Such tricks I leave to Zeus, and instead of becoming a bird I will give Corinna my two obols.
[126]
Philodemus →
[127]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[128]
Marcus_Argentarius →
[129] AUTOMEDON { Ph 1 } G
{translated by A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page}
I praise the dancing girl from Asia, her who quivers from her tender finger-tips in lascivious postures, not because she commands every gesture of passion, nor because she flings so tenderly her hands this way and that, but because she knows how to dance around the worn-out peg, and does not shun the wrinkles of age. She tongues and tickles and hugs, and when she throws her leg across, she resurrects the club from Hades.
[130] MACCIUS { Ph 4 } G
Why so gloomy, and what do these untidy ruffled locks mean, Philaenis, and those eyes suffused with tears ? Did you see your lover with a rival on his lap ? Tell me ; I know a cure for sorrow. You cry, but don't confess ; in vain you seek to deny ; eyes are more to be trusted than the tongue.
[131]
Philodemus →
[132]
Philodemus →
[133] MACCIUS { Ph 5 } G
By your majesty, Cythereia, I swore to keep away two nights from Hedyliŏn, and knowing the complaint of my poor heart, methinks you did smile. For I will not support the second, and I cast my oath to the winds. I choose rather to be impious to you for her sake than by keeping my oath to you to die of piety.
[134]
Poseidippus (I)
[135] Anonymous { H 57 } G
To his Jug
Round, well-moulded, one-eared, long-necked, babbling with your little mouth, merry waitress of Bacchus and the Muses and Cythereia, sweetly-laughing treasuress of our club, why when I am sober are you full and when I get tipsy do you become sober ? You don't keep the laws of conviviality.
[136]
Meleager →
[137]
Meleager →
[138]
Dioscorides →
[139]
Meleager →
[140]
Meleager →
[141]
Meleager →
[142] Anonymous { H 23 } G
Which is it ? is the garland the rose of Dionysius, or is he the garland's rose ? I think the garland is less lovely.
[143]
Meleager →
[144]
Meleager →
[145]
Asclepiades →
[146]
Callimachus (52)
[147]
Meleager →
[148]
Meleager →
[149]
Meleager →
[150]
Asclepiades →
[151]
Meleager →
[152]
Meleager →
[153]
Asclepiades →
[154]
Meleager →
[155]
Meleager →
[156]
Meleager →
[157]
Meleager →
[158]
Asclepiades →
[159]
Simonides →
[160]
Meleager →
[161]
Asclepiades →
[162]
Asclepiades →
[163]
Meleager →
[164]
Asclepiades →
[165]
Meleager →
[166]
Meleager →
[167]
Asclepiades →
[168] Anonymous { H 3 } G
Hurl fire and snow upon me, and if you will, strike me with your bolt, or sweep me to the cliffs or to the deep. For he who is worn out by battle with Desire and utterly overcome by Love, feels not even the blast of Zeus' fire.
[169]
Asclepiades →
[170] NOSSIS { H 1 } G
{translated by N. Livingstone}
Nothing is sweeter than love, other blessings all come second: even honey I spit from my mouth. This is what Nossis says: but anyone whom Cypris has not kissed is a woman who does not know what roses Love's flowers are.
[171]
Meleager →
[172]
Meleager →
[173]
Meleager →
[174]
Meleager →
[175]
Meleager →
[176]
Meleager →
[177]
Meleager →
[178]
Meleager →
[179]
Meleager →
[180]
Meleager →
[181]
Asclepiades →
[182]
Meleager →
[183]
Poseidippus (V)
[184]
Meleager →
[185]
Asclepiades →
[186]
Poseidippus (II)
[187]
Meleager →
[188]
Leonidas →
[189]
Asclepiades →
[190]
Meleager →
[191]
Meleager →
[192]
Meleager →
[193]
Dioscorides →
[194]
Asclepiades →
[195]
Meleager →
[196]
Meleager →
[197]
Meleager →
[198]
Meleager →
[199] HEDYLUS { H 2 } G
Wine and treacherous toasts and the sweet love of Nicagoras sent Aglaonicē to sleep ; and here she has dedicated to Cypris these spoils of her maiden love still all dripping with scent, her sandals and the soft band that held her bosom, witnesses to her sleep and his violence then.
[200] Anonymous { H 36 } G
The saffron robe of Alexō, and her dark green ivy crown, still smelling of myrrh, with her snood she dedicates to sweet Priapus with the effeminate melting eyes, in memory of his holy night-festival.
[201] Anonymous { H 37 } G
Leontis lay awake till the lovely star of morn, taking her delight with golden Sthenius, and ever since that vigil it hangs here in the shrine of Cypris, the lyre the Muses helped her then to play.
[202]
Asclepiades →
[203]
Asclepiades →
[204]
Meleager →
[205] Anonymous { H 35 } G
Nico's love-charm, that can compel a man to come from overseas and boys from their rooms, carved of transparent amethyst, set in gold and hung upon a soft thread of purple wool, she, the witch of Larissa presents to you Cypris, to possess and treasure.
[206]
Leonidas →
[207]
Asclepiades →
[208]
Meleager →
[209]
Asclepiades →
[210]
Asclepiades →
[211]
Poseidippus (III)
[212]
Meleager →
[213]
Poseidippus (IV)
[214]
Meleager →
[215]
Meleager →
[306]
Philodemus →
[307]
Antiphilus →
[308]
Antiphilus →
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Greek Anthology: Book 6
THE DEDICATORY EPIGRAMS
This selection from Book 6 of the Greek Anthology contains all the epigrams written before the middle of the first century A. D. , as listed in three editions:
(H) A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page, "The Greek Anthology: Hellenistic Epigrams"
(Ph) A. S. F. Gow & D. L. Page, "The Greek Anthology: The Garland of Philip and Some Contemporary Epigrams"
(F) D. L. Page, "Further Greek Epigrams"
The labels in green are the numbers assigned to the epigrams in one of these editions. The labels in red are their numbers within the Anthology.
Translations of most of the epigrams are already available elsewhere, as indicated by the links. The translations of the remaining epigrams are taken from the edition by W. R. Paton (1916-18), but have been modified to remove some of the archaic language. Click on G to go to the Greek text of each epigram.
[1] PLATO { F 8 } G
I, Lais, whose haughty beauty made mock of Greece, I who once had a swarm of young lovers at my doors, dedicate my mirror to Aphrodite, since I wish not to look on myself as I am, and cannot look on myself as I once was.
[2]
Simonides →
[3] DIONYSIUS { H 5 } G
Heracles, who tread stony Trachis and Oeta and the headland of Pholoe clothed in deep forest, to you Dionysius offers this club yet green, which he cut himself with his sickle from a wild olive-tree.
[4]
Leonidas →
[5]
Philippus →
[9]
Mnasalcas →
[10]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[11] SATYRIUS { F 1 } G
This and the following five epigrams, as well as Nos. 179-187, are all on the same subject.
The three brothers, skilled in three crafts, dedicate to Pan, Damis the huntsman this long net, Pigres his light-meshed fowling net, and Clitor, the night-rower, his tunic for red mullet. Look kindly on the pious brethren, O Pan, and grant them gain from fowl, fish and venison.
[13]
Leonidas →
[14]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[15]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[16]
Archias →
[21] Anonymous { F 18 } G
To you, Priapus the gardener, did Potamon, who gained wealth by this calling, dedicate the hoe that dug his thirsty garden, and his curved sickle for cutting vegetables, the ragged cloak that kept the rain off his back, his strong boots of untanned hide, the dibble for planting out young cabbages going straight into the easily pierced soil, and his mattock that never ceased during the dry summer to refresh the thirsty beds with draughts from the channels.
[22] ZONAS { Ph 1 } G
The fruit-watcher dedicated to rustic Priapus, carved out of a trunk, this sacrifice from the trees, a newly split pomegranate, this quince covered with fresh down, a navelled fig with wrinkled skin, a purple cluster of thick-set grapes, fountain of wine, and a walnut just out of its green rind.
[23] Anonymous { F 17 } G
Hermes, dwelling in this wave-beaten rock-cave, that gives good footing to fisher gulls, accept this fragment of the great seine worn by the sea and scraped often by the rough beach ; this little purse-seine, the round weel that entraps fishes, the float whose task it is to mark where the weels are concealed, and the long cane rod, the child of the marsh, with its horse-hair line, not unfurnished with hooks, wound round it.
[31]
Nicarchus →
[33] MACCIUS { Ph 6 } G
Priapus of the beach, the fishermen, after surrounding with their deep-sunk net the circling shoal of tunnies in the green narrows of the sea, dedicated to you these gifts out of the profits of the rich catch they made on this strand - a bowl of beech wood, a stool roughly carved of heath, and a glass wine-cup, so that when your weary limbs are broken by the dance you may rest them and drive away dry thirst.
[34] RHIANUS { H 6 } G
Polyaenus hung here as a gift to Pan the club, the bow and these boar's feet. Also to the Lord of the hills he dedicated this quiver and the dog-collar, gifts of thanks for his success in boar-hunting. But do you, O Pan the scout, send home Polyaenus, the son of Symilas, in future, too, laden with spoils of the chase.
[35]
Leonidas →
[36]
Philippus →
[37] Anonymous { F 77 } G
The rustic herdsmen cut on the mountain this beech-branch which old age had bent as it bends us, and having trimmed it, set it up by the road, a pretty toy for Pan who protects the glossy cattle.
[38]
Philippus →
[39]
Archias →
[43] PLATO { F 21 } G
Some traveller, who stilled here his tormenting thirst in the heat, moulded in bronze and dedicated as a vow this servant of the Nymphs, the damp songster who loves the rain, the frog who takes joy in light fountains ; for it guided him to the water, as he wandered, singing opportunely with its amphibious mouth from the damp hollow. Then, not deserting the guiding voice, he found the drink he longed for.
[44]
Leonidas →
[45] Anonymous { H 43 } G
Comaulus hung up alive to Bacchus this hedgehog, its body bristling with sharp spines, the grape-gatherer, the spoiler of the sweet vineyards, having caught it curled up in a ball and rolling on the grapes.
[46]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[47]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[48] Anonymous { H 38 } G
Bitto dedicated to Athene her industrious loom-comb, the implement of her scanty livelihood, for then she conceived a hatred for all toil among workfolk, and for the weaver's wretched cares. To Athene she said, " I will take to the works of Cypris, voting like Paris against you. "
[50]
Simonides →
[51] Anonymous { H 42 } G
To you, my mother Rhea, nurse of Phrygian lions, whose devotees tread the heights of Dindymus, did womanish Alexis, ceasing from furious clashing of the brass, dedicate these stimulants of his madness - his shrill-toned cymbals, the noise of his deep-voiced flute, to which the crooked horn of a young steer gave a curved form, * his echoing tambourines, his knives reddened with blood, and the yellow hair which once tossed on his shoulders. Be kind, O Queen, and give rest in his old age from his former wildness to him who went mad in his youth.
* The curved shape of a double Phrygian flute.
[52]
Simonides →
[53] BACCHYLIDES { F 1 } G
Eudemus dedicated this temple in his field to Zephyr the richest of all winds ; for he came in answer to his prayer to help him winnow quickly the grain from the ripe ears.
[62]
Philippus →
[88] ANTIPHANES OF MACEDONIA { Ph 1 } G
Cythereia herself loosed from her breast her delightful girdle and gave it to you, Ino, for your own, so that ever with love-charms that melt the heart you may subdue men ; and surely you have spent them all on me alone.
[89] MACCIUS QUINTUS { Ph 7 } G
Priapus, who delight in the sea-worn rocks of this island near the coast, and in its rugged peak, to you Paris the fisherman dedicates this hard-shelled lobster which he overcame by his lucky rod. Its flesh he roasted and enjoyed munching with his half-decayed teeth, but this its shell he gave to you. Therefore give him no great gift, kind god, but enough catch from his nets to still his barking belly.
[90]
Philippus →
[91] THALLUS OF MILETUS { Ph 1 } G
The shield is the offering of Promachus, the spears of Aconteus, the sword of Eumedes, and this bow is Cydon's. Hippomedon offers the reins, Melantas the helmet, Nico the greaves, Aristomachus the pike, and Philinus the cuirass. Grant to them all, Ares, spoiler of men, ever to win trophies from the foemen.
[92]
Philippus →
[93]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[94]
Philippus →
[95]
Antiphilus →
[96] ERYCIUS { Ph 1 } G
Glaucon and Corydon, who keep their cattle on the hills, Arcadians both, drawing back its neck slaughtered for Cyllenian Pan, the mountain-lover, a horned steer, and fixed by a long nail to the goodly plane-tree its horns, twelve palms long, a fair ornament for the pastoral god.
[97]
Antiphilus →
[98] ZONAS { Ph 2 } G
To Demeter the Winnower and the Seasons that tread in the furrows Heronax from his scanty tillage offers a portion of the corn from his threshing-floor and these various vegetables on a wooden tripod - very little from a small store ; for he owns but this little plot on the barren hill-side.
[99]
Philippus →
[100]
Crinagoras →
[101]
Philippus →
[102]
Philippus →
[103]
Philippus →
[104]
Philippus →
[105]
Apollonides →
[106] ZONAS { Ph 3 } G
This skin, O woodland god, did Telamon, the slayer of wolves, suspend to you on the plane-tree in the field, also his staff of wild olive wood which he often sent whirling from his hand. But do you, Pan, god of the hills, receive these not very rich gifts, and open to him this mountain, your domain, to hunt thereon with success.
[107]
Philippus →
[108] MYRINUS { Ph 1 } G
Ye Pans, keepers of the high mountains, ye jolly horned dancers, lords of grassy Arcadia, make Diotimus rich in sheep and goats, accepting the gifts of his splendid sacrifice.
[109]
Antipater_of_Thessalonica →
[110]
Leonidas →
[111]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[112] PERSES { H 1 } G
These three heads of Maenalian stags with vast antlers hang in your portico, Apollo. They were shot from horseback by the hands of Gyges, Dailochos and Promenes, the children of valiant Leontiades.
[113] SIMMIAS GRAMMATICUS { H 3 } G
I was formerly one of the two horns of a wild long-haired ibex, and was garlanded with green leaves ; but now the worker in horn has adapted me for Nicomachus, stretching on me the strong sinew of a crumple-horned ox. *
* i. e. the horn was made into a bow ; it seems to have served before as a hook on which to hang wreaths.
[114]
Philippus →
[115]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[116] SAMIUS { H 1 } G
As a gift to you, Heracles, sacker of Orchomenus, did Philip dedicate this, the smooth hide, with its horns, of the loud-bellowing bull, whose glorying insolence he quenched in the rough foot-hills of Orbelus. Let envy pine away ; but your glory is increased, in that from your race sprang the Beroean lord of Macedon. *
* The author of this epigram, Samius or Samus, was a friend of Philip V, king of Macedonia.
[117] PANCRATES { H 1 } G
The hammer from the fire, with the pliers and tongs, is consecrated to you, Hephaestus, the gift of Polycrates, with which often beating on his anvil he gained substance for his children, driving away doleful poverty.
[118]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[119] MOERO OF BYZANTIUM { H 1 } G
Cluster, full of the juice of Dionysus, you rest under the roof of Aphrodite's golden chamber : no longer shall the vine, your mother, cast her lovely branch around you, and put forth above your head her sweet leaves.
[120]
Leonidas →
[121]
Callimachus (63)
[122] NICIAS { H 1 } G
Maenad of Ares, sustainer of war, impetuous spear, who now has set you here, a gift to the goddess who awakes the battle? "Menius ; for springing lightly from his hand in the forefront of the fight I wrought havoc among the Odrysae on the plain. "
[123]
Anyte →
[124] HEGESIPPUS { H 1 } G
I am fixed here under the roof of warrior Pallas' temple, the shield from the mortal shoulders of Timanor, often befouled with the dust of iron war. Ever did I save my bearer from death.
[125]
Mnasalcas →
[126]
Dioscorides →
[127] NICIAS { H 2 } G
A Shield speaks
So one day I was fated to leave the hideous field of battle and listen to the song and dance of girls round the temple of Artemis, where Epixenus set me, when white old age began to wear out his limbs.
[128]
Mnasalcas →
[129]
Leonidas →
[130]
Leonidas →
[131]
Leonidas →
[132] NOSSIS { H 2 } G
These their shields the Bruttians threw from their doomed shoulders, smitten by the swiftly-charging Locrians. Here they hang in the temple of the gods, praising them, the brave, and regretting not the clasp of the cowards they left. *
* The exact date of the combats referred to in 129, 131, 132 is unknown.
[133] ARCHILOCHUS { F 2 } G
Alcibia dedicated to Hera the holy veil of her hair, when she entered into lawful wedlock.
[134] ANACREON { F 5 } G
134-145 are all attributed to Anacreon
Helicomas, she who holds the thyrsus, and Xanthippe next to her, and Glauce, are coming down the mountain on their way to the dance, and they are bringing for Dionysus ivy, grapes, and a fat goat.
[135] ANACREON { F 6 } G
This horse of Pheidolas from spacious Corinth is dedicated to Zeus in memory of the might of its legs.
[136] ANACREON { F 7 } G
Praxidice worked and Dyseris designed this garment. It testifies to the skill of both.
[137] ANACREON { F 8 } G
Apollo of the silver bow, grant willingly your grace to Naucrates, the son of Aeschylus, receiving these his vows.
[138] ANACREON { F 9 } G
Calliteles set me here of old, but this his descendants erected, to whom grant your grace in return.
[139] ANACREON { F 10 } G
Praxagoras, son of Lycaeus, dedicated these gifts to the gods. Anaxagoras was the craftsman.
[140] ANACREON { F 11 } G
Melanthus, the son of Areïphilus, dedicated me to the wreath-loving son of Semele {Bacchus} in memory of his victory in the dance.
[141] ANACREON { F 12 } G
The shield that saved Python from the dread battle-din hangs in the precinct of Athene.
[142] ANACREON { F 13 } G
Echecratidas, the ruler of Thessaly, dedicated me in honour of Bacchus and as a splendid ornament for his city.
[143] ANACREON { F 14 } G
On a Statue of Hermes
Pray that the herald of the gods may be kind to Timonax, who placed me here to adorn this lovely porch, and as a gift to Hermes the Lord. In my gymnasium I receive whosoever wishes it, be he citizen or stranger.
[144] ANACREON { F 15 } G
Leocrates, son of Stroebus, when you dedicated this statue to Hermes, neither the beautiful-haired Graces were heedless of it, nor joyous Academy, in whose bosom I tell of your beneficence to all who approach.
[145] ANACREON { F 16 } G
Sophocles, who won the highest glory of the tragic Muse, first dedicated these altars to the gods.
[146]
Callimachus (54)
[147]
Callimachus (55)
[148]
Callimachus (56)
[149]
Callimachus (57)
[150]
Callimachus (58)
[151] TYMNES { H 1 } G
Miccus of Pellene hung in the temple of Ilian Athene this deep-toned flute of Ares, * the Tyrrhenian instrument by which he formerly uttered many a loud message of peace or war.
* i. e. a trumpet.
[152] AGIS { H 1 } G
Meidon, O Phoebus, dedicated to you his stakes and winged hare-staves, together with his fowling canes - a small gift from small earnings ; but if you give him something greater he will repay you with far richer gifts than these.
[153]
Anyte →
[154]
Leonidas →
[155]
Theodoridas →
[156]
Theodoridas →
[157]
Theodoridas →
[158] SABINUS GRAMMATICUS { Ph 2 } G
Exercise on the Theme of 154
A triple gift did Biton dedicate under the green-wood tree, to Pan a goat, roses to the Nymphs, and a thyrsus to Bacchus. Receive with joy his gifts, ye gods, and increase, Pan, his flock, ye Nymphs his fountain, and Bacchus his cellar.
[159]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[160]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[161]
Crinagoras →
[162]
Meleager →
[163]
Meleager →
[164]
Lucillius →
[165] FLACCUS ? { F 1 } G
Euanthe, when she transferred her hand from the unsteady service of the thyrsus to the steady service of the wine-cup, dedicated to Bacchus her whirling tambourine that stirs the rout of the Bacchants to fury, this dappled spoil of a flayed fawn, her clashing brass corybantic cymbals, her green thyrsus surmounted by a pine-cone, her light, but deeply-booming drum, and the winnowing-basket she often carried raised above her snooded hair.
[166]
Lucillius →
[169] Anonymous { F 19 } G
Comaulus, seeing the porcupine carrying grapes on its spines, slew it in this vineyard, and having dried it, he dedicated to Dionysus, who loves untempered wine, the spoiler of Dionysus' gift.
[170] THYILLUS { F 1 } G
The elms, and these lofty willows, and the holy spreading plane, and the springs, and these shepherds' cups that cure fell thirst, are dedicated to Pan.
[171] Anonymous { H 58a } G
To your very self, O Sun, did the people of Dorian Rhodes raise high to heaven this colossus, then, when having laid to rest the brazen wave of war, they crowned their country with the spoils of their foes. Not only over the sea, but on the land, too, did they establish the lovely light of unfettered freedom. For to those who spring from the race of Heracles dominion is a heritage both on land and
[172] Anonymous { F 20 } G
Cnidian Porphyris suspends before your chamber, Dionysus, these gauds of her beauty and her madness, her crowns, and this double thyrsus-spear, and her anklet, with all of which she raved her fill whenever she resorted to Dionysus, her ivy-decked fawn-skin knotted on her bosom.
[173] RHIANUS { H 7 } G
Achrylis, Rhea's Phrygian lady-in-waiting, who often under the pines loosed her consecrated hair, who often uttered from her lips the sharp cry, painful to hear, that Cybele's votaries use, dedicated her hair here at the door of the mountain goddess, where she rested her burning feet from the mad race.
[174]
Antipater_of_Sidon →
[177]
Theocritus (II)
[178] HEGESIPPUS { H 2 } G
Accept me, Heracles, the consecrated shield of Archestratus, so that, resting against your polished porch I may grow old listening to song and dance. Enough of the hateful battle !
[179]
179-187 are another set of variants on the theme of epigrams 11-16
Archias →
[180]
Archias →
[181]
Archias →
[182] ALEXANDER OF MAGNESIA { F 1 } G
Pigres dedicates to you, Pan, his nets for birds, Damis his for mountain beasts, and Cleitor his for those of the deep : a common gift from the brothers for their luck in the various kinds of chase to you who are skilled in the things of sea and land alike. In return for which, and recognising their piety, give one dominion in the sea, the other in the air, the third in the woods.
[183] ZOSIMUS OF THASOS { F 2 } G
The hunter brothers suspended these nets to you, Pan, gifts from three sorts of chase ; Pigres from fowls, Cleitor from the sea, and Damis, the crafty tracker, from the land. But may you reward their toil with success in wood, sea, and air.
[184] ZOSIMUS OF THASOS { F 3 } G
The three huntsmen, each from a different craft, dedicated these nets in Pan's temple ; Pigres who set his nets for birds, Cleitor who set his for sea-fishes, and Damis who set his for the beasts of the waste. Therefore, Pan, make them more successful, the one in the air, the other in the thicket, and the third on the beach.
[185] ZOSIMUS OF THASOS { F 4 } G
This heavy net for forest beasts did Damis dedicate, Pigres his light net that brings death to birds, and Cleitor his simple sweep-net woven of thread for the sea, praying all three to Pan the hunter's god. Therefore, Pan, grant to strong Damis good booty of beasts, to Pigres of fowls, and to Cleitor of fishes.
[186] JULIUS DIOCLES { Ph 2 } G
We three brothers of one house have dedicated three nets to you, Pan, from mountain, air, and sea. Cast his nets for this one by the shingly beach, strike the game for this one in the woods, the home of wild beasts, and look with favour on the third among the birds ; for you have gifts, kind god, from all our netting.
[187] ALPHEIUS OF MYTILENE { Ph 5 } G
The holy triad of brothers dedicate to Pan each a token of his own craft ; Pigres a portion from his birds, Cleitor from his fish, and Damis from his straight-cut stakes. In return for which grant to the one success by land, to the second by sea, and let the third win profit from the air.
