Love, Worship and Death Part 3

THE ANCIENT OX

The ox of Alcon was not led to the slaughter when at length Age and the weary furrow had sapped his olden strength.

His faithful work was honoured, and in the deep gra.s.s now He strays and lows contentment, enfranchised from the plough.

ASCLEPIADES

3RD CENTURY B.C.

THE PRAISE OF LOVE

Sweet is the snow in summer thirst to drink, and sweet the day When sailors see spring's garland bloom and winter pa.s.s away.

But the sweetest thing on earth is when, one mantle for their cover, Two hearts recite the Cyprian's praise as lover unto lover.

MICIAS

3RD CENTURY B.C.

A WAYSIDE FOUNTAIN

Rest here beneath the poplars, When tired with travelling, And drawing nigh refresh you With water from our spring.

So may you keep in memory When under other skies The fount his father Simus set By the grave where Gillus lies.

CALLIMACHUS

3RD CENTURY B.C.

CAST UP BY THE SEA

Who were you, s.h.i.+pwrecked sailor? The body that he found, Cast on the beach, Leontichus laid in this burial mound; And mindful of his own grim life he wept, for neither he May rest in peace who like a gull goes up and down the sea.

NOSSIS

3RD CENTURY B.C.

I

ROSES OF CYPRIS

Of all the world's delightful things most sweet is love. The rest, Ay, even honey in the mouth, are only second best.

This Nossis saith. And only they the Cyprian loves may know The glory of the roses that in her garden grow.

II

RINTHO'S GRAVE

Give me a hearty laugh, and say A friendly word and go thy way.

Rintho was I of Syracuse, A modest song bird of the muse, Whose tears and smiles together sown Have born an ivy all my own.

Note 7

LEONIDAS OF TARENTUM

3RD CENTURY B.C.

I

ERINNA

The lyric maid Erinna, the poet-bee that drew The honey from the rarest blooms the muses' garden grew, Hath Hades s.n.a.t.c.hed to be his bride. Mark where the maiden saith, Prophetic in her wisdom, 'How envious art thou, Death!'