Greek Epigrams

 

Memory 

Praise memory, and forgetfulness ! 

Memory for the good things, 

forgetfulness for the bad. 



By

MACEDONIUS

 

HERMES 


I, Hermes have been set up 

Where three roads cross, by the windy 

Orchard above the grey beach. 

Here tired men may rest from travel, 

By my cold, clean, whispering spring. 



SHADE 


Sit down in the shade of this fine spreading laurel, 

draw a welcome drink from the flowing stream, 

and rest your breathless limbs from the harvesting 

here, where the West wind blows over you. 


BY

ANYTE

 

BEAUTY 

Let us use it while we may 

Snatch those joys that haste away 

Earth, her winter coat may cast 

And renew her beauty past 

But, our winter come in vain 

We solicit spring again 

And when our furrows, snow shall cover 

Love may return, but never lover. 

~ Anonymous ~
4th century BC

 

FRIENDSHIP 


O Friendship ! O Friendship ! the shell of Aphrodite 

Lies always at the bottom of your warm limpid waters. 

~ Anonymous ~