-62_Greek – Two Epigrams.htm

Part Four

Translations from Greek

Two Epigrams

On a Satyr and Sleeping Love

Me whom the purple mead that Bromius owns

And girdles rent of amorous girls did please,

Now the inspired and curious hand decrees

That waked quick life in these quiescent stones,

To yield thee water pure. Thou lest the sleep

Yon perilous boy unchain, more softly creep.

PLATO

A Rose of Women

Now lilies blow upon the windy height,

Now flowers the pansy kissed by tender rain,

Narcissus builds his house of self-delight

And Love’s own fairest flower blooms again;

Vainly your gems, O meadows, you recall;

One simple girl breathes sweeter than you all.

MELEAGER

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