Arts & Sciences
Calamus (Mackail)
Translated by J. W. Mackail (1890) · From Select Epigrams from the Greek Anthology (1890)
I the reed was a useless plant; for out of me grew not figs nor apple nor grape-cluster; but man consecrated me a daughter of Helicon, piercing my delicate lips and making me the channel of a narrow stream; and thenceforth, whenever I sip black drink, like one inspired I speak all words with this voiceless mouth.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Calamus (Mackail).” Translated by J. W. Mackail. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/1160/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Calamus (Mackail).” Translated by J. W. Mackail. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/1160/.
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