Nature
The Complaint of the Cicala (Mackail)
Translated by J. W. Mackail (1890) · From Select Epigrams from the Greek Anthology (1890)
Why in merciless chase, shepherds, do you tear me the solitude-haunting cricket from the dewy sprays, me the roadside nightingale of the Nymphs, who at midday talk shrilly in the hills and the shady dells? Lo, here is the thrust and the blackbird, lo here such flocks of starlings, plunderers of the cornfield's riches; it is allowed to seize the ravagers of your fruits: destroy them: why grudge me my leaves and fresh dew?
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “The Complaint of the Cicala (Mackail).” Translated by J. W. Mackail. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/1179/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “The Complaint of the Cicala (Mackail).” Translated by J. W. Mackail. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/1179/.
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