Mythology & Folklore
Book III, 5: Cresphontes is killing Polyphontes, the slayer of his father ; Merope is there holding a staff and helping her son to slay him
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. I, 1916)
Thou didst formerly slay, O Polyphontes, the father of Cresphontes, desiring to defile the bed of his wedded wife. And long after came his son to avenge his father’s murder, and slew thee for the sake of his mother Merope. Therefore hath he planted his spear in thy back, and she is helping, striking thee on the forehead with a heavy staff.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book III, 5: Cresphontes is killing Polyphontes, the slayer of his father ; Merope is there holding a staff and helping her son to slay him.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/119/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book III, 5: Cresphontes is killing Polyphontes, the slayer of his father ; Merope is there holding a staff and helping her son to slay him.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/119/.
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