Death & Dying
Book VII, 339: Not Sepulchral
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. II, 1917)
It was not for any sin of mine that I was born of my parents. I was born, poor wretch, and I journey towards Hades. Oh death-dealing union of my parents! Oh for the necessity which will lead me to dismal death! From nothing I was born, and again I shall be nothing as at first. Nothing, nothing is the race of mortals. Therefore make the cup bright, my friend, and give me wine the consoler of sorrow.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book VII, 339: Not Sepulchral.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/342/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book VII, 339: Not Sepulchral.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/342/.
Read this poem with the Codex →