Death & Dying
Book VII, 431
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. II, 1917)
We the three hundred, O Spartan fatherland, fighting for Thyrea with as many Argives, never turning our necks, died there where we first planted our feet. The shield, covered with the brave blood of Othryadas proclaims “Thyrea, O Zeus, is the Lacedemonians’.” But if any Argive escaped death he was of the race of Adrastus. For a Spartan to fly, not to die, is death.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Codex Note
Attribution doubtful in Paton (anonymous; some say by Simonides).
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book VII, 431.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/359/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book VII, 431.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/359/.
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