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Book IX, 580: On the Roman Months
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. III, 1917)
The consuls’ month is first, the second cuts the furrow, the third rouses the Italians to war, the fourth announces the rosy-fingered season of spring. I, May, am the mother of roses. I, June, bring white lilies. This, July, is the binder of sheaves. August’s wings make the Nile rise. This, September, is dear to Bacchus, rich in grapes. I, October, make honeyed wine, a delight for men. I, November, bring a joyful banquet to every man. I, December, teach men to play on the lyre and to awaken sleepers.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book IX, 580: On the Roman Months.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/549/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book IX, 580: On the Roman Months.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/549/.
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