Death & Dying

Book XIV, 36: Enigma

by Anonymous (Greek Anthology) various, 7th c. BC – 10th c. AD

Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. V, 1918)

Death & Dying

Bitter is my life, my death is sweet, and both are water. I die pierced by bloodless spears; but if anyone will cover me when dead in a living tomb, I am first moistened by the blood of my relations.

✦ ✦ ✦

Answer: A fish. The last line alludes to a pickle made with blood.

MLA

Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XIV, 36: Enigma.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/837/.

Chicago

Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XIV, 36: Enigma.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/837/.

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