Death & Dying
Book XVI, 27: The Epitaph of Sardanapalus
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. V, 1918)
Knowing well that thou wast born mortal, lift up thy heart, taking thy pleasure in feasting. Once dead, no enjoyment shall be thine. For I, too, who ruled over great Nineveh, am dust. I have what I ate, and my wanton frolics and the joys I learnt in Love’s company, but those many and rich possessions are left behind. This is wise counsel for men concerning life.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XVI, 27: The Epitaph of Sardanapalus.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/948/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Greek Anthology). “Book XVI, 27: The Epitaph of Sardanapalus.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-greek-anthology/948/.
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