Epigram VI (Mair)

An old shell am I, O Lady of Zephyrium, but now, Cypris, I am thine, a first offering from Selenaea: I the nautilus that used to sail upon the sea, if there were wind, stretching my sail on my own forestays, if Calm, that bright goddess, prevailed, rowing strongly with my feet—so that my name befits my deed!—till I fell on the shores of Iulis, that I might become thy admired toy, Arsinoé, and that in my chambers may no more be laid, as erstwhile—for I am dead—the eggs of the water-haunting kingfisher. But give thou grace to the Daughter of Cleinias; for she knows to do good deeds and she is from Aeolian Smyrna.