Death & Dying
Book VII, 195: This and 196 are not epitaphs but amatory poems
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. II, 1917)
Locust, beguiler of my loves, persuader of sleep; locust, shrill-winged Muse of the corn fields, Nature’s mimic lyre, play for me some tune I love, beating with thy dear feet thy talking wings, that so, locust, thou mayest deliver me from the pains of sleepless care, weaving a song that enticeth Love away. And in the morning I will give thee a fresh green leek, and drops of dew sprayed from my mouth.’
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Gadara, Meleager of. “Book VII, 195: This and 196 are not epitaphs but amatory poems.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/meleager/52/.
Chicago
Gadara, Meleager of. “Book VII, 195: This and 196 are not epitaphs but amatory poems.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/meleager/52/.
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