Love
Book XII, 68
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. IV, 1918)
I wish not Charidemus to be mine; for the fair boy looks to Zeus, as if already serving the god with nectar. I wish it not. What profits it me to have the king of heaven as a competitor for victory in love? I am content if only the boy, as he mounts to Olympus, take from earth my tears to wash his feet in memory of my love; and could he but give me one sweet, melting glance and let our lips just meet as I snatch one kiss! Let Zeus have all the rest, as is right; but yet, if he were willing, perchance I, too, should taste ambrosia.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Gadara, Meleager of. “Book XII, 68.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/meleager/84/.
Chicago
Gadara, Meleager of. “Book XII, 68.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/meleager/84/.
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