Time & Brevity
Book IX, 360
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. III, 1917)
Pursue every path of life. In the market place are honours and prudent dealings, at home rest; in the country the charm of nature, and at sea profit; in a foreign country, if you have any possessions, there is fame, and if you are in want no one knows it but yourself. Are you married? Your house will be the best of houses. Do you remain unmarried? Your life is yet lighter. Children are darlings; a childless life is free from care. Youth is strong, and old age again is pious. Therefore there is no choice between two things, either not to be born or to die; for all in life is excellent.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Metrodorus. “Book IX, 360.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/metrodorus/0/.
Chicago
Metrodorus. “Book IX, 360.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/metrodorus/0/.
Read this poem with the Codex →