Living
Book X, 76
Translated by W. R. Paton (1916–18) · From The Greek Anthology (Loeb, vol. IV, 1918)
There is no natural pleasure in life itself, but in casting off from our mind anxieties that whiten the temples. I wish for sufficient wealth, but mad lust for gold is a superfluous care that ever devours the heart. Therefore among men thou shalt often find poverty better than wealth, and death than life. Knowing this, make straight the ways of thy heart, looking to one hope, even to wisdom.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Silentiary, Paul the. “Book X, 76.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/paulus-silentiarius/72/.
Chicago
Silentiary, Paul the. “Book X, 76.” Translated by W. R. Paton. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/paulus-silentiarius/72/.
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