Poetry Codex

Living

Before the Deluge (Mackail)

by Strato of Sardis probably the reign of Hadrian, 2nd century AD (Paton’s date)

Translated by J. W. Mackail (1890) · From Select Epigrams from the Greek Anthology (1890)

Living

Drink now and love, Damocrates, since not for ever shall we drink nor for ever hold fast our delight; let us crown our heads with garlands and perfume ourselves, before others bring these offerings to our graves. Now rather let my bones drink wine inside me; when they are dead, let Deucalion's deluge sweep them away.

This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.

Cite this poem

MLA

Sardis, Strato of. “Before the Deluge (Mackail).” Translated by J. W. Mackail. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/strato/90/.

Chicago

Sardis, Strato of. “Before the Deluge (Mackail).” Translated by J. W. Mackail. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/strato/90/.

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