Nature
Epigram IX: Epitaph of Cleonicus
Translated by C. S. Calverley (1869) · From Epigrams and Epitaphs
Nature
Man, husband existence: ne'er launch on the sea
Out of season: our tenure of life is but frail.
Think of poor Cleonicus: for Phasos sailed he
From the valleys of Syria, with many a bale:
With many a bale, ocean's tides he would stem
When the Pleiads were sinking; and he sank with them.
Cite this poem
MLA
Theocritus. “Epigram IX: Epitaph of Cleonicus.” Translated by C. S. Calverley. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/theocritus/39/.
Chicago
Theocritus. “Epigram IX: Epitaph of Cleonicus.” Translated by C. S. Calverley. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/theocritus/39/.
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