The Storm
A poem by Alcaeus of Mytilene (c. 625/620 – c. 580 BC) Now here, now there, the wild waves sweep, Whilst we, betwixt them o’er the deep, In shatter’d tempest-beaten bark, With laboring ropes are onward driven, The billows dashing o’er our dark Upheaved deck–in tatters riven Our sails–whose yawning rents between The raging sea and […]
The State
A poem by Alcaeus of Mytilene (c. 625/620 – c. 580 BC) What constitutes a State? Not high-raised battlement, or labored mound, Thick wall or moated gate; Not cities fair, with spires and turrets crown’d; No:–Men, high-minded men, With powers as far above dull brutes endued In forest, brake or den, As beasts excel cold rocks […]
The Poor Fisherman
A poem by Alcaeus of Mytilene (c. 625/620 – c. 580 BC) The fisher Diotimus had, at sea And shore, the same abode of poverty– His trusty boat;–and when his days were spent, Therein self-rowed to ruthless Dis he went; For that, which did through life his woes beguile, Supplied the old man with a funeral […]
The Palace
A poem by Alcaeus of Mytilene (c. 625/620 – c. 580 BC) From roof to roof the spacious palace halls Glitter with war’s array; With burnished metal clad, the lofty walls Beam like the bright noonday. There white-plumed helmets hang from many a nail, Above, in threatening row; Steel-garnished tunics and broad coats of mail Spread […]
Storm
A poem by Alcaeus of Mytilene (c. 625/620 – c. 580 BC) Now here, now there, the wild waves sweep, Whilst we, betwixt them o’er the deep, In shatter’d tempest-beaten bark, With laboring ropes are onward driven, The billows dashing o’er our dark Upheaved deck–in tatters riven Our sails–whose yawning rents between The raging sea and […]
Poor Fisherman
A poem by Alcaeus of Mytilene (c. 625/620 – c. 580 BC) The fisher Diotimus had, at sea And shore, the same abode of poverty– His trusty boat;–and when his days were spent, Therein self-rowed to ruthless Dis he went; For that, which did through life his woes beguile, Supplied the old man with a funeral […]
Invitation
A poem by Alcaeus of Mytilene (c. 625/620 – c. 580 BC) Why wait we for the torches’ lights? Now let us drink while day invites. In mighty flagons hither bring The deep-red blood of many a vine, That we may largely quaff, and sing The praises of the god of wine, The son of Jove […]
A Banquet Song
A poem by Alcaeus of Mytilene (c. 625/620 – c. 580 BC) The rain of Zeus descends, and from high heaven A storm is driven: And on the running water-brooks the cold Lays icy hold; Then up: beat down the winter; make the fire Blaze high and higher; Mix wine as sweet as honey of the […]