Ancient Greek: Unforeseen fate scattered all that great affection
24 September 2007
I Homonoea, who was far clearer-voiced than the Sirens, I who was more golden than the Cyprian* herself at revellings and feasts, I the chattering bright swallow lie here, leaving tears to Atimetus, to whom I was dear from girlhood; but unforeseen fate scattered all that great affection.
--Anonymous ancient Greek poem, tr by J.W. Mackail; cited in The Portable Greek Reader, ed. W.H. Auden. If you have the original Greek, can you send it to me?
Translated also by H.D.: her version includes these lines:
The golden one is gone from the banquets;
She, beloved of Atimetus,
The swallow, the dear Homonoea;
Gone the dear chatterer.
* Aphrodite/Venus
Hi, can someone tell me what this story is about? I cannot find anything linked to Homonoea or Atimetus and I don't understand what's happening- Thank to anyone who will answer!
Posted by: Marina | 03 April 2022 at 13:07