by Brett Rutherford
adapted from Meleager, The Greek Anthology, v, 177, 176
Just as the city opened its gates
to admit the farmer and fisherman,
he fled the other way. Say, did you see
how he flew from someone's bedroom --
a child too young to know such things --
and was last seen in the treetops
and then who knows where, as though
the unmanageable child had wings.
If you see such a one, almost naked,
laughing and chattering, foul-mouthed,
prancing about with toy bow-and-arrow,
send word to Zenophila. Poor woman,
she doesn't know the father's name:
the Sky -- the Earth -- the Sea -- who knows?
Throughout the town this boy is hated.
His tricks have ruined marriages
and he is said to lead bad men
to even worse women.
So do not take him in if you prize
the peace of your household.
Summon Zenophila and her net.
Hark! Someone has seen him!
Send for the woman deceived
who wishes such a being
to share her hearth and table.
The little archer --
they've got him cornered.
A ruby ring for whoever lays hands
and holds him!
Now Zenophila comes -- make way --
fierce as a witch with an evil eye,
she chides the boy,
"Deinos, Eros, deinos!
Dreadful is Love, dreadful!"
No comments:
Post a Comment