Greek Anthology Book 9

ToposText · Greek Anthology · 827 sections

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§ 9.603 ANTIPATER OF SIDON These five votaries of Dionysus the Saviour are entering upon the rapid dance. One lifts on high the body of a grim lion, another an antlered Arcadian stag, a third a bird with lovely plumage, a fourth a kettle-drum, and the fifth a heavy brazen clapper. All are frenzied and distraught by the bacchic fury of the god.
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§ 9.604 NOSSIS This is the picture of Thaumareta. Well did the painter render the bearing and the beauty of the gentle-eyed lady! Thy little house- dog would fawn upon thee if it saw thee here, thinking that it looked on the mistress of its home.
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§ 9.605 NOSSIS Callo had her portrait made exactly like herself, and hung the picture in the house of fair-haired Aphrodite. How gentle she looks standing there! Look how fresh is the bloom of her charm! All hail to her! for there is no fault in her life. 606-640 are all Inscriptions on Baths
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§ 9.606 Anonymous Look at Cytherea whom Ares once loved, bathing here in the limpid stream. Look at her swimming, and fear not. It is not maiden Athena that you see, as Tiresias did.
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§ 9.607 Anonymous The Graces bathed here, and to reward the bath they gave to the water the brightness of their limbs.
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§ 9.608 Anonymous Either such water gave birth to Cytherea, or Cytherea, by bathing in it, made the water such.
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§ 9.609 Anonymous This bath is the playground of the Graces, for it only admits the Graces to sport within it.
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§ 9.609a Anonymous This is really the Graces' bath, for it cannot contain more than three.
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§ 9.610 Anonymous This is a little work, but beautiful to look on, like a rose in a garden or a violet in a basket of flowers.
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§ 9.611 Anonymous There is great charm in a little bath. Sweet love looks on those who bathe in the tiniest stream.
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§ 9.612 Anonymous As a myrtle has little leaves, but sweet-scented, so this bath is small, but dear.
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§ 9.613 Anonymous on the Bath of Maria Momus wept when he saw the bath of Maria, exclaiming: “I have to leave you unvisited, as I leave Maria.”
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§ 9.614 LEONTIUS SCHOLASTICUS On a small Bath next that called Zeuxippus Be not wrath, Zeuxippus, with this bath that arises next thee. The little star called Erotylus shines sweetly though next the Great Bear.
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§ 9.615 Anonymous on a Bath at Smyrna Thou building, who of mortals made thee, who wast formerly dim, rich in light for bathers, and who, cleaning away the smoky grime that befouled thee, brightened thee thus? It was wise Theodorus who in this truly, as in everything, showed the cleanness of his heart. He being the treasurer and father of the city's possessions, did not stain his hands by gain derived from them. Mighty Christ, immortal God, keep by Thy hand this patriot out of the reach of misfortune.
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§ 9.616 Anonymous Here once when the Graces bathed, little Eros stole their immortal raiment and went off with it, leaving them naked and ashamed to appear outside the door.
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§ 9.617 Anonymous on a too cold Bath Who walled round a river, bathman? Who falsely styled this fountain a bath? Aeolus, son of Hippotas, dear to the immortal gods, brought the winds here from their home. And why are these two planks placed here for the feet? Not for warmth, but for freezing. This is the place of Shivering and Frost-bite. Write thereon: “Bathe here in August, for the north wind blows ever within.”
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§ 9.618 Anonymous on a Bath in Byzantium The old story of the lotus-eaters is no falsehood. This bath confirms its truth. For if a man once bathe in these pure waters he does not regret his country or desire his parents.
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§ 9.619 AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS On a Bath in Byzantium Now I know, Cytherea, how thou didst conquer in the contest, stealing the vote of Alexander. It was here thou didst dip thy body, and so didst find means to overcome Hera who had bathed in the streams of Inachus. It was the bath that won, and I fancy Pallas cried out thus: “I was conquered by the water, not by the Paphian.”
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§ 9.620 PAULUS SILENTIARIUS On a Double Bath in which Men and Women Bathed Near is the hope of love, but one cannot catch the women. A little door shuts out great Cypris. But yet this is sweet; for in the matter of amorous desire hope is sweeter than reality.
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§ 9.621 Anonymous Such women as have desire to please (and ye all have) come here, and ye shall win brighter charms. She who has a husband will give her husband pleasure, and the unmarried girl will stir many to offer her marriage. And she who makes her living by her body, if she bathe here, will have swarms of lovers at her door.
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§ 9.622 Anonymous If sweet desire for thy wedded wife possess thee, bathe here, and thou shalt appear to her brighter. Or if lust drive thee to mercenary and depraved women, bathe here, and thou shalt be paid instead of paying.
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§ 9.623 CYRUS Cypris with the Graces and her golden-arrowed boy bathed here and gave grace in payment.
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§ 9.624 LEONTIUS SCHOLASTICUS On another Bath next the Public Baths in Byzantium A citizen built me at the gate of the public bath for excellence, not for competition. Let that serve many; I supply water and scent and charm to an intimate few.
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§ 9.625 MACEDONIUS THE CONSUL On another Bath in the Lycian Quarter (?) Let my doorkeeper be the most faithful of men, keeping careful note of the time at which bathers enter me, lest anyone against his will see one of the Naiads naked in my waters, or Cypris with the longhaired Graces: “For hard are the gods to him who sees them manifestly.” Who would dispute Homer's dictum?
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§ 9.626 MARIANUS SCHOLASTICUS On another Bath called Love Love once bathed his mother Cypris in this bath, himself warming its lovely water with his torch. Ah, what a scent of spring had the sweat that ran from her ambrosial body mixing with the clear, white water! Henceforth from it ever bubbles a vapour smelling of roses, as if golden Cypris “were still bathing.
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§ 9.627 MARIANUS SCHOLASTICUS Here under the plane-trees tired Love lay softly sleeping, having entrusted his torch to the Nymphs. Said the Nymphs among themselves: ”Why not do it at once? Would that together with this we could put out the fire in men's hearts." But it was the torch that set fire to the water, and henceforth the Love - Nymphs pour forth here hot water for men to bathe in.
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§ 9.628 JOANNES GRAMMATICUS On the Public Bath at Alexandria called the Horse Our blessed sovereign aroused with a golden bit the fair-flowing Horse which long scourging had laid low.
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§ 9.629 JOANNES GRAMMATICUS Would, Pindar, that I rather than others had washed thee in my stream. Then thou wouldst have called my water alone best.
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§ 9.630 LEONTIUS SCHOLASTICUS On the Royal Hot Baths These are really the royal hot baths, for our fathers, admiring them, gave them this name. By no mortal fire is the bright water warmed, but the spring is born hot of its own accord. Nor dost thou require a cold stream for the bath, but tempered as thou dost desire it, it gushes forth.
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§ 9.631 AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS On the Hot Baths of Agamemnon near Smyrna I am a place beloved by the Danai, coming to which they forgot the art of Podalirius. For after the battle they healed their wounds in my stream, expelling the poison of the barbarian spear. Hence I grew great and came to bear a roof, and as a token of fame received the name of Agamemnon.
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§ 9.632 Anonymous on other Hot Baths While Earth in her inmost recesses has perpetual fire and boils with hidden flames, the hot vapour, ascending to the air owing to the pressure from below, belches forth streams of water heated by fire.
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§ 9.633 DAMOCHARIS GRAMMATICUS This was the bath of Hera, Cypris, and Pallas, when they were eager to get the golden apple. And perhaps now Paris will not be their judge, but their image reflected in the silver flood.
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§ 9.634 Anonymous The Graces swore by the radiant lord of light rather to dwell here than with Cypris.
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§ 9.635 Anonymous This bath bears the name of the leafy laurel.
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§ 9.636 Anonymous It was on seeing this bath that sagest Homer said: “Allaying grief and anger, bringing oblivion of all evil.” l
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§ 9.637 Anonymous After bathing her divine limbs here, Cypris straightway showed herself to Alexander, and carried off the prize of the apple.
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§ 9.638 Anonymous The three Graces of Orchomenus made the bath, and therefore it has not room for four.
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§ 9.639 Anonymous Cypris, Love, the Graces, the Nymphs, Dionysus, and Apollo swore to each other to dwell here.
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§ 9.640 Anonymous The immortals bathe when the bath is first opened, at the fifth hour the demigods, and later all the rubbish.
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§ 9.641 AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS On a Bridge over the Sangarius Thou too, Sangarius, after proud Italy and the peoples of the Medes, and all the barbarian host, art thus enslaved by the hand of our prince, thy stream fettered by strong arches. Thou who wast formerly impassable to boats and indomitable, liest gripped in bonds of stone.
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§ 9.642 AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS On a Latrine in the Suburbs of Smyrna All the extravagance of mortals and their expensive dishes excreted here have lost their previous charm. The pheasants and fishes, and the mixtures pounded in the mortar, and all that variety of kickshaws, become here dung. The belly rids itself of all that the ravenous gullet took in, and at length a man sees that in the pride of his foolish heart he spent so much gold on nothing but dust.
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§ 9.643 AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS on the same Why do you moan with the headache and groan bitterly for the heaviness you feel all over, and keep on smacking your belly, thinking to force out the work of your jaws? You would never have had all this trouble and labour if you had not largely exceeded yourself at table. When you are lying there guzzling you have a high opinion of yourself, and delight your palate with the viands, deeming that happiness. But here you are in distress, and your belly only gets many smacks to pay for the sins of your gullet.
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§ 9.644 By the same on the same Blest are you, long-suffering labourer! You have only to put up, all your life, with the pains of hoeing and poverty. Simple are your meals, and you sleep in the woods, after satisfying your throat's vast thirst for water. Yet you are perfectly sound, and sitting here for a few moments lighten your belly. You don't rub down the lower part of your spine, or beat your thighs, but you get rid of the burden naturally. They are in evil case, the rich and those who associate with them, whom feasting pleases more than sound health.
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§ 9.645 MACEDONIUS THE CONSUL I am Sardis, the chief city of Lydia, who stand under flowery Tmolus, by the stream of Maeonian Hermus. I witnessed first the birth of Jove, for I refused to betray the secretly born son of my own Rhea. It was I, too, who nursed Bacchus, and I saw him shining with broader flame in the lightning-flash. First in my fields did Autumn, the giver of wine, milk from the udder of the grape-cluster the golden juice. Everything combined to adorn me, and old Time often saw me envied by the most flourishing cities.
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§ 9.646 Anonymous on the Pontic Heraclea If you know of another city with the same name, Heraclea, know that I, the Pontic one, do not rank beneath it.
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§ 9.647 Anonymous on Rome Rome, queen of the world, thy fame shall never perish, for Victory, being wingless, cannot fly from thee.
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§ 9.648 MACEDONIUS THE CONSUL On an Inn in Cibyra Native alike and foreigner are ever dear to me, for it is not the business of hospitality to enquire who, whence, and whose son.
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§ 9.649 By the same on the same Piety built up this house from its foundations to its lofty roof. For Macedonius did not build it out of wealth gained by despoiling with the sword the possessions of others, nor did he weep, a pauper, over an empty and profitless labour, deprived of the return justly due to his outlay. As rest from labour awaits the just, so may the works of pious men survive.
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§ 9.650 LEONTIUS On an Inn situated between the Zeuxippus and the Hippodrome On the one side I have close by me the Zeuxippus, a pleasant bath, and on the other the race-course. After seeing the races at the latter and taking a bath in the former, come and rest at my hospitable table. Then in the afternoon you will be in plenty of time for the other races, reaching the course from your room quite near at hand.
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§ 9.651 PAULUS SILENTIARIUS On a High House in Constantinople From three sides I view the pleasant expanse of the sea, struck by the sunlight from all quarters. For when saffron-mantled Dawn envelops me, she is so pleased that she has no wish to go on to her setting.
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§ 9.652 JULIAN, PREFECT OF EGYPT On a House situated on Level Ground In summer I cool you and in winter I keep you warm, supplying from myself the deficiencies of the seasons.
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§ 9.653 AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS On a House situated on a Hill in Constantinople “The gods set toil before virtue,” said the poet of Ascra, speaking prophetically of this house. For after mounting the long flight of steps with exhausted feet, my hair was all soaked with sweat; but from the summit I looked on the fine view of the sea. Yea! perhaps a good room is a surer possession than virtue (?).
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§ 9.654 JULIAN, PREFECT OF EGYPT On an Unguarded House Seek other more profitable houses, ye robbers, for Poverty constantly keeps guard over this.
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§ 9.655 Anonymous on the Banqueting Hall of Magnaura This house was diligently completed by the emperors on whom the Cross bestowed a beneficent power, Heraclius and his son Constantine.
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§ 9.656 Anonymous on the House called Chalce in the Palace built by Anastasius I am the house of Anastasius, the emperor, slayer of tyrants, and I alone far excel all cities of the Earth. I am a cause of wonder to all, since the architects, seeing my height, length, and vast breadth, were minded to leave the huge pile unroofed; but skilled Aetherius, the most eminent master of that laborious art, devised my shape, laying the first-fruits of his toil before our stainless emperor. Therefore, stretching on all sides my vast bulk, I surpass the celebrated wonders of the Italian land. Beauty of the Capitolian hall, give place to thy betters, even though thy roof of bronze dazzles the eye. Hide, Pergamus, thy splendid ornament, the grove of Rufinus, narrow now beside the halls of this limitless palace; and thou, Cyzicus, no longer sing of thy noble temple of Hadrian standing fast on the long cliff. The pyramids are not capable of vying with me, or the colossus, or the Pharos; I alone surpass a great legion of buildings. My prince himself, after his victory over the Isaurians, completed me, the house of the Dawn, shining with gold, on all sides exposed to the breezes of the four winds.
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§ 9.657 MARIANUS SCHOLASTICUS on the Palace, called Sophiariae: Where the land is cut in two by the winding channel whose shores open the way to the sea, our divine emperor erected this palace for his most illustrious consort Sophia. O, far-ruling Rome, thou lookest from Europe on a prospect in Asia the beauty of which is worthy of thee.
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§ 9.658 PAULUS SILENTIARIUS On the Great Praetorium when newly decorated The Emperor Justin, clearing away its begrimed decorative work, brightened up the chief Law Court, and thou, Domninus, by thy labours, expellest melancholy night from the halls of Themis and the life of mortals.
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§ 9.659 THEAETETUS SCHOLASTICUS on the same What a blessing is a child in our old age! Domninus has made the courts of me, mother Justice, brighter. I shine through my child, and my child through me, each bestowing our glory on the other
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§ 9.660 Anonymous on the Basilica of the Schools in Constantinople I am a place dedicated to Law. Here gushes forth an abundant fount of Roman Jurisprudence which runs perennially for all, and gives its whole stream to the youth here assembled.
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§ 9.661 JULIANUS, PREFECT OF EGYPT On the Chair of the Sophist Craterus I am a tree peculiarly blessed; for, once, standing in the middle of the forest, I was nurtured by the shrill winds and was the tuneful seat of birds, but I was felled by the axe to gain still better fortune. For now I am watered by the powerful (crateros) speech, not of the birds, but of Craterus, and flourish, fed by this stream of eloquence.
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§ 9.662 AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS On the same as 642 I am a place formerly hideous, divided by brick walls, and here the bellies of strangers, natives, and countrymen thunderously relieved themselves. But Agathias, the father of the city, transformed me and made me distinguished instead of most ignoble.
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§ 9.663 PAULUS SILENTIARIUS On a Garden by the Sea The sea washes terra firma, and the expanse of the dry land is navigable and blooms with marine foliage. How skilled was he who mingled the deep with the land, sea-weed with garden plants, the floods of the Nereids with the founts of the Naiads'
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§ 9.664 PAULUS SILENTIARIUS on the same Here the Naiads, Nereids, and Hamadryads dispute as to who has the best title to the property. The Grace in their midst sits as judge, but cannot give judgment, as its charm is common to all.
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§ 9.665 AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS On the same Give way to me, thou holy hill of Daphne, lying far from the sea, thy beauty but that of rustic solitude. For here the tree Nymphs and the Nereids of the sea established their common meeting place. When they quarrelled over me, Poseidon was judge, and pronounced that I was to be a border-land open to both.
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§ 9.666 Anonymous on a Garden called Eros Eros is not big, but he is pretty. So I am not great among gardens, but am full of charm.
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§ 9.667 ARABIUS SCHOLASTICUS On a Suburban Pleasaunce I am rich in waters, gardens, groves, vineyards, and the generous gifts of the neighbouring sea. Both the fisherman and the husbandman offer me pleasing presents from sea and land, and those who rest in me are soothed either by the song of birds or the sweet call of the ferryman.
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§ 9.668 MARIANUS SCHOLASTICUS On a Suburban Park in Aviasia called Eros Verily it is lovely, the grove of Eros, where these beautiful trees are stirred by the gentle breath of Zephyr, where the dewy meadow is bright with flowers, sending up a wealthy show of purple-fringed cups, while the roses of three fountains in a line one after the other spout forth the streams of the sweet Naiad. Here Iris, the ancient river, swims past the woods, resort of the soft-haired Hamadryads, and in the fruitful vineyard the fat berries of the olive-trees flourish everywhere above the great clusters of raisins set out to dry. Around sing the nightingales, and the cicada hymns an answering harmony. Do not, stranger, pass by my open gate, but enter the house and partake of my simple hospitality.
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§ 9.669 MARIANUS SCHOLASTICUS on the same Come here for a little, traveller, and reclining in the greenwood shade rest thy limbs from thy long and toilsome journey. Here amongst the plane-trees the fresh streams of water running at its will leap forth beautifully from many-mouthed fountains. Here in spring the soft violets mixed with roses empurple the ground. Look how, engarlanding the fresh meadow, the luxuriant ivy twines its flowing hair. The river runs between its foliaged banks, grazing the base of the self-sown grove. Such is Eros. What other name would be appropriate for a place replete in every way with charm and loveliness?
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§ 9.670 Anonymous on a Mole in Smyrna on which there was a Cistern A. Who made the deep dry land, who amid the surges built out of marble a shore washed on both sides by the sea? And who enabled the sailors to obtain water in the midst of the waves, drawing it with their hands even from the deck? B. This resourceful man, noble Venetius, who surpassed Theseus and Pelops by his creations.
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§ 9.671 Anonymous on a Lighthouse in the same City A. Who executed so great a work? What is his city and what his office? B. Ambrosius of Mylasa, the proconsul, built the lighthouse.
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§ 9.672 Anonymous on the same City Though thou journeyest over the sea-bound circle of the whole dry land, thou shalt nowhere see a place superior to this which renowned Ioannes, glorifying her the queen of all this land, has made so admirable; for from the sea itself he won unceasing delight for Homer's city.
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§ 9.673 Anonymous on a Place in the same City Asclepius did this work, too, for Hippolyta.
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§ 9.674 Anonymous In the Pharos at Alexandria I am the tower that helps straying mariners, lighting up the blaze of Poseidon's comforting torch. Ammonius, who is the father of our emperor, re-erected me by his labour when, borne down by the loudroaring gales, I was about to fall. To him the sailors, escaped from the wild waves, lift up their hands as to the glorious Earth -shaker.
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§ 9.675 Anonymous on the Lighthouse at Smyrna Sail to me fearlessly, ye mariners, no longer dreading the rayless gloom of the night. For all wanderers burns my far-flashing torch, keeping alive the memory of my builders the Asclepiadae.
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§ 9.676 Anonymous on a Fountain in the Asiatic Mount Olympus I yield to the Nymphs of Prusa, and salute, too, those of the Pythian waters as my superiors. But let the whole company of Naiads after Pythia and after Prusa give way to my Nymphs.
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§ 9.677 AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS On a House in Constantinople Musonius built me with great labour, this large and imposing house, exposed to the north wind's blasts. Yet did he not avoid the dark house of Fate, but abandoning me he dwells underground. In a narrow bed of earth he lies, and I, his chiefest delight, am given up to strangers.
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§ 9.678 Anonymous on a Village near Smyrna What a great and laborious work is this, too, that thou hast achieved, Agaclides, gaining great glory by thy daring! Thou hast enriched this parched land of the ancient Nymph Bassa with water and baths.
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§ 9.679 Anonymous on an Aqueduct at Assus All cities worship Axiochus, for, on his progress, like a god he has healed the ills of each. Especially on rugged Assus did he bestow running water, cutting through the hard face of many rocks. No longer run off to a distance, all ye travellers. I overflow with the cold water of Axiochus.
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§ 9.680 Anonymous on a Sea-side Garden at Antioch in which was a Bath Thou seest in me the three Graces, stranger. Poseidon wrought the one from the neighbouring sea, the second is the work of my garden rich in produce, and the remaining one is supplied by this bath.
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§ 9.681 LEONTIUS SCHOLASTICUS On a Shell with a Carving of Aphrodite It is a great favour I grant thee, Dionysus. Cypris bathes in me, and from her I bring thee the cup.
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§ 9.682 Anonymous on the Obelisk in the Hippodrome It was only the Emperor Theodosius who undertook to raise the four-sided column which had ever lain a burden on the earth. He committed the task to Proclus, and so great a column stood erect in thirty-two days.
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§ 9.683 Anonymous on Alpheus and Arethusa Alpheus is a male water, Arethusa a female, and Love accomplished their marriage by mixing the waters.
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§ 9.684 Anonymous on the Fountain on the Island Taphos I am the fountain Nychea, daughter of Ocean and Tethys, for so the Teleboae named me. I pour forth a bath for the Nymphs and health for mortals. It was Pterelas, the son of Ares, who placed me here.
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§ 9.685 Anonymous on Camarina the Sicilian Lake Move not Camarina, for it is best unmoved, lest, if thou move it, thou make the lesser greater.
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§ 9.686 Anonymous on the Eastern Gate of Thessalonica Exult in thy heart, stranger, when thou seest above the gate the prefect Basil, destroyer of the valour of insolent Babylon and light of incorrupt justice. Thou goest to the place of good government, the mother of excellent sons. Thou hast no need to fear the barbarian or sodomites. The Spartan for a wall has his arms, and thou a royal statue
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§ 9.687 Anonymous on a Painting I who painted the form would fain have painted also the character, but the limits of art checked my eagerness. Call me eloquent Alexander, my friend.
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§ 9.688 Anonymous on the Gate of Argos This gate, built of polished stone, both an ornament for Argos and an object of admiration for travellers, was erected by Cleadas, the husband of gentle and noble Clea. He was the excellent hierophant of the sanctuary of Lerna, and enjoyed the generosity of powerful monarchs.
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§ 9.689 Anonymous on the Gate of Eugenius in Constantinople This Julian who built the walls that protect the city erected the trophy in memory of his vigilance. He studied rather to slay his enemies at a distance than to stir up war before the city.
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§ 9.690 Anonymous on the Gate called Xylocercus at Constantinople Theodosius the emperor and Constantine, prefect of the East, built this wall in sixty days.
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§ 9.691 Anonymous on the Gate of Rhesius at Constantinople In sixty days Constantine the prefect built this strengthening wall for his sceptred sovereign.
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§ 9.692 Anonymous on some Building This is the work of Vivianus, of whom East and West sing with honour because of his just government.
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§ 9.693 Anonymous on a Temple of Fortune Demetrius the governor erected this temple of Fortune, feeling compassion for the city, like the son of Hierius he was. He built it on his own initiative, not the city's, and at his own, not at the public expense.
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§ 9.694 Anonymous on an Arch The son of Messalinus built this magnificent arch.
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§ 9.695 Anonymous on the Stone Acoetonus You see what great beauty lies in the disorderly order of the veins in the stone.
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§ 9.696 Anonymous on the Portico of the Basilica in Constantinople Theodorus, having built for the city four porticos, deserves to govern the city a fourth time.
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§ 9.697 Anonymous on another part of the same Portico It beseemed thee, Theodoras, to adorn the columned temple of Fortune by such a wonderful work, and to give splendid gifts to Constantinople, city of the golden shield, which made thee consul and sees thee for the third time prefect.
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§ 9.698 Anonymous on the city of Mopsuestia You look on this famous city of Mopsus, which the seer once built, hanging its beauty over the river.
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§ 9.699 Anonymous on a Fountain called Olympias From this fountain Alexander of Macedon drank splendid water, and said its streams were like his mother's milk. Hence he named it Olympias, as this stone testifies.
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§ 9.700 SIMONIDES Polygnotus of Thasos, the son of Aglaophon, painted the sack of the citadel of Troy.
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§ 9.701 Anonymous on the Temple of Olympian Zeus at Athens This house is worthy of Zeus. Not even Olympus would blame Zeus for descending here from heaven.

Via ToposText (topostext.org), a project of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation created by Brady Kiesling. Translated by William Roger Paton (1857-1921). Composed ca. 900 CE. Licence: public domain. Source.