Greek Anthology Book 9

§ 9.801 Anonymous on the same He built parts of the Museum himself, and other parts which were in danger of falling he saved and set them up firmly.

§ 9.802 Anonymous on a Portrait of the Emperor Marcian Thou seest this shape, like a live horse, carrying Marcian, ruler of the race of men. His right hand is outstretched and he spurs on the galloping horse above a foeman, who seems to support its weight on his head.

§ 9.803 Anonymous on a Portrait of the Empress Sophia at the Entrance of the Bath Zeuxippus Julian, the prefect of the city, dedicated here Sophia (Wisdom), the queen of the Italians, as being herself full of wisdom.

§ 9.804 Anonymous on a Column with a Statue of the Emperor Justin Julian the prefect dutifully set up here the statue of Justin his master and benefactor.

§ 9.805 Anonymous on a Stele of Ares partly buried in Thrace As long as this fierce Ares rests on the ground the peoples of the Goths shall never set foot in Thrace.

§ 9.806 Anonymous on a Sun-dial This place was once a garden, and the shade of the leaves shutting out the sun made it like night. But now Sergius, the patriarch, who hath seen with his eyes and reveals the mysteries of the Holy Trinity, contrived to make it bright and sunlit. Here this fixed stone seven times announces the eternal and fixed revolutions of the vault of heaven.

§ 9.807 Anonymous on the same The mechanic art compels Phaethon by means of dials ruled in due measure to direct aright (?) the course of the sun. A small stone governs the circle of Aurora by its skilled division into hours and by the shadow's mark. This work of mortals was constructed by the heavenly command of Sergius the patriarch.

§ 9.808 CYRUS THE CONSUL On the House of Maximinus Maximinus built me in the newly constructed Rome, fixing my secure foundations actually on the beach. Infinite beauty extends itself around me. To right, left, and behind me lies the city, but facing me I see all the beauties of the Bithynian coast. At the foot of my most strong foundations the salt current rolls to the lovely sea, just touching the land in front of me enough to wet its edge. Often a man leaning out from me slightly has greatly rejoiced his heart, seeing in all directions different things: trees, houses, ships, sea, city, sky, and earth.

§ 9.809 CYRUS THE CONSUL, On a Statue of Pindar Cyrus set up Pindar beside the water, because singing to the lyre he said, “Water is best.”

§ 9.810 Anonymous This is Justin next Sophia. Both made the golden work after their Assyrian triumph.

§ 9.811 Anonymous Justinian, the emperor, built me the bright house, a marvel for the sun to view at his rising. For never before when he mounted his celestial path did he see such beauty on earth.

§ 9.812 Anonymous on Justin Domninus in the pure portals of Justice erected the statue of divine Justin, the pure guardian of Law.

§ 9.813 Anonymous on Sophia his Wife This statue of Sophia stands before the gates of Justice, for wisdom should not be apart from justice.

§ 9.814 Anonymous on a Bath Naiad Nymphs, ye truants, I never thought you would all quit my streams. But if the bath possesses such charm, Envy will accomplish naught, even though the Nymphs desert all the water.

§ 9.815 Anonymous on Another Stranger, why dost thou quicken thy steps now, when thou seest the water that cures pain? This is the bath of joy; it washes away care, it lightens labour. It was built by Michael, the prefect of the Imperial Palace.

§ 9.816 Anonymous on a Dish belonging to Eubulus In presence of Telemachus and near Penelope, why, wise Odysseus, dost thou stretch out thy hand in terror? Thy nurse will never tell the suitors of thy gesture.

§ 9.817 Anonymous on an Altar-cloth On the table of the immaculate sacrifice I depict the passions of those sacrificed for Christ. For those whom I beg to have as protectors have I, Peter, put in the covering of the dread place.

§ 9.818 Anonymous on a Disc I, another Peter, not having survived to see the life-giving tomb of the Lord, carved this disc representing the Holy Sepulchre, in which, bending low, I see Christ's body.

§ 9.819 Anonymous on a Cup I, the mystic cup, by the way of the Holy Spirit pour into the heart a stream of repentance.

§ 9.820 Anonymous on the Entrance of the Heraeum Justinian built this magnificent house, a thing of beauty to overhang land and water.

§ 9.821 Anonymous on the same Princes Time will always proclaim your virtue, power, and great deeds, as long as the stars move in heaven.

§ 9.822 Anonymous on a Dish with the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac This is the silver heaven where the Moon gazes on the Sun, full herself of his reflected splendour, while on either side the fixed stars and the planets that move contrary to them work the whole fortune of the race of men.

§ 9.823 PLATO Let the cliff clothed in greenery of the Dryads keep silence, and the fountains that fall from the rock, and the confused bleating of the ewes newly lambed; for Pan himself plays on his sweet-toned pipe, running his pliant lips over the joined reeds, and around with their fresh feet they have started the dance, the Nymphs, Hydriads, and Hamadryads.

§ 9.824 ERYCIUS Hunters, who come to this peak where dwells mountain Pan, good luck to you in the chase, whether ye go on your way trusting in nets or in the steel, or whether ye be fowlers relying on your hidden limed reeds. Let each of you call on me. I have skill to bring success to trap, spear, nets, and reeds.

§ 9.825 Anonymous on a Machine for drawing Water which worked noiselessly, on which stood an image of Pan Echo fled from the waters, too, to escape me, Pan, her unhappy lover.

§ 9.826 PLATO On a Satyr standing by a Well and Love Asleep A cunning master wrought me, the Satyr, son of Bacchus, divinely inspiring the monolith with breath. I am the playmate of the Nymphs, and instead of purple wine I now pour forth pleasant water. Guide thy steps here in silence, lest thou disturb the boy lapped in soft sleep.

§ 9.827 AMMONIUS On the same I am the dear servant of horned Dionysus, and pour forth the water of the silver Naiads, soothing the young boy who rests asleep...