The HyperTexts

Athenian Epitaphs

by Michael R. Burch

The purpose of this page is to explore an ancient form of epigram: the epitaphs placed on gravestones, monuments, etc., by the ancients, by way of remembrance of their dead. Let's take a  look at the epigram through the eyes and words of the immortal Greeks, through epitaphs gleaned from Greek graves, which I have paraphrased, followed by one original poem of mine, modeled after the ancients':

Now that I am dead sea-enclosed Cyzicus shrouds my bones.
Faretheewell, O my adoptive land that nurtured me, that held me;
I take rest at your breast.
—Michael R. Burch, after Erycius

Mariner, do not ask whose tomb this may be,
but go with good fortune: I wish you a kinder sea.
—Michael R. Burch, after Plato

Does my soul abide in heaven, or hell?
The sea gulls alone may tell.
—Michael R. Burch, after Glaucus

Passerby,
tell the Spartans we lie
here, dead at their word,
obedient to their command.
Have they heard?
Do they understand?
—Michael R. Burch, after Simonides

Be ashamed, O mountains and seas: these were men of valorous breath.
Assume, like pale men, an ashen silence at death.
—Michael R. Burch, after Parmenio

These men earned a crown of imperishable glory,
nor did the maelstrom of death obscure their story.
—Michael R. Burch, after Simonides

He lies valiant tonight: great is his Monument!
Yet Ares cares not, spares none, neither does War relent.
—Michael R. Burch, after Anacreon

They observed our fearful fetters, assumed the dust of darkness;
now we extol their excellence. Bravely, they died for us.
—Michael R. Burch, after Mnasalcas

I lived as best I could, and then I died.
Be careful where you step: the grave is wide.
—Michael R. Burch, for a Child of Darfur

The HyperTexts