Saturday, March 26, 2016

Archilochus on his shield

Bronze Corinthian Helmet, ca. 500 BC


Some Saian mountaineer
Struts today with my shield.
I threw it down by a bush and ran
When the fighting got hot.
Life seemed somehow more precious.
It was a beautiful shield
I know where I can buy another
Exactly like it, just as round.

[Translated by Guy Davenport.]

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