a couple of pet epigrams from the ancient greeks

thanks pixabay  (CC0 PD)

The following are translations from ancient Greek of various epigrams (brief poems inscribed on grave markers or votive offerings).

55
On a Maltese Watch-Dog
Here the stone says it holds the white dog from Melita, the most
faithful guardian of Eumelus; Bull they called him while he was
yet alive; but now his voice is prisoned in the silent pathways
of night.

56
On a Tame Partridge
No longer, poor partridge migrated from the rocks, does thy
woven house hold thee in its thin withies, nor under the sparkle
of fresh-faced Dawn dost thou ruffle up the edges of thy basking
wings; the cat bit off thy head, but the rest of thee I snatched
away, and she did not fill her greedy jaw; and now may the earth
cover thee not lightly but heavily, lest she drag out thy remains.

This next one I believe we've seen before at the Museum, but its beauty merits another visit.

57
On a Thessalian Hound
Surely even as thou hast dead in this tomb I deem the wild
beasts yet fear thy white bones, huntress Lycas; and thy valour
great Pelion knows, and splendid Ossa and the lonely peaks of
Cithaeron.

- from Mackail, J. W. (John William). (1890). Select epigrams from the Greek anthology. London: Longmans, Green, and Co. Passim.