Two more of Gregory's epitaphs for his brilliant younger brother, snatched away suddenly by illness while both their parents, Gregory (senior) and Nonna, were still alive. The second poem is written from the point of view of the elder Gregory, some considerable time after they lost Caesarius. By now he himself has died of old age, but even in the grave he continues to weep for his boy.
8.88
On the same Caesarius
This stone our parents raised to be their tomb,
Expecting their remaining share of life
To be but slender; but against their will
They gave it to their son Caesarius,
A bitter gift, since he ahead of them
Was ransomed and set free from mortal life.
8.89
On the same
‘My old age lingered long upon the earth;
While in your father’s place you have this stone,
Dearest of all my sons, Caesarius.
What kind of law is this? What kind of right?
Lord of Mankind, how could you nod at this?
I cry for life too long, and death too soon.’
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