Friday 16 December 2022

Three epigrams for Christmas

Happy Christmas, everybody! The following epigrams are from Book 1 of the Greek Anthology, the editor of which, Constantine Cephalas, gave pride of place to poems on Christian themes. None are assigned an author; instead we get explanatory headings. All three are in the book (ideal stocking filler).

37. On the birth of Christ

Trumpets and lightning, and the earth resounds;
But to your Virgin Mother you came down
And trod all silently upon your way.

38. On the same

This manger was as Heaven, and was more;
For Heaven is this newborn’s handiwork.

39. On the shepherds and the angels

One dance, one song for men and angels too,
For man and God have now become as one.

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