Two literary epitaphs by Antipater of Sidon

The Anthology has two Antipaters; this is the earlier (2nd century BC). The later one came from Thessalonica and was patronised by Lucius Calpurnius Piso, a trusted friend of Augustus. Both leave us plenty of excellent epigrams.

These two are 7.23 and 7.34 in the Anthology.

Anacreon, the great lyric poet of love and wine, was a favourite choice of subject for literary epitaphs; more such survive than for Homer, even.

May ivy flourish here, ANACREON,
Thickly in clusters, and the tender blooms
Of purple-dotted meadows also grow
About your place of burial; may springs
Of chalk-white milk burst forth from rocks around,
And sweetly smelling wine from fountains flow,
So that your ashes and your bones may know
Delightful entertainment in your stead,
If there is any joy among the dead.

The trumpet-blast of the Pierians,
The grave and burly smith who hammered out
Such nimble hymns: PINDAR this dust entombs,
Whose song, if you should hear it, you would say
Was moulded by a swarm of honey-bees
Sent by the Muses to the bedchamber
That Cadmus shared with lady Harmony.

Since making these I've come across a lovely version of by Roderick Saxey on his fascinating blog.