Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Alkman wrote it in the 8th century BCE, before our current commonly used year numbering system started. Willis Barnstone translated in his book (1962, 1967 CE) "Greek Lyric Poetry."

ON THE FEATS OF A YOUNG GIRL

Often at night along the mountaintops,
when gods are reveling by torchlight,
you came carrying a great jar
(like one shepherds use) but of heavy gold.

You filled the jar with milk drawn
from a lioness, and made a great cheese
unbroken and gleaming white.

--Alkman

I feel that is what you're up to. I get to get nourishment from the great cheese and from the sun points of light on the jar as dawn grows.