The Armory by Alcaeus
Tuesday poetic musings #2
I’m currently reading Richmond Lattimore’s1 anthology of seventh and sixth century BC Greek lyrics.
Alcaeus of Mytiléne (probably born around 625 BC and deceased after 580 BC) was a contemporary of Sappho and best known for his involvement in politics/civil war and his poetry.
He is credited with the invention of the Alcaic stanza and his work, or the fragments we have left, was meant to be sung and accompanied by instrumental music.
Soon I will indulge in what is probably the most famous poem about war ever written.
In the meantime, let’s enjoy some of Alcaeus poetry:
The Armory
The great hall is aglare with bronze armament and the whole inside made fit for war
with helms glittering and hung high, crested over with white horsemanes that nod and wave
and make splendid the heads of men who wear them. Here are shining greaves made out of bronze,
hung on hooks, and they cover all the house’s side. They are strong to stop arrows and spears.
Here are war-jackets quilted close of new linen, with hollow shields stacked on the floor,
with broad swords of the Chalkis make, many tunics and many belts heaped close beside.
These shall not lie neglected, now we have stood to our task and have this work to do.
Sadly I could not find a portuguese translation of this poem.
If you know of editions of Alcaeus’ poetry translated to portuguese currently available to purchase, please leave a comment.
Richmond Lattimore (1906-1984) was an american author, professor and classicist. He published several volumes of original and translated poetry.