Martial X, 61 (Erotion Epitaph)

translation by Katherine Ashewode

I wrote two translations of this piece. I'm not entirely pleased with either of them, but together they give a sense of the original Latin. I can't do the indentation properly, but the original Latin is in elegaic couplets. Both translations are in rhyming iambic pentameter. Enjoy!

Original Latin

Hic festinata requiescit Erotion umbra,
crimine quam fati sexta peremit hiems.
quisquis eris nostri post me regnator agelli,
manibus exiguis annua iusta dato:
sic lare perpetuo, sic turba sospite solus
flebilis in terra sit lapis iste tua.

Verse Translation #1

Beneath this stone there rests Erotion,
who only saw the light of six years dawn.
To you who own this plot in future days
continue to put flowers on her grave:
your gods endure, your family safe and sound,
And none of them might join her in the ground.

Verse Translation #2

Erotion was hastened to this grave,
cruel fate decreed she only live six years.
Continue now to give the gifts I gave,
perform the rites of death for all to hear:
In doing so your family you will save,
and ne'er be forced to set another near.

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