“My child, deep-thundering Zeus controls the end of all that is, disposing as he wills. We who are mortals have no mind; we live like cattle, day to day, knowing nothing of god's plans to end each one of us. Yet we are fed by hope and faith to dream impossible plans. Some wait for a day to come, others watch the turning of years. No one among the mortals feels so broken as not to hope in coming time to fly home rich to splendid goods and lands. Yet before he makes his goal, odious old age lays hold of him first. Appalling disease consumes another. Some are killed in war where death carries them under the dark earth. Some drown and die under the myriad waves when a hurricane slams across the blue salt water cracking their cargo ship. Others rope a noose around their wretched necks and choose to die, abandoning the sun of day. A thousand black spirits waylay man with unending grief and suffering. If you listen to my counsel, you won't want the good things of life; not batter your heart by torturing your skull with cold remorse.” Willis BarnstoneSemonides Author:Semonides
“Later we will have a long time to lie dead yet the few years we have now we live badly.” Willis BarnstoneSemonides Author:Semonides
“One verse by the blind poet of Chios is indelible: 'The life of man is like a summer's leaf.' Yet few who hear these words take them into their heart, for hope is rooted in every youthful soul, the lovely flower of youth grows tall with color, life will have no end, or there is no place for growing old, for death; and while in health, no fear of foul disease. Poor fools! in islands of illusion, for men have but a day of youth and life. You few who understand, know when death is near the food you give your soul must be supreme.” Willis BarnstoneHomerSemonides Author:Semonides