Alcman lived in 7th cent B.C. (see info below)
The poem in Ancient Greek:
Οὔ μ᾽ ἔτι, παρθενικαί μελιγάρυες ἱαρόφωνοι,
γυῖα φέρην δύναται· βάλε δὴ βάλε κηρύλος εἴην,
ὅς τ' ἐπὶ κύματος ἄνθος ἅμ' ἀλκυόνεσσι ποτήται
νηδεὲς ἦτορ ἔχων, ἁλιπόρφυρος ἱαρὸς ὄρνις.
(D 94)
Kerylos, the male halcyon (kingfisher),
when he was becoming unable to fly, tired of old age
his female partner was taking him on her back
and they traveled together…
(Antigonus from Karysto)
Lyrics in contemporary Greek and their English translation:
Δεν ημπορούν να με κρατούν τα γόνατά μου πλέον
παρθένες γλυκολάλητες με τα μελένια χείλη
Μακάρι να γινότανε νάμουνα ο κηρύλος
να φτερουγίζω στον αφρό του κύματος επάνω
Με τις Αλκυόνες συντροφιά χωρίς στα στήθη φόβο
Άχ! Ας ήμουνα το πορφυρό της Άνοιξης πουλάκι
My knees can’t hold me anymore
silver-tongued virgins with your honey lips.
I wish I would become kerylos
fluttering above the foaming wave.
With the Kingfishers’ company, without fear in my chest
Ah! Let me be the crimson bird of Spring
Please note that we provide above translation of the lyrics (from contemporary Greek to English). You may also visit “links” for sources translating the ancient text to English.
Brief info about the poet and the poem:
Alcman: he is considered the leader of choral poetry and in the Alexandrian “Rule” of lyric poetry he holds the first place. His origin has been a matter of controversy since Antiquity. He lived in the last half of the 7th century BC in Sparta. The above tender verses seem to be addressed by the poet to the dance of the virgins, when they invited him to participate in the holy joy. He is old but “wise” and he counter responds to the invitation with a calm and cheerful mood while at the same time praising the beauty of their youth.
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