AustLit

Adapted from the Greek of Archilochus (Loeb 144; part: lines 23-38)

Author note: This is an adaptation of part of the inscription on Archilochus Monument, a badly mutilated block of marble in the museum on Paros, the poet's birthplace. I have taken it from the reconstruction by Edmonds (Loeb, Elegy and Iambus, II pp. 169-171) but in many parts the reconstruction is highly conjectural. Citations from the poems are intermingled with biographical material of a much later date. Perhaps the passage may not be by Archilochus at all. However it corresponds with his traditional character and manners. It is written in the first person singular but it would be rash to conclude that it is autobiographical. There does not seem to be any other evidence for a wife called Tereina.