The time is ripe for sailing the fifty days Past solstice, summer in its closing phase, Season of toil. You will not shipwreck then, Nor will the sea extinguish all your men, Unless Earth-shaker, Poseidon, is annoyed, Or Zeus, King of the Gods, wants you destroyed: In their hands lies fulfillment, good and ill. While … Read more
Alicia, thank you for taking the time to speak to us about your translation of Hesiod’s Works and Days, which has been shortlisted for this year’s Runciman Award. You seem particularly inspired to follow in the footsteps of the ancient Greek poets. Can you explain why you are drawn to them? I’ve lived in Greece … Read more
So Perses, you be heedful of what’s right; Don’t nurture Arrogance—she’s a disaster For lowly mortals; she will overmaster Even noble men and crush them with her load Once they encounter troubles. The better road Is the one bypassing Arrogance to wend To Justice; Justice triumphs in the end. The fool learns this the hard … Read more