Alcaeus of Mytilene quotes

Alcaeus of Mytilene was an ancient Greek lyric poet from the island of Lesbos. His poetry is renowned for its vivid imagery and exploration of themes such as politics, love, and exile. He is often considered one of the foundational figures of early Greek lyric poetry. Here are 8 of his quotes:

Not houses finely roofed or the stones of walls well builded, nay nor canals and dockyards make the city, but men able to use their opportunity.

Alcaeus of Mytilene

To be bowed by grief is folly; Naught is gained by melancholy; Better than the pain of thinking, Is to steep the sense in drinking.

Alcaeus of Mytilene

'Tis said that wrath is the last thing in a man to grow old.

Alcaeus of Mytilene

Not in hewn stones, nor in well-fashioned beams, Not in the noblest of the builder's dreams, But in courageous men of purpose great, There is the fortress, there the living State.

Alcaeus of Mytilene

Raise a song for her, O Muse! The violet-crownèd maiden, And praise her soft throat's changing hues, Her low voice, laughter-laden. Sing yet again her thousand charms, Her eyes entrancing splendour, Her swarthy cheeks and supple arms And bosom dark and tender. Yea, sing forevermore of her, My mistress soft-beguiling, Fairest of all who are, or were, My Sappho, sweetly-smiling.

Alcaeus of Mytilene

O violet-tressed Sappho chaste, O maid with honeyed smile! I fain would tell what is in my breast, Did shame me not beguile.

Alcaeus of Mytilene

Brave men are a city's strongest tower of defence.

Alcaeus of Mytilene