C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

“In the Spring a Young Man’s Fancy”: Meleager of Gadara (First Century B.C.)

Translation of Alma Strettell

NOW the white iris blossoms, and the rain-loving narcissus,

And now again the lily, the mountain-roaming, blows.

Now too, the flower of lovers, the crown of all the springtime,

Zenophila the winsome, doth blossom with the rose.

O meadows, wherefore vainly in your radiant garlands laugh ye?

Since fairer is the maiden than any flower that grows!