12 Quotes by Alkaios

Not homes with beautiful roofs,nor walls of permanent stone,nor canals and piers for shipsmake the city—but men of strength.Not stone and timber, nor skillof carpenter—but men bravewho will handle sword and spear.With these you have a city and walls.

It is late, for the harvest is in.Before, we hoped that the full vineswould bring a plenitude of fine grapes,but the clusters are slow to ripen and the landlordspicked unripe bunches from the branch.We have many grapes now—green and sour.

The great house glitters with bronze. War has patternedthe roof with shining helmets,their horsehair plumes waving in wind, headdressof fighting men. And pegsare concealed under bright greaves of brassthat block the iron-tipped arrows. Manyfresh-linen corslets are hanging and hollow shieldsare heaped about the floor,and standing in rows are swords of Chalkidian steel,belt-knives and warrior's kilts.We cannot forget our arms and armor when soonour dreadful duties begin.