Shine On, Horny Moon

Shine On, Horny Moon

“Shine on, horny Moon, for all-night stands

shine right through the window screen–

spotlight priceless Kallistion. Deathless,

you peer without spite on lover’s bedwork.

I know we have your blessing, Moon–

didn’t Endymion light up your soul?”


(Philodemus, Acts of Love: Ancient Greek Poetry from Aphrodite’s Garden, 59; selected and translated by George Economou)


Moon face by sassyluke

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  • I think Philodemus would appreciate the double entendres :)


    http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/h…eus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0472


    Νυκτερινή, δίκερως, φιλοπάννυχε, φαῖνε, Σελήνη,

    φαῖνε, δι᾽ εὐτρήτων βαλλομένη θυρίδων

    αὔγαζε χρυσέην Καλλίστιον ἐς τὰ φιλεύντων

    ἔργα κατοπτεύειν οὐ φθόνος ἀθανάτῃ.

    ὀλβίζεις καὶ τήνδε καὶ ἡμέας, οἶδα, Σελήνη:

    καὶ γὰρ σὴν ψυχὴν ἔφλεγεν Ἐνδυμίων.


    δίκερως "double horned" dikerōs

    φιλοπάννυχε "friend of all-night festivals" philopannykhe "lit., love-all-night"

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  • I definitely needed to look for the explanation when I saw that one! Thanks Nate!

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