The Wisdom of Herakles: a new translation.

I thought I'd have a go at translating this piece myself......

Euripides, Alcestis 780-802 (spoken by Herakles, tr. Chris Maughan)

Do you conceive the nature of mortality?

I imagine not; how could you?

But hear me out.

All men are in the sights of Death.

No mortal can be sure that he

will live out his life ‘til tomorrow.

Events that come by chance, are not foreseen.

They can’t be learnt nor swayed by any skill.

Listen to this and learn from me; drink, be merry

and tick off your days as you live your life.

Those left belong to Fortune.

Pay honour too, to Love, that most delectable of deities,

for she is well-disposed to mortal men.

Let all else go and heed my words,

If I seem to you be talking sense. Indeed, I believe that I am.

So cast off your pain and drink with me.

Sport the victory crown as you overcome Fortune.

I am wise to know that the sound of a splash, like oars, in a drinking cup

will unwind your moorings from this mood of melancholy.

Being mortals, it is right that our thoughts are mortal.

In my opinion, life, for all solemn frowning men,

is not truly life but an affliction.

-Chris