Translation of Ancient Epigrams

From Latin, Greek, to English presses,
‘tis rare that e’er the pith impresses.
Th’original oft effervesces
with sparkle, spite, delight, mistresses,
Spartan prowess, Roman fortresses,
maids like Mycilla, bought braids, tresses.
Who, living, the true jest possesses,
is past: - and all the rest is guesses.
Most amateur attempts are messes,
betray the sense, so each depresses.
Stray copies seldom seem successes,
translation tritely turned distresses,
and everybody who professes
ability thereat the less is!

poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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