8. Neoboule
Series Title
Archilochos SuiteArtist
Michael Ayrton (British, 1921 – 1975)Medium
EtchingDimensions
Plate : 11 3/4 x 10 in. (29.85 x 25.4 cm)Sheet : 18 1/4 x 15 1/4 in. (46.36 x 38.74 cm)
Mat : 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.64 cm)
Credit Line
Hope College Collection, Gift of Jacob E. and Leona M. NyenhuisObject Number
2003.12.8Label
The poetic verses by Archilchos translated by Michael Ayrton and selected by him to accompany this image:She rejoiced in myrtle and the fair flower of the rose
and her hair poured shadow down her shoulders and her back.
Neoboulé, would I could touch her hand…
…and fall, a laborer to his flask, attach
belly to belly, flank to flank.
…for such a passion of lust coiled under my heart,
and poured a dense mist over my eyes,
stealing the fragile senses out of my breast…
In desolation I lie fainting with desire,
wracked by the will of the gods,
harsh pains piercing my bones.
Such was the elder daughter of Lykambes…