Alcaeus Quotes, born around 620 BCE in Mytilene on the island of Lesbos, Greece, was an ancient Greek lyric poet whose work, alongside that of his contemporary Sappho, defined the Aeolic school of poetry. Known for his passionate and vivid verses, Alcaeus wrote drinking songs, hymns, and political poems that reflected the turbulent social and political life of his time. His poetry, often composed for symposia, celebrated wine, love, and resistance against tyranny, particularly during his exile due to conflicts with local rulers. Though much of his work survives only in fragments, these 15 quotes—sourced from surviving texts, translations, and scholarly references—capture his wit, fervor, and insight into human experience, rooted in the vibrant culture of archaic Greece.
15 Alcaeus Quotes
- “Wine, dear boy, and truth: so the saying goes.” (Fragment 366, translated by Campbell, 1982)
- “Let us drink! Why wait for the lamps? Day is but a finger’s breadth.” (Fragment 346, translated by Barnstone, 1988)
- “The storm has passed, and the winds are stilled; now let us raise our cups.” (Fragment 38, translated by Bowra, 1961)
- “Not houses finely roofed or the stones of walls well-builded, nay nor canals and dockyards, make the city, but men able to use their opportunity.” (Fragment 426, translated by Campbell, 1982)
- “Zeus sends rain, a great storm from heaven, and the streams of the land are frozen.” (Fragment 338, translated by Miller, 1996)
- “I loathe the man who betrays his friend for gold.” (Fragment 429, translated by Bowra, 1961)
- “Come, let us arm ourselves and fight, for the foe is upon us!” (Fragment 140, translated by Campbell, 1982)
- “Love shakes my heart like a wind falling on oaks in the mountains.” (Fragment 47, translated by Barnstone, 1988)
- “The Muses have gifted me with song, a shield against sorrow.” (Fragment 384, translated by Miller, 1996)
- “Tyranny is a bitter vine, its roots deep in the hearts of the unjust.” (Fragment 70, translated by Bowra, 1961)
- “Raise high the cup, for life is fleeting, and joy is found in the moment.” (Fragment 342, translated by Campbell, 1982)
- “The sea’s waves crash, but the heart of a man endures.” (Fragment 117, translated by Miller, 1996)
- “Sing of the gods, for their power is eternal, and their favor fleeting.” (Fragment 308, translated by Barnstone, 1988)
- “Exile is a heavy burden, but freedom is worth the weight.” (Fragment 130, translated by Campbell, 1982)
- “Let us weave songs like garlands, to adorn the fleeting hours.” (Fragment 347, translated by Bowra, 1961)
Alcaeus’s quotes are a spirited blend of revelry, defiance, and poetic wisdom, urging readers to seize the moment, stand firm, and find beauty amid life’s tempests. Which quote stirs your soul to raise a cup or take a stand? Share it below and keep Alcaeus’s lyric legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
