Poems of Simondes

Abstract

In this essay I want to get general idea of Simonides'(556-468 B.C.) character and of his poems, especially his metaphor; and try to translate some of his noted works into Japanese rhythmically.
That he has been blamed by many for nigardliness and depreciation of the standard of morality may be misunderstanding resulted from his realism and optimism: he must rather be valued on his free, simple, vivacious, and unaffected “poiein”. He is not a poeticule ase compared with Pindar.
In spite of his pathos against heartless world there was a factor that had kept him out of that weeping sentimentalism, by which some earlier and many decadent lyric poets of later times were worthlesss: that was his character itself- his δωøροσυνη endowed with as an Ionian of Ceos.
My Japanese translations of the poems are of their literal but rhythmical character.