When now they touch’d the mead’s enamell’d side, Where gentle Xanthus rolls his easy tide, With watery drops the chief they sprinkle round, Placed on the margin of the flowery ground. Raised on his knees, he now ejects the gore; Now faints anew, low-sinking on the shore; By fits he breathes, half views the fleeting skies, And seals again, by fits, his swimming eyes.Iliad 14.41 · Iliad · 14
Iliad 14.41
Iliad · translated by Alexander Pope
Themes in this passage
Impermanence in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism address it.
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.Ecclesiastes 1:2 · Bible · Ecclesiastes
Lo! these love fleeting life, and put behind them (the remembrance of) a grievous day.Quran 76:27 · Quran · The Man
A creature's pleasures are extravagant and luxurious; sunk in lust and looking for pleasure, men undergo (again and again) birth and decay.Dhp 24.341 · Dhammapada · Thirst
Nachiketas said: O Death, these are fleeting; they weaken the vigour of all the senses in man. Even the longest life is short. Keep thou thy chariots, dance and music.Katha 65 · Upanishads · Katha-Upanishad
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