Classic Poem

EPITAPH OF H IPPONAX

Behold Hipponax' burialplace,
A true bard's grave
Approach it not, if you're a base
And base born knave.
But if your sires were honest men
And unblamed you,
Sit down thereon serenely then,
And eke sleep too.

Tuneful Hipponax rests him here.
Let no base rascal venture near.
Ye who rank high in birth and mind
Sit down — and sleep, if so inclined.