Cernis ut orba meis, hospes, monumenta locavi
et tristis senior natos miseranda requiro.
exemplis referenda mea est deserta senectus
ut steriles vere possint gaudere maritae.
(Papiria Tertia, CIL V.2435 = CLE 369)
Stranger, you see how, a woman bereft of my own [dear ones],
I had monuments erected
and sad, elderly, pitiable, I miss my children.
My isolated old age should be added to the exemplary proofs
that barren wives may count themselves truly happy!
(tr. Jane Stevenson)
Vidi pyramidas sine te, dulcissime frater,
et tibi, quod potui, lacrimas hic maesta profudi,
et nostri memorem luctus hanc sculpo querelam.
sic nomen Decimi Gentiani pyramide alta,
pontificis comitisque tuis, Traiane, triumphis
lustraque sex intra censoris, consulis, exstet.
(Terentia, CLE 270)
I saw the pyramids without you, my dearest brother, and here I sadly shed tears for you, which is all I could do. And I inscribe this lament in memory of our grief. May thus be clearly visible on the high pyramid the name of Decimus Gentianus, who was a pontifex and companion to your triumphs, Trajan, and both censor and consul before his thirtieth year of age. (tr. Emily Hemelrijk)
D.M.S.* L. Annius Octavius Valerianus
evasi, effugi. Spes et Fortuna, valete!
nil mihi voviscum* est, ludificate alios!
* D.M.S. = Dis Manibus Sacris (sacred/dedicated to the spirit-gods). Voviscum is a spelling error for vobiscum. There are several variations on this epitaph.
(CIL VI.11743 = CLE 1498)
I have come through, escaped. Hope and Fortune, farewell. I have no more to do with you; trifle with others. (tr. Archie Burnett)
Crambe Repetita 