Visitors to the Cathedral of Trees have often asked for a translation of the Greek text on the gravestone on the left side of the altar. Sadly, we haven’t been able to provide one.
However, earlier this summer a kind friend, Colin Heber-Percy, (a very modest ancient Greek scholar!) came to our help. On a rainy day, he copied down the script, did a bit of research and discovered the origin of the quotation . It is from a piece by Callimachus (310-240BC) and it is his epigram addressed to his dear friend Heracleitus. Here is a translation with the words from the gravestone in capitals.
“One told me, Heracleitus, of thy death and brought me to tears. I remembered how often we two in talking put the sun to rest. Thou, methinks Halicarnasian friend, art ashes long and long ago; BUT THY NIGHTINGALES STILL LIVE whereon Hades, snatcher of all things, shall not lay his hand”.
Thank you, Colin.
The Glencruitten Cathedral of Trees is situated just to the East of Oban in the midst of the Glencruitten Woods and is open all year round – just follow the red stone way markers.