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.
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