Anacreon was an ancient Greek lyric poet who lived in the 6th century BCE. He is renowned for his elegiac poems, which often explore themes of love, joy, convivial gatherings, and pleasure.
When I see the young men play,
Young methinks I am as they;
And my aged thoughts laid by,
To the dance with joy I fly:
Come, a flowery chaplet lend me;
Youth and mirthful thoughts attend me:
Age be gone, we'll dance among
Those that young are, and be young:
Bring some wine, boy, fill about;
You shall see the old man's stout;
Who can laugh and tipple too,
And be mad as well as you.
In Anacreon's poetry, the concept of love is often portrayed as playful and light-hearted. He describes love as a feeling that brings joy and pleasure, frequently depicting it in the context of lively parties and feasts.
Here recline you, gentle maid,
Sweet is this imbowering shade;
Sweet the young, the modest trees,
Ruffled by the kissing breeze;
Sweet the little founts that weep,
Lulling bland the mind to sleep;
Hark! they whisper as they roll,
Calm persuasion to the soul;
Tell me, tell me, is not this
All a stilly scene of bliss?
Who, my girl, would pass it by?
Surely neither you nor I!
In Anacreon's work, love is often associated with living in the moment, emotional freedom, and the enjoyment of life. He created images where erotic feelings were intertwined with joy and merriment, portraying love as an integral part of a carefree and cheerful existence.
Who his cups can stoutly bear,
In his cups despiseth fear,
In his cups can nimbly dance,
Him Lyæus will advance:
Nectar of us mortals wine,
The glad offspring of the vine,
Screen'd with leaves, preserv'd within
The plump grape's transparent skin,
In the body all diseases,
In the soul all grief appeases.
In his poems, love carries tones of lightness, pleasure, and playfulness, making his lyric poetry some of the most distinctive and recognizable in ancient Greek literature.
Whilst our joys with wine we raise,
Youthful Bacchus we will praise.
Bacchus dancing did invent;
Bacchus is on songs intent;
Bacchus teacheth Love to court,
And his mother how to sport;
Graceful confidence he lends;
He oppressive trouble ends;
To the bowl when we repair,
Grief doth vanish into air;
Drink we then, and drown all sorrow;
All our cares not knows the morrow;
Life is dark, let's dance and play,
They that will be troubled may;
We our joys with wine will raise,
Youthful Bacchus we will praise.
In the Hellenistic period (1st century BCE), a new literary trend in poetry emerged, known as Anacreontic or Anacreontics. The image of the life-loving Anacreon became a vivid symbol of ancient culture and perspectives for future generations.