Borne through many nations and far waters,
finally
To these sad rites, I have come. Brother, the rites for the dead.
So that I could dedicate you the last favour in death
even though I speak vainly over your quiet ashes.
Because the world has carried you away from me, my brother you.
Gods why! My helpless brother, plucked for no reason,
But no. That's where we are now.
Embrace these things.
Handed down as a sad duty for those dead, by the long tradition of our parents and theirs before them.
Embrace them, wet with so much brotherly tears.
And brother, goodbye and farewell forever.
finally
To these sad rites, I have come. Brother, the rites for the dead.
So that I could dedicate you the last favour in death
even though I speak vainly over your quiet ashes.
Because the world has carried you away from me, my brother you.
Gods why! My helpless brother, plucked for no reason,
But no. That's where we are now.
Embrace these things.
Handed down as a sad duty for those dead, by the long tradition of our parents and theirs before them.
Embrace them, wet with so much brotherly tears.
And brother, goodbye and farewell forever.