Athens (Attica, Greece and Macedonia — Pleiades map), II CE or later
IG II2 11674
= IDionysosJ 5
= PHI 14166
= AGRW ID# 15808
My dear father and mother named me Thesmophanes before I met my miserable death. For me the Fates (moirai) spun seven complete years with their threads and then cut them off. My renowned father graciously satisfied me with every good thing, as one does for the best children. He took care of all the drink–offerings and whatever else for the gods for the sake of my soul. The priests of Eumolpos made a sacred branch for me and (10) gave me … great (?) … honor. The society–members (thiasitai) of Dionysos wove me a crown, and I was initiated into the mysteries of torch–bearing Demeter. I won a good honor, since the saying is true that children the gods love … die (?) … Therefore, good father, do not distress your dear heart longer in sorrow.
(Translation adapted from Mary R. Lefkowitz and Maureen B. Fant, Women’s Life in Greece and Rome: A Sourcebook in Translation [Baltimore: Johns Hopkins, 2005], 303–304).
Translation by: HarlandItem added: November 9, 2014
Item modified: May 2, 2020
ID number: 15808
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