Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE OLD FERRYMAN by ANTIPHILUS OF BYZANTIUM

First Line: GLAUCUS, THE ISLANDER, WHOSE FERRY CROSSING
Last Line: ACROSS THE STYX THE VETERAN MIGHT FERRY.
Subject(s): FERRY BOATS;
GLAUCUS, the islander, whose ferry crossing
Brought travellers to Thasos from the land,
Skilled ploughman of the sea, who even a-dozing
Guided his rudder with unfailing hand,
Grown old, a torn sea-tatter, near the mark
Of death, yet would not quit his ancient wherry;
With him, his shell they burned, that his own bark
Across the Styx the veteran might ferry.



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