Epitaph plaque for Margarita, 1st-2nd cents. AD, Marble
Height: 50 centimetres Width: 61 centimetres
British Museum
I was born in France. My name comes from a sea-pearl, to match my appearance. I was trained to run without fear in the woods and to hunt in the hills. I was never chained up or beaten – my fur snow-white, and instead I'd lie on my master and mistress' soft lap and I knew, when I was tired, to go to bed on the cushion laid out for me, and I didn't bark more than necessary (as a dog, who can't speak). I didn't scare anyone with my barking -- but now I've succumbed to death trying to give birth and the earth has covered me under this little marble. Signed, Margarita (‘Pearl’) (Translation is mine, given loosely; for a more literal translation, see the British Museum object site: link here) |
Gallia me genuit nomen mihi divitis undae concha dedit formae nominis aptus honos docta per incertas audax discurrere silvas collibus hirsutas atque agitare feras non gravibus vinc(u)lis unquam consueta teneri verbera nec niveo corpore saeva pati molli namque sinu domini dominaeque iacebam et noram in strato lassa cubare toro et plus quam licuit muto canis ore loquebar nulli latratus pertimuere meos sed iam fata subii partu iactata sinistro quam nunc sub parvo marmore terra tegit Margarita |