C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Vanity Fair

By Alexis (c. 375–c. 287 B.C.)

The whole period of Middle Comedy is more than covered by the amazingly long life of Alexis. His view of life as a brief passing show is characteristic of the decadence, and is repeated far more impressively by Menander.

THIS is a mere excursion we enjoy,

We who are living, who are but released—

As for some festival—from death and gloom.

For our diversion we to light are sent,—

This light of life; and whoso laughs and drinks

And loves the most, in the brief time we here

May tarry, and at the banquet wins him so

The prize,—he best contented hies him home!

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