The following translation was made by Jax Gottschalch and George Ryan as part of an ancient Greek course at The Lawrenceville School in 2024-2025. It was reviewed by Krateros Project Co-Directors Aaron Hershkowitz and Angelos Chaniotis.
[Dedication] of Diophantos of Sphettus
I, a friendly attendant [in a temple], say these things to you,
Oh Asclepius, child of Apollo.
How will I come into your golden house,
O blessed one, object of my longing,
divine head, as I have no feet,
For which I previously came to the sanctuary,
Unless you should wish, having healed me,
To lead me graciously back in,
So that I might see you, my own god,
More gleaming than the spring earth.
I, Diophantos, pray these things to you,
Save me, blessed one, most mighty,
Healing this evil gout,
In the name of your father, to whom I pray greatly;
For no one of earthly mortals
Of this sort may give release of pains.
You alone, blessed god, are able;
For the all-preeminent gods granted
You, the compassionate one, as a great gift
to mortals: a release from pains.
Thrice-blessed, oh Healer Asclepius, under your art
I, Diophantos, having been cured of a terrible incurable wound
No longer appearing lame [with crab’s leg] nor as if walking
Upon savage thorns, but sound of foot, just as you promised.
Notes from Krateros 