orichalcum

I just found a 12-line tombstone inscription from ancient Rome for a beloved dog.

Loosely translated (It's never been published in English)

MARGARITA (Pearl in Latin)

Gallia bore me and gave me a name from the spirits of the seashells,
my beauty was suitable for the honor of this name.
Well-trained when in unknown areas, I dared to run out through the forests
and fields and stir up the hairy beasts,
I was never accustomed to being leashed with tight chains
nor did I suffer blows on my snowy fur.
For I l used to lie gentle on the chest of my master or mistress
and stretch out exhausted sleeping on the same bed with them.
More than I was allowed, I would speak with the mute voice of a dog,
for nothing was able to quell my barks.
But now fate has thrown me under the left side here
where now the earth covers me under a little piece of marble.


Some things never change, I guess. I thought the pet-lovers on the list would like this.