To Antinous Heros

A hero among heroes we hail you, Antinous,

noble youth, exemplar of virtues.

Surpassing in beauty, noted for strength,

loyal to your loves, beloved above all,

your death Hadrian mourned,

your eternal life we celebrate.

Wise with the innocence of youth,

joyous and vital in life, in death

you are wiser still and

a vital, protecting presence.

Fairest of boys, a flower plucked

just at the moment before its full blossom,

look kindly on us who hail you

as one of our own, young, gifted,

queer, passed on too soon,

offspring and ancestor.