As to the Greek verse, there is an exchange supposedly between Homer and Hesiod that runs as follows:
HESIOD: `Homer, son of Meles, inspired with wisdom from heaven, come,
tell me first what is best for mortal man?'
HOMER: `For men on earth 'tis best never to be born at all; or
being born, to pass through the gates of Hades with all speed.'
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