Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 219 (P. Oxy. 219 or P. Oxy. II 219) is a lament for a pet by an unknown author, written in Greek. It was discovered in Oxyrhynchus. The manuscript was written on papyrus in the form of a roll. It is dated to the first century AD. Currently it is housed in the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library (36) of the Yale University.[1]
The document was written by an unknown copyist. It contains the end of a lament mourning the loss of a favorite fighting cock. The measurements of the fragment are 122 by 184 mm. The text is written in a rough and rather difficult cursive hand. The iota adscript is frequently added where not required.[2]
It was discovered by Grenfell and Hunt in 1897 in Oxyrhynchus. The text was published by Grenfell and Hunt in 1899.[2]
...I am at a loss where to go. My ship is shattered. I weep for the loss of my sweet bird. Come, let me take the chick he nurtures (?), he, my warrior, my beauty, my Greek cock. For his sake was I called great in my life, and deemed happy, comrades, in my breeding cares. I am distraught, for my cock has failed me; he fell in love with Thacathalpas (?) and deserted me. But I shall find rest, having set a stone upon my heart; so fare ye well, my friends.[2]