"The Widow of Ephesus" is a short story attributed to the ancient Roman author Petronius. It tells the tale of a widow mourning her deceased husband in the city of Ephesus. She is so devoted to her grief that she refuses to leave her husband's tomb, even as time passes and others try to persuade her to move on. Eventually, a soldier arrives and becomes infatuated with the widow. He cleverly convinces her to abandon her mourning and engage in a romantic relationship. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human emotions in the face of grief.