It's important to note that:
* It is a misquotation: The actual quote from Menander, as translated by the Roman playwright Terence, is: "Whom the gods love die young." The "whom" is crucial, as it indicates that the gods have chosen to take those they love.
* The saying exists in various forms: It has appeared in various forms across different cultures and time periods, suggesting that the sentiment is universal.
Therefore, while Menander is often credited with the saying, it's more accurate to say that it is a proverb with roots in ancient Greek culture, rather than a work by a specific author.