Hymn to Aphrodite (translation of Sappho of Lesbos)A Poem by Michael R. BurchHymn to Aphrodite Immortal Aphrodite, throned in splendor! But come to me once again in kindness, Your chariot yoked to love's consecrated doves, Swiftly they came and vanished, leaving you, Asking me what I sought in my hopeless, bewildered desire. "Though today she flees love, soon she will pursue you; Come to me now, most Holy Aphrodite! "Hymn to Aphrodite" is the only poem by Sappho of Lesbos to survive in its entirety. The poem survived intact because it was quoted in full by Dionysus, a Roman orator, in his "On Literary Composition," published around 30 B.C. A number of Sappho's poems mention or are addressed to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. It is believed that Sappho may have belonged to a cult that worshiped Aphrodite with songs and poetry. If so, "Hymn to Aphrodite" may have been composed for performance within the cult. However, we have few verifiable details about the "real" Sappho, and much conjecture based on fragments of her poetry and what other people said about her, in many cases centuries after her death. We do know, however, that she was held in very high regard. For instance, when Sappho visited Syracuse the residents were so honored they erected a statue to commemorate the occasion! During Sappho's lifetime, coins of Lesbos were minted with her image. Furthermore, Sappho was called "the Tenth Muse" and the other nine were goddesses. Keywords/Tags: Sappho, Lesbos, translation, Greek, hymn, Aphrodite, Zeus, daughter, immortal, goddess, holy, lady, enchantress, enchantment, love potion, charm, spell, persuasion, beguiler, beguilement, mistress, discipline, dominatrix, prayer, prayers, chariot, heaven, descent, ally, protector, lust, desire, passion, longing, sex Sappho’s Lullaby
Son, tonight, a woman awaits you; Just yesterday the stars were afire; NOTE: The calla lily symbolizes beauty, purity, innocence, faithfulness and true devotion. According to Greek mythology, when the Milky Way was formed by the goddess Hera’s breast milk, the drops that fell to earth became calla lilies. Sappho, fragment 155
Sappho, fragment 156
Sappho, fragment 47
Sappho, fragment 50
Sapphic inscription on a long-stemmed cup in an Athens museum
Sappho, fragment 22
Sappho, fragment 58 Pain Sappho, fragment 90
Sappho, fragment 118
Sappho, fragment 16 Warriors on rearing chargers, And this makes perfect sense Her story reminds me of Anactoria, Sappho, fragment 3 To me that boy seems The sound of your voice roils my heart! in a chaotic vortex. You suck up my breath! My breasts glow with intense heat; I sweat profusely. I shiver. despite my poverty. Sappho, fragment 2 How can I compete with that damned man Sappho, fragment 4 "Honestly, I just want to die!" Grieving, she said, I answered her thus: Once garlands had been fashioned of many woven flowers, Sappho's Rose The rose is― Sappho, fragment 31
Sappho, fragment 24
Sappho, fragment 34
Awed by the Moon's splendor, Sappho, fragment 39
Leaving your heavenly summit,
Sappho, fragment 137
I'm undecided.
I don't know what to do:
Sappho, fragment 90
You inflame me!
Sappho, fragment 93
or perhaps they just couldn't reach you, then or now.
Ears so hollow,
Or better yet―arise, regale!
Sappho, fragments 73 & 74
You have returned!
Today, Talk to me. Do. Please send away your maids
Helen, Troyless
Helen, bright accompaniment, The price of love is not so high now all that war entails becomes as small, in numberless strange voices, should you hear, Hold him, lie, Is this all? You saw fear in his eyes, and now they dim because you have this moment, and no man Smile―woebegone, pale, haggard. Will the tales paint this―your final portrait? Can the stars find any strange alignments, Zodiacs, Published by The Raintown Review, Triplopia, The Electic Muse, The Chained Muse, The Pennsylvania Review, and in a YouTube recital by David B. Gosselin SAPPHO'S POEMS FOR ATTIS AND ANACTORIA Most of Sappho's poems are fragments but the first poem below, variously titled "The Anactoria Poem, " "Helen's Eidolon" and "Some People Say" is largely intact. Was Sappho the author of the world's first 'make love, not war' poem? Some People Say Warriors on rearing chargers, Nor am I unique, Her story reminds me of Anactoria, Ode to Anactoria or Ode to Attis So my Attis has not returned 'Honestly, I just want to die! ' 'How deeply we have loved, I answered her tenderly, And if you begin to forget, Once garlands had been fashioned of many woven flowers, Unfortunately, fragment 94 has several gaps and I have tried to imagine what Sappho might have been saying. The following are Sappho's poems for Attis or Atthis... Sappho, fragment 49 (Lobel-Page 49 / Voigt 49) 1. 2. (Source: Hephaestion, Plutarch and others.) Sappho, fragment 131 (Lobel-Page 131 / Voigt 130) You reject me, Attis, Sappho, fragment 96 (Lobel-Page 96.1-22 / Voigt 96 / Diehl 98) Attis, our beloved, dwells in distant Sardis, but her thoughts often return here, to our island, and how we honored her like a goddess, and how she loved to hear us singing her praises. Now she surpasses all Sardinian women, as, after sunset the rosy-fingered moon outshines the surrounding stars, illuminating salt seas and meadows alike. Thus the dew sparkles, the rose revives, and the tender chervil and sweetclover blossom. Now oftentimes when our beloved goes wandering abroad, she is reminded of our gentle Attis; then her heart assaults her tender breast with its painful pangs and she cries aloud for us to console her. Truly, we understand all too well the distress she feels, because Night, the many-eared, calls to us from across the dividing sea. But to go there is not easy, nor to rival a goddess in her loveliness. Ode to Anactoria How can I compete with that damned man Ode to Anactoria To me that boy seems The following poems by Sappho may have been addressed to Attis or Anactoria, or written with them in mind… Sappho, fragment 22 (Lobel-Page 22 / Diehl 33,36) That enticing girl's clinging dresses Sappho, fragment 34 (Lobel-Page 34 / Voigt 34) Awed by the Moon's splendor, Sappho, fragment 39 We're merely mortal women, Sappho, fragment 5 We're eclipsed here by your presence�" I suspect the fragment above is about Anactoria, since Sappho associates Anactoria with Lydia in fragment 16. Sappho, fragment 2 (Lobel-Page 2.1A) Leaving your heavenly summit, Sappho associates her lovers with higher elevations: the moon, stars, mountain peaks. Sappho, fragment 130 May the gods prolong the night Sappho, fragment 102 (Lobel-Page 102 / Voigt 102) Mother, how can I weave, Sappho, fragment 147 (Lobel-Page 147 / Cox 30) Someone, somewhere 'From Dio Chrysostom, who, writing about A.D.100, remarks that this is said 'with perfect beauty.''―Edwin Marion Cox Sappho, fragment 10 I lust! Sappho, fragment 11 (Cox 109) You inflame me! Sappho, fragment 36 (Lobel-Page 36 / Cox 24 & 25) 1. 2. 3. According to Edwin Marion Cox, this fragment is from the Etymologicum Magnum. Sappho, fragment 155 A short revealing frock? Pollux wrote: 'Sappho used the word beudos for a woman's dress, a kimbericon, a kind of short transparent frock.' Sappho, fragment 156 She keeps her scents Phrynichus wrote: 'Sappho calls a woman's dressing-case, where she keeps her scents and such things, grute.' Sappho, fragment 47 (Lobel-Page 47 / Voigt 47) Eros harrows my heart: The poem above is my favorite Sappho epigram. The metaphor of Eros (sexual desire) harrowing mountain slopes, leveling oaks and leaving them desolate, is really something―truly powerful and evocative. According to Edwin Marion Cox, this Sapphic epigram was 'Quoted by Maximus Tyrius about 150 B.C. He speaks of Socrates exciting Phaedus to madness, when he speaks of love.' Sappho, fragment 130 (Lobel-Page 130 / Voigt 130) Eros, the limb-shatterer, Sappho, unnumbered fragment What cannot be swept Sappho, fragment 138 (Lobel-Page 138) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Sappho, fragment 38 (Incertum 25, Cox 36) I flutter From the 'Etymologicum Magnum' according to Edwin Marion Cox.
Hymn to Aphrodite (Lobel-Page 1) Immortal Aphrodite, throned in splendor! But come to me once again in kindness, Then with your chariot yoked to love's Swiftly they came and vanished, leaving you, Asking me what I sought in my bewildered desire. 'Although today she flees love, soon she will pursue you; Come to me now, O most Holy Aphrodite! 'Hymn to Aphrodite' is the only poem by Sappho of Lesbos to survive in its entirety. The poem survived intact because it was quoted in full by Dionysus, a Roman orator, in his 'On Literary Composition, ' published around 30 B.C. A number of Sappho's poems mention or are addressed to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. It is believed that Sappho may have belonged to a cult that worshiped Aphrodite with songs and poetry. If so, 'Hymn to Aphrodite' may have been composed for performance within the cult. However, we have few verifiable details about the 'real' Sappho, and much conjecture based on fragments of her poetry and what other people said about her, in many cases centuries after her death. We do know, however, that she was held in very high regard. For instance, when Sappho visited Syracuse the residents were so honored they erected a statue to commemorate the occasion! During Sappho's lifetime, coins of Lesbos were minted with her image. Furthermore, Sappho was called 'the Tenth Muse' and the other nine were goddesses. Here is another translation of the same poem... Hymn to Aphrodite Rainbow-appareled, immortal-throned Aphrodite, Sappho, fragment 113 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch No droning bee, nor even the bearer of honey for me! Sappho, fragment 113 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Neither the honey nor the bee for me! Sappho, fragment 52 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The moon has long since set; The Pleiades are gone; Now half the night is spent, Yet here I lie ... alone. Sappho, fragment 2 (Lobel-Page 2 / Voigt 2) loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Come, Cypris, from Crete to meet me at this holy temple where a lovely grove of apple awaits our presence bowering altars fuming with frankincense. Here brisk waters babble beneath apple branches, the grounds are overshadowed by roses, and through the flickering leaves enchantments shimmer. Here the horses will nibble flowers as we gorge on apples and the breezes blow honey-sweet with nectar ... Here, Cypris, we will gather up garlands, pour the nectar gracefully into golden cups and with gladness commence our festivities. Sappho, fragment 58 (Lobel-Page 58) loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Virgins, be zealous for the violet-scented Muses' lovely gifts and those of the melodious lyre ... but my once-supple skin sags now; my arthritic bones creak; my ravenblack hair's turned white; my lighthearted heart's grown heavy; my knees buckle; my feet, once fleet as fawns, fail the dance. I often bemoan my fate ... but what's the use? Not to grow old is, of course, not an option. I am reminded of Tithonus, adored by Dawn with her arms full of roses, who, overwhelmed by love, carried him off beyond death's dark dominion. Handsome for a day, but soon withered with age, he became an object of pity to his ageless wife. Sappho, fragment 132 (Lobel-Page 132) loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I have a delightful daughter fairer than the fairest flowers, Cleis, whom I cherish more than all Lydia and lovely Lesbos. 2. I have a lovely daughter with a face like the fairest flowers, my beloved Cleis … It bears noting that Sappho mentions her daughter and brothers, but not her husband. We do not know if this means she was unmarried, because so many of her verses have been lost. Sappho, fragment 131 (Lobel-Page 131) loose translations/interpretations by Michael R. Burch
1. You reject me, Attis, as if you find me distasteful, flitting off to Andromeda ... 2. Attis, you forsake me and flit off to Andromeda ... Sappho, fragment 140 (Lobel-Page 140) loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
He is dying, Cytherea, the delicate Adonis. What shall we lovers do? Rip off your clothes, bare your breasts and abuse them! Sappho, fragment 36 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Vain woman, foolish thing! Do you base your worth on a ring? Sappho, fragment 130 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch May the gods prolong the night �"yes, let it last forever!�" as long as you sleep in my sight. ... a sweet-voiced maiden ... �"Sappho, fragment 153, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I have the most childlike heart ... �"Sappho, fragment 120, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch There was no dance, no sacred dalliance, from which we were absent. �"Sappho, fragment 19, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I love the sensual as I love the sun’s ecstatic brilliance. �"Sappho, fragment 9, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I love the sensual as I love the sun’s splendor. �"Sappho, fragment 9, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch You anointed yourself with most exquisite perfume. �"Sappho, fragment 19, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Awed by the moon’s splendor, stars covered their undistinguished faces. Even so, we. �"Sappho, fragment 34, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sappho, fragment 138, loose translations/interpretations by Michael R. Burch 1. Darling, let me see your face; unleash your eyes' grace. 2. Turn to me, favor me with your eyes' indulgence. 3. Look me in the face, smile, reveal your eyes' grace ... 4. Turn to me, favor me with your eyes’ indulgence Those I most charm do me the most harm. �"Sappho, fragment 12, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Those I charm the most do me the most harm. �"Sappho, fragment 12, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Midnight. The hours drone on as I moan here, alone. �"Sappho, fragment 52, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Once again I dive into this fathomless ocean, intoxicated by lust. �"Sappho, after Anacreon, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Did this epigram perhaps inspire the legend that Sappho leapt into the sea to her doom, over her despair for her love for the ferryman Phaon? See the following poem ... The Legend of Sappho and Phaon, after Menander loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Some say Sappho was an ardent maiden goaded by wild emotion to fling herself from the white-frothed rocks of Leukas into this raging ocean for love of Phaon ... but others reject that premise and say it was Aphrodite, for love of Adonis. In Menander's play The Leukadia he refers to a legend that Sappho flung herself from the White Rock of Leukas in pursuit of Phaon. We owe the preservation of those verses to Strabo, who cited them. Phaon appears in works by Ovid, Lucian and Aelian. He is also mentioned by Plautus in Miles Gloriosus as being one of only two men in the whole world, who "ever had the luck to be so passionately loved by a woman." Sappho, fragment 24, loose translations/interpretations by Michael R. Burch 1a. Dear, don't you remember how, in days long gone, we did such things, being young? 1b. Dear, don't you remember, in days long gone, how we did such things, being young? 2. Don't you remember, in days bygone, how we did such things, being young? 3. Remember? In our youth we too did such reckless things. Sappho, fragment 154, loose translations/interpretations by Michael R. Burch 1. The moon rose and we women thronged it like an altar. 2. Maidens throng at the altar of Love all night long. Even as their hearts froze, their feathers molted. �"Sappho, fragment 42, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Your voice beguiles me. Your laughter lifts my heart’s wings. If I listen to you, even for a moment, I am left speechless. �"Sappho, fragment 31, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sappho Translations by Michael R. Burch These are Michael R. Burch's modern English translations of the immortal Sappho of Lesbos, the great lyric poet who was called The Tenth Muse by her ancient peers. The other nine muses were goddesses, so Sappho was held in the very highest regard! A short revealing frock? It's just my luck your lips were made to mock! �"Sappho, fragment 177, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Eros harrows my heart: wild winds whipping desolate mountains, uprooting oaks. �"Sappho, fragment 47, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch That enticing girl's clinging dresses leave me trembling, overcome by happiness, as once, when I saw the Goddess in my prayers eclipsing Cyprus. �"Sappho, fragment 22, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Gongyla, wear, I beg, that revealing white dress … �"Sappho, fragment 22, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Bed the bride with the beautiful feet, or bring her to me! �"Sappho, fragment 103b, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch That hayseed tart bewitches your heart? Hell, her most beguiling art's hiking her dress to seduce you with her ankles' nakedness! �"Sappho, fragment 57, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I long helplessly for love. Gazing into your eyes not even Hermione compares. Who is your equal? I compare you only to goldenhaired Helen among mortal women. Know your love would free me from every care, and keep me awake nightlong beside dewy deltas. �"Sappho, fragment 22, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Aphrodite, do you not love the windlike dances of beautiful, apple-cheeked Abanthis? �"Sappho, fragment 301, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I am an acolyte of wile-weaving Aphrodite. �"Sappho, fragment 12, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sing, my sacred tortoiseshell lyre; come, let my words accompany your voice. �"Sappho, fragment 118, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch She keeps her scents in a dressing-case. And her sense? In some undiscoverable place. �"Sappho, fragment 156, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Vain woman, foolish thing! Do you base your worth on a ring? �"Sappho, fragment 36, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch May I lead? Will you follow? Foolish man! Ears so hollow, minds so shallow, never can! �"Sappho, fragment 169, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch With my two small arms, how can I think to encircle the sky? �"Sappho, fragment 52, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The black earth absorbed grief-stricken tears along with the interred sons of Atreus. �"Sappho, fragment 297, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Menelaus, son of Atreus, lies returned to the black earth, finally beyond agony. �"Sappho, fragment 27, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Gold does not rust, yet my son becomes dust? �"Sappho, fragment 52, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Atthis, so charming in the bedroom, but otherwise hateful, proud and aloof, her teeth clicking like castanets. �"Sappho, fragment 87a, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I sought the Goddess in your body's curves and crevasses. �"attributed to Sappho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Mnemosyne was stunned into astonishment when she heard honey-tongued Sappho, wondering how mortal men merited a tenth Muse. �"Antipater of Sidon, translated by Michael R. Burch Mere air, my words' fare, but intoxicating to hear. �"Sappho, cup inscription, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch What cannot be swept ------------------------------------- aside must be wept. �"Sappho, translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Pain drains me to the last drop . �"Sappho, fragment 37, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Mother, how can I weave, so overwhelmed by love? �"Sappho, fragment 102, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Spartan girls wear short skirts and are brazen. �"attributed to Sappho, translator unknown Someone, somewhere will remember us, I swear! �"Sappho, fragment 147, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch No droning bee, nor even the bearer of honey for me! �"Sappho, fragment 146, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The moon has long since set; the Pleiades are gone; now half the night is spent yet here I lie�"alone. �"Sappho, fragment 168b, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sappho, fragment 136 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch after Aaron Poochigian Nightingale, how handsomely you sing your desire, sweet crier of blossoming spring. 2. Nightingale, enticing-songed harbinger of spring. Sing! Sappho, fragment 130 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Eros, the limb-shatterer, rattles me, an irresistible constrictor. 2. Eros, the limb-loosener, rattles me, an irresistible constrictor. Sappho, fragment 10 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I lust! I crave! F-ck me! Sappho, fragment 93 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Gongyla, wear, I beg, that revealing white dress when you come, so that desire surrounds you, descending in circling flight as you dance to the strains of Abanthis's lyre while I compose hymns to your loveliness, both of us stirred by your beauty and that dress! Wherefore I once prayed to Aphrodite: I want and she reprimanded me. Sappho, fragment 24 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Don't you remember, in days bygone, how we did such things, being young? 2. Remember? In our youth we too did such reckless things. 3. Remember how we did such things in our youth? Many lovely and beautiful things in the city of dangerous enticements! We lived face-to-face with great daring amid those who inflict pain. Daring even to believe in golden-haired, slender-voiced Love … The fragment below seems to be one of the most popular with translators … Sappho, fragment 145 If you're squeamish, don't prod the beach rubble.―Mary Barnard If you dont like trouble dont disturb sand.―Cid Corman Don't move piles of pebbles.―Diane J. Rayor Don't stir the trash.―Guy Davenport If you're squeamish don't trouble the rubble!―Michael R. Burch Let sleeping turds lie!―Michael R. Burch Leave every stone unturned!―Michael R. Burch Roll no stones, let them all gather moss!―Michael R. Burch do not move stones―Anne Carson Sappho, fragment 33 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Golden-crowned Aphrodite, don't be a glory-hog! Share a little of your luck with me! Sappho, fragment 133 (Wharton 133, Barnard 31) loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Blushing bride, brimful of rose-petaled love, brightest jewel of the Goddess of Paphos, come to the bridal bed, tenderly entice your bridegroom. May Hesperus lead you starry-eyed to stand awestruck before the silver throne of Hera, Goddess of Marriage! 2. Of all the stars the fairest, Hesperus, lead the maiden straight to her bridegroom's bed, honoring Hera, the goddess of marriage. 3. The evening star is of all stars the brightest, the fairest. Sappho, fragment 160 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I shall now sing skillfully to please my companions. 2. I shall sing these songs skillfully to please my companions. 3. Goddess, let me sing skillfully to please my companions. Sappho, fragment 102 (Lobel-Page 102 / Diehl 114 / Bergk 90 / Cox 87 / Barnard 12) loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Mother, how can I weave, so overwhelmed by love? 2. Mother, how can I weave, so overwhelmed by love? Sly Aphrodite incited me! Sappho, fragment 130 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. May the gods prolong the night �"yes, let it last forever!�" as long as you sleep in my sight. 2. I prayed that blessed night might be doubled for us. Sappho, fragment 123 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Just now I was called, enthralled, by golden-sandalled dawn… Sappho, fragment 22 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I bid you, Abanthis, grab your lyre and sing of Gongyla, while desire surrounds you. Sing of the lovely one, how her clinging white dress excited you as she whirled. Meanwhile, I rejoice although Aphrodite once chided me for praying … and yet I still pray to have her. Sappho, fragment 23 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I long helplessly for love. Gazing into your eyes not even Hermione compares. Who is your equal? I compare you only to goldenhaired Helen among mortal women. Know your love would free me from every care, and keep me awake nightlong beside dewy deltas. Sappho, fragment 78 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch … nor were we without longing together, as flowers long to delight … Sappho, fragment 44 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The Wedding of Andromache and Hector The herald arrived from Cyprus, Idaios, the fleetfooted Trojan messenger, whose ringing voice announced the wedding’s immortal fame to all Asia: “Hector and his companions deliver delightful-eyed delicate Andromache over the salt sea, on ships from holy Thebes and eternal-shored Plakia, with many gold bracelets, fragrant purple garments, iridescent adornments, and countless silver cups and ivory.” As he spoke, Hector’s beloved father sprang joyously to his feet and the report soon reached Hector's friends throughout the sprawling city. Immediately the sons of Ilos, Troy's founder, harnessed mules to smooth-wheeled carriages as throngs of women and slender-ankled virgins climbed aboard. Priam's daughters came in royal carriages. Elsewhere bachelors harnessed stallions to their chariots. From far and wide charioteers rode like gods toward the sacred gathering. Everyone of one accord they set out for Ilion accompanied by the melodies of sweet-voiced flutes, reed pipes and clacking castanets. The virgins sang sacred songs whose silvery echoes brightened the heavens. Everywhere in the streets wine bowls and cups were raised in jubilant toasts. The fragrances of myrrh, cassia and frankincense mingled together, perfuming the wind. The older women cried aloud for joy and the men's voices rang forcefully, calling on the archer Paion Apollo, master of the lyre, as all sang the praises of godlike Hector and Andromache. Sappho, fragment 132 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I have a delightful daughter fairer than the fairest flowers, Cleis, whom I cherish more than all Lydia and lovely Lesbos. 2. I have a lovely daughter with a face like the fairest flowers, my beloved Cleis … Sappho, fragment 295 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I fluttered after you like a chick after its mother … 2. I fluttered after you like a chick after its hen … 3. I flew back like a chick to its hen. 4. I flew back like a child to its mother. Sappho, fragment 30 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Stay! I will lay out a cushion for you with the plushest pillows … Sappho, fragment 46 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch My body descends and my comfort depends on your welcoming cushions! From Herodian, according to Edwin Marion Cox. Sappho, fragment 140 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch He is dying, Cytherea, the delicate Adonis. What shall we women do? Virgins, rend your garments, bare your breasts and abuse them! Sappho, fragment 168 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Alas, Adonis! Sappho, fragment 55 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Lady, soon you'll lie dead, disregarded, as your worm-eaten corpse like your corpus degrades; for those who never gathered Pieria's roses must mutely accept how their memory fades as they flit among the obscure, uncelebrated Hadean shades. 2. Lady, soon you'll lie dead, disregarded, as your worm-eaten corpse like your verse degrades; for those who never gathered Pierian roses must mutely accept how their reputation fades among the obscure, uncelebrated Hadean shades. 3. Lady, soon you'll lie dead, disregarded; then imagine how quickly your reputation fades … when you who never gathered the roses of Pieria mutely assume your place among the obscure, uncelebrated Hadean shades. 4. Death shall rule thee eternally now, my Lady, for see: your name lies useless, silent and forgotten here and hereafter; never again will you gather the roses of Pieria, but only wander misbegotten, rotten and obscure through Hades flitting forlornly among the dismal shades. Sappho, unnumbered fragment loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch All mixed up, I drizzled. Sappho, fragment 34 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Awed by the Moon's splendor, the stars covered their undistinguished faces. Even so, we. 2a. You are, of all the unapproachable stars, the fairest. 2b. You are, of all the unapproachable stars, the brightest. 2c. You are, of all the unapproachable stars, by far the fairest, the brightest― possessing the Moon's splendor. 2d. You are, compared to every star, by far the fairest, the brightest― surpassing the Moon's splendor. 3. The stars lose their luster in the presence of the waxing moon when she graces the earth with her silver luminescence. 4. The stars, abashed, hide their faces when the full-orbed moon floods the earth with her clear silver light. 5a. Stars surrounding the brilliant moon pale whenever she lights the earth. 5b. Stars surrounding the brilliant moon pale whenever she silvers the earth. Sappho, fragment 39 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch We're merely mortal women, it's true; the Goddesses have no rivals but You. Sappho, fragment 5 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch We're eclipsed here by your presence�" you outshine all the ladies of Lydia as the bright-haloed moon outsplendors the stars. I suspect the fragment above is about Anactoria aka Anaktoria, since Sappho associates Anactoria with Lydia in fragment 16. Sappho, fragment 16 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Those I most charm do me the most harm. 2. Those I charm the most do me the most harm. Sappho, fragment 68a loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Apart from me they became like goddesses in their unrestrained excesses. Guilty Andromedas. Deceitful Megaras. Sappho, fragment 62 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch You lay in wait, beautiful in your garments beneath a sweet-scented laurel tree, then ambushed me! Sappho, fragment 154 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1a. The moon rose and we women thronged it like an altar. 1b. As the full moon rose, we women thronged it like an altar. 1c. Women thronged the altar at moonrise. 2. All night long lithe maidens thronged at the altar of Love. 3. Maidens throng at the altar of Love all night long. 4. The moon shone, full as the virgins ringed Love's altar … Sappho, fragment 2 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Leaving your heavenly summit, I submit to the mountain, then plummet. Sappho, fragment 129 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. You forget me or you love another more! It's over. 2. It's over! Who can move a hard heart? Sappho, fragment 51 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I'm undecided. My mind? Torn. Divided. 2. Unsure as a babe new-born, My mind is divided, torn. 3. I don't know what to do: My mind is divided, two. Sappho, fragment 78 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch … nor were we without longing together, as flowers long to delight … Sappho, fragment 68a loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Apart from me they became like goddesses in their unrestrained excesses. Guilty Andromedas. Deceitful Megaras. Sappho, fragment 23 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I long helplessly for love. Gazing into your eyes not even Hermione compares. Who is your equal? I compare you only to goldenhaired Helen among mortal women. Know your love would free me from every care, and keep me awake nightlong beside dewy deltas. Sappho, fragment 62 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch You lay in wait, beautiful in your garments beneath a sweet-scented laurel tree, then ambushed me! Sappho, fragment 100 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch When the bride comes let her train rejoice! Sappho, fragment 113 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Bridegroom, was there ever a maid so like a lovely heirloom? Sappho, fragment 19 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch You anoint yourself with the most exquisite perfume. Sappho, fragment 120 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I'm no resenter; I have a childlike heart … 2. I'm not resentful; I have a childlike heart … 3. I'm not spiteful; I have a childlike heart … 4. I'm not one who likes to wound, but have a calm disposition. Sappho, fragment 126 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. May you sleep, at rest, on your tender girlfriend’s breast. 2. May your head gently rest on the breast of the tenderest guest. 3. May your head gently rest on the tender breast of the girl you love best. Sappho, fragment 107 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Is there any good in maidenhood? 2. Is there any synergy in virginity? Sappho, fragment 81 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Dica! Do not enter the presence of Goddesses ungarlanded! First weave sprigs of dill with those delicate hands, if you desire their favor, for the Blessed Graces disdain bareheaded girls. Sappho, fragment 58 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1a. I confess that I love a gentle caress, as I love the sun's ecstatic brilliance. 1b. I confess that I love her caresses; for me Love blazes with the sun’s brilliance. 1c. I love refinement and for me Eros blazes with the sun's beauty, brightness and brilliance. 2. I love the sensual as I love the sun's ecstatic brilliance. 3. I love the sensual as I love the sun's celestial splendor. 4. I cherish extravagance, intoxicated by Love's celestial splendor. Sappho, fragment 127 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Assemble now, Muses, leaving golden landscapes! Sappho, fragment 138 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Darling, let me see your face; unleash your eyes' grace. 2. Turn to me, favor me with your eyes' indulgence. 3. Look me in the face, smile, reveal your eyes' grace … 4. Turn to me, favor me with your eyes' acceptance. 5. Darling, let me see your smiling face; favor me again with your eyes' grace. Sappho, fragment 38 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. You inflame me! 2. You ignite and inflame me … You melt me. Sappho, fragment 12 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I am an acolyte of wile-weaving Aphrodite. Sappho, fragment 4 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch What can Sappho possibly offer all-blessed Aphrodite? Sappho, fragment 104a loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Hesperus, herdsman most blessed!, you herd homeward the wayward guest, herd sheep and goats back home to their rest, herd children to snuggle at their mother's breast. Sappho, fragment 105 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Like the quince-apple ripening on the highest bough, which the harvesters missed, or forgot�"somehow�" or perhaps just couldn't reach, until now. Like a mountain hyacinth rarely found, which shepherds' feet trampled into the ground, leaving purple stains on an unmourned mound. 2. You're the sweetest apple reddening on the highest bough, which the harvesters missed, or forgot�"somehow�" or perhaps just couldn't reach, until now. 3. You're the sweetest apple reddening on the highest bough, which the harvesters missed … but, no, … they just couldn't reach that high. Sappho, fragment 145 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Prometheus the Fire-Bearer robbed the Gods of their power and so brought mankind and himself to woe … must you repeat his error? Sappho, fragment 169 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch May I lead? Will you follow? Foolish man! Ears so hollow, minds so shallow, never can! Sappho, fragments 156 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Your voice�" a sweeter liar than the lyre, more dearly bought and sold, than gold. 2. Your voice?�" more melodious than the lyre, more dearly bought and sold than gold. Sappho, fragment 100 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. She wrapped herself then in most delicate linen. 2. She wrapped herself in her most delicate linen. Sappho, fragment 57 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1a. That country wench bewitches your heart? Hell, her most beguiling art's hiking her dress to seduce you with her ankles' nakedness! 1b. That country wench bewitches your heart? Hell, her most beguiling art is hiking her dress to reveal her ankles' nakedness! 2. That hayseed tart bewitches your heart? Hell, her most beguiling art's hiking her dress to seduce you with her ankles' nakedness! Sappho, fragment 54 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Eros descended from heaven clad in his imperial purple mantle. 2. Eros descends from heaven wearing his imperial purple mantle. Sappho, fragment 121 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. As a friend you're great, but you need a much younger bedmate. 2. Although you're very dear to me, please don't be silly! You need a much younger filly. 3. Although you're very dear to me you need a much younger filly; I'm far too old for you, and this old mare's just not that damn silly. Sappho, after Anacreon loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Once again I dive into this fathomless ocean, intoxicated by lust. The Legend of Sappho and Phaon, after Menander loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Some say Sappho was an ardent maiden goaded by wild emotion to fling herself from the white-frothed rocks of Leukas into this raging ocean for love of Phaon … but others reject that premise and say it was Aphrodite, for love of Adonis. Sappho, fragment 140 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Phaon ferried the Goddess across: the Goddess of Love, so men say who crowned him with kingly laurels. Was he crowned for only a day? Sappho, fragment 105c loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Shepherds trample the larkspur whose petals empurple the heath, foreshadowing shepherds' grief. Sappho, fragment 100 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The softest pallors grace her lovely face. Sappho, fragment 36 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I yearn for―I burn for―the one I miss! 2. While you learn, I burn. 3. While you try to discern your will, I burn still. Sappho, fragment 30 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Virgins, keeping vigil all night long, go, make a lovely song, sing of the love you abide for the violet-robed bride. Or better yet―arise, regale! Go entice the eligible bachelors so that we shocked elders can sleep less than the love-plagued nightingales! Sappho, fragment 122 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1a. A willowy girl plucking wildflowers. 1b. A willowy girl picking wildflowers. 2. A tender maiden plucking flowers persuades the knave to heroically brave the world's untender hours. Sappho, fragment 125 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Love, bittersweet Dispenser of pain, Weaver of implausible fictions: flourishes in prosperity, weeps for life's perversity, quails before adversity, dies haggard, believing she's pretty. Sappho, fragment 201 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Death is evil; so the Gods decreed or they would die. 2. Death is evil; the Gods all agree. For, had death been good, the Gods would be mortal, like me. Sappho, fragment 43 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Come, dear ones, let us cease our singing: morning dawns. Sappho, fragment 14 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Today may buffeting winds bear all my distress and care away. 2. Today may buffeting winds bear away all my distress and care. Sappho, fragment 69 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I gladly returned to soft arms I once spurned. 2. Into the soft arms of the girl I once spurned, I gladly returned. Sappho, fragment 29 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Since my paps are dry and my barren womb rests, let me praise lively girls with violet-scented breasts. Sappho, fragment 1 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Beautiful swift sparrows rising on whirring wings flee the dark earth for the sun-bright air … Sappho, fragment 10 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Girls ripening for marriage wove flowers into garlands. 2. Girls of the ripening maidenhead wove garlands. 3. Girls of the ripening maidenhead wore garlands. Sappho, fragment 94 & 98 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Listen, my dear; by the Goddess I swear that I, too, (like you) had to renounce my false frigidity and surrender my virginity. My wedding night was not so bad; you too have nothing to fear, so be glad! (But then why do I sometimes still think with dread of my lost maidenhead?) Sappho, fragment 114 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Maidenhead! Maidenhead! So swiftly departed! Why have you left me forever brokenhearted? Sappho, fragment 2 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch, after Sappho and Tennyson I sip the cup of costly death; I lose my color, catch my breath whenever I contemplate your presence, or absence. Sappho, fragment 32 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. The Muses honored me by gifting me works. 2. The Muses gave me their gifts and made me famous. 3. They have been very generous with me, the violet-strewing Muses of Olympus; thanks to their gifts I have become famous. Sappho, fragment 3 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Stars ringing the lovely moon pale to insignificance when she illuminates the earth with her magnificence. Sappho, fragment 49 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch You have returned! You did well to not depart because I pined for you. Now you have re-lit the torch I bear for you in my heart, this flare of Love. I bless you and bless you and bless you because we're no longer apart. Sappho, fragment 52 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Yesterday, you came to my house to sing for me. Today, I come to you to return the favor. Talk to me. Do. Sweet talk, I love the flavor! Please send away your maids and let us share a private heaven- haven. Sappho, fragment 94 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch There was no dance, no sacred dalliance, from which we were absent. Sappho, fragment 152 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch … shot through with innumerable hues … Sappho, fragment 46 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch You came and did well to come because I desired you. You made love blaze in my breast, thus I bless you … but not the endless hours when you're gone. Sappho, fragment 153 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch They call me the sweet-voiced girl, parthenon aduphonon. Sappho, fragment 94 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch You anointed yourself with the most exquisite perfume. Sappho, fragment 42 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. As their hearts froze, their feathers molted. 2. As their hearts grew chill their wings grew still. 3. Their hearts quieted, they alighted. Sappho, fragment 134 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Selene came to Endymion in the cave, made love to him as he slept, then crept away before the sun could prove its light and warmth the more adept. Sappho, fragment 47 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Eros harrows my heart: wild winds whipping desolate mountains, uprooting oaks. Sappho, fragment 36 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Vain woman, foolish thing! Do you base your worth on a ring? Sappho, fragment 52 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch With my two small arms, how can I think to encircle the sky? Sappho, fragment 137 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Gold does not rust, yet my son becomes dust? Sappho, fragment 48 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch You did well to come and I yearned for you. Though I burned with desire, you cooled my fevered mind. Mere air, my words' fare, but intoxicating to hear. �"loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sappho, fragment 9 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Mere breath, words I command are nevertheless immortal. Sappho, fragment 118 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sing, my sacred tortoiseshell lyre; come, let my words accompany your voice. My Religion attributed to Sappho loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1a. I discovered the Goddess in your body's curves and crevasses. 1b. I found the Goddess in your body's curves and crevasses. 1c. I sought the Goddess in your body's curves and crevasses. 2a. My religion consists of your body's curves and crevasses. 2b. My religion became your body's curves and crevasses. 2c. I discovered my religion in your body's curves and crevasses. Sappho, fragment 37 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Pain drains me to the last drop . 2. Pain drains me; may thunderstorms and lightning strike my condemners. Sappho, fragment 147 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Someone, somewhere will remember us, I swear! Sappho, fragment 146 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1a. No droning bee, nor even the bearer of honey for me! 1b. No buzzing bee, nor even the bearer of honey for me! 2. Neither the honey nor the bee for me! Sappho, fragment 168b loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1a. Midnight. The hours drone on as I moan here, alone. 1b. Midnight. The hours drone. I moan, alone. 2a. The moon has long since set; the Pleiades are gone; now half the night is spent yet here I lie�"alone. 2b. The moon has long since set; the Pleiades are gone; now half the night is spent yet here I sleep, alone. Sappho, fragment 119 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. We brought the urn aboard the barge, inscribed: This is the dust of Timas, whom Persephone received, unwed, into her bedchamber, for whom her fellowmaidens in mourning slashed their soft curls with sharpened blades. 2. This is the dust of Timas, dead, unwed, whom Persephone took to her dark bed, for whom her fellowmaidens, mourning, hacked off their locks like sheep at a shearing. Sappho, fragment 21 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A purple scarf shadowed your face�" a cherished gift from Timas, sent from Phocaea. Sappho, fragment 290 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Dancing rhythmically, with light feet, the Cretan women thronged the altar, trampling circles in the fine soft flowering grass. 2. Dancing rhythmically, with light feet, to the pulsating beat, Cretan women thronged the altar in their mass, trampling circles in the fine soft flowering grass. Sappho, fragment 128 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Come join us, tender Graces and lovely-haired Muses, in our ecstatic dances! Sappho, fragment 93 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Our playmates are pink-ankled Graces and golden Aphrodite! Sappho, fragment 53 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Come, rosy-armed Graces, Zeus's daughters, in your perfection! Sappho, fragment 111 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Raise the rafters, carpenters. Hoist high the roof-beams! Hymen Hymenaeus! Here comes the bridegroom, statuesque as Ares! Hymen Hymenaeus! Sappho, fragment 112 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Lucky bridegroom, your wedding day has finally arrived and your alluring bride is your heart’s desire! Sappho, fragment 32 (Barnard 32) loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Virginity! Alas my lost Virginity! Sappho, fragment 57 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Heavy-lidded Slumber, child of Night, claimed them. Sappho, fragment 57a loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Aphrodite's handmaid, resplendent in gold, Hecate, Queen of Darkness untold! Sappho, fragment 63 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Last night, Cyprian, you and I clashed (s)words in my dreams. Sappho, fragment 48 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Now I know why Eros, of all the gods’ offspring, is most blessed. Sappho, fragment 68 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch That was then, this is now! In those days my maidenhead was in full bloom, then you … Sappho, fragment 135 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Golden Persuasion, Aphrodite's daughter, how you deceive mortals! Sappho, fragment 88 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Why, Procne, delicate swallow, daughter of Pandīon, why do you weary me with tales of woe? Sappho, fragment 287 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I once instructed Hero of Gyara, the fleetfooted. Sappho, fragment 15 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Cypris, may she find you a harsh mistress, Doricha, the s**t! Put an end to her bragging, nor let her boast that she fooled him twice, my brother's embezzler! Doricha was a courtesan who allegedly caused Sappho's brother Charaxus to lose considerable wealth. Doricha was also known by the pseudonym Rhodopis, which means "rosy-cheeked." Sappho, fragment 7 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Doricha commands arrogantly, like young men. Sappho, fragment 148 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A vagabond friendship, a public blessing … repent Rhodopis! Sappho, fragment 138 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The beautiful courtesan Rhodopis, lies here entombed, more fair than when she walked with white lilies plaited in her dark hair, but now she's as withered as they: whose dust is more gray? Sappho, fragment 5 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Revered Nereids, divine sea-daughters, please grant that my brother may return unharmed, his heart's desires all fulfilled, and may he show his sister more honor than in his indifferent past … But you, O august Kypris, please keep him from unbearable dooms! Sappho, fragment 148 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Wealth unaccompanied by Character is a dangerous houseguest, but together they invite happiness. Sappho, fragment 201 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Gold is indestructible. 2. Gold is God's indestructible Child: the One neither moth nor worm devours. Sappho, fragment 66 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Ares bragged he'd drag forge-master Hephaestus off by sheer force! Sappho, fragment 120 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Over fisherman Pelagon's grave his father Meniscus left creel and oar, relics of a luckless life. Sappho, fragment 143 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch How golden broom brightens riverbanks! Sappho, fragment 94 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch You remind me of a little girl I once assisted picking flowers. Sappho, fragment 95 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Lord Hermes, you guide spirits to their final destination. Now guide me, for I am despondent and wish only to die, to see the lotus-lined shores of Acheron. Sappho, fragment 150 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1 Cleis, daughter, don't cry! Mourning is unbecoming a poet's household. 2. For those who serve the Muses, mourning is unbecoming. Sappho, fragment 56 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Will any woman born under the sun ever match your art? 2. No woman born under the sun will ever have your wisdom. Sappho, fragment 135 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Erinna, why does darkwinged Procne, King Pandion's daughter, beckon? Sappho, fragment 17 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Hear me, Queen Hera, as your delightful festival nears, you to whom the sons of Atreus performed vows, those dazzling kings who did such amazing things, first at Troy, then later at sea. And yet, sailing the sea-road to our island, those mighty kings still could not attain it until they had called on you and Zeus, the god of seekers and beseechers, and Dionysus, alluring son of Semele. Now we too perform the ancient rites, O most holy and most beautiful Goddess, we throngs of virgins, young women and wives. Please allow us to arrive safely at the shrine. Sappho, fragment 86 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch In this quiet moment, I beg a boon from Zeus, the bearer of the aegis, even as I implore, O Aphrodite, the tenderness of your benevolent heart; hear my prayer, as once before, when, departing Cyprus, you heeded my earnest cry and chose not to be harsh. Sappho, fragment 44a loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Golden-haired Phoebus was sired on Leto by the high-soaring son of Kronos. His sister, Artemis, swore a great oath to Zeus: “By your crown, I shall always be an unwed virgin hunting on remote mountaintops. Assent!” The father of the Blessed Ones nodded his consent. Now gods and mortals call her The Virgin Huntress and Eros, limb-loosener, dare never approach her! Sappho, fragment 168c loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Gaia, rainbow-crowned, garbs herself in myriad hues. Sappho, fragment 101a loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Undaunted by summer ablaze the cicada emits its high, shrill song. Sappho, fragment 103 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sing of the bride with shapely feet, fair as the violet-robed daughter of Zeus, Artemis. Let the violet-robed bride calm her bridegroom's anger. Come holy Graces and Pierian Muses, whose sweet-toned songs soothe the overwrought heart. Let the annoyed bridegroom complain to his companions as she redoes her hair, fiddles with her lyre, and tries on dawn-golden sandals! Sappho, fragment 103b loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Bed the bride with the beautiful feet, or bring her to me! Sappho, fragment 141 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Hermes mixed ambrosia in a bowl, then poured it for the gods who, having lifted their cups, made libations, then in one voice blessed the bridegroom. Sappho, fragment 27 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Because you were once young and loved to dance and sing, come, think favorably of us and be gracious. You know we're off to a wedding, so quickly as possible please send the virgins away. And may the gods bless us here since there's no path yet for men to reach great Olympus. Sappho, fragment 115 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Dear groom, to whom may I compare you? To a slender sapling. Sappho, fragment 103c loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. … remembering delightful Arheanassa, her laughter lovely as any Lorelei's … 2. … remembering delightful Arheanassa, her laughter lovely as any water nymph's … Sappho, fragment 76 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Fulfill? At my age I'm just hanging on! Sappho, fragment 45 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. As long as you desire, I do! 2. As long as you command, I obey! 3. As long as you will, I submit. 4. As long as you want me, I'm yours. Sappho, fragment 50 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A handsome man pleases the eyes but a good man pleases. Sappho, fragment 41 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch For you, O my Beautiful Ones, my mind is unalterable. Sappho, fragment 18 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Everyone extols my storytelling: "better than any man's!" Sappho, fragment 88 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Though you prefer not to get carried away and may imagine someone sweeter to behold, someone who may yet say "Yes!" still I will love you as long as there's breath in me, swallowing the bitter, ever the faithful lover. Sappho, fragment 158 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch When anger floods your chest, best to still a reckless tongue. Sappho, fragment 129 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch They say Sappho's sweetest utterance Was the hymeneal hymn of Love. Sappho, fragment 153 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Queen Dawn, solemn Dawn, come! Sappho, fragment 26 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Why, Mistress Aphrodite, Dominatrix! Why do you fill me with such lust? Why inflict such suffering on me? When I prayed to you in the past, you never treated me with such indifference! Sappho, fragment 132 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Love, the child of Aphrodite and heaven; Sappho, of earth; Who had the more divine birth? In the following 101 short translations the fragment numbers are Lobel-Page unless otherwise noted. All translations are by Michael R. Burch and should be so credited if they are used in any way, shape or form. I now, with all my heart, fully, as much as it is possible for me, blossom to see your lovely face, touching. (4) Let's go ogle golden-armed Lady Dawn before our doom. (6b) It's impossible to be happy and human; yet I still pray a share for myself, of happiness. (16a) Even this pressed for time, tonight we can raise a toast to the stars. (18a) Put on your finery and with any luck we'll make harbor �" back to dry land, back to the black earth. (20) Though I'm skilled in lament and trembling with wrinkle-skinned age, yet there is the chase. Strum your lyre and sing to us of violet-robed loveseekers, Abanthis! (21) Left to our own devices, two pretty young things, we found our way to the bedroom. (25) Menelaus, son of Atreus, lies returned to the black earth, finally beyond agony. (INCERT. 27) Colorful Lydian sandals covered her feet. So beautiful! (39) At your altar, unforgiving Mistress, I will sacrifice a white goat and offer libations. (40) I and Archeanassa, Gorgo's wife … (42a) Beauty brings peace when my mind is troubled. Come sit beside me, friends, for day draws nigh. (43) Once fleeing, hounded and bitten by gods, you gave me a name, put fame in my mouth. (58a) O darkwinged dream you soar on night's drafts to sleep with the gods, and I am in agony to sense such distant power for I expect to share nothing with the blessed. I would rather not be left with mere trinkets, yet may I have them all! (63) Andromeda may have abandoned you, but I, Aphrodite, Queen of Cyprus, still love you, Sappho, as the sun illuminates everything, everywhere; even by the dewy banks of Acheron, I am with you. (65) I come to join the harmonies of a joyful chorus: sweet-toned, clear-voiced. (70) Aphrodite, goddess of sweet-sung desires, sits on her throne of blooms in the beautiful dew. (73) Aphrodite, sweet-talking goddess of love, sits on her throne of blooms in the beautiful dew. (73) Joy? What joy? You gave me nothing: though beautiful, always unsmiling. (77) She was all hair, otherwise nothing. (80) Mnasidika is more curvaceous than even our soft Gyrinno. (82a) Wait here once again, because … I come! (84) You enrich me, like listening to an old man. (85) We, having left rumors behind, departed people in a frenzy, tearing out their hair. (87) Atthis, so charming in the bedroom, but otherwise hateful, proud and aloof, her teeth clicking like castanets. (87a) Though you caused my soul and my heart sorrow, here's a small truth: I will always say "I love you" with a true heart. (88a) Persuasion, Aphrodite's fledgling, with her broad, arrogant wings, sped me to Gyrinno, then to graceful Atthis. (90) Irana, you're the biggest pain I've ever met! (91) … saffron-dyed Phrygian purple robes and rugs … (92) Later Polyanaktidis takes the lyre, strums the chords till they vibrate softly, and yet the sound pierces bones and melts the marrow. (99a) Sons of Zeus, come to your rites from wooded Gryneia, here to our oracle! Then let the ritual songs begin! (99b) Expensive gifts, these scented purple headscarves Mnasis sent us from Phokaia. (101) Gorgo took her many insignificant verses to Cyprus, to be admired by many. (103a) Lesbos's singers reign supreme! (106) Lesbian singers out-sing all others. (106) … a most beautiful, graceful girl … (108) The doorkeep’s feet are seven fathoms long, fill five oxhides, and it took ten cobblers to strap his sandals! (110) Groom, to whom can I fairly compare you? To a slender sapling. (115) Rejoice, most honored bride and groom! Rejoice! (116) May the bride rejoice and her groom rejoice. Rejoice! (117) The newlyweds appeared at the polished entryway. (117a) Hesperus, star of the evening! Hymen, god of marriage! Adonis-like groom! (117b) She stunned us in / wet linen. (119) I'm talented, it's true, / but you / Calliope, remain unrivaled. (124) I now wear garlands, who once wove them. (125) Come again, Muses, leaving the golden heavens. (126) Andromeda had a fine retort: "Sappho, why did Aphrodite so favor you? Did you seduce her?" (133) We once spoke in a dream, Cyprian! (134) Nightingale, enticing-songed harbinger of spring. Sing! (136) The gods alone are above tears. (139) They've all had their fill of Gorgo. (144) Nightlong celebration wearies their eyes, then closes them. (149) Our eyes embrace the black sleep of night. (151) … many colors mingled … (152) Women thronged the altar at moonrise. (154) A hearty "Hello!" to the daughter of Polyanax. (155) Lady Dawn, arise, / flood night's skies / with cerise. (157) Imperial Aphrodite said: "You and Eros are my vassals. (159) Imperial Aphrodite! bridegrooms bow down to Her! kings are Her bodyguards and squires. (161) You "see" me? With whose eyes? (162) Oh, my dearest darling, never depart/ or you'll wreck my heart! (163) Leto summons her son, the Sun. (164) To himself he seems godly, to us a boor. (165) Leda, they said, once discovered a hidden, hyacinth-blue egg. (166) Whiter than eggs, your unsunned breasts. (167) She's fonder of children than cradlerobber Gello. (168a) We ran like fawns from the symposium: me, Cleis and reckless Gongyla. (168d) Destiny is from the Muses, / and thus I was destined to leave him / to become / Sappho, Mistress of Song. (168e,f) Unknowing of evil, I was pure innocence. (171) Eros, pain-inducer, desist! (172) She grew like a trellis vine. (173) Mighty Zeus, World-Holder! (180) Little is learned with an easy passage, much by a hard. (181) May I go, or must you? (182) Eros gusting blew my heart to pieces. (183) I live in danger of too much love. (184) Men fell in love with my honeyed voice, but I fell for girls. (185) Sappho: Let me be one of the Muses when I die! Aphrodite: Granted! (187) Eros, story-weaver, never a happy ending? (188) I was very wise, except in the ways of love. (190) That girl grew curvy and curly, like celery. (191) We raised golden goblets inlaid with ivory and toasted the stars. (192) I once instructed Hero of Gyara, the fleetfooted runner. (287) We collapsed, drenched in sweat on both sides. (288) Dawn spilled down the high mountains. (289) Trading rosy health for less heartache, I fled my girlish youth. (291) Such a boy once drove his chariot to Thebes, while Malis spun his fate on her spindle. (292, Malis was a Lydian war goddess) "Thorneater?" That doesn't offend irongutted Arcadians! (293) Hecate, Aphrodite's golden-armored ally, Queen of the Underworld. (294) Learn from Admetus to love the courageous and avoid cowards, who seldom show gratitude. (296) The black earth absorbed grief-stricken tears along with the interred sons of Atreus. (297) Nightingale, sing your song and I'll sing along. (298) Aphrodite, my mind is troubled. I'm still your servant, but Atthis remains a headstrong child. (299) As when before your light streamed like honey but I was in darkness still. (300) She is lovely as before, but where now is Hope? (300a) Aphrodite, do you not love the windlike dances / of beautiful, apple-cheeked Abanthis? (301) Cyprian, how splendid your altar ablaze in blue, silver and gold. Yet you all the more amazing! (302) The bride lovely as dawn's unfolding sky, the groom nearly as handsome. (303) Cyprian, here we come, singing songs and offering libations! (304) A graceful girl, shy as a fawn and as flighty. (305) Glorious passions! Passions uproarious! (306) Sappho, fragment 306a loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch O most revered Queen of Heaven, Golden Aphrodite! Blessed above all mortal women, and blessed by them … Goddess, come! Aphrodite, most beautiful, enter with your train of elegant attendants! Arise now for me, honeysweet Aphrodite! Meet me with greetings holy and divine! Be mine! What ecstasies, O my Queen, shall we revel in at midnight? THE LONGER POEMS OF SAPPHO Unfortunately, the only completely intact poem left by Sappho is her "Ode to Aphrodite" or "Hymn to Aphrodite" (an interesting synchronicity since Sappho is best known as a love poet and Aphrodite was the ancient Greek goddess of love). However, "That man is peer of the gods" and the first poem below, variously titled “The Anactoria Poem,” “Helen’s Eidolon” and “Some People Say …” are largely intact. Was Sappho the author of the world's first "make love, not war" poem? "Some Say" Sappho, fragment 16 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Warriors on rearing chargers, columns of infantry, fleets of warships: some call these the dark earth's redeeming visions. But I say�" the one I desire. Nor am I unique because she who so vastly surpassed all other mortals in beauty �"Helen�" seduced by Aphrodite, led astray by desire, departed for distant Troy, abandoning her celebrated husband, deserting her parents and child! Her story reminds me of Anactoria, who has also departed, and whose lively dancing and lovely face I would rather see than all Lydia's horsemen, war-chariots and columns of infantry parading in flashing armor. Sappho, fragment 31 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch To the brightness of Love not destroying the sight�" sweet, warm noonday sun lightening things dun: whence comes the Night? Ode to Anactoria Sappho, fragment 31 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch How can I compete with that damned man who fancies himself one of the gods, impressing you with his "eloquence" … when just the thought of basking in your radiant presence, of hearing your lovely voice and lively laughter, sets my heart hammering at my breast? Hell, when I catch just a quick glimpse of you, I'm left speechless, tongue-tied, and immediately a blush like a delicate flame reddens my skin. Then my vision dims with tears, my ears ring, I sweat profusely, and every muscle twitches or trembles. When the blood finally settles, I'm paler and wetter than the limpest grass. Then, in my exhausted madness, I'm as dull as the dead. And yet I must risk all, being bereft without you … Ode to Anactoria Sappho, fragment 31 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch To me that boy seems blessed by the gods because he sits beside you, basking in your brilliant presence. My heart races at the sound of your voice! Your laughter?�"bright water, dislodging pebbles in a chaotic vortex. I can't catch my breath! My heart bucks in my ribs. I can't breathe. I can't speak. My breasts glow with intense heat; desire's blush-inducing fires redden my flesh. My ears seem hollow; they ring emptily. My tongue is broken and cleaves to its roof. I sweat profusely. I shiver. Suddenly, I grow pale and feel only a second short of dying. And yet I must endure, somehow, despite my poverty. Sappho, fragment 31 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch … at the sight of you, words fail me … Sappho, fragment 31 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Your voice beguiles me. Your laughter lifts my heart's wings. If I listen to you, even for a moment, I am left stunned, speechless. The following are Sappho's poems for Atthis aka Attis aka Athis … Sappho, fragment 49 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I loved you, Atthis, long ago … even when you seemed a graceless child. 2. I fell in love with you, Atthis, long ago … You seemed immature to me then, and not all that graceful. 3. I loved you, little monkey-faced Atthis, long ago … when you still seemed a graceless child. 4. I loved you Atthis, long ago, when my girlhood was a heyday of flowers and you seemed but an awkward adolescent. Sappho, fragment 131 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. You desert me, Atthis, as if you find me distasteful, flitting off to Andromeda … 2. Atthis, you forsake me and flit off to Andromeda … Ode to Anactoria or Ode to Atthis or Ode to Gongyla Sappho, fragment 94 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch So my Atthis has not returned and thus, let the truth be said, I wish I were dead … "Honestly, I just want to die!" Atthis sighed, shedding heartfelt tears, inconsolably sad when she left me. "How deeply we have loved, we two, Sappho! Oh, I really don't want to go!" I answered her tenderly, "Go as you must and be happy, trust- ing your remembrance of me, for you know how much I loved you. And if you begin to forget, please try to recall all the heavenly emotions we felt as with many wreathes of violets, roses and crocuses you sat beside me adorning your delicate neck. Once garlands had been fashioned of many woven flowers, with much expensive myrrh we anointed our bodies, like royalty on soft couches, then my tender caresses fulfilled your desire …" Sappho, fragment 96 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. Our beloved Anactoria dwells in distant Sardis, but her thoughts often return to the life we shared together here, when she saw you as a goddess incarnate, robed in splendor, and loved to hear you singing her praises. Now she surpasses all Sardinian women, as, rising at sunset the rosy-fingered moon outshines the surrounding stars, illuminating salt seas and flowering meadows alike. Thus the delicate dew sparkles, the rose revives, and the tender chervil and sweetclover blossom. Now oftentimes when our beloved wanders aimlessly, she is reminded of gentle Atthis; then her heart assaults her tender breast with painful pangs and she cries aloud for us to console her. Truly, we understand the distress she feels, because Night, the many-eared, calls to us from across the dividing sea. But to go there is not easy, nor to rival a goddess in her loveliness. The following translation is based on an imaginative translation by Willis Barnstone. The source fragment has major gaps. Sappho, fragment 96 loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch How can mortal women rival the goddesses in beauty? But you may have come closest of all, or second to only Helen! With much love for you Aphrodite poured nectar from a gold decanter and with gentle hands Persuasion bade you drink. Now at the Geraistos shrine, of all the women dear to me, none compares to you. Sappho, fragment 92 translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch “Sappho, if you don’t leave your room, I swear I’ll never love you again! Get out of bed, rise and shine on us, take off your Chian nightdress, then, like a lily floating in a pond, enter your bath. Cleis will bring you a violet frock and lovely saffron blouse from your clothes-chest. Then we’ll adorn you with a bright purple mantle and crown your hair with flowers. So come, darling, with your maddening beauty, while Praxinoa roasts nuts for our breakfast. The gods have been good to us, for today we’re heading at last to Mytilene with you, Sappho, the loveliest of women, like a mother among daughters.” Dearest Atthis, those were fine words, but now you forget everything! Sappho, fragment 98 translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. My mother said that in her youth a purple ribband was considered an excellent adornment, but we were dark and for blondes with hair brighter than torches it was better to braid garlands of fresh flowers. 2. My mother said that in her youth to bind one's hair in back, gathered together by a purple plaited circlet, was considered an excellent adornment, but for blondes with hair brighter than torches it was better to braid garlands of fresh flowers, or more recently, to buy colorful headbands from Sardis and other Ionian cities. But for you, my dearest Cleis, I have no iridescent headband to match your hair's vitality! Sappho, fragment 41 translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch For you, fair maidens, my mind does not equivocate. Hymn to Aphrodite by Sappho loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Immortal Aphrodite, throned in splendor! Wile-weaving daughter of Zeus, enchantress and beguiler! I implore you, dread mistress, discipline me no longer with such vigor! But come to me once again in kindness, heeding my prayers, as you did so graciously before; O, come Divine One, descend once more from heaven's golden dominions! Then, with your chariot yoked to love's white consecrated doves, their multitudinous pinions aflutter, you came gliding from heaven's shining heights, to this dark gutter. Swiftly they came and vanished, leaving you, O my Goddess, smiling, your face eternally beautiful, asking me what unfathomable longing compelled me to cry out. Asking me what I sought in my bewildered desire. Asking, "Who has harmed you, why are you so alarmed, my poor Sappho? Whom should Persuasion summon here?" "Although today she flees love, soon she will pursue you; spurning love's gifts, soon she shall give them; tomorrow she will woo you, however unwillingly!" Come to me now, O most Holy Aphrodite! Free me now from my heavy heartache and anguish! Graciously grant me all I request! Be once again my ally and protector! "Hymn to Aphrodite" is the only poem by Sappho of Lesbos to survive in its entirety. Sappho, fragment 2 translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Come, Cypris, from Crete to meet me at this holy temple where a lovely grove of apples awaits our presence bowering altars fuming with frankincense. Here brisk waters babble beneath apple branches, the grounds are overshadowed by roses, and through their trembling leaves deep sleep descends. Here the horses will nibble flowers as we gorge on apples and the breezes blow honey-sweet with nectar… Here, Cypris, we will gather up garlands, pour the nectar gratefully into golden cups and with gladness commence our festivities. The Brothers Poem by Sappho translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch … but you’re always prattling about Kharaxos returning with his ship's hold full. As for that, Zeus and the gods alone know, so why indulge idle fantasies? Rather release me, since I am commending numerous prayers to mighty Queen Hera, asking that his undamaged ship might safely return Kharaxos to us. Then we will have serenity. As for everything else, leave it to the gods because calm seas often follow sudden squalls and those whose fortunes the gods transform from unmitigated disaster into joy have received a greater blessing than prosperity. Furthermore, if Larikhos raises his head from this massive depression, we shall see him become a man, lift ours and stand together. Sappho, fragment 58 translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Virgins, be zealous for the violet-scented Muses' lovely gifts and those of melodious lyre … but my once-supple skin sags now; my arthritic bones creak; my ravenblack hair's turned white; my lighthearted heart's grown heavy; my knees buckle; my feet, once fleet as fawns, fail the dance. I often bemoan my fate … but what's the use? Not to grow old is, of course, not an option. I am reminded of Tithonus, adored by Dawn with her arms full of roses, who, overwhelmed by love, carried him off beyond death's dark dominion. Handsome for a day, but soon withered with age, he became an object of pity to his ageless wife. And yet I still love life's finer things and have been granted brilliance, abundance and beauty. And now, in closing, these are poems dedicated to the Divine Sappho: Sappho's Rose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The rose is�" the ornament of the earth, the glory of nature, the archetype of the flowers, the blush of the meadows, a lightning flash of beauty. Sappho’s Lullaby by Michael R. Burch for Jeremy Hushed yet melodic, the hills and the valleys sleep unaware of the nightingale's call as the dew-laden lilies lie listening, glistening … this is their night, the first night of fall. Son, tonight, a woman awaits you; she is more vibrant, more lovely than spring. She'll meet you in moonlight, soft and warm, all alone … then you'll know why the nightingale sings. Just yesterday the stars were afire; then how desire flashed through my veins! But now I am older; night has come, I’m alone … for you I will sing as the nightingale sings. Keywords/Tags: Sappho, Lesbos, Greek, translation, epigram, epigrams, love, sex, desire, passion, lust Keywords/Tags: Helen, Troy, Paris, love, war, gods, fate, destiny, portrait, fame, famous, stars, Zodiac, Zodiacs, star-crossed, spell, charm, potion, enchantment, Greece, Greek, mythology, legend, Homer, Odyssey, accompaniment, accouterment, eternal, eternity, immortal © 2024 Michael R. Burch |
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Added on March 2, 2020 Last Updated on November 11, 2024 Tags: Sappho, Lesbos, translation, Greek, hymn, Aphrodite, Zeus, daughter, immortal, goddess, holy, lady, enchantress, enchantment, love potion, charm, spell, persuasion, beguiler, beguilement, mistress Author
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