Sappho Translations V
Sappho Translations V by Michael R. Burch
Sappho, fragment 23
translation 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
translation by Michael R. Burch
… nor were we without longing together,
as flowers long to delight …
Sappho, fragment 68a
translation by Michael R. Burch
Apart from me they became like goddesses
in their unrestrained excesses.
Guilty Andromedas. Deceitful Megaras.
Sappho, fragment 62
translation by Michael R. Burch
You lay in wait,
beautiful in your garments
beneath a sweet-scented laurel tree,
then ambushed me!
Sappho, fragment 23
translation 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
translation by Michael R. Burch
You lay in wait,
beautiful in your garments
beneath a sweet-scented laurel tree,
then ambushed me!
Sappho, fragment 100
translation by Michael R. Burch
When the bride comes
let her train rejoice!
Sappho, fragment 81
translation 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 104a
translation 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
translation 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.
Sappho, fragments 156
translation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Your voice—
a sweeter liar
than the lyre,
more dearly bought
and sold,
than gold.
Keywords/Tags: Sappho, love, women, bride, wedding, mother, children, beautiful, flowers, gold, longing
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