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Sappho Translations XII by Michael R. Burch

In the following short translations the fragment numbers are mostly Lobel-Page. 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)

What can Sappho possibly offer all-blessed Aphrodite? (4?)

Let's go ogle golden-armed Lady Dawn before our doom. (6b)

Girls ripening for marriage wove flowers into garlands. (10)

Girls of the ripening maidenhead wore garlands. (10)

It's impossible to be happy and human; yet I still pray a share for myself, of happiness. (16a)

Everyone extols my storytelling: "better than any man's!" (18)

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)

… at the sight of you, words fail me … (31)

The Muses honored me by gifting me works. (32)

Virginity! Alas my lost Virginity! (32?)

Colorful Lydian sandals covered her feet. So beautiful! (39)

At your altar, unforgiving Mistress, I will sacrifice a white goat and offer libations. (40)

For you, O my Beautiful Ones, my mind is unalterable. (41)

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)

As long as you desire, I do! (45)

As long as you command, I obey! (45)

As long as you will, I submit. (45)

As long as you want me, I'm yours. (45)

Come, rosy-armed Graces, Zeus's daughters, in your perfection! (53)

Heavy-lidded Slumber, child of Night, claimed them. (57)

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)

Keywords/Tags: Sappho, Aphrodite, gods, beauty, beautiful, words, heart, marriage, girls, happy, happiness
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