Sappho Translations IX

Sappho Translations IX Sappho, fragment 17 translation 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 translation 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 translation 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 103 translation 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 141 translation 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 translation 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 translation by Michael R. Burch Dear groom, to whom may I compare you? To a slender sapling. Tags: Sappho, Aphrodite, Zeus, Hera, goddess