Sappho Translations VIII
Sappho Translations VIII by Michael R. Burch
Sappho, fragment 68
translation by Michael R. Burch
That was then, this is now!
In those days my maidenhead was in full bloom,
then you …
Sappho, fragment 135
translation by Michael R. Burch
Golden Persuasion, Aphrodite's daughter,
how you deceive mortals!
Sappho, fragment 88
translation by Michael R. Burch
Why, Procne,
delicate swallow, daughter of Pandion,
why do you weary me with tales of woe?
Sappho, fragment 15
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Cypris, may she find you a harsh mistress,
Doricha, the sl-t!
Put an end to her bragging,
nor let her boast that she fooled him twice,
my brother's embezzler!
Sappho, fragment 7
translation by Michael R. Burch
Doricha commands arrogantly,
like young men.
Sappho, fragment 148
translation by Michael R. Burch
A vagabond friendship,
a public blessing …
repent Rhodopis!
Sappho, fragment 138
translation 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
translation 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 95
translation 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
translation 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
translation by Michael R. Burch
Erinna, will any woman
born under the sun
ever match your art?
Sappho, fragment 135
translation by Michael R. Burch
Erinna, why does darkwinged Procne, King Pandion's daughter, beckon?
Keywords/Tags: Erinna, Procne, brother, sister, daughter,
Copyright © Michael Burch | Year Posted 2024
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