Sappho Translations XIV
Sappho Translations XIII by Michael R. Burch
In these 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.
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)
Over fisherman Pelagon's grave his father Meniscus left creel and oar, relics of a luckless life. (120)
A willowy girl plucking wildflowers. (122)
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)
How golden broom brightens riverbanks! (143)
They've all had their fill of Gorgo. (144)
If you're squeamish don't trouble the rubble! (145)
Let sleeping turds lie! (145)
Leave every stone unturned! (145)
Roll no stones, let them all gather moss! (145)
Wealth unaccompanied by Character is a dangerous houseguest, but together they invite happiness. (148)
Nightlong celebration wearies their eyes, then closes them. (149)
Our eyes embrace the black sleep of night. (151)
… shot through with innumerable hues … (152)
… many colors mingled … (152)
They call me the sweet-voiced girl, parthenon aduphonon. (153)
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)
Alas, Adonis! (168)
She's fonder of children than cradlerobber Gello. (168a)
Bride, groom, Hymen
Copyright ©
Michael Burch
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