Sappho Translations by Michael R. Burch
These are Michael R. Burch's modern English translations of the immortal Sappho of Lesbos, the great lyric poet who was called The Tenth Muse by her ancient peers. The other nine muses were goddesses, so Sappho was held in the very highest regard!
A short revealing frock?
It's just my luck
your lips were made to mock!
—Sappho, fragment 177, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Eros harrows my heart:
wild winds whipping desolate mountains,
uprooting oaks.
—Sappho, fragment 47, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
That enticing girl's clinging dresses
leave me trembling, overcome by happiness,
as once, when I saw the Goddess in my prayers
eclipsing Cyprus.
—Sappho, fragment 22, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Gongyla, wear, I beg,
that revealing white dress …
—Sappho, fragment 22, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Bed the bride with the beautiful feet,
or bring her to me!
—Sappho, fragment 103b, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
That hayseed tart
bewitches your heart?
Hell, her most beguiling art's
hiking her dress
to seduce you with her ankles' nakedness!
—Sappho, fragment 57, loose translation/interpretation 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 22, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Aphrodite, do you not love the windlike dances
of beautiful, apple-cheeked Abanthis?
—Sappho, fragment 301, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
I am an acolyte
of wile-weaving
Aphrodite.
—Sappho, fragment 12, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Sing, my sacred tortoiseshell lyre;
come, let my words
accompany your voice.
—Sappho, fragment 118, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
She keeps her scents
in a dressing-case.
And her sense?
In some undiscoverable place.
—Sappho, fragment 156, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Vain woman, foolish thing!
Do you base your worth on a ring?
—Sappho, fragment 36, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
May I lead?
Will you follow?
Foolish man!
Ears so hollow,
minds so shallow,
never can!
—Sappho, fragment 169, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
With my two small arms, how can I
think to encircle the sky?
—Sappho, fragment 52, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
The black earth absorbed grief-stricken tears along with the interred sons of Atreus.
—Sappho, fragment 297, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Menelaus, son of Atreus, lies returned to the black earth, finally beyond agony.
—Sappho, fragment 27, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Gold does not rust,
yet my son becomes dust?
—Sappho, fragment 52, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Atthis, so charming in the bedroom, but otherwise hateful, proud and aloof, her teeth clicking like castanets.
—Sappho, fragment 87a, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
I sought the Goddess in your body's curves and crevasses.
—attributed to Sappho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Mnemosyne was stunned into astonishment when she heard honey-tongued Sappho, wondering how mortal men merited a tenth Muse.
—Antipater of Sidon, translated by Michael R. Burch
Mere air,
my words' fare,
but intoxicating to hear.
—Sappho, cup inscription, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
What cannot be swept
------------------------------------- aside
must be wept.
—Sappho, translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Pain
drains
me
to
the
last
drop
.
—Sappho, fragment 37, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Mother, how can I weave,
so overwhelmed by love?
—Sappho, fragment 102, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Spartan girls wear short skirts
and are brazen.
—attributed to Sappho, translator unknown
Someone, somewhere
will remember us,
I swear!
—Sappho, fragment 147, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
No droning bee,
nor even the bearer of honey
for me!
—Sappho, fragment 146, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
The moon has long since set;
the Pleiades are gone;
now half the night is spent
yet here I lie—alone.
—Sappho, fragment 168b, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Sappho, fragment 136
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
after Aaron Poochigian
Nightingale,
how handsomely you sing
your desire,
sweet crier
of blossoming spring.
2.
Nightingale, enticing-songed harbinger of spring. Sing!
Sappho, fragment 130
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Eros, the limb-shatterer,
rattles me,
an irresistible
constrictor.
2.
Eros, the limb-loosener,
rattles me,
an irresistible
constrictor.
Sappho, fragment 10
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
I lust!
I crave!
F-ck me!
Sappho, fragment 93
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Gongyla, wear, I beg,
that revealing white dress
when you come,
so that desire surrounds you,
descending in circling flight as you dance
to the strains of Abanthis's lyre
while I compose hymns to your loveliness,
both of us stirred by your beauty
and that dress!
Wherefore I once prayed to Aphrodite: I want
and she reprimanded me.
Sappho, fragment 24
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Don't you remember, in days bygone,
how we did such things, being young?
2.
Remember? In our youth
we too did such reckless things.
3.
Remember how we did such things in our youth? Many lovely and beautiful things in the city of dangerous enticements! We lived face-to-face with great daring amid those who inflict pain. Daring even to believe in golden-haired, slender-voiced Love …
The fragment below seems to be one of the most popular with translators …
Sappho, fragment 145
If you're squeamish, don't prod the beach rubble.―Mary Barnard
If you dont like trouble dont disturb sand.―Cid Corman
Don't move piles of pebbles.―Diane J. Rayor
Don't stir the trash.―Guy Davenport
If you're squeamish don't trouble the rubble!―Michael R. Burch
Let sleeping turds lie!―Michael R. Burch
Leave every stone unturned!―Michael R. Burch
Roll no stones, let them all gather moss!―Michael R. Burch
do not move stones―Anne Carson
Sappho, fragment 33
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Golden-crowned Aphrodite,
don't be a glory-hog!
Share a little of your luck with me!
Sappho, fragment 133 (Wharton 133, Barnard 31)
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Blushing bride, brimful of rose-petaled love,
brightest jewel of the Goddess of Paphos,
come to the bridal bed,
tenderly entice your bridegroom.
May Hesperus lead you starry-eyed
to stand awestruck before the silver throne of Hera,
Goddess of Marriage!
2.
Of all the stars the fairest,
Hesperus,
lead the maiden straight to her bridegroom's bed,
honoring Hera, the goddess of marriage.
3.
The evening star
is of all stars the brightest,
the fairest.
Sappho, fragment 160
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
I shall now sing skillfully
to please my companions.
2.
I shall sing these songs skillfully
to please my companions.
3.
Goddess,
let me sing skillfully
to please my companions.
Sappho, fragment 102 (Lobel-Page 102 / Diehl 114 / Bergk 90 / Cox 87 / Barnard 12)
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Mother, how can I weave,
so overwhelmed by love?
2.
Mother, how can I weave,
so overwhelmed by love?
Sly Aphrodite incited me!
Sappho, fragment 130
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
May the gods prolong the night
—yes, let it last forever!—
as long as you sleep in my sight.
2.
I prayed that blessed night
might be doubled for us.
Sappho, fragment 123
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Just now I was called,
enthralled,
by golden-sandalled
dawn…
Sappho, fragment 22
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
I bid you, Abanthis, grab your lyre
and sing of Gongyla, while desire
surrounds you. Sing of the lovely one,
how her clinging white dress excited you
as she whirled. Meanwhile, I rejoice
although Aphrodite once chided me
for praying … and yet I still pray to have her.
Sappho, fragment 23
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
… nor were we without longing together,
as flowers long to delight …
Sappho, fragment 44
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
The Wedding of Andromache and Hector
The herald arrived from Cyprus, Idaios, the fleetfooted Trojan messenger, whose ringing voice announced the wedding’s immortal fame to all Asia: “Hector and his companions deliver delightful-eyed delicate Andromache over the salt sea, on ships from holy Thebes and eternal-shored Plakia, with many gold bracelets, fragrant purple garments, iridescent adornments, and countless silver cups and ivory.” As he spoke, Hector’s beloved father sprang joyously to his feet and the report soon reached Hector's friends throughout the sprawling city. Immediately the sons of Ilos, Troy's founder, harnessed mules to smooth-wheeled carriages as throngs of women and slender-ankled virgins climbed aboard. Priam's daughters came in royal carriages. Elsewhere bachelors harnessed stallions to their chariots. From far and wide charioteers rode like gods toward the sacred gathering. Everyone of one accord they set out for Ilion accompanied by the melodies of sweet-voiced flutes, reed pipes and clacking castanets. The virgins sang sacred songs whose silvery echoes brightened the heavens. Everywhere in the streets wine bowls and cups were raised in jubilant toasts. The fragrances of myrrh, cassia and frankincense mingled together, perfuming the wind. The older women cried aloud for joy and the men's voices rang forcefully, calling on the archer Paion Apollo, master of the lyre, as all sang the praises of godlike Hector and Andromache.
Sappho, fragment 132
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
I have a delightful daughter
fairer than the fairest flowers, Cleis,
whom I cherish more than all Lydia and lovely Lesbos.
2.
I have a lovely daughter
with a face like the fairest flowers,
my beloved Cleis …
Sappho, fragment 295
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
I fluttered
after you
like a chick after its mother …
2.
I fluttered
after you
like a chick after its hen …
3.
I flew back like a chick to its hen.
4.
I flew back like a child to its mother.
Sappho, fragment 30
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Stay!
I will lay
out a cushion for you
with the plushest pillows …
Sappho, fragment 46
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
My body descends
and my comfort depends
on your welcoming cushions!
From Herodian, according to Edwin Marion Cox.
Sappho, fragment 140
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
He is dying, Cytherea, the delicate Adonis.
What shall we women do?
Virgins, rend your garments, bare your breasts and abuse them!
Sappho, fragment 168
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Alas, Adonis!
Sappho, fragment 55
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Lady,
soon you'll lie dead, disregarded,
as your worm-eaten corpse like your corpus degrades;
for those who never gathered Pieria's roses
must mutely accept how their memory fades
as they flit among the obscure, uncelebrated
Hadean shades.
2.
Lady,
soon you'll lie dead, disregarded,
as your worm-eaten corpse like your verse degrades;
for those who never gathered Pierian roses
must mutely accept how their reputation fades
among the obscure, uncelebrated
Hadean shades.
3.
Lady,
soon you'll lie dead, disregarded;
then imagine how quickly your reputation fades …
when you who never gathered the roses of Pieria
mutely assume your place
among the obscure, uncelebrated
Hadean shades.
4.
Death shall rule thee
eternally
now, my Lady,
for see:
your name lies useless, silent and forgotten
here and hereafter;
never again will you gather
the roses of Pieria, but only wander
misbegotten,
rotten
and obscure through Hades
flitting forlornly among the dismal shades.
Sappho, unnumbered fragment
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
All mixed up, I drizzled.
Sappho, fragment 34
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Awed by the Moon's splendor,
the stars covered their undistinguished faces.
Even so, we.
2a.
You are,
of all the unapproachable stars,
the fairest.
2b.
You are,
of all the unapproachable stars,
the brightest.
2c.
You are,
of all the unapproachable stars,
by far
the fairest,
the brightest―
possessing the Moon's splendor.
2d.
You are,
compared to every star,
by far
the fairest,
the brightest―
surpassing the Moon's splendor.
3.
The stars lose their luster in the presence of the waxing moon when she graces the earth with her silver luminescence.
4.
The stars, abashed, hide their faces when the full-orbed moon floods the earth with her clear silver light.
5a.
Stars surrounding the brilliant moon pale whenever she lights the earth.
5b.
Stars surrounding the brilliant moon pale whenever she silvers the earth.
Sappho, fragment 39
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
We're merely mortal women,
it's true;
the Goddesses have no rivals
but You.
Sappho, fragment 5
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
We're eclipsed here by your presence—
you outshine all the ladies of Lydia
as the bright-haloed moon outsplendors the stars.
I suspect the fragment above is about Anactoria aka Anaktoria, since Sappho associates Anactoria with Lydia in fragment 16.
Sappho, fragment 16
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Those I most charm
do me the most harm.
2.
Those I charm the most
do me the most harm.
Sappho, fragment 68a
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Apart from me they became like goddesses
in their unrestrained excesses.
Guilty Andromedas. Deceitful Megaras.
Sappho, fragment 62
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
You lay in wait,
beautiful in your garments
beneath a sweet-scented laurel tree,
then ambushed me!
Sappho, fragment 154
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1a.
The moon rose and we women
thronged it like an altar.
1b.
As the full moon rose,
we women
thronged it like an altar.
1c.
Women thronged the altar at moonrise.
2.
All night long
lithe maidens thronged
at the altar of Love.
3.
Maidens throng
at the altar of Love
all night long.
4.
The moon shone, full
as the virgins ringed Love's altar …
Sappho, fragment 2
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Leaving your heavenly summit,
I submit
to the mountain,
then plummet.
Sappho, fragment 129
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
You forget me
or you love another more!
It's over.
2.
It's over!
Who can move
a hard heart?
Sappho, fragment 51
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
I'm undecided.
My mind? Torn. Divided.
2.
Unsure as a babe new-born,
My mind is divided, torn.
3.
I don't know what to do:
My mind is divided, two.
Sappho, fragment 78
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
… nor were we without longing together,
as flowers long to delight …
Sappho, fragment 68a
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Apart from me they became like goddesses
in their unrestrained excesses.
Guilty Andromedas. Deceitful Megaras.
Sappho, fragment 23
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
You lay in wait,
beautiful in your garments
beneath a sweet-scented laurel tree,
then ambushed me!
Sappho, fragment 100
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
When the bride comes
let her train rejoice!
Sappho, fragment 113
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Bridegroom,
was there ever a maid
so like a lovely heirloom?
Sappho, fragment 19
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
You anoint yourself
with the most exquisite perfume.
Sappho, fragment 120
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
I'm no resenter;
I have a childlike heart …
2.
I'm not resentful;
I have a childlike heart …
3.
I'm not spiteful;
I have a childlike heart …
4.
I'm not one who likes to wound,
but have a calm disposition.
Sappho, fragment 126
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
May you sleep, at rest,
on your tender girlfriend’s breast.
2.
May your head gently rest
on the breast
of the tenderest guest.
3.
May your head gently rest
on the tender breast
of the girl you love best.
Sappho, fragment 107
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Is there any good in maidenhood?
2.
Is there any synergy
in virginity?
Sappho, fragment 81
loose translation/interpretation 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 58
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1a.
I confess
that I love a gentle caress,
as I love the sun's ecstatic brilliance.
1b.
I confess
that I love her caresses;
for me Love blazes with the sun’s brilliance.
1c.
I love refinement
and for me Eros
blazes with the sun's beauty, brightness and brilliance.
2.
I love the sensual
as I love the sun's ecstatic brilliance.
3.
I love the sensual
as I love the sun's celestial splendor.
4.
I cherish extravagance,
intoxicated by Love's celestial splendor.
Sappho, fragment 127
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Assemble now, Muses, leaving golden landscapes!
Sappho, fragment 138
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Darling, let me see your face;
unleash your eyes' grace.
2.
Turn to me, favor me
with your eyes' indulgence.
3.
Look me in the face,
smile,
reveal your eyes' grace …
4.
Turn to me, favor me
with your eyes' acceptance.
5.
Darling, let me see your smiling face;
favor me again with your eyes' grace.
Sappho, fragment 38
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
You inflame me!
2.
You ignite and inflame me …
You melt me.
Sappho, fragment 12
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
I am an acolyte
of wile-weaving
Aphrodite.
Sappho, fragment 4
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
What can Sappho possibly offer
all-blessed Aphrodite?
Sappho, fragment 104a
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation 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.
2.
You're the sweetest apple reddening on the highest bough,
which the harvesters missed, or forgot—somehow—
or perhaps just couldn't reach, until now.
3.
You're the sweetest apple reddening on the highest bough,
which the harvesters missed … but, no, …
they just couldn't reach that high.
Sappho, fragment 145
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Prometheus the Fire-Bearer
robbed the Gods of their power
and so
brought mankind and himself to woe …
must you repeat his error?
Sappho, fragment 169
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
May I lead?
Will you follow?
Foolish man!
Ears so hollow,
minds so shallow,
never can!
Sappho, fragments 156
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Your voice—
a sweeter liar
than the lyre,
more dearly bought
and sold,
than gold.
2.
Your voice?—
more melodious than the lyre,
more dearly bought and sold
than gold.
Sappho, fragment 100
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
She wrapped herself then in
most delicate linen.
2.
She wrapped herself in
her most delicate linen.
Sappho, fragment 57
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1a.
That country wench bewitches your heart?
Hell, her most beguiling art's
hiking her dress
to seduce you with her ankles' nakedness!
1b.
That country wench bewitches your heart?
Hell, her most beguiling art
is hiking her dress
to reveal her ankles' nakedness!
2.
That hayseed tart
bewitches your heart?
Hell, her most beguiling art's
hiking her dress
to seduce you with her ankles' nakedness!
Sappho, fragment 54
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Eros
descended from heaven
clad in his imperial purple mantle.
2.
Eros
descends from heaven
wearing his imperial purple mantle.
Sappho, fragment 121
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
As a friend you're great,
but you need a much younger bedmate.
2.
Although you're very dear to me,
please don't be silly!
You need a much younger filly.
3.
Although you're very dear to me
you need a much younger filly;
I'm far too old for you,
and this old mare's just not that damn silly.
Sappho, after Anacreon
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Once again I dive into this fathomless ocean,
intoxicated by lust.
The Legend of Sappho and Phaon, after Menander
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Some say Sappho was an ardent maiden
goaded by wild emotion
to fling herself from the white-frothed rocks of Leukas
into this raging ocean
for love of Phaon …
but others reject that premise
and say it was Aphrodite, for love of Adonis.
Sappho, fragment 140
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Phaon ferried the Goddess across:
the Goddess of Love, so men say
who crowned him with kingly laurels.
Was he crowned for only a day?
Sappho, fragment 105c
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Shepherds trample the larkspur
whose petals empurple the heath,
foreshadowing shepherds' grief.
Sappho, fragment 100
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
The softest pallors grace
her lovely face.
Sappho, fragment 36
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
I yearn for―I burn for―the one I miss!
2.
While you learn,
I burn.
3.
While you try to discern your will,
I burn still.
Sappho, fragment 30
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Virgins, keeping vigil all night long,
go, make a lovely song,
sing of the love you abide
for the violet-robed bride.
Or better yet―arise, regale!
Go entice the eligible bachelors
so that we shocked elders
can sleep less than the love-plagued nightingales!
Sappho, fragment 122
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1a.
A willowy girl plucking wildflowers.
1b.
A willowy girl picking wildflowers.
2.
A tender maiden plucking flowers
persuades the knave
to heroically brave
the world's untender hours.
Sappho, fragment 125
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Love, bittersweet Dispenser of pain,
Weaver of implausible fictions:
flourishes in prosperity,
weeps for life's perversity,
quails before adversity,
dies haggard, believing she's pretty.
Sappho, fragment 201
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Death is evil;
so the Gods decreed
or they would die.
2.
Death is evil; the Gods all agree.
For, had death been good,
the Gods would
be mortal, like me.
Sappho, fragment 43
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Come, dear ones,
let us cease our singing:
morning dawns.
Sappho, fragment 14
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Today
may
buffeting winds bear
all my distress and care
away.
2.
Today
may
buffeting winds bear
away
all my distress and care.
Sappho, fragment 69
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
I gladly returned
to soft arms I once spurned.
2.
Into the soft arms of the girl I once spurned,
I gladly returned.
Sappho, fragment 29
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Since my paps are dry and my barren womb rests,
let me praise lively girls with violet-scented breasts.
Sappho, fragment 1
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Beautiful swift sparrows
rising on whirring wings
flee the dark earth for the sun-bright air …
Sappho, fragment 10
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Girls ripening for marriage wove flowers into garlands.
2.
Girls of the ripening maidenhead wove garlands.
3.
Girls of the ripening maidenhead wore garlands.
Sappho, fragment 94 & 98
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Listen, my dear;
by the Goddess I swear
that I, too,
(like you)
had to renounce my false frigidity
and surrender my virginity.
My wedding night was not so bad;
you too have nothing to fear, so be glad!
(But then why do I sometimes still think with dread
of my lost maidenhead?)
Sappho, fragment 114
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Maidenhead! Maidenhead!
So swiftly departed!
Why have you left me
forever brokenhearted?
Sappho, fragment 2
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch, after Sappho and Tennyson
I sip the cup of costly death;
I lose my color, catch my breath
whenever I contemplate your presence,
or absence.
Sappho, fragment 32
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
The Muses honored me by gifting me works.
2.
The Muses gave me their gifts and made me famous.
3.
They have been very generous with me,
the violet-strewing Muses of Olympus;
thanks to their gifts
I have become famous.
Sappho, fragment 3
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Stars ringing the lovely moon
pale to insignificance
when she illuminates the earth
with her magnificence.
Sappho, fragment 49
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
You have returned!
You did well to not depart
because I pined for you.
Now you have re-lit the torch
I bear for you in my heart,
this flare of Love.
I bless you and bless you and bless you
because we're no longer apart.
Sappho, fragment 52
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Yesterday,
you came to my house
to sing for me.
Today,
I come to you
to return the favor.
Talk to me. Do.
Sweet talk,
I love the flavor!
Please send away your maids
and let us share a private heaven-
haven.
Sappho, fragment 94
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
There was no dance,
no sacred dalliance,
from which we were absent.
Sappho, fragment 152
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
… shot through
with innumerable hues …
Sappho, fragment 46
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
You came and did well to come
because I desired you. You made
love blaze in my breast, thus I bless you …
but not the endless hours when you're gone.
Sappho, fragment 153
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
They call me the sweet-voiced girl, parthenon aduphonon.
Sappho, fragment 94
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
You anointed yourself
with the most exquisite perfume.
Sappho, fragment 42
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
As their hearts froze,
their feathers molted.
2.
As their hearts grew chill
their wings grew still.
3.
Their hearts quieted,
they alighted.
Sappho, fragment 134
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Selene came to Endymion in the cave,
made love to him as he slept,
then crept away before the sun could prove
its light and warmth the more adept.
Sappho, fragment 47
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Eros harrows my heart:
wild winds whipping desolate mountains,
uprooting oaks.
Sappho, fragment 36
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Vain woman, foolish thing!
Do you base your worth on a ring?
Sappho, fragment 52
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
With my two small arms, how can I
think to encircle the sky?
Sappho, fragment 137
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Gold does not rust,
yet my son becomes dust?
Sappho, fragment 48
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
You did well to come and I yearned for you.
Though I burned with desire, you cooled my fevered mind.
Mere air,
my words' fare,
but intoxicating to hear.
—loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Sappho, fragment 9
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Mere breath,
words I command
are nevertheless immortal.
Sappho, fragment 118
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Sing, my sacred tortoiseshell lyre;
come, let my words
accompany your voice.
My Religion
attributed to Sappho
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1a.
I discovered the Goddess in your body's curves and crevasses.
1b.
I found the Goddess in your body's curves and crevasses.
1c.
I sought the Goddess in your body's curves and crevasses.
2a.
My religion consists of your body's curves and crevasses.
2b.
My religion became your body's curves and crevasses.
2c.
I discovered my religion in your body's curves and crevasses.
Sappho, fragment 37
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Pain
drains
me
to
the
last
drop
.
2.
Pain drains me;
may thunderstorms and lightning
strike my condemners.
Sappho, fragment 147
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Someone, somewhere
will remember us,
I swear!
Sappho, fragment 146
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1a.
No droning bee,
nor even the bearer of honey
for me!
1b.
No buzzing bee,
nor even the bearer of honey
for me!
2.
Neither the honey
nor the bee
for me!
Sappho, fragment 168b
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1a.
Midnight.
The hours drone on
as I moan here, alone.
1b.
Midnight.
The hours drone.
I moan,
alone.
2a.
The moon has long since set;
the Pleiades are gone;
now half the night is spent
yet here I lie—alone.
2b.
The moon has long since set;
the Pleiades are gone;
now half the night is spent
yet here I sleep, alone.
Sappho, fragment 119
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
We brought the urn aboard the barge, inscribed:
This is the dust of Timas,
whom Persephone received, unwed, into her bedchamber,
for whom her fellowmaidens in mourning
slashed their soft curls with sharpened blades.
2.
This is the dust of Timas, dead, unwed,
whom Persephone took to her dark bed,
for whom her fellowmaidens, mourning,
hacked off their locks like sheep at a shearing.
Sappho, fragment 21
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
A purple scarf shadowed your face—
a cherished gift from Timas,
sent from Phocaea.
Sappho, fragment 290
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Dancing rhythmically, with light feet,
the Cretan women thronged the altar,
trampling circles in the fine soft flowering grass.
2.
Dancing rhythmically, with light feet,
to the pulsating beat,
Cretan
women thronged the altar in their mass,
trampling circles in the fine soft flowering grass.
Sappho, fragment 128
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Come join us, tender Graces
and lovely-haired Muses,
in our ecstatic dances!
Sappho, fragment 93
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Our playmates are pink-ankled Graces
and golden Aphrodite!
Sappho, fragment 53
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Come, rosy-armed Graces,
Zeus's daughters,
in your perfection!
Sappho, fragment 111
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Raise the rafters, carpenters.
Hoist high the roof-beams!
Hymen Hymenaeus!
Here comes the bridegroom,
statuesque as Ares!
Hymen Hymenaeus!
Sappho, fragment 112
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Lucky bridegroom,
your wedding day has finally arrived
and your alluring bride is your heart’s desire!
Sappho, fragment 32 (Barnard 32)
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Virginity!
Alas my lost Virginity!
Sappho, fragment 57
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Heavy-lidded Slumber, child of Night, claimed them.
Sappho, fragment 57a
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Aphrodite's handmaid, resplendent in gold,
Hecate, Queen of Darkness untold!
Sappho, fragment 63
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Last night, Cyprian,
you and I clashed (s)words
in my dreams.
Sappho, fragment 48
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Now I know why Eros,
of all the gods’ offspring,
is most blessed.
Sappho, fragment 68
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
That was then, this is now!
In those days my maidenhead was in full bloom,
then you …
Sappho, fragment 135
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Golden Persuasion, Aphrodite's daughter,
how you deceive mortals!
Sappho, fragment 88
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Why, Procne,
delicate swallow, daughter of Pandīon,
why do you weary me with tales of woe?
Sappho, fragment 287
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
I once instructed Hero of Gyara, the fleetfooted.
Sappho, fragment 15
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Cypris, may she find you a harsh mistress,
Doricha, the slut!
Put an end to her bragging,
nor let her boast that she fooled him twice,
my brother's embezzler!
Doricha was a courtesan who allegedly caused Sappho's brother Charaxus to lose considerable wealth. Doricha was also known by the pseudonym Rhodopis, which means "rosy-cheeked."
Sappho, fragment 7
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Doricha commands arrogantly,
like young men.
Sappho, fragment 148
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
A vagabond friendship,
a public blessing …
repent Rhodopis!
Sappho, fragment 138
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation 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 148
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Wealth unaccompanied by Character
is a dangerous houseguest,
but together they invite happiness.
Sappho, fragment 201
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Gold is indestructible.
2.
Gold is God's indestructible Child:
the One neither moth nor worm devours.
Sappho, fragment 66
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Ares bragged he'd drag forge-master Hephaestus off by sheer force!
Sappho, fragment 120
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Over fisherman Pelagon's grave his father Meniscus left creel and oar, relics of a luckless life.
Sappho, fragment 143
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
How golden broom brightens riverbanks!
Sappho, fragment 94
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
You remind me of a little girl
I once assisted picking flowers.
Sappho, fragment 95
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Will any woman
born under the sun
ever match your art?
2.
No woman
born under the sun
will ever have your wisdom.
Sappho, fragment 135
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Erinna, why does darkwinged Procne, King Pandion's daughter, beckon?
Sappho, fragment 17
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation 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 168c
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Gaia, rainbow-crowned, garbs herself in myriad hues.
Sappho, fragment 101a
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Undaunted by summer ablaze
the cicada emits its high, shrill song.
Sappho, fragment 103
loose translation/interpretation 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 103b
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Bed the bride with the beautiful feet,
or bring her to me!
Sappho, fragment 141
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation 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
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Dear groom,
to whom
may I compare you?
To a slender sapling.
Sappho, fragment 103c
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
… remembering delightful Arheanassa,
her laughter lovely as any Lorelei's …
2.
… remembering delightful Arheanassa,
her laughter lovely as any water nymph's …
Sappho, fragment 76
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Fulfill?
At my age I'm just hanging on!
Sappho, fragment 45
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
As long as you desire, I do!
2.
As long as you command, I obey!
3.
As long as you will, I submit.
4.
As long as you want me, I'm yours.
Sappho, fragment 50
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
A handsome man pleases the eyes
but a good man pleases.
Sappho, fragment 41
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
For you, O my Beautiful Ones,
my mind is unalterable.
Sappho, fragment 18
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Everyone extols my storytelling:
"better than any man's!"
Sappho, fragment 88
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Though you prefer not to get carried away
and may imagine someone sweeter to behold,
someone who may yet say "Yes!"
still I will love you as long as there's breath in me,
swallowing the bitter,
ever the faithful lover.
Sappho, fragment 158
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
When anger floods your chest,
best to still a reckless tongue.
Sappho, fragment 129
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
They say Sappho's sweetest utterance
Was the hymeneal hymn of Love.
Sappho, fragment 153
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Queen Dawn,
solemn Dawn,
come!
Sappho, fragment 26
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Why, Mistress Aphrodite,
Dominatrix! Why do you
fill me with such lust? Why
inflict such suffering on me?
When I prayed to you in the past,
you never treated me with such indifference!
Sappho, fragment 132
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Love, the child of Aphrodite and heaven;
Sappho, of earth;
Who had the more divine birth?
In the following 101 short translations the fragment numbers are Lobel-Page unless otherwise noted. 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)
Let's go ogle golden-armed Lady Dawn before our doom. (6b)
It's impossible to be happy and human; yet I still pray a share for myself, of happiness. (16a)
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)
Colorful Lydian sandals covered her feet. So beautiful! (39)
At your altar, unforgiving Mistress, I will sacrifice a white goat and offer libations. (40)
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)
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)
Andromeda may have abandoned you, but I, Aphrodite, Queen of Cyprus, still love you, Sappho, as the sun illuminates everything, everywhere; even by the dewy banks of Acheron, I am with you. (65)
I come to join the harmonies of a joyful chorus: sweet-toned, clear-voiced. (70)
Aphrodite, goddess of sweet-sung desires, sits on her throne of blooms in the beautiful dew. (73)
Aphrodite, sweet-talking goddess of love, sits on her throne of blooms in the beautiful dew. (73)
Joy? What joy? You gave me nothing: though beautiful, always unsmiling. (77)
She was all hair, otherwise nothing. (80)
Mnasidika is more curvaceous than even our soft Gyrinno. (82a)
Wait here once again, because … I come! (84)
You enrich me, like listening to an old man. (85)
We, having left rumors behind, departed people in a frenzy, tearing out their hair. (87)
Atthis, so charming in the bedroom, but otherwise hateful, proud and aloof, her teeth clicking like castanets. (87a)
Though you caused my soul and my heart sorrow, here's a small truth: I will always say "I love you" with a true heart. (88a)
Persuasion, Aphrodite's fledgling, with her broad, arrogant wings, sped me to Gyrinno, then to graceful Atthis. (90)
Irana, you're the biggest pain I've ever met! (91)
… saffron-dyed Phrygian purple robes and rugs … (92)
Later Polyanaktidis takes the lyre, strums the chords till they vibrate softly, and yet the sound pierces bones and melts the marrow. (99a)
Sons of Zeus, come to your rites from wooded Gryneia, here to our oracle! Then let the ritual songs begin! (99b)
Expensive gifts, these scented purple headscarves Mnasis sent us from Phokaia. (101)
Gorgo took her many insignificant verses to Cyprus, to be admired by many. (103a)
Lesbos's singers reign supreme! (106)
Lesbian singers out-sing all others. (106)
… a most beautiful, graceful girl … (108)
The doorkeep’s feet are seven fathoms long, fill five oxhides, and it took ten cobblers to strap his sandals! (110)
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)
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)
They've all had their fill of Gorgo. (144)
Nightlong celebration wearies their eyes, then closes them. (149)
Our eyes embrace the black sleep of night. (151)
… many colors mingled … (152)
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)
She's fonder of children than cradlerobber Gello. (168a)
We ran like fawns from the symposium: me, Cleis and reckless Gongyla. (168d)
Destiny is from the Muses, / and thus I was destined to leave him / to become / Sappho, Mistress of Song. (168e,f)
Unknowing of evil, I was pure innocence. (171)
Eros, pain-inducer, desist! (172)
She grew like a trellis vine. (173)
Mighty Zeus, World-Holder! (180)
Little is learned with an easy passage, much by a hard. (181)
May I go, or must you? (182)
Eros gusting blew my heart to pieces. (183)
I live in danger of too much love. (184)
Men fell in love with my honeyed voice, but I fell for girls. (185)
Sappho: Let me be one of the Muses when I die! Aphrodite: Granted! (187)
Eros, story-weaver, never a happy ending? (188)
I was very wise, except in the ways of love. (190)
That girl grew curvy and curly, like celery. (191)
We raised golden goblets inlaid with ivory and toasted the stars. (192)
I once instructed Hero of Gyara, the fleetfooted runner. (287)
We collapsed, drenched in sweat on both sides. (288)
Dawn spilled down the high mountains. (289)
Trading rosy health for less heartache, I fled my girlish youth. (291)
Such a boy once drove his chariot to Thebes, while Malis spun his fate on her spindle. (292, Malis was a Lydian war goddess)
"Thorneater?" That doesn't offend irongutted Arcadians! (293)
Hecate, Aphrodite's golden-armored ally, Queen of the Underworld. (294)
Learn from Admetus to love the courageous and avoid cowards, who seldom show gratitude. (296)
The black earth absorbed grief-stricken tears along with the interred sons of Atreus. (297)
Nightingale, sing your song and I'll sing along. (298)
Aphrodite, my mind is troubled. I'm still your servant, but Atthis remains a headstrong child. (299)
As when before your light streamed like honey but I was in darkness still. (300)
She is lovely as before, but where now is Hope? (300a)
Aphrodite, do you not love the windlike dances / of beautiful, apple-cheeked Abanthis? (301)
Cyprian, how splendid your altar ablaze in blue, silver and gold. Yet you all the more amazing! (302)
The bride lovely as dawn's unfolding sky, the groom nearly as handsome. (303)
Cyprian, here we come, singing songs and offering libations! (304)
A graceful girl, shy as a fawn and as flighty. (305)
Glorious passions! Passions uproarious! (306)
Sappho, fragment 306a
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
O most revered Queen of Heaven,
Golden Aphrodite!
Blessed above all mortal women,
and blessed by them …
Goddess, come!
Aphrodite, most beautiful,
enter with your train of elegant attendants!
Arise now for me,
honeysweet Aphrodite!
Meet me with greetings holy and divine!
Be mine!
What ecstasies, O my Queen,
shall we revel in at midnight?
THE LONGER POEMS OF SAPPHO
Unfortunately, the only completely intact poem left by Sappho is her "Ode to Aphrodite" or "Hymn to Aphrodite" (an interesting synchronicity since Sappho is best known as a love poet and Aphrodite was the ancient Greek goddess of love). However, "That man is peer of the gods" and the first poem below, variously titled “The Anactoria Poem,” “Helen’s Eidolon” and “Some People Say …” are largely intact. Was Sappho the author of the world's first "make love, not war" poem?
"Some Say"
Sappho, fragment 16
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Warriors on rearing chargers,
columns of infantry,
fleets of warships:
some call these the dark earth's redeeming visions.
But I say—
the one I desire.
Nor am I unique
because she who so vastly surpassed all other mortals in beauty
—Helen—
seduced by Aphrodite, led astray by desire,
departed for distant Troy,
abandoning her celebrated husband,
deserting her parents and child!
Her story reminds me of Anactoria,
who has also departed,
and whose lively dancing and lovely face
I would rather see than all Lydia's horsemen, war-chariots
and columns of infantry parading in flashing armor.
Sappho, fragment 31
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
To the brightness of Love
not destroying the sight—
sweet, warm noonday sun
lightening things dun:
whence comes the Night?
Ode to Anactoria
Sappho, fragment 31
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
How can I compete with that damned man
who fancies himself one of the gods,
impressing you with his "eloquence" …
when just the thought of basking in your radiant presence,
of hearing your lovely voice and lively laughter,
sets my heart hammering at my breast?
Hell, when I catch just a quick glimpse of you,
I'm left speechless, tongue-tied,
and immediately a blush like a delicate flame reddens my skin.
Then my vision dims with tears,
my ears ring,
I sweat profusely,
and every muscle twitches or trembles.
When the blood finally settles,
I'm paler and wetter than the limpest grass.
Then, in my exhausted madness,
I'm as dull as the dead.
And yet I must risk all, being bereft without you …
Ode to Anactoria
Sappho, fragment 31
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
To me that boy seems
blessed by the gods
because he sits beside you,
basking in your brilliant presence.
My heart races at the sound of your voice!
Your laughter?—bright water, dislodging pebbles
in a chaotic vortex. I can't catch my breath!
My heart bucks in my ribs. I can't breathe. I can't speak.
My breasts glow with intense heat;
desire's blush-inducing fires redden my flesh.
My ears seem hollow; they ring emptily.
My tongue is broken and cleaves to its roof.
I sweat profusely. I shiver.
Suddenly, I grow pale
and feel only a second short of dying.
And yet I must endure, somehow,
despite my poverty.
Sappho, fragment 31
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
… at the sight of you,
words fail me …
Sappho, fragment 31
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Your voice beguiles me.
Your laughter lifts my heart's wings.
If I listen to you, even for a moment, I am left stunned, speechless.
The following are Sappho's poems for Atthis aka Attis aka Athis …
Sappho, fragment 49
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
I loved you, Atthis, long ago …
even when you seemed a graceless child.
2.
I fell in love with you, Atthis, long ago …
You seemed immature to me then, and not all that graceful.
3.
I loved you, little monkey-faced Atthis, long ago …
when you still seemed a graceless child.
4.
I loved you Atthis, long ago,
when my girlhood was a heyday of flowers
and you seemed but an awkward adolescent.
Sappho, fragment 131
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
You desert me, Atthis,
as if you find me distasteful,
flitting off to Andromeda …
2.
Atthis, you forsake me
and flit off to Andromeda …
Ode to Anactoria or Ode to Atthis or Ode to Gongyla
Sappho, fragment 94
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
So my Atthis has not returned
and thus, let the truth be said,
I wish I were dead …
"Honestly, I just want to die!"
Atthis sighed,
shedding heartfelt tears,
inconsolably sad
when she
left me.
"How deeply we have loved,
we two,
Sappho!
Oh,
I really don't want to go!"
I answered her tenderly,
"Go as you must
and be happy,
trust-
ing your remembrance of me,
for you know how much
I loved you.
And if you begin to forget,
please try to recall
all
the heavenly emotions we felt
as with many wreathes of violets,
roses and crocuses
you sat beside me
adorning your delicate neck.
Once garlands had been fashioned of many woven flowers,
with much expensive myrrh
we anointed our bodies, like royalty
on soft couches,
then my tender caresses
fulfilled your desire …"
Sappho, fragment 96
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
Our beloved Anactoria dwells in distant Sardis, but her thoughts often return to the life we shared together here, when she saw you as a goddess incarnate, robed in splendor, and loved to hear you singing her praises. Now she surpasses all Sardinian women, as, rising at sunset the rosy-fingered moon outshines the surrounding stars, illuminating salt seas and flowering meadows alike. Thus the delicate dew sparkles, the rose revives, and the tender chervil and sweetclover blossom. Now oftentimes when our beloved wanders aimlessly, she is reminded of gentle Atthis; then her heart assaults her tender breast with painful pangs and she cries aloud for us to console her. Truly, we understand the distress she feels, because Night, the many-eared, calls to us from across the dividing sea. But to go there is not easy, nor to rival a goddess in her loveliness.
The following translation is based on an imaginative translation by Willis Barnstone. The source fragment has major gaps.
Sappho, fragment 96
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
How can mortal women rival the goddesses in beauty? But you may have come closest of all, or second to only Helen! With much love for you Aphrodite poured nectar from a gold decanter and with gentle hands Persuasion bade you drink. Now at the Geraistos shrine, of all the women dear to me, none compares to you.
Sappho, fragment 92
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
“Sappho, if you don’t leave your room,
I swear I’ll never love you again!
Get out of bed, rise and shine on us,
take off your Chian nightdress,
then, like a lily floating in a pond,
enter your bath. Cleis will bring you
a violet frock and lovely saffron blouse
from your clothes-chest. Then we’ll adorn
you with a bright purple mantle and crown
your hair with flowers. So come, darling,
with your maddening beauty,
while Praxinoa roasts nuts for our breakfast.
The gods have been good to us,
for today we’re heading at last to Mytilene
with you, Sappho, the loveliest of women,
like a mother among daughters.” Dearest
Atthis, those were fine words,
but now you forget everything!
Sappho, fragment 98
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
1.
My mother said that in her youth
a purple ribband
was considered an excellent adornment,
but we were dark
and for blondes with hair brighter than torches
it was better to braid garlands of fresh flowers.
2.
My mother said that in her youth
to bind one's hair in back,
gathered together by a purple plaited circlet,
was considered an excellent adornment,
but for blondes with hair brighter than torches
it was better to braid garlands of fresh flowers,
or more recently, to buy colorful headbands from Sardis
and other Ionian cities.
But for you, my dearest Cleis,
I have no iridescent headband
to match your hair's vitality!
Sappho, fragment 41
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
For you, fair maidens, my mind does not equivocate.
Hymn to Aphrodite
by Sappho
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Immortal Aphrodite, throned in splendor!
Wile-weaving daughter of Zeus, enchantress and beguiler!
I implore you, dread mistress, discipline me no longer
with such vigor!
But come to me once again in kindness,
heeding my prayers, as you did so graciously before;
O, come Divine One, descend once more
from heaven's golden dominions!
Then, with your chariot yoked to love's
white consecrated doves,
their multitudinous pinions aflutter,
you came gliding from heaven's shining heights,
to this dark gutter.
Swiftly they came and vanished, leaving you,
O my Goddess, smiling, your face eternally beautiful,
asking me what unfathomable longing compelled me
to cry out.
Asking me what I sought in my bewildered desire.
Asking, "Who has harmed you, why are you so alarmed,
my poor Sappho? Whom should Persuasion
summon here?"
"Although today she flees love, soon she will pursue you;
spurning love's gifts, soon she shall give them;
tomorrow she will woo you,
however unwillingly!"
Come to me now, O most Holy Aphrodite!
Free me now from my heavy heartache and anguish!
Graciously grant me all I request!
Be once again my ally and protector!
"Hymn to Aphrodite" is the only poem by Sappho of Lesbos to survive in its entirety.
Sappho, fragment 2
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Come, Cypris, from Crete
to meet me at this holy temple
where a lovely grove of apples awaits our presence
bowering altars
fuming with frankincense.
Here brisk waters babble beneath apple branches,
the grounds are overshadowed by roses,
and through their trembling leaves
deep sleep descends.
Here the horses will nibble flowers
as we gorge on apples
and the breezes blow
honey-sweet with nectar…
Here, Cypris, we will gather up garlands,
pour the nectar gratefully into golden cups
and with gladness
commence our festivities.
The Brothers Poem
by Sappho
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
… but you’re always prattling about Kharaxos
returning with his ship's hold full. As for that,
Zeus and the gods alone know, so why indulge
idle fantasies?
Rather release me, since I am commending
numerous prayers to mighty Queen Hera,
asking that his undamaged ship might safely return
Kharaxos to us.
Then we will have serenity. As for
everything else, leave it to the gods
because calm seas often follow
sudden squalls
and those whose fortunes the gods transform
from unmitigated disaster into joy
have received a greater blessing
than prosperity.
Furthermore, if Larikhos raises his head
from this massive depression, we shall
see him become a man, lift ours and
stand together.
Sappho, fragment 58
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Virgins, be zealous for the violet-scented Muses' lovely gifts
and those of melodious lyre …
but my once-supple skin sags now;
my arthritic bones creak;
my ravenblack hair's turned white;
my lighthearted heart's grown heavy;
my knees buckle;
my feet, once fleet as fawns, fail the dance.
I often bemoan my fate … but what's the use?
Not to grow old is, of course, not an option.
I am reminded of Tithonus, adored by Dawn with her arms full of roses,
who, overwhelmed by love, carried him off beyond death's dark dominion.
Handsome for a day, but soon withered with age,
he became an object of pity to his ageless wife.
And yet I still love life's finer things and have been granted brilliance, abundance and beauty.
And now, in closing, these are poems dedicated to the Divine Sappho:
Sappho's Rose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
The rose is—
the ornament of the earth,
the glory of nature,
the archetype of the flowers,
the blush of the meadows,
a lightning flash of beauty.
Sappho’s Lullaby
by Michael R. Burch
for Jeremy
Hushed yet melodic, the hills and the valleys
sleep unaware of the nightingale's call
as the dew-laden lilies lie
listening,
glistening …
this is their night, the first night of fall.
Son, tonight, a woman awaits you;
she is more vibrant, more lovely than spring.
She'll meet you in moonlight,
soft and warm,
all alone …
then you'll know why the nightingale sings.
Just yesterday the stars were afire;
then how desire flashed through my veins!
But now I am older;
night has come,
I’m alone …
for you I will sing as the nightingale sings.