Poems of Sappho

31 OF LOVE

offspring of Earth and Heaven

11 TO CERTAIN SEEMING-FORTUNATE WOMEN

But to me

The Muses gave true wealth, and when I die

I shall not be forgot.

I want to learn it and die.’

and for me brightness and beauty belong to the desire of the sunlight

For when I look on you,
Then methinks Hermionè
Was never such as you to see,
And I can say with better grace
That Helen’s likeness is in your face
Than any maiden’s of mortal race;
Nay, I’d set you higher,
And to your beauty’s altar bring
All my mind’s thought for offering
And all my heart’s desire.

remembered be by one
Whose sweet footfall I’d rather hear,
Whose beaming smile I’d rather see,
Than all the Lydian chariotry
And mighty men of war.