'I loved you Atthis, once upon a time
...You seemed to me a little girl without charm' (fr.49)
from Sappho 96
(...turning to such thoughts)
She, like a goddess manifest
Found in your song her full delight.
Now she appears out of all Lydian women
As after sunset, when the rosy-fingered moon,
Whose light surpasses all the stars,
Spreads over the salty sea:
When all the fields aflower-
As beauteous dew seeps roses bloom:
With merliot blossum as with tender cheril.
She walks to and fro, remembering gentle Atthis
Her spirits heavy longing in her youthful heart.
II
……(envoi)
Go…
…many…say
Tis not simple being goddess
Such loveliness of form…..
Love….
….Aphrodite….
….pour nectar
Out of golden cups…..
…..with hands of Persuation…
To the Garaesteum
…beloved
Sappho's Love-Song of Athhis in sardis
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