Sappho/Fragment 1, Hymn to Aphrodite

Fragment 1, Hymn to Aphrodite (Greek)

Sappho

                 I

Shimmering-throned immortal Aphrodite,

Daughter of Zeus, Enchantress, I implore thee,

Spare me, O queen, this agony and anguish,

Crush not my spirit

                 II

Whenever before thou has hearkened to me--

To my voice calling to thee in the distance,

And heeding, thou hast come, leaving thy father's

Golden dominions,

                 III

With chariot yoked to thy fleet-winged coursers,

Fluttering swift pinions over earth's darkness,

And bringing thee through the infinite, gliding

Downwards from heaven,

                  IV

Then, soon they arrived and thou, blessed goddess,

With divine contenance smiling, didst ask me

What new woe had befallen me now and why,

Thus I had called the.

                  V

What in my mad heart was my greatest desire,

Who was it now that must feel my allurements,

Who was the fair one that must be persuaded,

Who wronged thee Sappho?

                  VI

For if now she flees, quickly she shall follow

And if she spurns gifts, soon shall she offer them

Yea, if she knows not love, soon shall she feel it

Even reluctant.

                  VII

Come then, I pray, grant me surcease from sorrow,

Drive away care, I beseech thee, O goddess

Fulfil for me what I yearn to accomplish,

Be thou my ally.