Sappho

Someone, I tell you, in another time, will remember us.

Although it is only a small place, it is well-built.

And I will sing of the beautiful things that I have seen.

For when I look at you, it seems to me that I am looking at the face of a goddess.

Love shook my soul, like a wind on the mountain, rushing over the oak trees.

The moon has set, and the Pleiades; it is midnight, and time passes, and I sleep alone.

Come, divine Lyre, speak to me.

And you, my love, you are like a flower.

I have not heard a word from her, and I am in great distress.

Some say that a host of cavalry, others of infantry, and others of ships, is the most beautiful thing on the dark earth, but I say it is that which one loves.

The most beautiful sight in the world is the one you love.

I have a beautiful daughter, Cleis, like a golden flower.

Deathless Aphrodite on your rich-wrought throne, / O scheming daughter of Zeus, I beseech you.

Come to me now, then, free me from bitter / anxiety, labor for what I pray.

He seems to me equal to gods that man / whoever he is who opposite you / sits and listens close / to your sweet speaking

And this makes my heart tremble in my breast.

For when I look at you a moment, then / I can speak no more, but my tongue breaks

The stars about the fair moon, when it is night and / the moon shines full and bright

Hide their bright faces.

Although they are / only breath, words / which I command / are immortal.