Sappho

Greek lyric poet

Ancient influential 32 sayings

Sayings by Sappho

My tongue is broken, a subtle fire runs beneath my skin, my eyes see nothing, my ears hum, cold sweat pours down me, a trembling seizes all my body, and I am greener than grass.

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a lyric poem, Fragment 31 (often referred to as 'Ode to Anactoria' or 'To a Beloved Woman'), de…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a lyric poem, Fragment 168 (or 10A), expressing loneliness.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Death must be an evil and the gods agree; for why else would they live for ever?

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a lyric poem, Fragment 171 (or 10A), questioning the nature of death and divine immortality.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Once again love drives me on, that loosener of limbs, bittersweet creature against which nothing can be done.

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a lyric poem, Fragment 130, describing the overpowering nature of love.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

May I write words more naked than flesh, stronger than bone, more resilient than sinew, sensitive than nerve.

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a poetic fragment, expressing a desire for raw, powerful language.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you are squeamish, don't prod the beach rubble.

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a poetic fragment, possibly an admonition or a statement about encountering harsh realities.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

What cannot be said will be wept.

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a poetic fragment, implying deep, inexpressible sorrow.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Virginity, virginity, when you leave me, where do you go? I am gone and never come back to you. I never return.

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a lyric poem, Fragment 114, a poignant and direct address to virginity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My blood with gentle horrors thrilled: My feeble pulse forgot to play; I fainted, sunk, and died away.

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a lyric poem, describing intense physical and emotional sensations, possibly related to love or…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

On mountainous terrain, Eros, with a stroke, Shattered my brain.

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a poetic fragment, a vivid and violent metaphor for the overwhelming power of love.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am weary of all your words and soft, strange ways.

c. 7th-6th Century BCE — From a poetic fragment, expressing a sense of disillusionment or exhaustion with someone's demeanor.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I want to tell you something but good taste. Restrains me.

c. 630-570 BC (original composition) — Fragment 168B, as translated by Anne Carson in 'If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho'
Humorous Unverifiable

No honey for me, if it comes with a bee.

c. 630-570 BC (original composition) — Fragment, commonly attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

I can't stand being the old one any longer, Living with you.

c. 630-570 BC (original composition) — Fragment 58, as translated by Mary Barnard
Humorous Unverifiable

I would not think to touch the sky with two arms.

c. 630-570 BC (original composition) — Fragment, commonly attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

The gorgeous man presents a gorgeous view; The good man will in time be gorgeous, too.

c. 630-570 BC (original composition) — Fragment, as translated by Mary Barnard
Humorous Unverifiable

When anger spreads through the breath, guard thy tongue from barking idly.

c. 630-570 BC (original composition) — Fragment, commonly attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

Love is a cunning weaver of fantasies and fables.

c. 630-570 BC (original composition) — Fragment, commonly attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

Sweet mother, I truly cannot weave my web; for I am o'erwhelmed through Aphrodite with love of a slender youth.

c. 630-570 BC (original composition) — Fragment 102, as translated by Henry Thornton Wharton
Humorous Unverifiable

And I'm an inch from dying.

c. 630-570 BC (original composition) — Fragment 31, as translated by A.S. Kline
Humorous Unverifiable