Classic Poem

(S APPHO .)

Mighty Queen of Love, deathless Aphrodite,
Daughter of great Zeus, weaver of enchantments,
Torture not my heart with distress and anguish!
Hear me, I pray thee!

Oh, come hither now, if thou heardst me ever
Calling on thy name, and didst deign to listen,
Leaving thy august father's golden mansion
At my entreating.

To thy chariot yoked, fair fleet sparrows drew thee,
Flapping fast their wings; round the dark earth circling,
From the lofty heaven down through middle ether
Quickly descending.

And thou, blessed one, smiling and immortal,
Didst thus question me, " Wherefore dost thou call me?
Whom does thy mad heart now desire to love thee?
Who slights thee, Sappho?

" Ev'n though now he flies, he shall soon pursue thee;
Though he slights thy gifts, he shall bring thee many;
If he loves thee not, yet he soon shall love thee,
Though now unwilling. "

Hark to my appeal! from my grief release me,
All my heart desires, in thy might accomplish;
Be thou my ally in my need and weakness!
Help me, O goddess!