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On the throne of many hues, Immortal Aphrodite,
child of Zeus, weaving wiles--I beg you
not to subdue my spirit, Queen,
with pain or sorrow |
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but come--if ever before
having heard my voice from far away
you listened, and leaving your father's
golden home you came |
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in your chariot yoked with swift, lovely
sparrows bringing you over the dark earth
thick-feathered wings swirling down
from the sky through mid-air |
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arriving quickly--you, Blessed One,
with a smile on your unaging face
asking again what have I suffered
and why am I calling again |
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and in my wild heart what did I most wish
to happen to me: "Again whom must I persuade
back into the harness of your love?
Sappho, who wrongs you? |
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For if she flees, soon she'll pursue,
she doesn't accept gifts, but she'll give,
if not now loving, soon she'll love
even against her will." |
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Come to me now again, release me from
this pain, everything my spirit longs
to have fulfilled, fulfill, and you
be my ally |
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Sapphic
Erotica |
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