Artfully adorned Aphrodite, deathless
child of Zeus and weaver of wiles I beg you
please don't hurt me, don't overcome my spirit,
...........goddess, with longing,
but come here, if ever at other moments
hearing these my words from afar you listened
and responded: leaving your father's house, all
...........golden, you came then,
hitching up your chariot: lovely sparrows
drew you quickly over the dark earth, whirling
on fine beating wings from the heights of heaven
...........down through the sky and
instantly arrived—and then O my blessed
goddess with a smile on your deathless face you
asked me what the matter was this time, what I
...........called you for this time,
what I now most wanted to happen in my
raving heart: "Whom this time should I persuade to
lead you back again to her love? Who now, oh
...........Sappho, who wrongs you?
If she flees you now, she will soon pursue you;
if she won't accept what you give, she'll give it;
if she doesn't love you, she'll love you soon now,
...........even unwilling."
Come to me again, and release me from this
want past bearing. All that my heart desires to
happen—make it happen. And stand beside me,
...........Goddess, my ally.
From Jim Powell's Sappho: A Garland
