SAPPHO
(Lobel-Page 5 – Σαπφώ – English translation)
Cypris and Nereids: unharmed
Grant that my brother reaches hither;
That whatever his heart desires to realize
All sees fulfillment;
That whatever wrongs he'd once done, he atones for;
And that he is cause for rejoicing to his friends
And for dismay to his enemies; may we no more
Lament for anyone's sake hereafter.
May he readily give thought to his sister
In the allotment of honor, but from baleful sorrow
Unbind her: those things I'd once grieved
Had crushed my
Heart. Now he overhears reproach – sharp on his skin
As cuts, and on our many honors – from his own townsmen;
Though they briefly quieten when he's home, peace doesn't
Ever last long.
But listen! if – Goddess – my honeyed songs have
Warmed your heart, then you – Cypris – make the terrors of
Night all die down; against blossoming evil
Ward us!