SAPPHO
(Lobel-Page 94 – Σαπφώ – English translation)
NOTE: There is debate surrounding the nature of this fragment. Edmonds' reconstruction suggests the "reliev[ed] ... desire" is for "delicacies", but it may well be for something erotic, as reconstructions in this case are all quite questionable.
To be dead: for this I genuinely wish.
She faced me weeping – as she was leaving me
– Many tears, and this she said to me:
"Oh, dear me! how terribly I suffer,
Sappho; I swear, from you unwillingly I go."
To her I, with these words, replied:
"Farewell now, go on – and something of me
Remember; for you know how we'd regaled you.
"If not – well, even so, it's you I want to
Remind that [
As gentle and beautiful as we'd gone through.
"For many flower-crowns of violets
And roses – crocuses, too, twined with
Reed-stalks – beside me you'd put on;
"And many garlanded necklaces
Wreathed around your tender throat, where
You laid them down, from blossoms made;
"And many persistent-scented perfumes,
Luxurious and beautiful, over your skin
You'd lavished, full regal;
"And upon a smooth-spread bed, soft and
Supple, with delicacies you would
Relieve your desire promptly, as girls do;
"And neither any [⠀⠀⠀] nor any
Sacred [
There was where we didn't find ourselves;
"No grove [⠀⠀⠀] choir
] sound
]