Quotes from Sappho

Now the Earth with many flowers puts on her spring embroidery

Raise high the roof beam, carpenters. Like Ares comes the bridegroom, taller far than a tall man.

you will remember ]for we in our youth did these things yes many and beautiful things ] ] ]

stars around the beautiful moon hide back their luminous form whenever all full she shines on the earth silvery

Come to me once more, and abate my torment; Take the bitter care from my mind, and give me All I long for; Lady, in all my battles Fight as my comrade.

No holy place existed without us then, no woodland, no dance, no sound. Beyond all hope, I prayed those timeless days we spent might be made twice as long. I prayed one word: I want. Someone, I tell you, will remember us, even in another time.

If you are squeamish Don't prod the beach rubble.

Although they are only breath, words which I command are immortal

What creature is it that is female in nature and hides in its womb unborn children who, although they are voiceless, speak to people far away? The female creature is a letter. The unborn children are the letters (of the alphabet) it carries. And the letters, although they have no voices, speak to people far away.

I want to say something but shame prevents me yet if you had a desire for good or beautiful things and your tongue were not concocting some evil to say, shame would not hold down your eyes but rather you would speak about what is just

and on a soft bed delicate you would let loose your longing

Because I prayed this word: I want

Although only breath, words which I speak are immortal.

She who loves roses must be patient and not cry out when she is pierced by thorns.

gathering flowers so very delicate a girl

I don't know what to do two states of mind in me

I was dreaming of you but] just then Dawn, in her golden sandals [woke me]

When they were tired Night rained her thick dark sleep upon their eyes.

for when i look at you, even a moment, no speaking is left in me no: tongue breaks and thin fire is racing under skin

I simply want to be dead. Weeping she left me with many tears and said this: Oh how badly things have turned out for us. Sappho, I swear, against my will I leave you. And I answered her: Rejoice, go and remember me. For you know how we cherished you.

Mere air, these words, but delicious to hear.

Eros the melter of limbs (now again) stirs me - sweetbitter unmanageable creature who steals in

For me, neither the honey nor the bee.

of all stars the most beautiful