University of Virginia Library

FRAGMENTS OF SAPPHO.

FRAGMENT I.

[The Pleiads now no more are seen]

The Pleiads now no more are seen,
Nor shines the silver Moon serene,
In dark and dismal Clouds o'ercast;
The love appointed Hour is past:
Midnight usurps her sable Throne,
And yet, alas! I lie alone.

FRAGMENT II.

[Whene'er the Fates resume thy Breath]

FRAGMENT III. TO VENUS.

Venus , Queen of Smiles and Love,
Quit, O! quit the Skies above;
To my lowly Roof descend,
At the mirthful Feast attend;
Hand the golden Goblet round,
With delicious Nectar crown'd:
None but joyous Friends you'll see,
Friends of Venus, and of me.

FRAGMENT IV.

[Cease, gentle Mother, cease your sharp Reproof]

Cease, gentle Mother, cease your sharp Reproof,
My Hands no more can ply the curious Woof,
While on my Mind the Flames of Cupid prey,
And lovely Phaon steals my Soul away.

FRAGMENT V. ON THE ROSE.

Would Jove appoint some Flower to reign
In matchless Beauty on the Plain,
The Rose (Mankind will all agree)
The Rose the Queen of Flowers should be;
The Pride of Plants, the Grace of Bowers,
The Blush of Meads, the Eye of Flowers:
Its Beauties charm the Gods above;
Its Fragrance is the Breath of Love;
Its Foliage wantons in the Air
Luxuriant, like the flowing Hair;
It shines in blooming Splendor gay,
While Zephyrs on its Bosom play.

[Ye Muses, ever fair and young]

Ye Muses, ever fair and young,
High-seated on the golden Throne,
Anacreon sent to me a Song
In sweetest Numbers, not his own;
For, by your sacred Raptures fir'd,
The Poet warbled what the Muse inspir'd.