Sappho: Ode to Aphrodite

On the throne of many hues, Immortal Aphrodite, child of Zeus, weaving wiles: I beg you, do not break my spirit, O Queen, with pain or sorrow but come--if ever before from far away you heard my voice and listened, and leaving your father's golden home you came, your chariot yoked with lovely sparrows drawing you quickly over the dark earth in a whirling cloud of wings down the sky through midair, suddenly here. Blessed One, with a smile on your deathless face, you ask what have I suffered again and why do I call again and what in my wild heart do I most wish would happen: "Once again who must I persuade to turn back to your love? Sappho, who wrongs you? If now she flees, soon she'll chase. If rejecting gifts, then she'll give. If not loving, soon she'll love even against her will." Come to me now--release me from these troubles, everything my heart longs to have fulfilled, fulfill, and you be my ally. Translation by Rayor  Rayor, Diane. Sappho: A New Translation of the Complete Works, Cambridge University Press, 2014. Introduction & notes by André Lardinois. Thank you for listening to our episode zero! You can follow us on Twitter & Instagram @sweetbitterpod. You can support us on patreon.com/sweetbitter - sign up before November 1st at any level for a free Sweetbitter tote bag.   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy