Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/86

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From bonds of piercing agony

And gloomy care.

Yet come thyself, if e'er, benign,

Thy listening ears thou didst incline

To my rude lay, the starry shine

Of Jove's court leaving,

In chariot yoked with coursers fair,

Thine own immortal birds that bear

Thee swift to earth, the middle air

With bright wings cleaving.

Soon they were sped—and thou, most blest,

In thine own smiles ambrosial dressed,

Didst ask what griefs my mind oppressed—

What meant my song—

What end my frenzied thoughts pursue—

For what loved youth I spread anew

My amorous nets—"Who, Sappho, who

Hath done thee wrong?

What though he fly, he'll soon return—

Still press thy gifts, though now he spurn;

Heed not his coldness—soon he'll burn,

E'en though thou chide."

—And saidst thou thus, dread goddess? O,

Come then once more to ease my woe;

Grant all, and thy great self bestow,

My shield and guide!

-3em

as the immortal gods is he,

The youth who fondly sits by thee,

And hears and sees thee all the while

Softly speak and sweetly smile.