Page:The Poems of Sappho (1924).djvu/30

24 character of Sappho did undoubtedly suffer from attack both direct and by insinuation, and also because her name was often used by those who were merely repeating the unsubstantiated statements of others in order to personify something decadent and depraved. However, at the same time that this state of affairs existed some more appreciative and discerning writers were already calling attention to the pre-eminent qualities of genius which the then known remains of her poems patently showed.

It is, however, well to keep in mind the fact that, no matter what weight we may give to the evidence either for or against the spotlessness of the personal character of Sappho, a decision on this subject should not in any way influence our estimate of her poetic genius. Taking into consideration all of the facts and conjectures at our disposal, the most unfavourable verdict which could with justice be rendered upon the question of these alleged moral derelictions is one of “not proven.” As to the personal appearance of Sappho, we have nothing but some untrustworthy tradition to assist us. She has been described as small and dark, and remembering her race, this may well have been the case.

There are really no contemporary authentic coins, statues, or medallions representing her in existence, although for many decades and even some centuries after her death she was represented upon coins, and more rarely upon vases. Such a vase of about the fifth century B.C., found at Agri-