“Eros, again now, the loosener of limbs troubles me,Bittersweet, sly, uncontrollable creature….”

“Once again love drives me on, that loosener of limbs, bittersweet creature against which nothing can be done.”

“Eros once again limb-loosener whirls me sweetbitter, impossible to fight off, creature stealing up...I don't know what I should do: two states of mind in me...”

“Come to me now and loosen mefrom blunt agony. Laborand fill my heart with fire. Stand by meand be my ally.”

“What creature is it that isfemale in nature and hidesin its womb unborn childrenwho, 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.”

“Then you my goddess with your immortal lips smilingWould ask what now afflicts me, why againI am calling and what now I with my restive heartDesired: Whom now shall I beguile To bring you to her love? Who now injures you, Sappho? For if she flees, soon shall she chase And, rejecting gifts, soon shall she give. If she does not love you, she shall do so soon Whatsoever is her will.Come to me now to end this consuming painBringing what my heart desires to be brought:Be yourself my ally in this fight.”

“Now the Earth with many flowers puts on her spring embroidery”