“There is no place for grief in a house which serves the Muse.”

“[You for] the fragrant-blossomed Muses’ lovely gifts[be zealous,] girls, [and the] clear melodious lyre:[but my once tender] body old age now[has seized;] my hair’s turned [white] instead of dark;my heart’s grown heavy, my knees will not support me,that once on a time were fleet for the dance as fawns.This state I oft bemoan; but what’s to do?Not to grow old, being human, there’s no way.Tithonus once, the tale was, rose-armed Dawn,love-smitten, carried off to the world’s end,handsome and young then, yet in time grey ageo’ertook him, husband of immortal wife.”

“Although only breath, words which I speak are immortal.”

“Although only breath, words which I command are immortal.”

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

“Honestly, I wish I were dead.Weeping many tears, she left me and said,“Alas, how terribly we suffer, Sappho.I really leave you against my will.”And I answered: “Farewell, go and remember me.You know how we cared for you.If not, I would remind you ... of our wonderful times.For by my side you put onmany wreaths of rosesand garlands of flowersaround your soft neck.And with precious and royal perfumeyou anointed yourself.On soft beds you satisfied your passion.And there was no dance,no holy placefrom which we were absent.”

“I can reveal to you that I wished to die -For with much weeping she left meSaying: "Sappho - what suffering is ours!For it is against my will that I leave you."In answer, I said: "Go, happily remembering meFor you know what we shared and pursued -If not, I wish you to see again our [ former joys ] .....The many braids of rose and violet you [ wreathed ]Around yourself at my sideAnd the many garlands of flowersWith which you adorned your soft neck:With royal oils from [ fresh flowers ]You anointed [ yourself ]And on soft beds fulfilled your longing[ For me ] ....”