Erotika: Dithyrambs: Amœbeum: Alcæus and Sappho

ALCÆUS Violet-weaving Sappho, pure and lovely, Softly-smiling Sappho, I would utter Something that my secret hope has cherished, Did no painful sense of shame deter me. SAPPHO Had the impulse of thy heart been honest, It had urged no evil supplication; Shame had not abashed thy eyes before me, And thy words had done thee no dishonor. ALCÆUS Softly-smiling Sappho, longing bids me Tell thee all that in my heart lies hidden. SAPPHO Have no fear, Alcæus, to offend me! Thy emotion stirs my heart to pity. ALCÆUS I desire thee, violet-weaving Sappho! Love thee madly, softly-smiling Sappho! SAPPHO Hush, Alcæus! thou must choose a younger Comrade for thy couch, for I would never Join thy years to mine—the Gods forbid it— Youth and ardent fire to age and ashes.