READING: A Reconstruction of Sappho 31
by Armand D’Angour
The logic is given here: Armand d’Angour: <https://www.armand-dangour.com/sensational-sappho/> <https://www.armand-dangour.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Loves-Battlefield-.pdf>
He seems just like the gods in heaven,
that man who sits across from you
and bends his head to listen to
your lovely voice
and charming laugh—which sets my heart
aflutter in my breast, for when
I catch the merest glimpse of you,
my voice is gone,
my tongue’s congealed, a subtle fire
runs flickering beneath my frame,
my eyes see blank, a buzzing noise
assails my ears,
my sweat runs cold, my body’s gripped
by shivers, my skin’s sallower
than grass, it seems as if I’m just
an inch from death.
But all is worth the risk since, [Love,
you time again crush lord and] serf:
[you who of old brought down great kings
and cities proud:
yes, holy Troy for Helen’s sake,
and Peleus’ son, and all the Greeks;
but Menelaus, he once more
gazed on his wife.
He left the boulevards of Troy
and homeward made his sweet return,
and laid his golden head to rest
on Helen’s lap.
But, Cypris, let me love again—
now leave the battlefield behind;
so may I prove that all my pain
is nothing worth.]
(Remember: You can subscribe to this… weblog-like newsletter… here:
There’s a free email list. There’s a paid-subscription list with (at the moment, only a few) extras too.)