Prayer to Our Lady of Paphos
Dapple-throned Aphrodite,
eternal daughter of God,
snare-knitter!
Don't,
I beg you,
cow my heart with grief!
Come,
as once when you heard my far-off cry and, listening, steppedfrom your father's house to yourgold car, to yoke the pair whosebeautiful thick-feathered wingsoaring down mid-air from heavencarried you to light swiftlyon dark earth; then, blissful one,
smiling your immortal smileyou asked,
What ailed me now thatme call you again?
Whatwas it that my distractedheart most wanted? ``Whom
Persuasion to bring round now``to your love?
Who,
Sappho, isunfair to you?
For, let herrun, she will soon run after;``if she won't accept gifts, shewill one day give them; and ifshe won't love you —- she soon will``love, although unwillingly…''If ever —- come now!
Relievethis intolerable pain!
What my heart most hopes willhappen, make happen; you your-self join forces on my side!
translated by:
Barnard
