Poems, Imitations & Translations

Saturday

Sappho's Epithalamion


[Jean Leon Gerome: “Anacreon” (1848)]



You won’t find any brides
more beautiful than her

Sing Hymen, O Hymenaios
Higher than the roof-tree
Hymen
lift him, carpenters
O Hymenaios

The bridegroom comes in like Ares
taller than the tallest man

Your bride is happy
are you happy, too?

Love, what should I compare you to?
strong as a rose-stem

delicate as a flower
that’s how you look to me


Bridegroom, the day has come at last
when you can possess your bride

Her beauty’s not intimidating
her eyes sweeter than honey

Love quenches its thirst
at the sight of her face

Lady Aphrodite bows
low to honour you

Sing Hymen, O Hymenaios
Higher than the roof-tree
Hymen
lift him, carpenters
O Hymenaios

The sweetest songs are songs of joy

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