

The Poems of Sappho, by John Myers O'Hara, [1910], at sacred-texts.com

p. 15

THE DAUGHTER OF CYPRUS

Dreaming I spake with the Daughter of Cyprus,

Heard the languor soft of her voice, the blended

Suave accord of tones interfused with laughter

Low and desireful;

Dreaming saw her dread ineffable beauty,

Saw through texture fine of her clinging tunic

Blush the fire of flesh, the rose of her body,

Radiant, blinding;

Saw through filmy meshes the melting lovely

Flow of line, the exquisite curves, whence piercing

Rapture reached with tangible touch to thrill me,

Almost to slay me;

Saw the gleaming foot, and the golden sandal

Held by straps of Lydian work thrice doubled

Over the instep's arch, and up the rounded

Dazzling ankle;

Saw the charms that shimmered from knee to shoulder,

Hint of hues, than milk or the snowdrift whiter;

Secret grace, the shrine of the soul of passion,

Glows that consumed me;

Saw the gathered mass of her xanthic tresses,

Mitra-bound, escape from the clasping fillet,

Float and shine as clouds in the sunset splendor,

Mists in the dawn-fire;

Saw the face immortal, and daring greatly,

Raised my eyes to hers of unfathomed azure,

Drank their world's desire, their limitless longing,

Swooned and was nothing.