Saw this in the Guardian first translation of newly found Sapho poem ✒The publication by Oxford papyrologists of a new piece by Sappho, the famous poet of sixth-century BC Lesbos, has had classicists the world over salivating. The poem – not quite complete (perhaps a single stanza is missing from the start) – has been preserved on a papyrus dating to the third century AD, now in the possession of an anonymous private collector. Although Sappho is best known for her yearning love poetry, this piece deals with a different kind of longing, for the return of her brother Charaxus from his seafaring. It is addressed, apparently, to another family member, whom Sappho considers to be blase about the likelihood of his return. That, she says, in the lap of the gods. In the final stanza, her thoughts turn to a younger brother, Larichus, and her wishes for his future. Like much of Sappho’s poetry, it is an affecting, personal piece, presented as a glimpse into a private world of intense emotional bonds. Tim Whitmarsh Lines by Sappho, translated by Tim Whitmarsh: But you always chatter that Charaxus is coming, His ship laden with cargo. That much, I reckon, only Zeus Knows, and all the gods; but you, you should not Think these thoughts, Just send me along, and command me To offer many prayers to Queen Hera That Charaxus should arrive here, with His ship intact, And find us safe. For the rest, Let us turn it all over to higher powers; For periods of calm quickly follow after Great squalls. They whose fortune the king of Olympus wishes Now to turn from trouble to [ ... ] are blessed and lucky beyond compare. As for us, if Larichus should [ ... ] his head And at some point become a man, Then from full many a despair Would we be swiftly freed.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 11:09:09 +0000
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