|
Lesbos, where Phryne Phryne to her draws,
Where ne'er a sigh did echoless expire.
As Paphos' equal thee the stars admire.
Nor Venus envies Sappho without cause!
Lesbos, where Phryne Phryne to her draws,
Lesbos, the land of warm and langorous nights.
Where by their mirrors seeking sterile good.
The girls with hollow eyes, in soft delights.
Caress the ripe fruits of their womanhood,
Lesbos, the land of warm and langorous nights.
Leave, leave old Plato's austere eye to frown;
Pardon is thine for kisses' sweet excess.
Queen of the land of amiable renown.
And for exhaustless subtleties of bliss.
Leave, leave old Plato's austere eye to frown.
Pardon is thine for the eternal pain
That on the ambitious hearts for ever lies.
Whom far from us the radiant smile could gain,
Seen dimly on the verge of other skies;
Pardon is thine for the eternal pain!
| 