Henry Alford

Fragments From Sappho

I. Hesperus, thou bringest near Hesperus, thou bringest near All that garish day Scattered far away: Thou bringest back the sheep, Thou bringest back the goat, Thou bringest back the children to their mother dear. II. Sweet mother mine, I cannot weave my web Sweet mother mine, I cannot weave my web, For I am faint with deep desire For thinking of the youth I love. III. Full--faced in the sky the moon was shining Full--faced in the sky the moon was shining, The maidens were standing round the altar. IV. All the stars that cluster around the moonlight All the stars that cluster around the moonlight Back from sight their glittering faces cover, Whensoe'er the earth at the full she lightens. V. Thou shalt lie in the grave: never of thee mention or memory Thou shalt lie in the grave: never of thee mention or memory Men shall hold in the long ages to come. Thou hast inherited No Pierian flowers: down in the dark house of forgetfulness Thou shalt go with the dim ghosts of the dead, flitting and vanishing.