Opening the text

Illustrated history of ancient literature, oriental and classicalQuackenbos, John D. (John Duncan)

History

Illustrated history of ancient literature, oriental and classical

Name: Illustrated history of ancient literature, oriental and classical
Author: Quackenbos, John D. (John Duncan)

Quackenbos, John D. (John Duncan)

Classical literature -- History and criticism; Oriental literature -- History and criticism

The works of Sappho, comprised in nine books, embraced love-lays,
elegies, bridal songs sometimes extended into miniature dramas, and
amorous hymns to Venus and Cupid. The remnants are principally erotic
pieces. We present below the Hymn to Venus, preserved entire, in which
the writer delicately makes the goddess her confidante, and modestly
discloses the secret of her misplaced affections.


HYMN TO VENUS.

    “O Venus, beauty of the skies,
    To whom a thousand temples rise,
    Gayly false in gentle smiles,
    Full of love-perplexing wiles;
    O goddess! from my heart remove
    The wasting cares and pains of love,

    If ever thou hast kindly heard
    A song in soft distress preferred,
    Propitious to my tuneful vow,
    O gentle goddess! hear me now.
    Descend, thou bright immortal guest,
    In all thy radiant charms confessed.

    Thou once didst leave almighty Jove,
    And all the golden roofs above:
    The car thy wanton sparrows drew,
    Hovering in air they lightly flew;
    As to my bower they winged their way,
    I saw their quivering pinions play.

    The birds dismissed (while you remain),
    Bore back their empty car again.
    Then you, with looks divinely mild,
    In every heavenly feature smiled,
    And asked what new complaints I made,
    And why I called yon to my aid:

    What frenzy in my bosom raged,
    And by what cure to be assuaged:
    What gentle youth I would allure;
    Whom in my artful toils secure:
    Who does thy tender heart subdue,
    Tell me, my Sappho, tell me, who?

    Though now he shuns thy longing arms,
    He soon shall court thy slighted charms:
    Though now thy offerings he despise,
    He soon to thee shall sacrifice;
    Though now he freeze, he soon shall burn,
    And be thy victim in his turn.

    Celestial visitant, once more
    Thy needful presence I implore!
    In pity come and ease my grief,
    Bring my distempered soul relief;
    Favor thy suppliant’s hidden fires,
    And give me all my heart desires.”
                     AMBROSE PHILIPS.


THE ROSE.

    “Did Jove a queen of flowers decree,
    The rose the queen of flowers should be;
    Of flowers the eye; of plants the gem;
    The meadow’s blush; earth’s diadem;
    Glory of colors on the gaze
    Lightening in its beauty’s blaze.
    It breathes of Love; it blooms the guest
    Of Venus’ ever-fragrant breast.
    In gaudy pomp its petals spread;
    Light foliage trembles round its head;
    With vermeil blossoms fresh and fair
    It laughs to the voluptuous air.”—ELTON.

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

Opening the text

Illustrated history of ancient literature, oriental and classicalQuackenbos, John D. (John Duncan)

History

Illustrated history of ancient literature, oriental and classical

Quackenbos, John D. (John Duncan)

Classical literature -- History and criticism; Oriental literature -- History and criticism

The works of Sappho, comprised in nine books, embraced love-lays,
elegies, bridal songs sometimes extended into miniature dramas, and
amorous hymns to Venus and Cupid. The remnants are principally erotic
pieces. We present below the Hymn to Venus, preserved entire, in which
the writer delicately makes the goddess her confidante, and modestly
discloses the secret of her misplaced affections.


HYMN TO VENUS.

    “O Venus, beauty of the skies,
    To whom a thousand temples rise,
    Gayly false in gentle smiles,
    Full of love-perplexing wiles;
    O goddess! from my heart remove
    The wasting cares and pains of love,

    If ever thou hast kindly heard
    A song in soft distress preferred,
    Propitious to my tuneful vow,
    O gentle goddess! hear me now.
    Descend, thou bright immortal guest,
    In all thy radiant charms confessed.

    Thou once didst leave almighty Jove,
    And all the golden roofs above:
    The car thy wanton sparrows drew,
    Hovering in air they lightly flew;
    As to my bower they winged their way,
    I saw their quivering pinions play.

    The birds dismissed (while you remain),
    Bore back their empty car again.
    Then you, with looks divinely mild,
    In every heavenly feature smiled,
    And asked what new complaints I made,
    And why I called yon to my aid:

    What frenzy in my bosom raged,
    And by what cure to be assuaged:
    What gentle youth I would allure;
    Whom in my artful toils secure:
    Who does thy tender heart subdue,
    Tell me, my Sappho, tell me, who?

    Though now he shuns thy longing arms,
    He soon shall court thy slighted charms:
    Though now thy offerings he despise,
    He soon to thee shall sacrifice;
    Though now he freeze, he soon shall burn,
    And be thy victim in his turn.

    Celestial visitant, once more
    Thy needful presence I implore!
    In pity come and ease my grief,
    Bring my distempered soul relief;
    Favor thy suppliant’s hidden fires,
    And give me all my heart desires.”
                     AMBROSE PHILIPS.


THE ROSE.

    “Did Jove a queen of flowers decree,
    The rose the queen of flowers should be;
    Of flowers the eye; of plants the gem;
    The meadow’s blush; earth’s diadem;
    Glory of colors on the gaze
    Lightening in its beauty’s blaze.
    It breathes of Love; it blooms the guest
    Of Venus’ ever-fragrant breast.
    In gaudy pomp its petals spread;
    Light foliage trembles round its head;
    With vermeil blossoms fresh and fair
    It laughs to the voluptuous air.”—ELTON.

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

Illustrated history of ancient literature, oriental and classical

Illustrated history of ancient literature, oriental and classical

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