The Anactoria Poem

Some there are who say that the fairest thing seen

on the black earth is an array of horsemen;

some, men marching; some would say ships; but I say

         she whom one loves best



is the loveliest. Light were the work to make this

plain to all, since she, who surpassed in beauty

all mortality, Helen, once forsaking

         her lordly husband,



fled away to Troy--land across the water.

Not the thought of child nor beloved parents

was remembered, after the Queen of Cyprus

         won her at first sight.



Since young brides have hearts that can be persuaded

easily, light things, palpitant to passion

as am I, remembering Anaktória

         who has gone from me



and whose lovely walk and the shining pallor

of her face I would rather see before my

eyes than Lydia's chariots in all their glory

         armored for battle.


Edited by Richard Lattimore

~ Sappho