Immortal Sappho: Translations
These are my modern English translations of ancient Greek poems by the immortal Sappho of Lesbos…
With my two small arms, how can I
think to encircle the sky?
—Sappho, fragment 35, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Mother, how can I weave,
so overwhelmed by love?
—Sappho, fragment 90, loose translation by Michael R. Burch
What cannot be swept ——— aside
must be wept.
—Sappho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Euripides Translations
These are my modern English translations of epigrams by Euripides.
Love distills the eyes’ desires, love bewitches the heart with its grace.—Euripides, translation by Michael R. Burch
Fools call wisdom foolishness.—Euripides, translation by Michael R. Burch
One true friend is worth ten thousand kin.—Euripides, translation by Michael R. Burch
Not to speak one’s mind is slavery.—Euripides, translation by Michael R. Burch
I would rather die standing than kneel, a slave.—Euripides, translation by Michael R. Burch
Sappho Translations
These are my modern English translations of the immortal Sappho of Lesbos.
A short revealing frock?
It's just my luck
your lips were made to mock!
—Sappho, fragment 155, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch