So very like a god, he seems to me,
The one who sits across from you, imbibing
Your conversation’s sweetness past describing,
………….Face to face, knee to knee,
Hearing your voice, responding to your laughter,
Which leaves me breathless till I gasp and pant—
For catching just a glimpse of you, I can’t
………….Choke out one word after!
My tongue is broken, subtle flames contend
Beneath my skin, and instantly my sight is
Taken from me, and in my ears tinnitus
………….Rings on and on, no end.
Immortal Aphrodite on your throne
So richly ornamented, hear my prayer:
Don’t overwhelm my spirit with despair,
…………Nor leave me here alone;
Sly daughter of great Zeus, in my distress
Spring into action as you used to do
When you would have my distant call put through
…………And swiftly acquiesce;
Leaving the golden palace in your car,
Your sparrow-powered chariot at speed
Brought you to earth in answer to my need,
…………From heaven through mid-air;
And with a smile on your immortal face,
You’d ask, “Oh, dear, what can the matter be
This time; this time, why do you call on me,
…………And how may I erase