With love nor languorous nor vain

    VIII

    Ἔγω δὲ φίλημ’ ἀβροσύναν, καί μοι τὸ λάμπρον
    ἔρος…ἀελίω καὶ τὸ κάλον λέλογχεν·

    WITH love nor languorous nor vain, 
       I prize, in their degrees, 
    The perfect odour, the red fruit 
       Ungathered on the trees ; 
    The broidered strap of Lydian work 
       That Gorgo's foot doth deck, 
    The strings of tender garlands twined 
       About her tender neck : 
    The feel of fine-wove linen 
       When the limbs spring to pass 
    In lightsome dance bare-footed 
       Trampling the blooms of grass ; 
    The pressure of the cushion, 
       The golden goblet bright, 
    The bubbles of the wine-draught— 
       Each thrills me with delight: 
    For each of them brings honour, 
       Being delicate to sense, 
    To the beauty of the body, 
       And to Love's omnipotence. 
    Love has to me the splendour, 
       The glory of the sun ; 
    And the least action 'neath his eye 
       Must be divinely done.