The moon rose full: the women stood

    XVII

    Πλήρης μὲν ἐφαίνετ’ ἀ σελάννα,
    αἰ δ’ ὡς περὶ βῶμον ἐστάθησαν·


    Α. Παρθενία, παρθενία, ποῖ με λίποισ’ σἴχῃ;
    Β. Οὐκέτι ἥξω πρὸς σέ, οὐκέτι ἥξω·

    THE moon rose full: the women stood 
    As though within a sacred wood 
    Around an altar—thus with awe 
    The perfect, virgin orb they saw 
    Supreme above them ; and its light 
    Fell on their limbs and garments white. 
    Then with pale, lifted brows they stirred 
    Their fearful steps at Sappho's word, 
    And in a circle moved around, 
    Responsive to her music's sound, 
    That through the silent air stole on, 
    Until their breathless dread was gone, 
    And they could dance with lightsome feet, 
    And lift the song with voices sweet. 
    Then once again the silence came :
    Their lips were blanched as if with shame 
    That they in maidenhood were bold 
    Its sacred worship to unfold ; 
    And Sappho touched the lyre alone, 
    Until she made the bright strings moan. 
    She called to Artemis aloud— 
    Alas, the moon was wrapt in cloud !— 
    " Oh, whither art thou gone from me ? 
    Come back again, virginity ! 
    For maidenhood still do I long, 
    The freedom and the joyance strong 
    Of that most blessed, secret state 
    That makes the tenderest maiden great. 
    O moon, be fair to me as these, 
    And my regretful passion ease ; 
    Restore to me my only good, 
    My maidenhood, my maidenhood !" 
    She sang : and through the clouded night 
    An answer came of cruel might — 
    " To thee I never come again." 
    O Sappho, bitter was thy pain ! 
    Then did thy heavy steps retire, 
    And leave, moon-bathed, the virgin quire.