These are my translations of poems by Sulpicia, perhaps the most notable of the ancient Roman female poets. Her poems remind me of Sappho, who may well have been one of her models...
Like beauty? Which experience teaches to believe in its irrestibleness? Yet surprises are in store for them. Beauty can sometimes look exactly like Godzilla.
I love Sulpicia's candidness, her delicacy of thought and phrase - and, most of all, her difficult-to-control desires.
I'll restack this one. What a fine translation it is! You make her sound ancient, modern, and timeless - all at the same time.
VI. Her Apology for Errant Desire
by Sulpicia
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Let me admit my errant passion to you, my love,
since in these last few days
I've exceeded all my foolish youth's former follies!
And no folly have I ever regretted more
than leaving you alone last night,
desiring only to disguise my desire for you!
I suspect Sappho was one of Sulpicia's influences. Neither could control desire and neither took rejection well.
They were obviously aware of their own immense gifts. so rejecting rejection would be natural enough to them.
Poor Cerinthus!
Like beauty? Which experience teaches to believe in its irrestibleness? Yet surprises are in store for them. Beauty can sometimes look exactly like Godzilla.
I have the impression this Beauty had a bit of Beast within when she didn't have her way.