Among the translations of the nineteenth century that of John Addington Symonds is one of the best.
I
Glittering-throned undying Aphrodite,
Wile-weaving daughter of high Zeus, I pray thee
Tame not my soul with heavy woe, dread mistress,
Nay, nor with anguish,
II
But hither come, if ever erst of old time
Thou didst incline, and listenedst to my crying,
And from thy father’s palace down descending
Camest with golden
III
Chariot yoked: thee fair swift flying sparrows
Over dark earth with multitudinous fluttering,
Pinion on pinion through middle ether
Down from heaven hurried.
IV
Quickly they came like light, and thou, blest lady,
Smiling with clear undying eyes, didst ask me
What was the woe that troubled me, and wherefore
I had cried to thee;
