L'AMANT VOLAGE. by Sappho

Editor's note

Sappho begins with a bold statement: the entire world submits to love, which she quickly likens to a bird—the traditional symbol of Eros or Cupid—and describes as the ultimate example of inconstancy. This positions love not as a comforting force but as something unpredictable and fleeting. The bird metaphor is significant: birds may settle for a moment, only to take flight unexpectedly, much like desire.

Editor's note

The poem shifts sharply from universal themes to deeply personal emotions. Sappho directly names Athis — a name that shows up in several of her surviving fragments — and expresses the harshest thought a lover can have: that the person they cherish now sees them as repulsive. The word *ingrat* (ungrateful) reveals Sappho's sense of having given something meaningful without receiving anything in return. The line hits hard, like a wound.

Editor's note

Athis's heart is fully taken by Andromède, whom Sappho calls *vaine* — vain, superficial, and self-centered. This marks the beginning of Sappho's jealous examination of her rival's flaws. Like anyone who's heartbroken, she's fixated on the one who took her place.

Editor's note

Sappho asks, with a hint of sarcasm, what spell has bound Athis to Andromède's chariot — a metaphor taken from the image of a victorious conqueror pulling captives along. She then gives her verdict: Andromède lacks grace, nothing *attique* — none of the refined, elegant qualities tied to Athenian culture and taste. It’s a sharp insult disguised as an aesthetic critique.

Editor's note

The poem concludes with a surprisingly petty yet deeply human observation: just look at how poorly her tunic hangs! The folds lack finesse, and the garment simply drapes without any grace. Sappho meticulously notes her rival's physical shortcomings, revealing the mindset of someone who is jealous—fixating even on the clothing. It’s both amusing and painful, ending the poem without any resolution, leaving the speaker to continue simmering in her emotions.