Alcaeus to Sappho

How sweet, when crimson colours dart

       &nbspAcross a breast of snow,

To see that you are in the heart

       &nbspThat beats and throbs below.



All Heaven is in a maiden's blush,

       &nbspIn which the soul doth speak,

That it was you who sent the flush

       &nbspInto the maiden's cheek.



Large steadfast eyes! eyes gently rolled

       &nbspIn shades of changing blue,

How sweet are they, if they behold

       &nbspNo dearer sight than you.



And, can a lip more richly glow,

       &nbspOr be more fair than this?

The world will surely answer, No!

       &nbspI, Sappho, answer, Yes!



Then grant one smile, tho' it should mean

       &nbspA thing of doubtful birth;

That I may say these eyes have seen

       &nbspThe fairest face on earth!