How should they know that Sappho lived and died Faithful to love, not faithful to the lover, Never transfused and lost in what she loved, Never so wholly loving nor at peace.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker reflects on Sappho, noting she was loyal to love itself rather than any specific lover, leading to no peace.
- In plain terms
- Sappho lived faithful to love not lovers, so she was never lost or at peace.
- What can you take from it?
- Loyalty to the abstract idea of love can lead to restlessness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you love without attachment?
- Does peace require attachment?
Another view
It generalizes Sappho's life without full historical context.
More from Sara Teasdale
But oh, to him I loved Who loved me not at all, I owe the little open gate That led thru heaven's wall.
Permalink to quote #20 I have grown weary of the winds of heaven. I will not be a reed to hold the sound Of whatsoever breath the gods may blow, Turning my torment into music for the…
Permalink to quote #22 When I am dead and over me bright April Shakes out her rain-drenched hair, Tho' you should lean above me broken-hearted, I shall not care. I shall have peace, …
Permalink to quote #19
Related quotes
Ah, Aphrodite, if I sing no more To thee, God's daughter, powerful as God, It is that thou hast made my life too sweet To hold the added sweetness of a song. T…
Sara TeasdaleSara Teasdale quote #4 'Music is too big for just one station, love is too big for just one nation and God is too big for just one religion.' - East to the West.
Michael FrantiMichael Franti quote #5 'I never believed in much, but I believed in you.' - 'From Hank to Hendrix'
Neil YoungNeil Young quote #8