Sappho - The Cliff Of Leucas lyrics

Afar-seen cliff Stands in the western sea Toward Cephallenian lands. Apollo's temple crowns Its whitened crest, And at its base The waves eternal beat. Its leap has power To cure the pangs Of unrequited love. Thither pale lovers go With anguished hearts To dare the deep and quench Love's slow consuming flame. Urged to the edge By maddening desire, I, too, shall fling myself Imploring thee, Apollo, lord and king! Into the chill Embraces of the sea, Less cold than thine, O Phaon, I shall fall— Fall with the flutter of a wounded dove; And I shall rise Indifferent forever to love's dream, Or find below The sea's eternal voice, Eternal peace.