Sappho — Hymenaios

Artisans, raise high the roof beam! Tall is the bridegroom as Ares, Taller by far than the tallest,                         O Hymenæus! Ay! towering over his fellows, As over men of all other Lands towers the Lesbian singer,                         O Hymenæus! Well-favored, too, is the maiden, Eyes that are sweeter than honey, Fair both in face and in figure,                         O Hymenæus! For there was never another Virgin in loveliness like her, By Aphrodite so honored,                         O Hymenæus! O happy bridegroom, the wedding Comes to the point of completion; Thou hast the maid of thy choosing,                         O Hymenæus! See how a paleness suffuses Soft o'er her exquisite features, Passion's benign premonition,                         O Hymenæus! Go to the couch unreluctant, Rejoicing and sweet to the bridegroom; He in his turn is rejoicing,                         O Hymenæus! May Hesperus lead thee, and Hera, She whom to-night that ye honor, Silver-throned Goddess of marriage,                         O Hymenæus!