Sappho: Poems and Fragments Lesson Plan

How did Sappho's lover leave her in Fragment 94? How did Sappho respond?

Sappho describes her lover leaving her unwillingly. She was "weeping...with many tears" and said, "Sappho, I swear, against my will I leave you." She alludes to difficult circumstances surrounding them, which are perhaps the reason for her departure. Despite her obvious passion for her lover, Sappho responds calmly. She tells her lover to "rejoice" and go, but to remember the wonderful times they had together. She reminds her of their happy, loving, and erotic moments together and seems to harbor no resentment at her lover's leaving.

Discuss the significant of the line, "For you know how we...