Where is that holy fire, which verse is said / To have? is that enchanting force decayed?
-- Sappho (Lines 1 – 2)

Importance: These are the opening lines of the poem. Sappho questions where her poetic inspiration has gone, wondering whether her writing capability has disappeared amidst her love for Philaenis. This conundrum is a conventional one in early modern love poetry, where thoughts of the beloved obscure the poet's ability to craft their songs.

Thou art so fair, / As gods, when gods to thee I do compare, / Are grac'd thereby.
-- Sappho (Lines 15 – 17)

Importance: Here, Sappho compliments and flatters Philaenis by saying that the gods are pleased when she compares them to her beloved. These lines represent a conventional form of flattery and also help situate the poem in the context of Ancient Greece and the Pagan worship of many gods.

Thou art not soft, and clear, and straight, and fair, / As down, as stars, cedars, and lilies are.
-- Sappho (Lines 21 – 22)

Importance: Sappho...