Four slaves guard my house: two robust Thracians at my door, a Sicilian in my kitchen and a docile and silent Phrygian woman for the service of my bed. The two Thracians are handsome men. Each has a staff in his hand to chase away poor lovers and a hammer to nail upon the wall the wreaths which are sent me. The Sicilian is a rare cook; I paid twelve minæ for her. No other knows as she does how to prepare fried croquettes and cakes of poppy. The Phrygian bathes me, dresses my hair and depilates me. She sleeps in the morning in my chamber, and three nights each month, she takes my place with my lovers. CIX THE BATH Child, guard well the door, and let no passer-by enter, for I and six girls with beautiful arms would bathe ourselves in secret in the warm water of the basin. We would only laugh and swim. Let the lovers stay in the street. We will dip our legs in the water and, seated on the marble brink, we will play with dice. We will play also with the ball. Let no lovers enter; our hair is too wet; our throats are all goose-flesh and the ends of our fingers are wrinkled. Moreover, he would repent it, who surprised us naked! Bilitis is not Athena, but she shows herself only at her hours and chastises too ardent eyes. CX TO HER BREASTS Flowers of flesh, O my breasts! how rich in voluptuousness you are! My breasts in my hands, how soft you are, how gently warm, how youthfully perfumed! Formerly, you were frozen like the breast of a statue and hard as the insensible marble. Since you have softened, I cherish you more, you who have been so loved. Your sleek, rounded forms are the honor of my brown torso. When I imprison you in bands of gold or when I deliver you all naked, you precede me with your splendor. Therefore be happy, this night. If my fingers give forth caresses, you alone will know them until tomorrow morning; for, this night, Bilitis has paid Bilitis. CXI MYDZOURIS Mydzouris, little filth, weep not. Thou art my friend. If the women insult thee again, it is I who will answer them. Come into my arms and dry thine eyes. Yes, I know thou art a horrible child and that thy mother taught thee early to prove thy courage in all things. But thou art young and therefore thou canst do nothing that is not charming. The mouth of a girl of fifteen remains pure in spite of all. The lips of a gray-headed woman, although virgin, are degraded; for the only disgrace is to grow old and we are blemished only when we become wrinkled. Mydzouris, I admire thy frank eyes, thine impudent and bold name, thy laughing voice and thy light body. Come to my house, thou shalt be my aid, and when we go out together, the women shall say to thee: Greeting. CXII THE TRIUMPH OF BILITIS