Songs of Bilitis - Benjamin Adamah

GAME OF DICE
Since both of us adored him, we engaged to play a game of dice for him. That was
a famous party. Many maidens watched most anxiously.
She led off with the Cyclops throw, and I cast the Solon. Then she threw
Kallibolos, and I, sensing my defeat, besought the Goddess.
I played, I threw Epiphenon, she the high cast of Kios; I the Antiteukos and she
the Trikias; and then I threw the cast of Aphrodite which wins the cherished
lover.
The girl grew pale; I clasped her by the neck and whispered in her ear (that no
one else might know), "Don't cry, my friend, we'll let him choose between us."
THE DISTAFF
All day my mother has shut me in the women's rooms, together with my sisters
whom I loathe, who speak among themselves in lowered voice. In my own little
corner, far away, I ply my distaff.
Distaff dear, since I'm alone with you, 'tis you alone who'll be my confidante.
Your worsted wig of white makes you a woman. Hear me.
If I were able I should not be here, seated in the shadow of the wall and spinning
boredly: I should be lain in violets upon the slopes of Tauros.
Since he is not as rich as I, my mother will not let him marry me. But let me tell
you; either I will die before my wedding day; or he will be the one to lead me out. .
.
15