Songs of Bilitis - Benjamin Adamah

DOMESTICITY
Four slaves watch my house: two robust Thracians at the door, a Sicilian in the
kitchen, and a docile Phrygian mute at my bed.
The two Thracians are handsome men. They have sticks in their hands with
which to chase poor lovers, and a hammer to nail upon the wall the garlands
which are sent to me.
The Sicilian is a rare cook; I paid twelve minae for him. No other cook knows how
to prepare fried croquettes and poppy-cakes as he does.
The Phrygian bathes me, coifs me, plucks my hair. She sleeps in my room each
morning, and three nights of each month she takes my place beside my lovers.
THE BATH
Child, keep watch upon the door, and do not let any passers-by come in, for I and
six young girls with lovely arms are going secretly to bathe in the basin's tepid
pool.
We only want to laugh and swim a while. Let lovers stay outside. We'll drench
our legs in the water, and, seated on the marble edge, play dice.
We'll play ball too. But let no lovers enter; our hair is too wet, our throats have
gooseflesh and the ends of our fingers are wrinkled.
Besides, whoever found us naked would regret it! Bilitis is not Athene, but she
only shows herself at her own hours and she punishes eyes that are too ardent.
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