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TO HER BREASTS<br />
Flesh in blossom, oh, my breasts! how rich and heavy you are with desire! My<br />
breasts in my hands, how s<strong>of</strong>t you are, and with what mellow warmths and<br />
young perfumes.<br />
Formerly you were frozen like the breasts <strong>of</strong> a statue, and hard as senseless<br />
marble. Since you have s<strong>of</strong>tened I cherish you more, you who have been loved.<br />
Your smooth and swelling form is the pride <strong>of</strong> my nut-brown body. Whether I<br />
bind you in the golden gauze or free you naked to the open air, you precede me<br />
with your splendor.<br />
Be happy, then, tonight. If my fingers give forth s<strong>of</strong>t caresses, you alone will<br />
know until the dawn: for tonight, <strong>Bilitis</strong> has paid <strong>Bilitis</strong>.<br />
MYDZOURIS<br />
Mydzouris, little baggage, cry no more. You are my friend. If the women hurt you<br />
again, 'tis I who will answer them. Come to my arms and dry your tears.<br />
Yes, I know you are a dreadful child, and that your mother taught you early to<br />
try out all the passions. But you are young, and that is why you can do nothing<br />
that will not be charming.<br />
The mouth <strong>of</strong> a girl <strong>of</strong> fifteen stays pure in spite <strong>of</strong> everything. The lips <strong>of</strong> a hoary<br />
woman, although she be a virgin, are defiled; for the only disgrace is to grow old,<br />
and we are not stigmatized except by wrinkles.<br />
Mydzouris, I like your frank eyes, your bold and shameless name, your laughing<br />
voice, your light-built body. Come home with me and you will be my aide, and<br />
when we go out together in the street, the women will say "Hail" to you again.<br />
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