The Songs of Bilitis: III. Epigrams in the Isle of Cyprus: Clear Water of the Basin

CLEAR WATER OF THE BASIN

"Clear water of the basin, silent mirror, tell me of my beauty. --Bilitis, or whoever you may be, Tethys 132 or mayhap lovely Amphitrite, you are beautiful, oh, know it well!

"Your face bends over, 'neath your heavy hair, thick with perfumes and entwined flowers. Your tender lids can scarcely open, and your thighs are wearied by the thrusts of love.

"Your body, weighted by your heavy breasts, displays fine nail-marks and the deep blue scars made by ardent kisses. Your arms are reddened by the fast embrace. Each wrinkle in your skin has been beloved."

--"Clear water of the basin, your freshness brings repose. Receive me, who am truly tired. Bear away the tints upon my cheeks, the perspiration of my belly and the memory of the night.