Perfumes

p. 127

PERFUMES 127

I shall scent my skin all over to attract my lovers. Over my lovely limbs, in a silver basin, I'll pour the spikenard of Tarsos and metopion of Egypt.

Beneath my arms, some crisped mint; upon my lashes and my eyes, sweet-marjoram of Kôs. Slave, undo my hair, and fill it with the smoke of burning incense.

Here is oïnanthinon from the mountains of Kypros; I'll let it run between my heavy breasts; rose-liquor shipped from Phaselis will bathe my neck and cheeks.

And now spread on my loins some irresistible bakkaris. It is better for a courtesan to know the Lydian perfumes than the customs of the Peloponnesus.