FIRST EPITAPH
Mitchell S. (Mitchell Starrett) Buck translation
IN the country where the springs rise from the sea, and where the bed of flowers is made of leaves of rock, I, Bilitis, was born.
My mother was Phœnician; my father, Damophylos, Hellene. My mother taught me the songs of Byblos, sad as the first dawn.
I have adored Astarte at Cypros. I have known Psappha at Lesbos. I have sung as I have loved. If I have loved well, Passer-by, tell it to thy daughter.
And sacrifice not for me a black goat; but in soft libation, press her teats above my tomb.