LXXV THE OBJECT
Mitchell S. (Mitchell Starrett) Buck translation
GREETING, Bilitis, Mnasidika, greeting.—Be seated. How is thy husband?—Too well. Do not tell him that you have seen me. He would slay me if he knew I had been here.—Have no fear.
“And this is your chamber? and this your bed? Pardon me. I am curious.—Thou knowest, however, the bed of Myrrhina.—So little.—It is said to be pretty.—And lascivious, O my dear! let us not speak of it.
“What wishest thou of me?—That thou lend me....—Speak.—I dare not name the object.—We do not have one.—Truly?—Mnasidika is a virgin.—Then, where can one buy it?—From the harness-maker, Drakon.
“Tell also, where thou buyest thy thread for embroidery? Mine breaks if one looks at it.—I make mine myself, but that which Nais sells is excellent.—At what price?—Three oboli.—It is dear. And the object?—Two drachmæ.—Farewell.”