XXIV THE OFFERING TO THE GODDESS
Mitchell S. (Mitchell Starrett) Buck translation
IT is not for Artemis whom they adore at Perga, this garland woven with my hands, although Artemis may be a good goddess who would guard my couches of pain.
It is not for Athena whom they adore at Sidon although she may be of ivory and of gold and carry in her hand a pomegranate which tempts the birds.
No, it is for Aphrodite whom I adore in my heart, for she only can give what my lips most need, if I hang on her sacred tree my garland of tender roses.
But I will not ask aloud that which I beg of her. I will raise myself upon my toes and confide my secret to a cleft in the bark.