XXXIX THE LOST LETTER
Mitchell S. (Mitchell Starrett) Buck translation
ALAS for me! I have lost his letter. I had placed it between my skin and my strophion, under the warmth of my breast I ran; it must have fallen.
I will return on my steps: if someone has found it they will read it to my mother and I shall be whipped before my jeering sisters.
If it is a man who has found it he will give it to me; or even if he wishes to talk to me in secret, I have the means to charm it from him.
If it is a woman who has read it, O Guardian Zeus protect me! for she will tell it to all the world or she will take my lover from me.