T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.

From “The Songs of Bilitis”XX. Confidences

By Pierre Louÿs (1870–1925)


(1894. Translated from the French by Horace Manchester Brown. 1904) THE NEXT day I went again to see her. We blushed as soon as each saw the other. She led me into her chamber that we might be alone.	1
I had much to say to her, but in seeing her, I forgot all. I did not dare throw myself upon her neck, and I gazed curiously upon her high-tied sash.	2
I was astonished that there was no change in her face; she seemed still my friend, and yet, nevertheless, since yesterday she had learned so many things that astonished me.	3
Impulsively I sat myself upon her knees, and took her in my arms. Quickly, anxious, I whispered in her ear. Then she laid her cheek against mine and told me all.	4