Ephemera (Buck)/The Merchant
THE MERCHANT
These treasures I have gathered for many years. And if thou wilt . . . Here are mirrors of bronze; and here a silver bracelet, heavy with sards from Lydia. It is enchanted, caressing the arm of her that wears it, if only she be fair . . . Thou seest!
Here are perfumes and rare essences in alabaster vials from Corinth and the isle of Crete. And here, perfumes no less immortal in brown clay vases from Etruria.
This rose powder from the amorous blooms of Mitylene will make thy nails lustrous as nacre. And here is purest kohl to shadow the flaming languor of thine eyes.
These glowing silks have come from many lands. This is thy color . . . O Isis! How beautiful! . . . The price? Nay, take it, and the bracelet also. They would be desolate, away from thee. And as my only payment, I pray thee wear them once, passing my door.