Kitap 3
When you to wash or bathe retire from eight,
Can he observe what letters then you write?
Or can his caution against such provide,
Which in her breast your confidant may hide!
Can he that note beneath her garter view,
725
Or that which more conceal'd is in her shoe ?
Yet, these perceived, you may her back undress,
And writing on her skin your mind express.
New milk, or pointed spires of flax when green,
Will ink supply, and letters mark unseen.
730
Fair will the paper, show, nor can be read,
Till all the writing 's with warm ashes spread.
Acresius was with all his care betray'd,
And in his tow'r of brass a grandsire made.
Can spies avail when you to plays resort,
735
Or in the circus view the noble sport?
Or can you be to Isis' fane pursu'd,
Or Cybele's, whose rights all men exclude?
Tho' watchful servants to the Bagnio come,
They're ne'er admitted to the bathing-room.
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