In a Byzantine harem Where, seeking paradise, I'd disguised myself as a dog, A slave told me: Me, I'd like heavy pearls Enamelled black pearls To be dumb, and almost deaf So that you'd soothe me with words Words which resemble the sea Words that one sees through Words of bitterness and love Tender words, severe words Me, I'd like crowded rooms Where stretched out naked on all fours Encircled by dogs and chains Tasting mysterious liquors Drinks of life and drinks of death Cups filled to the brim I place my moist and eager lips On the kneeling stools therein Me I'd like a black slave With the white teeth, strong and cruel Who'd split my shackles wide And who'll take me to the sky In the damp languor of evening Me all white, and he all black He'd bite my body, sliding With a serpent slow...attack Me, I'd like to be a young woman Behind glass and iron bars As pleasure takes my every breath Until sleep, until death Beneath my purple-blue eyelids You know, I have only one thought To be a woman, yes, it's true To be a real woman God.....please...please