Rimas


                                   XL



                  Her hand in my hands,
                  Her eyes in my eyes,
                  Her loving head
                  Across my shoulder,
                  God knows how many times,
                  With lazy step,
                  We have wandered together
                  Under the high elms
                  That from her house give
                  Shadow and mystery to her porch
                  And yesterday ... hardly a year
                  Passed like a breath,
                  With what exquisite grace,
                  With what admirable daring
                  A casual friend said to me
                  When we presented ourselves,
                  -- I think that I have seen
                  You somewhere -- Ah! fools,
                  Who come from the salons
                  Well meaning neighbors
                  Who walk there in the hunt
                  For gallant confusions:
                  What history you have lost!
                  What delicacy so fine
                  To be devoured
                  (sotto voce):  in a ring,
                  Behind a fan
                  Of feathers and gold!

                   ................................................


                  Discrete and dignified moon,
                  Tall and bushy elms,
                  Walls of her house,
                  Threshold to her portico,
                  Quiet, may the secret
                  Not leave your lips!
                  Quiet, for my part,
                  I have forgotten everything:
                  And she . . . and she . . . there is no mask
                  To match her face!
   


                  Gustavo Adolfo Becquer