Lying at the edge of the pool, 
I saw in water colder than the breasts
of the wise virgins,
reflections of my vague ennui, 
my deep night-coloured eyes,
and my face.

Around me were vain atoms, 
weightless, dancing 
through the blond orange-trees...
My supple fingers stayed clasped. 
Something like a ghost seemed to come to me 
from afar off!

And in this blurry mirror 
I saw marvellous mornings...
I saw things
that were pale like memories, 
in the water which could not be darkened 
by any sullen wind.

Then - in the depths of the blue Past - 
my thin body was nothing 
but a slight moving shadow;
under the laurels and cypresses 
I loved the fresh breeze 
that fans us...

Opportune dawn, 
I loved your sisterly caresses,  
your nuances, your sweetness;
and nymphs, I loved your supple rhythmic steps, 
you with the perfumed laughter, 
and the moonlike complexions.

And I loved the galloping fauns
and the spring that flows out 
in pale tears...
Through the secret divine woods 
I heard the endless trembling 
of the tree-nymph.

I loved the hive with its wide sides, 
the song of the bees, 
the white flocks of goats;
along with the sun-warmed honey, 
the acrid taste of curdled milk 
rises to my lips!

Sometimes, in the soft consenting shade, 
I sucked your blood, 
ripe pomegranates;
and for my hair I mingled flowers, vine-leaves, 
and blades of wheat 
with twigs of trees.

Oh cherished mysterious Past, 
reflecting yourself in my eyes
like a cloud,
I would find it pleasing and sweet, 
Past, to attempt with you
the long journey!

If I slip in, the waters will make 
a ring of ripples... another ring...
and barely a third...
And then the enchanted mirror 
will regain its limpidity,
cold and serene.