In the deep, in the womb of the sea
The pearl germinates [and] quietly grows.

Her childlike life, how it grows warm,
How lovingly the waters embrace her!

Her moist eyes open toward
The distant glow of the sun;

Through the water, she imbibes the proud light,
There where it is refracted into colours;

And when she is filled by the wellspring of light,
Her eyes quickly close dreamily;

And what the gaze of the sun has kindled,
And the moonbeams in the quiet night,

Blossoms in the expanse of [the pearl's] eyes
And becomes an innocent, blissful dream.

But once more the horde of swimmers dives
And becomes aware of the precious treasure;

 [The horde] brings the shell from the waters
And tears it open in an iniquitous spirit.

And she who had dreamed in the sunlight,
About whom the joy of the waves had foamed;

And who, in the still waters, was 
Accustomed to rest in her mother's lap;

The turmoil of the market haggles over her,
The humid air of the dance blows about her,

To madcap joy she must now glow,
Must sparkle in the hair of paramours.

Oh, you are a tear yourself,
Yearning for the peace of childhood!

Oh, do not wear her upon a joyful bosom,
Do not take the tear to [a place of] wild revelry!

Yes, when youth, blossoming rosily,
Wilts overnight into death,

And when with the hated man
The bride approaches the altar,

And when a bountiful heart breaks,
Then bring hither [the pearl's] gentle light,

Then with only a string of pearls bind
The bouquet of wilting flowers.