On a dark night,
longing, with love inflamed,
O happy stroke!
I left without being noted,
my house in peace at last.

Safe and in the dark,
disguised and by the secret ladder,
O happy stroke!
In darkness and concealed,
my house in peace at last.

Upon the happy night,
unseen, unheeding aught,
such was my secrecy,
unled by any light
but that glowing within my heart.

This was my guide,
steadier that the noon-day sun,
to where I was awaited
by one I well knew
where nobody appeared.

O guiding night,
night dearer than the dawn,
night that united
lover and beloved,
beloved become her lover's like.

On my flowered breast,
kept entire for him,
there he fell asleep,
and I caressed him,
and the cedars' fan blew.

As I spread out his hair
the air from the turret
stroked me on the neck
with its gentle hand,
and robbed me of my sense.

I lay in self-oblivion,
my head laid on my love;
all ceased and I let go,
leaving my concern
unminded mid the lilies.

 

Notes on 'Dark Night'

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