Love

Sweet Charmer

by Victor Hugo 1802–1885

Translated by H.B. Farnie (1888) · From Les Chants du crépuscule (1849)

Love

Though heaven's gate of light uncloses,
Thou stirr'st not--thou'rt laid to rest,
Waking are thy sister roses,
One only dreamest on thy breast.
Hear me, sweet dreamer!
Tell me all thy fears,
Trembling in song,
But to break in tears.

Lo! to greet thee, spirits pressing,
Soft music brings the gentle dove,
And fair light falleth like a blessing,
While my poor heart can bring thee only love.
Worship thee, angels love thee, sweet woman?
Yes; for that love perfects my soul.
None the less of heaven that my heart is human,
Blent in one exquisite, harmonious whole.

✦ ✦ ✦

French: "L'aube naît et ta porte est close." [XXIII., February, 18--.]

MLA

Hugo, Victor. “Sweet Charmer.” Translated by H.B. Farnie. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/hugo/38/.

Chicago

Hugo, Victor. “Sweet Charmer.” Translated by H.B. Farnie. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/hugo/38/.

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