"The Rimas" by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (Full text in English)

XXI-XXX

XXI

"What is poesy," you ask

While you fix your pupil blue on my own. " An easy task

to reply; but why should you put this question unto me ? " You, yourself, are poesy.

XXII

How is it possible, that roses could Live in thy heart's impassioned neighborhood ? Ne'er have I seen until the present hour A dread volcano to produce a flower.

XXIII

I 'd give a world for just one glance from thee; A heaven for a smile were paltry fee; While for a kiss, " I do not know, what I Would for a kiss consider equity.

XXIV

Two red tongues of fire about the same Woodland log entwining, which aie seen

Kissing, as they form a single Rame, Sinuous in motion, serpentine.

Two accords of praise, which at one time Wrested by the hand, approach in space

Forming to a suave, melodious chime Melting in harmonious embrace.

Billows, which together land, to share Common death upon the shelving ground

Which, in breaking up, still proudly wear Silver helmets on their crests encrowned.

Wreaths of misty vapor, which arise

From the surface of the lake and vowed

To unite within the vasty skies. Merging in a single, snowy cloud.

Two deep kisses, which together sound. Two ideas, which one birth unrolls,

Two keen echoes, which themselves confound, Two such twin -concept ions are our souls.

XXV

When thee, at night, sleep's gauzy wings enfold

And thy spread eyelids seem like ebon bows, To listen to thy heart-throbs uncontrolled

And bear upon my breast, thy head in deep repose " I 'd gladly give my soul

Whatever I possess: The light, the air, my dole

Of thought and consciousness!

When thy eyes ñx their gaze on things unseen

And some reflected smile thy lips illumes. To read the silent thou}^ht within thy mien.

As o'er the sea's broad mirror pass the clouded fumes " I *d gladly give my soul

Whatever I desire: Fame, glory, wealth, the whole

Of genius' brilliant hret

When mute thy tongue and breathing is oppressed.

Thy black eye rolling and thy cheek inflamed. To see between thy lashes, thy unrest

Emit volcanic sparks from thy desires untamed, I 'd gladly give my soul