I'm almost afraid, it's true

I'm almost afraid, it's true,

when I see how my life is entwined

with the radiant thought

that stole my soul last summer;

when I see how your ever-dear image

lives in this heart that is all yours,

my heart that only wants

to love you and to please you;

and I tremble - forgive me

for speaking so freely -

at the thought that a word or a smile

from you so rules me

and that a gesture,

a word or a wink

from you is enough to set my soul

in mourning for its heavenly illusion.

I really only want to see you,

no matter how dark

and full of pain my future,

through an immense hope,

plunged into this supreme job

of saying over and always to myself,

despite all dismal returns,

that I love you, that I love thee!