Recollection

It was night, and beside Her

Who alone reached my heart and there remains alone,

With those tears that impede words

I pleaded for pity on my anguish.

When She, lowering her lovely eyes,

Said (the mere memory of it makes my head whirl):

"Place your hand on my heart, and be consoled:

You should know that I love you and you alone",

This said from love, pale and trembling,

In the sweetest of acts she leaned

Her lovely face on my left shoulder.

Even if, after this bliss, grief was far more bitter,

Even if; for me, no moment matched this,

Ah! how dear was dying in that hour!