Versos English Emile Verhaeren Iv

English poem

Iv

by (1855–1916)

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Shadows are lustral in the iris'd dawn; From a branch on high whence a bird has fled Dew drops tremble and are gone.

Purity, delicate and fair, Beautifies the hour that brings Crystal brilliance to the air; We hear the sounds of water and the brush of wings.

Oh! how your eyes are beauteous at this hour When our silver lake is gleaming in the sight Of the day arising; Your forehead radiant and your heart-beat light. Intensity of life, its goodness and its power, Like to a mighty blessedness Of your soul are part, So that to contain the anguish and the stress, Suddenly your hands have clasped my own, Laying them, as though with fear, Against your heart.