V

Be kind and comforting to us, oh light! And bathe our foreheads now, oh wintry ray! When we two issue forth this afternoon To breathe together the last warmth of day.

We loved you formerly with such a pride, With such a love as our two souls could lend, That a supreme and sweet and friendly flame Is due us now that we await the end.

You are that which no man may forget, From dawn that smites his arm unconquered To evening when you sleep within his eyes Your strength abolished and your splendour dead.

Always for us you were the seen desire Spreading through all, luminous and free, That with impassioned ardour deep and high Seemed from our heart to seek infinity.