English poem
X
by Emile Verhaeren (1855–1916)
Come out into the garden fair Where now the brooding eve Has closed the flowers with its tranquil light, And in thy soul let sink the peaceful night; For no longer may its gloom achieve To trouble our deep prayer.
Above, the crystal stars are shining forth With light translucent and more pure Than ever came from out the frozen North; Beyond them all, the peaceful skies endure.
The million voices of this mystery Murmur around thee, The million laws of nature's realm Are stirring about thee. The silver tides from all the universe o'erwhelm Thy heart, but thou hast naught of fear or strife, For thy soul knows--it is that love may be, The love that is the work of life And its mystery in thee.
Take then this peace the skies have sent, And lay it to thy soul, since fear has gone, This peace that floats, like some strange dawn, Across the midnight of the firmament.