You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
RAIN<br />
S<strong>of</strong>tly and in silence the fine rain has moistened everything. It is still raining a<br />
little. I am going to stroll under the trees. Bare-footed, not to soil my sandals.<br />
The spring rains are delicious. Branches laden with rain-soaked blossoms daze<br />
me with their perfume. The delicate skin <strong>of</strong> the bark shines in the sun.<br />
Alas! how many blooms have fallen to earth. Pity the fallen flowers. Pray do not<br />
sweep them up, or crush them in the mud: but leave them to the bees.<br />
Beetles and snails promenade in the pathways between the pools <strong>of</strong> water; I do<br />
not wish to tread upon them, nor frighten this gilded lizard which stretches and<br />
blinks its eyes.<br />
FLOWERS<br />
Nymphs <strong>of</strong> the woods and fountains, beneficent friends, oh! here I am. Do not<br />
hide yourselves, but come to my aid, for I am sorely overburdened by the weight<br />
<strong>of</strong> so many plucked flowers.<br />
I shall choose from among you a poor hamadryad with lifted arms, and into her<br />
leafy hair I'll thrust my heaviest rose.<br />
See! I have taken so many from the fields that I shall never be able to carry them<br />
home, unless you make me up a huge bouquet. If you refuse, take care:<br />
Yesterday I saw the nymph whose hair is tinted orange served like a beast by the<br />
satyr Lamprosathes, and I shall denounce the shameless creature.<br />
6
Change language