Chapter XI

Dawn, shadow, evening, space and stars; what night
Hides in its veils or shows forth mistily,
Add to their exaltation; they who live
In love, live also in eternity.

No need that reason light its beacon fires
On walls that rear them high above the ground,
Kindling the docks, the harbour and the sea;
For they beyond all ocean's paths are bound.

They see the light of dawns touch shore on shore,
Beyond and far beyond the black sea's space;
For certitude and trembling hope themselves,
Meeting their ardent gaze, have the same face.

Joyous and limpid is their hungry faith;
Their soul is the profound and sudden light
Which burns for them on high and heavenly things;
To know the world, within they turn their sight.

They go by distant paths and live with truths
That bound the far horizon of their eyes,
Simple and naked, deep, and sweet as dawn;
For them alone are songs of paradise.