Chapter I

Dainty flowers, like a froth of foam, grew along
the borders of our paths; the wind fell and the
air seemed to brush your hands and hair with
plumes.

The shade was kindly to us as we walked in step
beneath the leafage; a child's song reached us
from a village, and filled all the infinite.

Our ponds were outspread in their autumn
splendour under the guard of the long reeds, and
the lofty, swaying crown on the woods' fine brow
was mirrored in the waters.

And both knowing that our hearts were brooding
together on the same thought, we reflected that
it was our calmed life that was revealed to us in
this lovely evening.

For one supreme moment, you saw the festival sky
deck itself out and say farewell to us; and for a
long, long while you gave it your eyes filled to
the brim with mute caresses.