Chapter XXI

With my old hands lifted to your forehead,
during your brief sleep by the black hearth this
evening, I part your hair, and I kiss the fervour
of your eyes hidden beneath your long lashes.

Oh! the sweet affection of this day's end! My
eyes follow the years that have completed their
course, and suddenly your life appears so perfect
in them that my love is moved by a touching
respect.

And as in the time when you were my betrothed,
the desire comes back to me again in all its
ardour to fall on my knees, and with fingers as
chaste as my thoughts to touch the place where
your gentle heart beats.