How beautiful is the Sun when newly risen
He hurls his morning greetings like an explosion!
—Fortunate is the one who can lovingly salute
His setting, more glorious than a dream!
I remember!... I have seen everything, flower, stream, furrow,
Swoon under his gaze like a palpitating heart...
—Let us run to the horizon, it's late,
Let us run fast, to catch a slanting ray, at least!
But I pursue the sinking god in vain;
Irresistible Night, black, damp, deadly,
Full of shudders, establishes his reign;
The odor of the tomb swims in the shadows
And at the edge of the swamp my timid foot
Steps upon slimy snails and unexpected toads.