15. Double yourself and receive me, darkness !

Receive me and my lover too — he will not let me go without him.

16. I roll myself upon you, as upon a bed — I resign myself to the dusk.

17. He whom I call answers me and takes the place of my lover,

He rises with me silently from the bed.

18. Darkness ! you are gentler than my lover — his flesh was sweaty and panting,

I feel the hot moisture yet that he left me.

19. My hands are spread forth, I pass them in all directions,

I would sound up the shadowy shore to which you arc journeying.

20. Be careful, darkness ! already, what was it touched me ?

I thought my lover had gone, else darkness and he are one,

I hear the heart-beat — I follow, I fade away.

21. hot-cheeked and l)lushing I O foolish hectic ! for pity's sake, no one must see me now ! my clothes were stolen while I was abed.

Now I am thrust forth, wliere shall I run ?

22. Pier that I saw dimly last night, when I looked from the windows !