Canto 37Since I have seen your face
Book 2. Part Two - Baroda Circa 1898 – 1902
Since I have seen your face at the window, sweet
Love, you have thrown a spell on my heart, on my feet.
My heart to your face, my feet to your window still
Bear me by force as if by an alien will.
5O witch of beauty, O Circe with innocent eyes,
You have suddenly caught me fast in a net of sighs.
When I look at the sunlight, I see your laughing face;
When I purchase a flower, it is you in your radiant grace.
I have tried to save my soul alive from your snare,
10I will strive no more; let it flutter and perish there.
I too will seize your body alive, O my dove,
And teach you all the torture and sweetness of love.
When you looked from the window out on the trampling city,
Did you think to take my heart and pay me with pity?
15But you looked on one who has ever mocked at sin
And gambled with life to lose her all or win.
I will pluck you forth like a fluttering bird from her nest.
You shall lie on Love’s strong knees, in his white warm breast,
Afraid, with delighted lids that will not close.
20You shall grow white one moment, the next a rose.