Translated by A. Z. Foreman - Summer Night lyrics

The summer night begins in whispers Humming a secret canzonetta. Night beds and lulls us breast to breast Upon the isle of Margaretta. Out here where once a cloister stood Haven to pale and silent nuns, Where now a love-secluding wood Grows pagan over ruined stones, The night incenses us with mint, Mallow, narcissus and the wind, Anoints us with a sacrament Of love: a kiss we cannot end. What jubilee the reveling crickets Chirrup in one frenetic drone! Deep in the gra** the glow-worms flicker Discreetly for themselves alone. Like a gigantic tinsel veil Round us lies the celestial arc, And slowly the Isle of Margaretta Sets sail with us: a bridal barque.