Page:The Soul of a Century.djvu/123

 “Pretty child, what do they call you?” “Sir, they call me Satanella!” “Satanella? What a strange name.” Gallantly the knight retorted, “But full worthy that an angel Bow before your Godly beauty!” For a long while, all was quiet, Distant waters barely rippled, Darkened forests barely whispered. Just the thicket faintly trembled With the earth’s sweet heavy breathing, Just two lips that faintly trembled ’neath a cataract of kisses As a lotus flower trembles ’neath the faithful moon’s caressing, As the rolling ocean trembles ’neath the rays of golden sunshine.

“Tell me, do you still remember,” —softly asks the happy lover— “Years ago when shyly, coyly, I dared kiss the blooms you offered? And today, see what a difference, Now I kiss your tan-hued forehead, Supple cheeks and two lips smiling, Full-formed breasts and two bare ankles, Your moist eyes and raven tresses; All of you now is a flower And a lip now, all my being, Satanella! Satanella!” “Tell me, do you still remember,” —answers she her knightly lover— “Years ago, when shyly, coyly I dared rest one eye upon you? And today, see what a difference, Both my eyes I dare submerse now And with them my soul is sinking, Everlastingly submersing In your eyes, blue as an ocean, In your eyes your soul I see now, As it beckons me and calls me, All the earthly bliss I see there, And I swoon with joy’s abundance. Burning, longing lips repeating: ‘Roderigo, Roderigo.’”