The Laurel in the Generalife Garden

In the Generalife a lovely laurel, Gay as victory and glad as love, Bathes its boughs in fountain mists auroral, Hides a pearl within each bloom of coral. And the green earth smiles to heaven above.

Like a blushing girl elate and slender, Tint of flesh it taketh with the spring; Like an odalisk in her nude splendour, Waiting by the water, flushed and tender, Ready for her fair apparelling.

Beauteous laurel! Many a mystic hour Have I rested me beside its form, Sealed my lips upon its precious flower — Sweet red mouth! — and, thrilling to its power, Felt it give me back my kisses warm.

Le Laurier du Generalife