Sol 5.6

  1. I fell in love with him: nothing in him was dark but his eyes,

    and a luxuriant mass of pitch-black hair hanging down over his haunches;

  2. with a figure to which a supple bough seemed to have lent its softness,

    and a face in which the full moon seemed complete.

  3. For a time we remained together, our only union a fleeting glance,

    and a companionable sitting that assailed the heart with flames.

  4. I had no boldness to rush upon him kissing,

    nor had he mercy enough to spare the one he slew.

  5. When we both held back out of modesty and reserve,

    and I yearned to kiss, I ranged widely through stratagems.

  6. I laid fingers of mine upon his eyes,

    and closed my own eyes—then kisses poured forth.

  7. I sipped saliva beside which musk’s fragrance was as nothing,

    as though it were red wine with honey blended in.

  8. Thereafter, whenever I kissed him, I would do the same;

    what a stratagem it was, fulfilling desire!

  9. This went on between us so long that its coyness disappeared,

    and we came to a pass with neither modesty nor shame.

  10. I embraced in his curving sides both a dune and a supple bough,

    and made the roses of his cheeks wilt—yet they did not wilt.

  11. Then I encircled both our necks with the serpent of his hair:

    whenever it glided over the back, it crept down to the haunches.

  12. I shunned what the wanton would choose from him—

    an ugly deed that brings loathing and sin.

  13. Never have I seen a lover as passionately enamored as I,

    who gained the power to do what he desired—and did not do it.

Sol 5.6