Love Stronger than Time

Love Stronger than Time

by Victor Hugo

loose translation by Michael R. Burch

 

Since I first set my lips to your full cup, 

Since my pallid face first nested in your hands,

Since I sensed your soul and every bloom lit up--

Till those rare perfumes were lost to deepening sands;

 

Since I was once allowed those pleasures deep--

To hear your heart speak mysteries, divine;

Since I have seen you smile, have watched you weep, 

Your lips pressed to my lips, your eyes on mine;

 

Since I have sensed above my thoughts the gleam

Of a ray, a single ray, of your bright star

(If sometimes veiled), and felt light--falling--stream

Like one rose petal plucked from high, afar; 

 

I now can say to time's swift-changing hours:

Pass, pass upon your way, for you grow old;

Flee to the dark abyss with your drear flowers,

but one unmarred within my heart I hold.

 

Your flapping wings may jar but cannot spill

The cup fulfilled of love, from which I drink;

My heart has fires your frosts can never chill,

My soul more love to fly than you can sink.