From beneath a mysterious and ice-cold half-mask

 * * *

 From beneath a mysterious and ice-cold half-mask
 Your voice sounded to me as flattering as a dream,
 Your charming eyes were shining at me,
 And your cunning mouth was smiling.

 Through the wispy haze I noticed unconsciously
 The paleness of your virgin cheeks and neck,
 Lucky creature! I saw a wilful curl
 Leaving the wave of its native locks!..

 And I created then by these light signs
 A lovely beauty in my imagination;
 And from that time I carry in my soul,
 Caress and love this ethereal apparition.

 And all seems thus to me: this lively conversation
 I have already heard in the former years,
 And someone whispers to me: after this encounter
 We will meet again as good old friends.

 1840 or 1841