LXIV THE SLEEPER
Mitchell S. (Mitchell Starrett) Buck translation
SHE sleeps in her unbound hair, her hands joined behind her neck. Does she dream? Her mouth is open; she breathes gently.
With a bit of white swan, I dry off the perspiration of her arms, the fever of her cheeks, but without awakening her. Her closed eyelids are two blue flowers.
Very softly, I will raise myself; I will go · to draw water, to milk the cow and ask fire of the neighbors. I would arrange my hair and dress before she opens her eyes.
Sleep, dwell for long between her fair, curved eyelids, and continue the happy night with a dream of good augury.