Charles Baudelaire

The End of the Day

Under a pallid light, noisy, Impudent Life runs and dances, Twists and turns, for no good reason So, as soon as voluptuous Night rises from the horizon, Assuaging all, even hunger, Effacing all, even shame, The Poet says to himself: "At last! My spirit, like my vertebrae, Passionately invokes repose; With a heart full of gloomy dreams, I shall lie down flat on my back And wrap myself in your curtains, O refreshing shadows!" Translated by - William Aggeler The End of the Day Under a sallow light Runs insolent, shrieking Life, Dancing and twisting capriciously. Then, as soon as sensual night Climbs the horizon Hushing all, even hunger, Effacng all, even shame, The Poet says to himself: "At last My spirit like my bones Pleads dearly for repose; My heart is full of melancholy dreams, And I go and lie on my back Coiling myself in your curtains, O restoring darkness!" Translated by - Geoffrey Wagner The End of the Day Under the wan, dejected skies, Impudent, raucous, full of treason, This life runs dancing without reason. Voluptuous night begins to rise, Appeasing even those who fast, Ravenous hunger making tame, And hiding all things, even shame, Until the Poet says, "At last My spirit, like my weary spine, Can do with slumber, that is certain, Sad dreams invade this heart of mine. I'm off to lie down on my back, And roll myself into your curtain, Refreshing shadows, dense and black!" Translated by - Roy Campbell

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