The One Possessed

The sun was covered with a crape. Like him, Moon of my life! swathe yourself with darkness; Sleep or smoke as you will; be silent, be somber, And plunge your whole being into Ennui's abyss; I love you thus! However, if today you wish, Like an eclipsed star that leaves the half-light, To strut in the places which Madness encumbers, That is fine! Charming poniard spring out of your sheath! Light your eyes at the flame of the lusters! Kindle passion in the glances of churls! To me you're all pleasure, morbid or petulant; Be what you will, black night, red dawn; There is no fiber in my whole trembling body That does not cry: "Dear Beelzebub, I adore you!" Translated by - William Aggeler The Possessed One The sun is enveloped in crape! like it, O Moon of my Life! wrap thyself up in shade; At will, smoke or slumber, be silent, be staid, And dive deep down in Dispassion's dark pit. I cherish thee thus! But if 'tis thy mood, Like a star that from out its penumbra appears, To float in the regions where madness careers, Fair dagger! burst forth from thy sheath! 'tis good. Yea, light up thine eyes at the Fire of Renown! Or kindle desire by the looks of some clown! Thine All is my joy, whether dull or aflame! Just be what thou wilt, black night, dawn divine, There is not a nerve in my trembling frame But cries, "I adore thee, Beelzebub mine!" Translated by - Cyril Scott Possession My sun is eclipsed and moon in shadow. Sleep, smoke, drink, dream, screw - I'm destined for tedium. The caves sharp enough for me Are gambling successfully at Baden-Baden While I've run out of schemes. Something excite these luckless cells Before my desires and pleasures Grab their chance to die! Testeless days, unocular nights And I hear the cops have been beating Bud Powell's head again. - Will Schmitz The Possessed The sun in crepe has muffled up his fire. Moon of my life! Half shade yourself like him. Slumber or smoke. Be silent and be dim, And in the gulf of boredom plunge entire; I love you thus! However, if you like, Like some bright star from its eclipse emerging, To flaunt with Folly where the crowds are surging - Flash, lovely dagger, from your sheath and strike! Light up your eyes from chandeliers of glass! Light up the lustful looks of louts that pass! Morbid or petulant, I thrill before you. Be what you will, black night or crimson dawn; No fibre of my body tautly-drawn, But cries: "Beloved demon, I adore you!" Translated by - Roy Campbell