Night of the Full Moon

From the West-Eastern Divan

Lady, say, what do you whisper? What so softly moves your lips? To yourself you’re murmuring, Sweeter than the wine in sips! Would you think to those twin sisters To summon up another twin? ‘I would kiss! Would kiss! I say.’ Look! In the uncertain eve Every branch is glowing, flowering, Star is shining down on star: And a thousand gems are glowing Emerald throughout the leaves: Yet your spirit travels far. ‘I would kiss! Would kiss! I say.’ Your beloved, feels likewise The bittersweet, far distant now, Filled with a sad happiness. You both swore a sacred vow, To greet each other at the rise Of the full moon, which it is. ‘I would kiss! Would kiss! I say.’