La Fin d'un Rêve (poem)
Overflowing with happiness, he would not have traded it,
For all the gold that, alas, he did not possess!
In the evening, toward home, he directed his steps,
And although he followed a well known road,
His gaze, lost in thought, wandered into the clouds.
He repeated the words they had said to each other:
Did they really produce the effect that was expected of them?
Did she really understand the depth of his thoughts?
His veiled language, did it offend her?
Thus the heart hesitates and one fears, by turns,
To have revealed, to have hidden, too much of his love.
But in his heart, he faces this dilemma:
"I mustn't love her, or say that I love her.
"And what does it matter, after all, if a secret is revealed?
"When the heart is loyal and love is true!
"Should not these young sprouts be left to grow?
"And we will get married... if you don't reject me...
"Why look at me with fear in your eyes?
"The path of love is all laid out for us...
"Alas! I know well your importunate request:
"We don't live on fresh air alone, I have no fortune...
"Fortunately, I am young and brave in heart:
"At twenty, one can achieve anything by work,
"My arms, believe me, are stronger than you think
"And I will reach the goal if you'll be the reward...
He went into his room beneath the attic.
"Your grace and your beauty, which no one can deny,
"Will give me heart, and, to bring you satisfaction,
"I will promptly manage to expand our sphere,
"And we will gain much in no time.
"So, farewell worries! May we be happy!...
"I once dreamed only of serene happiness,
"I wanted to be king so you could be queen..."
But suddenly he shuddered.
—Oh! Bitter despair!
Of the poor prisoner who, cradled by the sea,
After having dreamt, wakes at the base of the slipway,
To sit down, he took a wobbly chair!...
Edouard de Gorostiza