While here each day self-satisfied and placid

Moves opulent among the groves of summer;

The larks delight, the laughter of the thrushes,

The kindly peasants in their ruddy orchard,

Please for a while until the spirit sickens

And turns her panting to her ancient lover.

Oh, well I know the quickening of the pulses,

Joy bursting through disgust as field and pasture

Grow fewer, paler, till the eager houses

Like hungry animals eat up the spaces