But to a heart susceptible to melancholy,
This romantic spot is full of poesy!
These steep cliffs, these limpid streams,
These winding paths, these swaying reeds,
All these excite me, touch me, and this savage scene
Speaks to my amazed senses an unfamiliar language.
All rests in the darkness and Idamore alone
From the walls of Benares escapes before dawn.
What is this ancient forest, whither your steps have led me?
But I see a temple, and the luminary of night!
Where am I? What darkness
Shrouds with a ghastly veil the light that shone for us?
These walls are dyed with blood! I see the Furies
Shake their torches, avengers of parricides!
The vivid lightning seems to strike me down,
Hell yawns!
I have the blest promise,
That as midnight draws near,
Love will noiselessly open to me
My mistress’s alcove!
[7] Va te promener! Literally, as translated, but as an idiomatic expression it signifies: Go about your business!
[8] The point made in French is lost in English. The verb used—sentir—means either to feel or to smell.