University of Virginia Library

A WINTER PIECE

Sous le voile qui vous protége,
Défiant les regards jaloux,
Si vous sortez par cette neige,
Redoutez vos pieds andalous.
Théophile Gautier

Beneath the heavy veil you wear,
Shielded from jealous eyes you go;

50

But of your pretty feet have care
If you should venture through the snow.
Howe'er you tread, a tiny mould
Betrays that light foot all the same;
Upon this glistening, snowy fold
At every step it signs your name.
Thus guided, one might come too close
Upon the slyly-hidden nest
Where Psyche, with her cheek's cold rose,
On Love's warm bosom lies at rest.