Victor Hugo Translation

Victor Hugo "Love Stronger Than Time" Translation by Michael Burch Since I first set my lips to your full cup, Since my pallid face first nested in your hands, Since I sensed your soul and every bloom lit up— Till those rare perfumes were lost to deepening sands; Since I was once allowed those pleasures deep— To hear your heart speak mysteries, divine; Since I have seen you smile, have watched you weep, Your lips pressed to my lips, your eyes on mine; Since I have sensed above my thoughts the gleam Of a ray, a single ray, of your bright star (If sometimes veiled), and felt light falling stream, Like one rose petal plucked from high, afar; I now can say to time's swift-changing hours: Pass, pass upon your way, for you grow old; Flee to the dark abyss with your drear flowers, but one unmarred within my heart I hold. Your flapping wings may jar but cannot spill The cup fulfilled of love, from which I drink; My heart has fires your frosts can never chill, My soul more love to fly than you can sink.