The caresses of the eyes are the most adorable;
They bring the soul to the limits of being,
And deliver secrets otherwise ineffable,
In which only the heart can appear.
The purest kisses are rude to them;
Their language is stronger than all words;
Nothing expresses like it the immortal things
That pass by in moments in our frivolous beings.
When age has aged the mouth and the smile
Whose folds are slowly filled with sadness,
They still keep their limpid tenderness;
Made to console, intoxicate and seduce,
They have the sweetness, the ardour and the charms!
And what other caress has crossed tears?
