The dragon's lair

A personal collection of verse

Paradise

Luís de Camões


Whenever your beautiful face and laughter entice
my hungry eyes, my mind is instantly swarmed
with thoughts that are so lofty and transformed,
I can see, right here on earth, God’s Paradise.
Then I feel so isolated, so far above
mere human joys, which seem petty and unreal,
that I’m cut off from reality and feel
like someone who’s lost his senses. Dear love,
my praise is always unworthy—as I am too,
like everyone else. I harbor no hopes to apprehend
your beauties, which only dazzle and mystify.
You’re such a marvel in this world that seeing you,
Senhora, I’m never surprised to comprehend
that He who made you, made the stars and the sky.

translated by: William Baer

Paradise

Luís de Camões


Whenever your beautiful face and laughter entice
my hungry eyes, my mind is instantly swarmed
with thoughts that are so lofty and transformed,
I can see, right here on earth, God’s Paradise.
Then I feel so isolated, so far above
mere human joys, which seem petty and unreal,
that I’m cut off from reality and feel
like someone who’s lost his senses. Dear love,
my praise is always unworthy—as I am too,
like everyone else. I harbor no hopes to apprehend
your beauties, which only dazzle and mystify.
You’re such a marvel in this world that seeing you,
Senhora, I’m never surprised to comprehend
that He who made you, made the stars and the sky.

translated by: William Baer