Part 17

I helped to make it myself: diligent in my own grief.

"Well, now his wish is fulfilled. The old gardner's most dissolute crow has

Left on this day unscathed nice little garden and niece."

While there is many an unpleasant sound, I hate to hear barking

Worse than anything else. Bellowing dogs split my ears.

Nevertheless I do like to hear, and take pleasure in listening

To the loud howl of the dog raised from a pup next door.

That is the dog that so bayed one time at my girl that he almost

Gave our secret away (when she was visiting me).

Now, when I hear the dog barking I think my beloved is coming--

Or I remember the time, when long awaited she came.

XXI

I can tell not only about a discomfort far greater than others,

But of a horror besides, thinking of which will arouse

Every fiber in me to revulsion. My friends, I confess it:

Great displeasure I take lying alone in my bed.

But it's a horror to fear on the pathways of love you'll discover

Snakes and their venom beneath roses of eager desire--

That at the moment supreme, when I'm yielding to pleasure so fully,

Right at my head as it droops, hissing disease may approach.

That's why Faustina as my companion in bed makes me happy:

Loving she always remains faithful, as I am to her.

Young men are aroused in their passions by obstacles and by excitement;

I prefer to go slow, savoring pleasures secure.

Is it not bliss to exchange tender kisses containing no dangers,

Sucking into our lungs, carefree, our partner's own life?

That is the way our long nights of enjoyment are passed. We listen,

Breast against breast, to the storm, pouring down rain in the wind