224 
L’INVITATION AU VOYAGE 
 
 
 Arabesque is the ceiling. 
 The mirrors ?  revealing 
An Orient shining in splendour— 
 How it all whispers 
 The spirit’s vespers 
In its speech—slow, secret, and tender !   
 
 There, all is peace and ecstasy ;   
 Pleasure, calm, and luxury !   
 
 The canals ?  See yonder 
 Ships (glad to wander) 
Sleep sound with their wings close-furled !   
 It is to fulfil 
 Thy lightest will 
That they come from the end of the world. 
 The sun as it falls 
 Clothes the fields, the canals, 
The city itself in a robe 
 Of azure and gold— 
 The warm light shall enfold 
With slumber the passionate globe. 
 
 There, all is peace and ecstasy ;   
 Pleasure, calm, and luxury !