(After Valery) br br br This hushed surface where the doves parade br Amid the pines vibrates, amid the graves; br Here the noon's justice unites all fires when br The sea aspires forever to begin again and again. br O what a gratification comes after long meditation br O satisfaction, after long meditation or ratiocination br Upon the calm of the gods br Upon the divine serenity, in luxurious contemplation! br br What pure toil of perfect lightning enwombs, consumes, br Each various manifold jewel of imperceptible foam, br And how profound a peace appears to be begotten and br begun br When upon the abyss the sunlight seems to pause, br The pure effects of an eternal cause: br Time itself sparkles, to dream and to know are one....