The garden rang with music br Of inexpressible despair. br A dish of oysters spread on ice br Smelled like the ocean, fresh and sharp. br br He told me: 'I'm a faithful friend!'- br And lightly touched my dress. br How different from embraces br The touch of those two hands. br br That's how one strokes a cat or bird br Or looks at slender lady riders… br Just laughter in his quiet eyes, br Beneath his light gold lashes. br br And the despondent voices of the violins br Sing out beyond the hanging smoke: br 'Give blessings to heaven above br At last you're alone with your beloved.