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 Paul VALÉRY
 
 Recueil: Les Pas
 
 
 Paul VALÉRY
 
 Recueil: "Charmes"
 
 
 
 Your steps, children of my silence,
 Holy, slowly placed,
 Towards the bed of my vigilance
 Proceed mute and icy.
 
 Pure person, divine shadow,
 How sweet are your steps held back!
 Gods! All the gifts I guess
 come to me on these bare feet!
 
 If, with your lips advanced,
 You prepare to appease him,
 To the inhabitant of my thoughts
 The food of a kiss,
 
 Do not hasten this tender act,
 Softness of being and not being,
 For I lived to wait for you,
 And my heart was only your steps.
 
 
 
 Your steps, children of my silence,
 Holy, slowly placed,
 Towards the bed of my vigilance
 Proceed mute and icy.
 
 Pure person, divine shadow,
 How sweet are your steps held back!
 Gods! All the gifts I guess
 come to me on these bare feet!
 
 If, with your lips advanced,
 You prepare to appease him,
 To the inhabitant of my thoughts
 The food of a kiss,
 
 Do not hasten this tender act,
 Softness of being and not being,
 For I lived to wait for you,
 And my heart was only your steps.
 
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