Rima IV

Say not that, its treasure exhausted,
The lyre is mute, lacking a melody:
There may be no poets, but forever
Poesy will be.

As long as the waves quiver glowingly
At dawning's caress;
As long as the sun doth, with fire and gold,
the flying clouds dress;

As long as the breezes are laden with
Fragrance and harmony;
As long as the springtide comes to the earth,
Poesy will be!

As long as by science the well of life
Has not been found,
And in seas or in heavens an abyss remains
That men cannot sound;

While ignorant whither, but forward yet,
Goes humanity;
As long as one mystery remains for man,
Poesy will be!

As long as the soul joys and yet no smile
Without doth appear;
As long as there's sorrow when from the eye
There falls no tear;

As long as mankind is still left with hope
And memory;
As long as the heart and head battle still,
Poesy will be!

As long as eyes mirror the tender gaze
Of other eyes;
As long as a sighing mouth still responds
To a mouth that sighs;

As long as two souls in a kiss can feel
One unity;
As long as one beautiful woman is...
Poesy will be!

(translated by Young Allison)