Primus

With the down of swans the bed has been bestrewn high,
Blissfulness covers it with delicate pillows,
The head sinks in as if in a sea that is dry,
Immersed in the waves of the plucked geese it flows.
Here in the luxurious down sleep breathes a deep sigh
And with a full breast it sings praises of repose,
The eyes have been sheltered by a green silk curtain,
So that the rays of Phoebus would not filter in.


Secundus

Sentinels walk as if they were on cotton feet,
When they are coming forward close beside the bed,
In opening the hinged door they are most discreet,
The lips of each man are sealed, keep the words unsaid;
They cool with a fan the one who wakes in this heat,
Darkening the windowpanes with draperies overhead,
The sun has not yet scattered here its rays of light,
Even if it is burning with triple fire's might.

Translated by Michael J. Mikoś