From beneath a mysterious and ice-cold half-mask

From beneath a mysterious and ice-cold half-maskYour voice sounded to me as flattering as a dream,Your charming eyes were shining at me,And your cunning mouth was smiling.

Through the wispy haze I noticed unconsciouslyThe paleness of your virgin cheeks and neck,Lucky creature! I saw a wilful curlLeaving the wave of its native locks!..

And I created then by these light signsA lovely beauty in my imagination;And from that time I carry in my soul,Caress and love this ethereal apparition.

And all seems thus to me: this lively conversationI have already heard in the former years,And someone whispers to me: after this encounterWe will meet again as good old friends.