Samuel Waddington, comp. The Sonnets of Europe. 1888.
Fresco-Sonnets to Christian S. (II.)Heinrich Heine (17971856)
Translated by Stratheir
B
Yet worse are gentle smiling angel faces;
One such did tempt me once with sweet embraces,
But felt I her sharp claws as I drew nigh her.
And old black cats, my friend, beware their ire,
Yet worse are white young kittens in some cases;
One such I treasured whilom for her graces,
Yet was my heart much lacerated by her.
O pretty minx! O rare sweet little maiden!
How could that limpid eye of thine deceive me?
How could that little paw a heart-wound leave me?
O rare soft kitten-paw with velvet laden!
Would I might press thee to my lips all glowing,
Tho’ from my heart were e’en its life-blood flowing!