On the day when the lotus bloomed alas, my mind was straying, and I knew it not.
My basket was empty and the flower remained unheeded.
Only now and again a sadness fell upon me,
and I started up from my dream and felt a sweet trace
of a strange fragrance in the south wind.
That vague sweetness made my heart ache
with longing and it seemed to me that
it was the eager breath of the summer seeking for its completion.
I know not then that it was so near,
that it was mine, and that his perfect sweetness
had blossomed in the depth of my own heart.