The Vampire

  You who, like the stab of a knife,
  Entered my plaintive heart;
  You who, strong as a herd
  Of demons, came, ardent and adorned,

  To make your bed and your domain
  Of my humiliated mind
  Like the convict to his chain,

  Like the stubborn gambler to the game,
  Like the drunkard to his wine,
  Like the maggots to the corpse,

  I begged the swift poniard
  To gain for me my liberty,
  I asked perfidious poison
  To give aid to my cowardice.

  Alas! both poison and the knife
  Contemptuously said to me:
  "You do not deserve to be freed
  From your accursed slavery,

  Fool! — if from her domination
  Our efforts could deliver you,
  Your kisses would resuscitate
  The cadaver of your vampire!"