The drunken lover

Trust me, my young Délie,
Enjoy these youthful summers;
Life's dawn is fresh and free,
Beholden by the lovers;

Restrained, (in vain) wisdom
Condemns our sighs,
This amorous intoxication
Is worthy of some highs.

If love is a reverie,
Let us linger awhile, stay,
Let us embrace the lie
And forget about the day;

And, since with the dream
Happiness leaves forever,
Before it attempts to flee,
Let us die in our error.
Étienne de Jouy (1764-1846)
Translated by Prontobard 2022