Castalia

The Two

THE TWO (1895)

By Hugo Laurenz August Hofmann Edler von Hofmannsthal (1874 — 1929)

She bore the beaker in her hand

— Her mouth the image of its rim —

Her step so light and self-possessed,

Not a drop sprang from the cup.

So light and steady was his hand:

He rode a spirited young horse

And, with an easy gesture,

Brought it, trembling, to a halt.

Nonetheless, when from her hand

He sought the light cup to receive,

It was too heavy for them both:

For both were so seized by trembling,

Neither hand the other found,

And dark wine rolled upon the ground.

— translation by Ishmael Wallace