English Singing Translation of:

Gabriel Fauré: Les Roses d'Ispahan, Opus 39, No. 4 (SMB #134)

(The roses of Ispahan; text by de Lisle)

The roses of Ispahan in their sheath so mossy, and the jasmines of Moussoul, the flow'rs of orange trees, have a perfume less strong, a fragrance far less sweet, oh lovely Leilah, than your soft breath! Your lips are of coral, and your light laughter sounds lovelier than all the blue rippling water; more lovely than the bird that sings in its nest of moss. Oh Leilah! Oh ever since on wings so light all kisses have flown away from your lips so sweet. Absent now the perfume of the pale orange tree, gone the celestial scent from roses in their moss. Oh! That your young sweet love, this butterfly so light, would come back to my heart on wings quick and gentle, and would perfume again the flow'rs of orange trees, and the roses of Ispahan in their sheath of moss.

(Approx. performance timing: 3:01)

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