I + 

In the Lyceum’s noiseless shade + 

As in a garden when I grew, + 

I Apuleius gladly read + 

But would not look at Cicero. + 

’Twas then in valleys lone, remote, + 

In springtime, heard the cygnet’s note + 

By waters shining tranquilly, + 

That first the Muse appeared to me. + 

Into the study of the boy + 

There came a sudden flash of light, + 

The Muse revealed her first delight, + 

Sang childhood’s pastimes and its joy, + 

Glory with which our history teems + 

And the heart’s agitated dreams. + 