Parafrase of Nadir’s Aria

The moon of night ascended,

And close behind, you entered…

I know of no other woman kindred

So utterly sweet as your pattern.

A night of dreams embodied,

Of passion unearthly and deep—

Completely, fully naked body,

You stood revealed before me.

The stars tapped against the heavens

Like hail upon black wet glass,

Forever etching into memory even

The sweet warmth of that fleshless

A night of dreams embodied,

Of passion unearthly and deep—

Completely, fully naked body

You stood revealed before me.