The Offering of the Heart
Tapestry from Arras, XV Century
Against a somber background, blue as midnight, More blank and dark than cloud, as black as storm, The almost moving leaves are almost golden, The light is almost warm.
Seated, a lady, wearing a cloak with ermine Holds on her hand, correctly gloved and bent, A falcon, without feathered hood or jesses; Her gaze appears intent
On what her hound, good little dog, is doing Around her ankles, left front paw in air, Regardless of the three white careless rabbits— He does not see them there,
Or turn, as does the falcon, toward the gallant, The gentleman, more elegant than smart, Who comes, in crimson cloak with ermine lining, And offers her a heart,
Holding it, chastely, between thumb and finger Whose U it does not fill, a plum in size, A somewhat faded strawberry in color— She does not raise her eyes.
How can a heart be beating in the bosom, And yet held up, so tiny, in the hand? Innocence; mystery: an Age of Science Would hardly understand.