Eloa, or the Sister of the Angels

"Eloa, or the Sister of the Angels" written in 1823 by Alfred de Vigny, is widely recognized as one of the best poems of the nineteenth century. It tells the story of a girl angel, born of a divine tear, who falls in love with a mysterious, handsome, male spirit, who pursues her unremittingly. Her kind heart impels her to try to save this fallen angel—to her own peril. The lush language and enchanting images of this poem are unparalleled in western literature. Théophile Gautier called it the most beautiful, perhaps the most perfect poem of the French language. The original text in French is followed by a new translation, which aims to impart at least a taste of its original music and import.