第1章
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  LISTOFPOETSTRANSLATED

  I。CHARLESD’ORLEANS,whohassometimes,fornoveryobviousreason,beenstyledthefatherofFrenchlyricpoetry,wasborninMay,1391。HewasthesonofLouisD’Orleans,thegrandsonofCharlesV。,andthefatherofLouisXII。CapturedatAgincourt,hewaskeptinEnglandasaprisonerfrom1415to1440,whenhereturnedtoFrance,wherehediedin1465。Hisverses,forthemostpartroundelsontworhymes,aresongsofloveandspring,andretaintheallegoricalformsoftheRomandelaRose。

  II。FRANCOISVILLON,1431—14—?NothingisknownofVillon’sbirthordeath,andonlytoomuchofhislife。InhispoemstheancientformsofFrenchverseareanimatedwiththekeenestsenseofpersonalemotion,oflove,ofmelancholy,ofmockingdespair,andofrepentanceforalifepassedintavernsandprisons。

  III。JOACHIMDUBELLAY,1525—1560。TheexactdateofDuBellay’sbirthisunknown。HewascertainlyalittleyoungerthanRonsard,whowasborninSeptember,1524,althoughanattempthasbeenmadetoprovethathisbirthtookplacein1525,asacompensationfromNaturetoFranceforthebattleofPavia。AsapoetDuBellayhadthestart,byafewmouths,ofRonsard;hisRECUEILwaspublishedin1549。Thequestionofpriorityinthenewstyleofpoetrycausedaquarrel,whichdidnotlongseparatethetwosingers。DuBellayisperhapsthemostinterestingofthePleiad,thatcompanyofSeven,whoattemptedtoreformFrenchverse,byinspiringitwiththeenthusiasmoftheRenaissance。HisbookL’ILLUSTRATIONDE

  LALANGUEFRANCAISEisapleaforthestudyofancientmodelsandfortheimprovementofthevernacular。InthiseffortDuBellayandRonsardarethepredecessorsofMalherbe,andofAndreChenier,moresuccessfulthroughtheirfrankeagernessthantheformer,lessfortunateinthepossessionofcriticallearningandappreciativetastethanthelatter。ThereissomethinginDuBellay’slife,intheartisticnaturecheckedbyoccupationinaffairs—hewasthesecretaryofCardinalDuBellay—intheregretandaffectionwithwhichRomedepressedandalluredhim,whichremindstheEnglishreaderofthethwartedcareerofClough。

  IV。REMYBELLEAU,1528—1577。DuBelleau’slifewasspentinthehouseholdofCharlesdeLorraine,Marquisd’Elboeuf,andwasmarkedbynothingmoreeventfulthantheusualpilgrimagetoItaly,thesacredlandandsepulchreofart。

  V。PIERRERONSARD,1524—1585。Ronsard’searlyyearsgavelittlesignofhisvocation。Hewasforsometimeapageofthecourt,wasintheserviceofJamesV。ofScotland,andhadhisshareofshipwrecks,battles,andamorousadventures。Anillnesswhichproducedtotaldeafnessmadehimascholarandpoet,asinanotherageandcountryitmighthavemadehimasaintandanascetic。

  Withallhisindustry,andalmostreligiouszealforart,heisoneofthepoetswhomakethemselves,ratherthanarebornsingers。

  Hisepic,theFranciade,isastediousasotherartificialepics,andhisodesarealmostunreadable。WeareneverallowedtoforgetthatheisthepoetwhoreadtheIliadthroughinthreedays。Heis,ashasbeensaidofLeBrun,moremythologicalthanPindar。

  Hisconstantallusiontohisgreyhair,anaffectationwhichmaybenoticedinShelley,isborrowedfromAnacreon。Manyofthesonnetsinwhichhe’petrarquizes,’retainthefadedodouroftherosesheloved;andhissongshavefireandmelancholyandasenseasofperfumefrom’aclosetlongtoquietvowed,withmothedanddroppingarrashung。’Ronsard’sgreatfamedeclinedwhenisMalherbecameto’bindthesweetinfluencesofthePleiad,’buthehasbeendulyhonouredbythenewestschoolofFrenchpoetry。

  VI。JACQUESTAHUREAU,1527—1555。TheamorouspoetryofJacquesTahureauhasthemerit,rareinhis,orinanyage,ofbeingtherealexpressionofpassion。Hisbrieflifeburneditselfawaybeforehehadexhaustedthelyriceffusionofhisyouth。’Leplusbeaugentilhommedesonsiecle,etleplusdextreetoutessortesdegentillesses,’diedattheageoftwenty—eight,fulfillingthepresentimentwhichtinges,butscarcelysaddenshispoetry。

  VII。JEANPASSERAT,1534—1602。Betterknownasapoliticalsatiristthanasapoet。

  POETSOFTHENINETEENTHCENTURY。

  VICTORHUGO。

  ALFREDDEMUSSET,1810—1857。

  GERARDDENERVAL,1801—1855。

  HENRIMURGER,1822—1861。

  BALLADS。

  TheoriginalsoftheFrenchfolk—songsheretranslatedaretobefoundinthecollectionsofMM。DePuymaigreandGerarddeNerval,andinthereportofM。Ampere。

  Theversescalleda’LadyofHighDegree’areimitatedfromaveryearlyCHANSONinBartsch’scollection。

  TheGreekballadshavebeentranslatedwiththeaidoftheFrenchversionsbyM。Fauriel。

  SPRING。

  CHARLESD’ORLEANS,1391—1465。

  [Thenew—liveriedyear。—SIRHENRYWOTTON。]

  THEyearhaschangedhismantlecoldOfwind,ofrain,ofbitterair;

  Andhegoescladinclothofgold,Oflaughingsunsandseasonfair;

  NobirdorbeastofwoodorwoldButdothwithcryorsongdeclareTheyearlaysdownhismantlecold。

  Allfounts,allrivers,seawardrolled,Thepleasantsummerliverywear,Withsilverstudsonbroideredvair;

  Theworldputsoffitsraimentold,Theyearlaysdownhismantlecold。

  RONDEL。

  CHARLESD’ORLEANS,1391—1465。

  [TohisMistress,tosuccourhisheartthatisbeleagueredbyjealousy。]

  STRENGTHEN,myLove,thiscastleofmyheart,Andwithsomestoreofpleasuregivemeaid,ForJealousy,withallthemofhispart,Strongsiegeaboutthewearytowerhaslaid。

  Nay,iftobreakhisbandsthouartafraid,Tooweaktomakehiscruelforcedepart,Strengthenatleastthiscastleofmyheart,Andwithsomestoreofpleasuregivemeaid。

  Nay,letnotJealousy,forallhisartBemaster,andthetowerinruinlaid,Thatstill,ahLove!thygraciousruleobeyed。

  Advance,andgivemesuccourofthypart;

  Strengthen,myLove,thiscastleofmyheart。

  RONDEL。

  FRANCOISVILLON,1460

  GOODBYE!thetearsareinmyeyes;

  Farewell,farewell,myprettiest;

  Farewell,ofwomenbornthebest;

  Good—bye!thesaddestofgood—byes。

  Farewell!withmanyvowsandsighsMysadheartleavesyoutoyourrest;

  Farewell!thetearsareinmyeyes;

  Farewell!fromyoumymiseriesAremorethannowmaybeconfessed,AndmostbytheehaveIbeenblessed,Yea,andfortheehavewastedsighs;

  Goodbye!thelastofmygoodbyes。

  ARBORAMORIS。

  FRANCOISVILLON,1460

  IHAVEatree,agraftofLove,Thatinmyhearthastakenroot;

  Sadarethebudsandbloomsthereof,Andbittersorrowisitsfruit;

  Yet,sinceitwasatendershoot,Sogreatlyhathitsshadowspread,Thatunderneathalljoyisdead,Andallmypleasantdaysareflown,NorcanIslayit,norinsteadPlantanytree,savethisalone。

  Ah,yet,forlongandlongenoughMytearswererainaboutitsroot,Andthoughthefruitbeharshthereof,IscarcelylookedforbetterfruitThanthis,thatcarefullyIputIngarner,forthebitterbreadWhereonmywearylifeisfed:

  Ah,betterwerethesoilunsownThatbearssuchgrowths;butLoveinsteadWillplantnotree,butthisalone。

  Ah,wouldthatthisnewspring,whereofTheleavesandflowersflushintoshoot,ImighthavesuccourandaidofLove,Toprunethesebranchesattheroot,Thatlonghavebornesuchbitterfruit,Andgraftanewbough,comfortedWithhappyblossomswhiteandred;

  Sopleasureshouldforpainatone,NorLoveslaythistree,norinsteadPlantanytree,butthisalone。

  L’ENVOY。

  Princess,bywhommyhopeisfed,MyhearttheepraysinlowliheadToprunetheillboughsovergrown,NorslayLove’stree,norplantinsteadAnothertree,savethisalone。

  BALLADOFTHEGIBBET。

  [AnepitaphintheformofaballadthatFrancoisVillonwroteofhimselfandhiscompany,theyexpectingshortlytobehanged。]

  BROTHERSandmenthatshallafterusbe,Letnotyourheartsbehardtous:

  ForpityingthisourmiseryYeshallfindGodthemorepiteous。

  Lookonussixthatarehangingthus,AndforthefleshthatsomuchwecherishedHowitiseatenofbirdsandperished,Andashesanddustfillourbones’place,Mocknotatusthatsofeeblebe,ButprayGodpardonusoutofHisgrace。

  Listen,weprayyou,andlooknotinscorn,Thoughjustly,insooth,wearecasttodie;

  YewotnomansowiseisbornThatkeepshiswisdomconstantly。

  Beyethenmerciful,andcryToMary’sSonthatispiteous,ThatHismercytakenostainfromus,Savingusoutofthefieryplace。

  Wearebutdead,letnosouldenyToprayGodsuccourusofHisgrace。

  Therainoutofheavenhaswashedusclean,Thesunhasscorchedusblackandbare,Ravensandrookshavepeckedatoureyne,Andfeatheredtheirnestswithourbeardsandhair。

  Roundarewetossed,andhereandthere,Thiswayandthat,atthewildwind’swill,Neveramomentmybodyisstill;

  Birdstheyarebusyaboutmyface。

  Livenotaswe,norfareaswefare;

  PrayGodpardonusoutofHisgrace。

  L’ENVOY。

  PrinceJesus,Masterofall,totheeWeprayHellgainnomastery,Thatwecomeneveranearthatplace;

  Andyemen,makenomockery,PrayGodpardonusoutofHisgrace。

  HYMNTOTHEWINDS。

  DUBELLAY,1550。

  [Thewindsareinvokedbythewinnowersofcorn。]

  Toyou,troopsofleet,Thatwithwingedwanderingfeet,Throughthewideworldpass,AndwithsoftmurmuringTossthegreenshadesofspringInwoodsandgrass,LilyandvioletIgive,andblossomswet,Rosesanddew;

  Thisbranchofblushingroses,Whosefreshbuduncloses,Wind—flowerstoo。

  Ah,winnowwithsweetbreath,Winnowtheholtandheath,Roundthisretreat;

  WhereallthegoldenmornWefanthegoldo’thecorn,Inthesun’sheat。

  AVOWTOHEAVENLYVENUS。

  DUBELLAY,1500

  WEthatwithlikeheartslove,weloverstwain,Newweddedinthevillagebythyfane,Ladyofallchastelove,totheeitisWebringtheseamaranths,thesewhitelilies,Asign,andsacrifice;mayLove,wepray,Likeamaranthineflowers,feelnodecay;

  Likethesecoolliliesmayourlovesremain,Perfectandpure,andknownotanystain;

  Andbeourhearts,fromthisthyholyhour,Boundeachtoeach,likeflowertoweddedflower。

  TOHISFRIENDINELYSIUM。

  DUBELLAY,1550。

  SOlongyouwanderedontheduskyplain,Whereflittheshadowswiththeirendlesscry,Youreachtheshorewherealltheworldgoesby,Youleavethestrife,theslavery,thepain;

  Butwe,butwe,themortalsthatremainInvainstretchhands;forCharonsullenlyDrivesusafar,wemaynotcomeanighTillthatlastmysticoboluswegain。

  Butyouarehappyinthequietplace,Andwiththelearnedloversofolddays,Andwithyourlove,youwanderever—moreInthedimwoods,anddrinkforgetfulnessOfusyourfriends,awearycrowdthatpressAboutthegate,orlabourattheoar。

  ASONNETTOHEAVENLYBEAUTY。

  DUBELLAY,1550。

  IFthisourlittlelifeisbutadayIntheEternal,—iftheyearsinvainToilafterhoursthatnevercomeagain,—

  Ifeverythingthathathbeenmustdecay,Whydreamestthouofjoysthatpassaway,Mysoul,thatmysadbodydothrestrain?

  Whyofthemoment’spleasureartthoufain?

  Nay,thouhastwings,—nay,seekanotherstay。

  Thereisthejoywheretoeachsoulaspires,Andtheretherestthatalltheworlddesires,Andthereislove,andpeace,andgraciousmirth;

  AndthereinthemosthighestheavensshaltthouBeholdtheVeryBeauty,whereofnowThouworshippesttheshadowuponearth。

  APRIL。

  REMYBELLEAU,1560。

  APRIL,prideofwoodlandways,Ofgladdays,April,bringinghopeofprime,TotheyoungflowersthatbeneathTheirbudsheathAreguardedintheirtendertime;

  April,prideoffieldsthatbeGreenandfree,Thatinfashiongladandgay,Studwithflowersredandblue,Everyhue,Theirjewelledspringarray;

  April,prideofmurmuringWindsofspring,Thatbeneaththewinnowedair,TrapwithsubtlenetsandsweetFlora’sfeet,Flora’sfeet,thefleetandfair;

  April,bythyhandcaressed,FromherbreastNaturescatterseverywhereHandfulsofallsweetperfumes,Budsandblooms,Makingfainttheearthandair。

  April,joyofthegreenhours,ClotheswithflowersOverallherlocksofgoldMysweetLady;andherbreastWiththeblestBirdsofsummermanifold。

  April,withthygraciouswiles,Likethesmiles,SmilesofVenus;andthybreathLikeherbreath,theGods’delight,(FromtheirheightTheytakethehappyairbeneath;)

  Itisthouthat,ofthygrace,FromtheirplaceInthefar—oftislesdostbringSwallowsoverearthandsea,GladtobeMessengersofthee,andSpring。

  Daffodilandeglantine,Andwoodbine,Lily,violet,androsePlentifulinAprilfair,Totheair,Theirprettypetalsdounclose。

  Nightingalesyenowmayhear,Piercingclear,Singinginthedeepestshade;

  ManyandmanyababblednoteChimeandfloat,Woodlandmusicthroughtheglade。

  April,alltowelcomethee,SpringsetsfreeAncientflames,andwithlowbreathWakestheashesgreyandoldThatthecoldChilledwithinourheartstodeath。

  ThoubeholdestinthewarmHours,theswarmOfthethievishbees,thatfliesEvermorefrombloomtobloomForperfume,Hidawayintinythighs。

  HercoolshadowsMaycanboast,FruitsalmostRipe,andgiftsoffertiledew,Manna—sweetandhoney—sweet,ThatcompleteHerflowergarlandfreshandnew。

  Nay,butIwillgivemypraise,Tothesedays,NamedwiththegladnameofHer(1)

  Thatfromoutthefoamo’theseaCametobeSuddenlightonearthandair。

  ROSES。

  RONSARD,1550。

  ISENDyouhereawreathofblossomsblown,Andwovenflowersatsunsetgathered,Anotherdawnhadseenthemruined,andshedLooseleavesuponthegrassatrandomstrown。

  Bythis,theirsureexample,beitknown,Thatallyourbeauties,nowinperfectflower,Shallfadeasthese,andwitherinanhour,Flowerlike,andbriefofdays,astheflowersown。

  Ah,timeisflying,lady—timeisflying;

  Nay,’tisnottimethatfliesbutwethatgo,Whoinshortspaceshallbeinchurchyardlying,Andofourlovingparleynoneshallknow,Noranymanconsiderwhatwewere;

  Bethereforekind,mylove,whilesthouartfair。

  THEROSE。

  RONSARD,1550。

  SEE,Mignonne,hathnottheRose,ThatthismorningdiduncloseHerpurplemantletothelight,Lost,beforethedaybedead,Thegloryofherraimentred,Hercolour,brightasyoursisbright?

  Ah,Mignonne,inhowfewhours,ThepetalsofherpurpleflowersAllhavefaded,fallen,died;

  SadNature,motherruinous,Thatseestthyfairchildperishthus’Twixtmatinsongandeventide。

  Hearme,mydarling,speakingsooth,Gatherthefleetflowerofyouryouth,Takeyeyourpleasureatthebest;

  Bemerryereyourbeautyflit,ForlengthofdayswilltarnishitLikerosesthatwereloveliest。

  TOTHEMOON。

  RONSARD,1550。

  HIDEthisonenightthycrescent,kindlyMoon;

  SoshallEndymionfaithfulprove,andrestLovingandunawakenedonthybreast;

  SoshallnofoulenchanterimportuneThyquietcourse;fornowthenightisboon,AndthroughthefriendlynightunseenIfare,Whodreadthefaceoffoemenunaware,Andwatchofhostilespiesinthebrightnoon。

  Thouknowest,Moon,thebitterpowerofLove;

  ’TistoldhowshepherdPanfoundwaystomove,Forlittleprice,thyheart;andofyourgrace,Sweetstars,bekindtothisnotalienfire,Becauseonearthyedidnotscorndesire,Bethinkye,nowyeholdyourheavenlyplace。

  TOHISYOUNGMISTRESS。

  RONSARD,1550。

  FAIRfloweroffifteensprings,thatstillArtscarcelyblossomedfromthebud,Yethastsuchstoreofevilwill,Aheartsofullofhardihood,SeekingtohideinfriendlywiseThemischiefofyourmockingeyes。

  Ifyouhavepity,child,giveo’er;

  Givebacktheheartyoustolefromme,Pirate,settingsolittlestoreOnthisyourcaptivefromLove’ssea,Holdinghismiseryforgain,Andmakingpleasureofhispain。

  Another,notsofairofface,Butfarmorepitifulthanyou,Wouldtakemyheart,ifofhisgrace,MyheartwouldgiveherofLove’sdue;

  Andsheshallhaveit,sinceIfindThatyouarecruelandunkind。

  Nay,Iwouldratherthatitdied,Withinyourwhitehandsprisoning,WouldratherthatitstillabideInyourungentlecomforting。

  Thanchangeitsfaith,andseektoherThatismorekind,butnotsofair。

  DEADLYKISSES。

  RONSARD,1550。

  Alltaketheselipsaway;nomore,Nomoresuchkissesgivetome。

  Myspiritfaintsforjoy;IseeThroughmistsofdeaththedreamyshore,Andmeadowsbythewater—side,WhereallabouttheHollowLandFarethesweetsingersthathavedied,Withtheirlostladies,handinhand;

  Ah,Love,howfirelessaretheireyes,Howpaletheirlipsthatkissandsmile!

  SominemustbeinlittlewhileIfthouwiltkissmeinsuchwise。

  OFHISLADY’SOLDAGE。

  RONSARD,1550

  WHENyouareveryold,ateveningYou’llsitandspinbesidethefire,andsay,Hummingmysongs,’Ahwell,ahwell—a—day!

  WhenIwasyoung,ofmedidRonsardsing。’

  Noneofyourmaidensthatdothhearthething,Albeitwithherwearytaskforedone,Butwakensatmyname,andcallsyouoneBlest,tobeheldinlongremembering。

  Ishallbelowbeneaththeearth,andlaidOnsleep,aphantominthemyrtleshade,Whileyoubesidethefire,agrandamegrey,Mylove,yourpride,rememberandregret;

  Ah,loveme,love!wemaybehappyyet,Andgatherroses,while’tiscalledto—day。

  ONHISLADY’SWAKING。

  RONSARD,1550

  MYladywokeuponamorningfair,WhattimeApollo’schariottakestheskies,And,faintofillwitharrowsfromhereyesHisemptyquiver,Lovewasstandingthere:

  IsawtwoapplesthatherbreastdothbearNonesuchthecloseoftheHesperidesYields;norhathVenusanysuchasthese,NorshethathadofnurslingMarsthecare。

  Evensuchabosom,andsofairitwas,PureastheperfectworkofPhidias,ThatsadAndromeda’sdiscomfitureLeftbare,whenPerseuspassedheronaday,AndpaleasDeathforfearofDeathshelay,Withbreastasmarblecold,asmarblepure。

  HISLADY’SDEATH。

  RONSARD,1550。

  TWAINthatwerefoes,whileMarylived,arefled;

  Onelaurel—crownedabidesinheaven,andoneBeneaththeearthhasfared,afallensun,Alightofloveamongthelovelessdead。

  ThefirstisChastity,thatvanquishedThearcherLove,thatheldjointemperyWiththesweetbeautythatmadewaronme,Whenlaughteroflipswithlaughingeyeswaswed。

  TheirstrifetheFateshaveclosed,withsterncontrol,Theearthholdsherfairbody,andhersoulAnangelwithgladangelstriumpheth;

  Lovehasnomorethathecando;desireIsburied,andmyheartafadedfire,AndforDeath’ssake,IaminlovewithDeath。

  LADY’STOMB。

  RONSARD,1550。

  ASinthegardens,allthroughMay,therose,Lovely,andyoung,andfairapparelled,Makessunrisejealousofherrosyred,Whendawnuponthedewofdawningglows;

  GracesandLoveswithinherbreastrepose,Thewoodsarefaintwiththesweetodourshed,TillrainsandheavysunshavesmittendeadThelanguidflower,andthelooseleavesunclose,—

  Sothis,theperfectbeautyofourdays,Whenearthandheavenwerevocalofherpraise,Thefateshaveslain,andhersweetsoulreposes;

  AndtearsIbring,andsighs,andonhertombPourmilk,andscatterbudsofmanyabloom,Thatdead,asliving,shemaybewithroses。

  SHADOWSOFHISLADY。

  JACQUESTAHUREAU,1527—1555。

  WITHINthesandofwhatfarriverliesThegoldthatgleamsintressesofmyLove?

  WhathighestcircleoftheHeavensaboveIsjewelledwithsuchstarsasarehereyes?

  AndwhereistherichseawhosecoralviesWithherredlips,thatcannotkissenough?

  Whatdawn—litgardenknewtherose,whereofThefledsoullivesinhercheeks’rosyguise?

  WhatParianmarblethatisloveliest,Canmatchthewhitenessofherbrowandbreast?

  WhendrewshebreathfromtheSabaeanglade?

  Ohhappyrockandriver,skyandsea,Gardens,andgladesSabaean,allthatbeThefar—offsplendidsemblanceofmymaid!

  MOONLIGHT。

  JACQUESTAHUREAU,1527—1555。

  THEhighMidnightwasgarlandingherheadWithmanyashiningstarinshiningskies,And,ofhergrace,aslumberonmineeyes,And,aftersorrow,quietnesswasshed。

  FarindimfieldscicalasjargonedAthinshrillclamourofcomplaintsandcries;

  Andallthewoodswerepallid,instrangewise,Withpallorofthesadmoonoverspread。

  Thencamemyladytothatlonelyplace,And,fromherpalfreystooping,didembraceAndhanguponmyneck,andkissedmeover;

  Whereforethedayisfarlessdearthannight,Andsweeteristheshadowthanthelight,Sincenighthasmademesuchahappylover。

  LOVEINMAY。

  PASSERAT,1580。

  OFFwithsleep,love,upfrombed,Thisfairmorn;

  See,foroureyestherosyredNewdawnisborn;

  NowthatskiesaregladandgayInthisgraciousmonthofMay,Loveme,sweet,Fillmyjoyinbrimmingmeasure,Inthisworldhehathnopleasure,Thatwillnoneofit。

  Come,love,throughthewoodsofspring,Comewalkwithme;

  Listen,thesweetbirdsjargoningFromtreetotree。

  Listandlisten,overallNightingalemostmusicalThatceasesnever;

  Griefbegone,andletusbeForaspaceasgladashe;

  Time’sflittingever。

  OldTime,thatlovesnotlovers,wearsWingsswiftinflight;

  AllourhappylifehebearsFarinthenight。

  Oldandwrinkledonaday,Sadandwearyshallyousay,’Ah,foolwasI,ThattooknopleasureinthegraceOftheflowerthatfrommyfaceTimehasseendie。’

  Leavethensorrow,teen,andtearsTillwebeold;

  Youngweare,andofouryearsTillyouthbecoldPlucktheflower;whilespringisgayInthishappymonthofMay,Loveme,love;

  Fillourjoyinbrimmingmeasure;

  InthisworldhehathnopleasureThatwillnonethereof。

  THEGRAVEANDTHEROSE。

  VICTORHUGO。

  THEGravesaidtotheRose,’Whatofthedewsofdawn,Love’sflower,whatendistheirs?’

  ’Andwhatofspiritsflown,ThesoulswhereondothcloseThetomb’smouthunawares?’

  TheRosesaidtotheGrave。

  TheRosesaid,’IntheshadeFromthedawn’stearsismadeAperfumefaintandstrange,Amberandhoneysweet。’

  ’AndallthespiritsfleetDosufferasky—change,Morestrangelythanthedew,ToGod’sownangelsnew,’

  TheGravesaidtotheRose。

  THEGENESISOFBUTTERFLIES。

  VICTORHUGO。

  THEdawnissmilingonthedewthatcoversThetearfulroses;lo,thelittleloversThatkissthebuds,andalltheflutteringsInjasminebloom,andprivet,ofwhitewings,Thatgoandcome,andfly,andpeepandhide,Withmuffledmusic,murmuredfarandwide!

  Ah,Springtime,whenwethinkofallthelaysThatdreamyloverssendtodreamymays,Ofthefondheartswithinabilletbound,Ofallthesoftsilkpaperthatpenswound,ThemessagesoflovethatmortalswriteFilledwithintoxicationofdelight,WritteninApril,andbeforetheMaytimeShreddedandflown,playthingsforthewind’splay—time,Wedreamthatallwhitebutterfliesabove,Whoseekthroughcloudsorwaterssoulstolove,Andleavetheirladymistressindespair,Toflittoflowers,askinderandmorefair,Arebuttornlove—letters,thatthroughtheskiesFlutter,andfloat,andchangetoButterflies。

  MORESTRONGTHANTIME。

  VICTORHUGO。

  SINCEIhavesetmylipstoyourfullcup,mysweet,SinceImypallidfacebetweenyourhandshavelaid,SinceIhaveknownyoursoul,andallthebloomofit,Andalltheperfumerare,nowburiedintheshade;

  Sinceitwasgiventometohearonehappywhile,Thewordswhereinyourheartspokeallitsmysteries,SinceIhaveseenyouweep,andsinceIhaveseenyousmile,Yourlipsuponmylips,andyoureyesuponmyeyes;

  SinceIhaveknownabovemyforeheadglanceandgleam,Aray,asingleray,ofyourstar,veiledalways,SinceIhavefeltthefall,uponmylifetime’sstream,Ofonerosepetalpluckedfromtherosesofyourdays;

  Inowamboldtosaytotheswiftchanginghours,Pass,passuponyourway,forIgrowneverold,Fleettothedarkabysmwithallyourfadingflowers,Onerosethatnonemaypluck,withinmyheartIhold。

  Yourflyingwingsmaysmite,buttheycanneverspillThecupfulfilledoflove,fromwhichmylipsarewet;

  Myhearthasfarmorefirethanyouhavefrosttochill,Mysoulmorelovethanyoucanmakemysoulforget。

  ANOLDTUNE。

  GERARDDENERVAL。

  THEREisanairforwhichIwoulddisownMozart’s,Rossini’s,Weber’smelodies,—

  Asweetsadairthatlanguishesandsighs,Andkeepsitssecretcharmformealone。

  Whene’erIhearthatmusicvagueandold,Twohundredyearsaremistthatrollsaway;

  ThethirteenthLouisreigns,andIbeholdAgreenlandgoldeninthedyingday。

  Anoldredcastle,strongwithstonytowers,Thewindowsgaywithmanycolouredglass;

  Wideplains,andriversflowingamongflowers,Thatbathethecastlebasementastheypass。

  Inantiqueweed,withdarkeyesandgoldhair,Aladylooksforthfromherwindowhigh;

  ItmaybethatIknewandfoundherfair,Insomeforgottenlife,longtimegoneby。

  JUANA。

  ALFREDDEMUSSET。

  AGAINIseeyou,ahmyqueen,Ofallmyoldlovesthathavebeen,Thefirstlove,andthetenderest;

  Doyourememberorforget—

  Ahme,forIrememberyet—

  Howthelastsummerdayswereblest?

  Ahlady,whenwethinkofthis,Thefoolishhoursofyouthandbliss,Howfleet,howsweet,howhardtohold!

  Howoldweare,erespringbegreen!

  YoutouchthelimitofeighteenAndIamtwentywintersold。

  Myrose,thatmidtheredroses,Wasbrightest,ah,howpalesheis!

  Yetkeepsthebeautyofherprime;

  Child,neverSpanishlady’sfaceWaslovelywithsowildagrace;

  Rememberthedeadsummertime。

  Thinkofourloves,ourfeudsofold,AndhowyougaveyourchainofgoldTomeforapeaceoffering;

  AndhowallnightIlayawakeTotouchandkissitforyoursake,—

  Totouchandkissthelifelessthing。

  Lady,beware,forallwesay,ThisLoveshallliveanotherday,Awakenedfromhisdeathlysleep;

  TheheartthatoncehasbeenyourshrineForotherlovesistoodivine;

  Ahome,mydear,toowideanddeep。

  WhatdidIsay—whydoIdream?

  WhyshouldIstrugglewiththestreamWhosewavesreturnnotanyday?

  Closeheart,andeyes,andarmsfromme;

  Farewell,farewell!somustitbe,Soruns,soruns,theworldaway,TheseasonbearsuponitswingTheswallowsandthesongsofspring,Anddaysthatwere,anddaysthatflit;

  Thelovedlosthoursarefaraway;

  AndhopeandfamearescatteredsprayForme,thatgaveyouloveadayForyouthatnotrememberit。

  SPRINGINTHESTUDENT’SQUARTER。

  HENRIMURGER。

  WINTERispassing,andthebellsForeverwiththeirsilverlayMurmuramelodythattellsOfAprilandofEasterday。

  Highinsweetairthelightvanesets,Theweathercocksallsouthwardtwirl;

  AsouwillbuyhervioletsAndmakeNiniahappygirl。

  Thewintertothepoorwassore,Countingthewearywinterdays,Watchinghislittlefire—woodstore,Thebittersnow—flakesfellalways;

  Andnowhislastlogdimlygleamed,Lightingtheroomwithfeebleglare,HalfcinderandhalfsmokeitseemedThatthewindwaftedintoair。

  PilgrimsfromoceanandfarislesSeewheretheeastisreddening,TheflocksthatflyathousandmilesFromsunsettingtosunsetting;

  Lookup,lookout,beholdtheswallows,Thethroatsthattwitter,thewingsthatbeat;

  Andontheirsongthesummerfollows,Andinthesummerlifeissweet。

  ******

  WiththegreentenderbudsthatknowTheshootandsapoflustyspringMyneighbourofayearagoHercasement,see,isopening;

  Throughallthebittermonthsthatwere,Forthfromhernestshedarednotflee,ShewasastudyforBoucher,ShenowmightsittoGavarni。

  OLDLOVES。

  HENRIMURGER。

  LOUISE,haveyouforgottenyetThecornerofthefloweryland,Theancientgardenwherewemet,Myhandthattrembledinyourhand?

  Ourlipsfoundwordsscarcesweetenough,Aslowbeneaththewillow—treesWesat;haveyouforgotten,love?

  Doyouremember,loveLouise?

  Marie,haveyouforgottenyetThelovingbarterthatwemade?

  Theringswechanged,thesunsthatset,Thewoodsfulfilledwithsunandshade?

  ThefountainsthatweremusicalBymanyanancienttrystingtree—

  Marie,haveyouforgottenall?

  Doyouremember,loveMarie?

  Christine,doyourememberyetYourroomwithscentsandrosesgay?

  Mygarret—nearthesky’twasset—

  TheAprilhours,thenightsofMay?

  Theclearcalmnights—thestarsaboveThatwhisperedtheywerefairestseenThroughnocloud—veil?Remember,love!

  Doyouremember,loveChristine?

  Louiseisdead,and,well—a—day!

  Marieasadderpathhasta’en;

  AndpaleChristinehaspassedawayInsouthernsunstobloomagain。

  Alas!foroneandallofus—

  Marie,Louise,Christineforget;

  Ourbowerofloveisruinous,AndIalonerememberyet。

  MUSETTE。

  HENRIMURGER。1850

  YESTERDAY,watchingtheswallows’flightThatbringthespringandtheseasonfair,AmomentIthoughtofthebeautybrightWholovedme,whenshehadtimetospare;

  Anddreamily,dreamilyalltheday,Imusedonthecalendaroftheyear,Theyearsonearandsofaraway,Whenyouwerelief,andwhenIwasdear。

  Yourmemoryhasnothadtimetopass;

  Myyouthhasdaysofitslifetimeyet;

  Ifyouonlyknockedatthedoor,alas,Myheartwouldopenthedoor,Musette!

  Stillatyournamemustmysadheartbeat;

  AhMuse,ahmaidenoffaithlessness!

  Returnforamoment,anddeigntoeatThebreadthatpleasurewaswonttobless。

  Thetablesandcurtains,thechairsandall,Friendsofourpleasurethatlookedonourpain,Aregladwiththegladnessoffestival,Hopingtoseeyouathomeagain;

  Come,letthedaysoftheirmourningpass,Thesilentfriendsthataresadforyouyet;

  Thelittlesofa,thegreatwineglass—

  Forknowyouhadoftenmyshare,Musette。

  Come,youshallweartheraimentwhiteYouworeofold,whentheworldwasgay,Wewillwanderinwoodsoftheheart’sdelightThewholeoftheSundayholiday。

  Come,wewillsitbythewaysideinn,Come,andyoursongwillgainforcetofly,DippingitswingintheclearandthinWine,asofold,ereitscalethesky。

  Musette,whohadscarcelyforgottenwithalOnebeautifuldawnofthenewyear’sbest,Returnedattheendofthecarnival,Aflownbird,toaforsakennest。

  Ahfaithlessandfair!Iembraceheryet,Withnoheart—beat,andwithneverasigh;

  AndMusette,nolongertheoldMusette,DeclaresthatIamnolongerI。

  Farewell,mydearthatwasoncesodear,Deadwiththedeathofourlatestlove;

  Ouryouthislaidinitssepulchre,Thecalendarstandsforastoneabove。

  ’Tisonlyinsearchingthedustofthedays,Theashesofalloldmemories,ThatwefindthekeyofthewoodlandwaysThatleadtotheplaceofourparadise。

  BALLADS。

  THETHREECAPTAINS。

  ALLbeneaththewhite—rosetreeWalksaladyfairtosee,Sheisaswhiteasthesnows,Sheisasfairastheday:

  Fromherfather’sgardencloseThreeknightshaveta’enheraway。

  Hehasta’enherbythehand,Theyoungestofthethree—

  ’Mountandride,mybonniebride,Onmywhitehorsewithme。’

  Andevertheyrode,andbetterrode,TilltheycametoSenlistown,ThehostessshelookedhardatthemAstheywerelightingdown。

  ’Andareyeherebyforce,’shesaid,’Orareyehereforplay?

  Fromoutmyfather’sgardencloseThreeknightsmestoleaway。

  ’AndfainwouldIwinback,’shesaid,’ThewearywayIcome;

  Andfainwouldseemyfatherdear,Andfaingomaidenhome。’

  ’Oh,weepnot,ladyfair,’saidshe,’Youshallwinback,’shesaid,’ForyoushalltakethisdraughtfrommeWillmakeyouliefordead。’

  ’Comeinandsup,fairlady,’theysaid,’Comebuskyeandbebright;

  ItiswiththreeboldcaptainsThatyemustbethisnight。’

  Whentheyhadeatenwellanddrunk,Shefelldownlikeoneslain:

  ’Now,outandalas!formybonnymayShalllivenomoreagain。’

  ’Withinherfather’sgardensteadTherearethreewhitelilies;

  Withherbodytothelilybed,WithhersoultoParadise。’

  Theyborehertoherfather’shouse,Theyboreherallthethree,Theylaidherinherfather’sclose,Beneaththewhite—rosetree。

  Shehadnotlainaday,aday,Adaybutbarelythree,Whenthemayawakes,’Oh,open,father,Oh,openthedoorforme。

  ’’TisIhavelainfordead,father,Havelainthelongdaysthree,ThatImightmaidencomeagainTomymotherandtothee。’

  THEBRIDGEOFDEATH。

  ’THEdanceisontheBridgeofDeathAndwhowilldancewithme?’

  ’There’sneveramanoflivingmenWilldaretodancewiththee。’

  NowMargaret’sgonewithinherbowerPutashesinherhair,Andsackclothonherbonnybreast,Andonhershouldersbare。

  Therecameaknocktoherbowerdoor,Andblitheshelethimin;

  Itwasherbrotherfromthewars,Thedearestofherkin。

  ’Setgoldwithinyourhair,Margaret,Setgoldwithinyourhair,Andgolduponyourgirdleband,Andonyourbreastsofair。

  ’Forwearebiddentodanceto—night,Wemaynotbideaway;

  Thisonegoodnight,thisonefairnight,Beforetherednewday。’

  ’Nay,nogoldformyheadbrother,Nay,nogoldformyhair;

  ItistheashesanddustofearthThatyouandImustwear。

  ’Nogoldworkformygirdleband,Nogoldworkonmyfeet;

  Butashesofthefire,mylove,Butdustthattheserpentseat。’

  ******

  TheydancedacrossthebridgeofDeath,Abovetheblackwater,Andthemarriage—bellwastolledinhellForthesoulsofhimandher。

  LEPERESEVERE。

  KINGLOUIS’DAUGHTER。

  BALLADOFTHEISLEOFFRANCE。

  KINGLouisonhisbridgeishe,Heholdshisdaughteronhisknee。

  SheasksahusbandathishandThatisnotwortharoodofland。

  ’Giveupyourloverspeedily,Oryouwithinthetowermustlie。’

  ’AlthoughImusttheprisondree,Iwillnotchangemyloveforthee。

  ’IwillnotchangemyloverfairNotforthemotherthatmebare。

  ’IwillnotchangemytrueloverForfriends,orformyfatherdear。’

  ’Nowwhereareallmypageskeen,Andwhereareallmyservingmen?

  ’Mydaughtermustlieinthetoweralway,Wheresheshallneverseetheday。’

  ******

  SevenlongyearsarepastandgoneAndtherehasseenherneverone。

  AtendingoftheseventhyearHerfathergoestovisither。

  ’Mychild,mychild,howmayyoube?’

  ’Ofather,itfaresillwithme。

  ’Myfeetarewastedinthemould,Thewormstheygnawmysidesocold。’

  ’Mychild,changeyourlovespeedilyOryoumuststillinprisonlie。’

  ’’TisbetterfarthecoldtodreeThangivemytrueloveupforthee。’

  THEMILKWHITEDOE。

  ITwasamotherandamaidThatwalkedthewoodsamong,Andstillthemaidwentslowandsad,Andstillthemothersung。

  ’Whatailsyou,daughterMargaret?

  Whygoyoupaleandwan?

  Isitforacastofbitterlove,Orforafalseleman?’

  ’ItisnotforafalseloverThatIgosadtosee;

  ButitisforawearylifeBeneaththegreenwoodtree。

  ’ForeverinthegooddaylightAmaidenmayIgo,ButalwaysontheninthmidnightIchangetoamilkwhitedoe。

  ’TheyhuntmethroughthegreenforestWithhoundsandhuntingmen;

  AndeveritismyfairbrotherThatissofierceandkeen。’

  *****

  ’Good—morrow,mother。’’Good—morrow,son;

  Whereareyourhoundssogood?’

  Oh,theyarehuntingawhitedoeWithinthegladgreenwood。

  ’Andthreetimeshavetheyhuntedher,Andthriceshe’swonaway;

  ThefourthtimethattheyfollowherThatwhitedoetheyshallslay。’

  ******

  Thenoutandspoketheforester,Ashecamefromthewood,’NowneversawImaid’sgoldhairAmongthewilddeer’sblood。

  ’AndIhavehuntedthewilddeerIneastlandsandinwest;

  AndneversawIwhitedoeyetThathadamaiden’sbreast。’

  Thenupandspakeherfairbrother,Betweenthewineandbread,’Behold,Ihadbutonesister,AndIhavebeenherdead。’

  ’ButyemustburymysweetsisterWithastoneatherfootandherhead,AndyemustcoverherfairbodyWiththewhiterosesandred。’

  AndImustouttothegreenwood,Theroofshallnevershelterme;

  AndIshalllieforsevenlongyearsOnthegrassbelowthehawthorntree。

  ALADYOFHIGHDEGREE。

  [Ibepareldmostofprise,Irideafterthewildfee。]

  WILLyethatIshouldsingOftheloveofagoodlything,Wasnovilein’smay?

  ’Tissungofaknightsofree,Undertheolivetree,Singingthislay。

  Herweedwasofsamitefine,Hermantleofwhiteermine,Greensilkherhose;

  Hershoonwithsilvergay,HersandalsflowersofMay,Lacedsmallandclose。

  Herbeltwasoffreshspringbuds,Setwithgoldclaspsandstuds,Finelinenhershift;

  Herpurseitwasoflove,Herchainwastheflowerthereof,AndLove’sgift。

  Uponamulesherode,Thesellewasofbrentgold,Thebitsofsilvermade;

  ThreeredrosetreestherewereThatovershadowedher,Forasunshade。

  Sheridingonaday,Knightsmetherbytheway,Theydidhergrace;

  ’Fairlady,whencebeye?’

  ’Franceitismycountrie,Icomeofahighrace。

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