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。
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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。’
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TheydancedacrossthebridgeofDeath,Abovetheblackwater,Andthemarriage—bellwastolledinhellForthesoulsofhimandher。
LEPERESEVERE。
KINGLOUIS’DAUGHTER。
BALLADOFTHEISLEOFFRANCE。
KINGLouisonhisbridgeishe,Heholdshisdaughteronhisknee。
SheasksahusbandathishandThatisnotwortharoodofland。
’Giveupyourloverspeedily,Oryouwithinthetowermustlie。’
’AlthoughImusttheprisondree,Iwillnotchangemyloveforthee。
’IwillnotchangemyloverfairNotforthemotherthatmebare。
’IwillnotchangemytrueloverForfriends,orformyfatherdear。’
’Nowwhereareallmypageskeen,Andwhereareallmyservingmen?
’Mydaughtermustlieinthetoweralway,Wheresheshallneverseetheday。’
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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。’
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’Good—morrow,mother。’’Good—morrow,son;
Whereareyourhoundssogood?’
Oh,theyarehuntingawhitedoeWithinthegladgreenwood。
’Andthreetimeshavetheyhuntedher,Andthriceshe’swonaway;
ThefourthtimethattheyfollowherThatwhitedoetheyshallslay。’
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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。