首页 >出版文学> Ballads and Lyrics of Old France>第1章
  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。