PaulVerlaineHisAbsintheTintedSong 10192027
PaulVerlaineHisAbsintheTintedSong 10192027
PaulVerlaineHisAbsintheTintedSong 10192027
FLETCH ER SEY MO UR
TH E ALD ERB RIN K P RESS
py igh
Co r t 1916
AL H L ET C HE R S E
BY
R P F O UR
YM
E
S E AS EEP
TO TH E M MORY
E S S
O F O N E LO NG I NC L
WH O L I VI N G L O V D TH E P OEr s
' ’
O NG
JUD G E JO NA TH A N C A P P L EGATE
S E AE
.
TH I BO O K I S D DI C T D WI TH LO VE
A ND REVEREN CE
BY H I S SO N
CO N TENTS
P a ul Ve rl ai n e
P O EMS S AT UR N I NE
T o Eu gén e Carn e re
C
M E LA N H O L A I
III ESE E NM EN
R I G ATIO
.
III E
N V R OR
.
I VV AS IT UDE
AFT R T R
.
.
H
Vo w
EE ER S Y A .
VI M A M I L I ARDR EM
. L S
V II A WO A N
. Y F A
. To M
.
K
ROT ES U ES
. E FF F N .
V . G !
DS C
S MB
O
III S ETTII LI GGHTS UONS M STI C E
ER LA N
.
S
N
A PE
.
TW
P N D
F
N
Y
EN
VE
U TU M S O G
. VA L P UR G I S N ,
VI S HE HERD S O UR
V . A N N
I G H TI G AL E
TH H
’
. E P
VI I . TH E N N
.
N
O
F
P
N
’
M
S ER EN ADE
SU B UR B E
DA H L IA
A
E E
IINL BAC
N V R M OR E
T HE W OO DS
IO ( T he
BI A RCO
E
F TE S G A LLAN T
H
N HEM E SS
M OO N L I G T
P A TO I M
ON T G RA
TH E WAL K
IN THEIN GENROTTOUS
G
TH
E
A N T ASTI C S
S ATI G
K N
F
FAU N
AF L OA T
M A D LI E
TH E
To
E C
N O
TT ER
L MENE
Y
N
IND
L
L E TS
.
CO LU MALLI NEEN C U ID
O N
B
S O URD I NE
TH E F P
TH E GOO D SONG
T he
r ren in g
mo k es w r
igh su n ma a m an d go l de n , t o o
dress
s
d
-
al l
un rise
o gree n
l
gr
here y t
o f an d a
The
o
a
t
t
o
a
m
ta
o
oo
t
an d
fl t , p al
no w is
AG E
he squ nreds pe fr u r i n ed i n d w
P
T la ca om t he c ta W o
A s in i n her brigh h
a
er righ
a t
F if een n g d ys
H i n ges u re
e
t a rm , i b
six ewee a swee
t
ks g n e
l
a o
t am a l an d t
T his h rd pr f s n wi h ve e nd
t lo a t o co m ,
an d o
s ng
a
i n gs wi n d b w n
As yes erd y he ked e ders wise
G O, o , on
oo
W
oo ll
-
lo
a an
A s I fe r if ru h s id
l am l
’
fi an d t he t l l r ay
k d
,
Is
idew
o
o f t he S ks
espi e wh
of t he t a
hers al
,
an d t he l ac mu
e e s r y i es serve re i nd
i t n o t so ? D t at o t say
Th s
h to m t m
So , i t S al l be a day o f s u er de r
mm
to
t
t by
has o
at W
: t he al m
a
l in deed t
RO M AN E S I U W DS C W TH O T OR
FO RGOTTE N A R I
III TI vhisguise y guessn gu r r ssus e su r syur dr wn
S
. th e la o o c ta ;
. It
a l
my
, ac o
a t
a m m a
V I Beh d Je n he irve ed y
. ia o, . a a o t an d a
. ol do g o ft he
a N ll
H o w sad— ho w sad m y
V III I n i n er i n b e
VI I, . a t to a
The sh d w rees i n ev p r u s s re
. t he t m a l
k issed
I! . a o of t th a o o t am ,
fo g -
B ELGI A N LAN DS C S A PE
CH ARL EROI
WALC O URT
B R U SSE L S ( i p e F res s I d I )
O R SES WOOD
Sm l co , . an I .
M AL I NES
H OF
G R EEN
WATE R C S
OLOR
P AG E
W SD O M I
V II The f s seu f ir d ys h sh wn
. al we ry
a a t at o a l l day , m y a
W isd L is i ne I e nvy
o l
Tw s G i i n— J nsen is his en ry
I! . om o f ou Rac ,
ho w it
N al l c a t— t
’
! . o ! a a c tu
I . O my G o d, h u h w nded wi h ve
t o as t ou me t lo
A gre we riness
S ee a , c al m o a ,
am co m
The is j u s bey n d r f
at a
w no t
t o t he oo
b
O urdi e —
o
he
L n g r ws hedges s re h w
o ke she r
of
exp nd
a
ho w
o
t y ma
o to
my
a
a
t he
t a
oo
The is f irer
o o of t tc a ay
sea a
C
O F O L D A ND RE E N TLY
RO LOG U E
O LD
P
AL E DO SC O E
I RR T
P E O
ART
TH
A LL E G R
CEL N
OF
O
PO
OW
Y
Y
TO
P
BE
O
E
P AG E
II A N G U OR
IVVI A DS OAETE
. L
V III
.
.
L N
TH E P
C P
AN D T HE M U SE
M AD RI G AL
OG U
. A R E
I! .
C ROLOG U E
RE E N TLY
P
BALLA D
SE I G H U G HT
P A R I F AL
UC I EN E
EV N N T O
L
IIIV I hwve n npri uden vewise—M lf eishne hey r
L TI N O I S
. 0 om a ! t, ca m m
XV III
we . a a
es h u re p r dise de r s u
k
Do
is
t t
a
ma
o
a fo r l o
cal l in
.
a a
y ool
a o l
a t
.
,
P A RA LLELLY
D EDI CATION
I
TH E FR E N I T HE BALC O N
DS
V I SA H O
. ON Y
. PP
H A RLOT
I.
.
S
T HE RI N C ESS
III CA STA IA A To
P
P
N
RO U K I N E
REFERE N E
F S .
C
IIIII ALTHE RIMS R ESSION
P
S
V I IM RO A L E TTR U E
T N .!
A ST
P B B
. BU ,
VI I TH E L . TEN
P AG E
MOONS
II wishw sh e I ki
.
, t i e h ys
at m ay ll y o u , 0 t m t at la
A ST ET E A LA T
OE SAT U R N I NE
TH E L F G L N
P
TH IMIM UENDEIT ET T
M
E P N
BALLAD I E IN
TH E P N
A NDS
O F TH E L F RED
I ERR OT A M I
H
P G N
I SS H AP P N E
So very re d
F n i h n e h wre ked wi
O l d al a y
hu
se n se rhy e
“ ”
! . a t as t c c a c t at c m e, t o t
XXX I I edi e y f er
XXV .
.
You
mm
s e verses
at
or
A ur
su p u us u is
ask o f
l
me
m
a t
om
t he m
on
t o
mo
Sal t ar
S ONGS FO R H ER
. p
X III Br un e e
II ni n
sb v nrde g d
Co m a o ,
a o y an d oo
XX III I ve
r s sig ns fee
tt
gr
u k wi h w en k i n d
You un ds
,
t u t t he
or lo
O f t he c o f o
n eI ys i ud s
’
. ha d n o l c t om
XXV . O c was m t c, bu t i t co l no t la t
D S I E O E N H R H O N OR
V
XIX
.When pe ef u y
e e Th wee un r ue
ac
ll m e, S
ll
t
.
y t t , y o u a re
BIB I
L OGRA P H Y
N OTE S
I
L ST O F
Ver i n
P au l la e
T he P ro e n de
m a
T he W k a l
F n si s
a ta t c
are from
PA UL VERL AI NE
TH E M A N
0
6ANDERI NG fr o m lupana r t o lupa na r a nd fr m o
wi ne sh p t o o wi ne sh p he se e m s t have stag o o ,
o o o o o
- -
,
— o ,
o ok o“
f m c her i c ve rses a nd ampli fyi ng i n s me dingy
,
o
o o
-
o o o ow
.
o ,
o o
.
o
o o o , .
,
’
It i s tw O cl ck in the m rnin g Some Pa ri si a n ni g ht .
b i r ds s o u t e ne u r s fil l e r dc j o i e a n d t he like ha v e
o ,
o ,
k o ,
o o o
.
A t a t ab l e i n the center f th e r o m a gr up o f y o u ng
[ 3 ]
PA UL VER L A I NE
TH E MAN
0
6ANDERI NG fr o m lupana r t o lupana r a nd from
wine shop t wine shop he seem s t have stag o o ,
o o
- -
,
o ,
a s f a t u i t o u sly a s in a fable
o
.
e
Eu m p o l u s th drunken brawli ng p et o f the Satyri con
, o ,
oo o
-
matr n
o o o
.
o ,
o
.
b e d o f death
o .
O
. .
O
sm ke mixed with th e pungent a cri d do r o f ab sinthe
,
’
It i s two clock i n the morning S me Pa ri si a n night
,
. o .
o
dr pped i n t moi sten thei r gullets a nd l k f r prey
, ,
oo o ,
o oo o o
.
—
e o , ,
“ ” “
A f a ce to use the w rds o f Jules Huret like tha t
o ,
o
e
r se m bling b ea rde d whea t hi ding dee p se t green eyes ; ,
,
o
o o
a nd s ld to s m e ambula to ry H eb rew vendor who i n
tu rn pa sse d it o n to Verla ine f o r a few s o u s .
splendo r
o
.
e k
liqui d Th loo i s th a t o f a m an n ot a ltogethe r ce r
tai n o f hi s i dentity— the fi e d gaz e o f a somnambulist x
.
th e ba sement f a ca f é o ,
w ere there us e d t b e o
singing and where th e p ets gathere d Verlaine wa s
, o .
ha d a false no se o n hi s fa ce ( f o r it wa s ca rnival ti me )
a nd h e wa s piping on a littl e ti n whi stl e Th e sp ecta cl e
e o
.
t r a g e d ma de gr tesque Th e man ha d th e h ea d a nd
o o
.
bu fl o o n
o
.
o g
i dea f a tru e p et— the ci ca da o f li fe 3 sh rt summer o
o o o
with n th ught f r th e futu re o r ca re f th e p resen t o ,
p
i ng dea d a t the ro a dsi de b e fo re the fi rst fr st P a uv r e o .
L e lai n /
To write o f Ve rla ine the man o ne must fi rst call
to a i d th o s e m en f sci ence wh o se v o cati on i s tha t o f
, ,
p e ri e n ce
p ro Per catego ry
such a s M ax N o rdau
.
) trial f hi s p o et l on or
from dementi a — he
M o ral i nsa ni y h o weve r i s n o t resent The subj e ct
.
”
r e is an i . I m p u l si v st .
Th e Ma n 7
The Pr secutor :
”
o A
re there any the r pha ses o f o
thi s m al a dy ?
M ei n Herr D r M ax N ordau :
, . Y e s m rbi d i n , o
t e n si fi e d eroti ci sm Th e subj ect i s what sci enti fi c men
o
.
”
b een a v a g a b ond all hi s li fe .
e
mental mala dy ?
M i n H err D r M ax N rdau : M any M st o f
, . o
H i s l anguage i s
. o
Verl aine s p o etry i s mere g r i m o i r e
’
.
o , .
o
.
, ,
e
.
“
L es s a ng l o t s l o ngs
D es vi o l o ns
De l
’
a u to m ne
Bl e sse n t m o n cwur
D u n e l a ng u e u r
’
M o n o t o ne .
o
IS there anything i n litera tu re t rival it ? I s it not
e
w rth m a ny pa g s o f s o calle d sci enti fi c writing ? Dr -
o .
“
I l p l e u r e da n s m o n cce ur
Co m m e i l p l e a t s u r l a v i ll e .
! u e ll e e s t ce t t e l a ng u e u r"
! u i p e n e tr e m o n e ce ur ?
’
O
h a s wept i n S ma ny ma ny h ea rts Well may D r
M ax p ause i n hi s sens les s ti ra de a ga inst D éca dents t e
, .
o .
“ ”
,
o ,
stint . A
s to Verl a i ne o n e ca n no t di scover a p et with
, o
a surgeon s scalpel o r th e cha rt o f a n eurolog i st
’
.
o
.
e
.
o
.
and o
f ti m e n o t so remote I rep at i n a ll sham e e
I shall have l ate r to tell o f ma ny absu rditi es ( a nd
o
wo rse ) due t th e a buse o f thi s horribl e dri nk ; thi s
o
abuse itsel f s urce o f folly a n d o f cri m e f i di oci e s o
a nd o f sha m e The g
,
, e
due to drink Th e estra nge m ent with hi s wi fe hi s
e w A ,
.
him through li fe
e
.
e
mo re p rsi stent a nd enduring from the f a ct that Ve r
la ine hi m sel f wa s l a rgely i ts autho r a nd dug th grave , e
o f hi s o wn reputa ti on H i s di scipl es wi dely di sse m i
v
.
”
n a t e d the gosp el o f depra ity it a m used him to p re ach .
o ,
, e , , w ,
“
,
o ,
10 Paul Ve rl a i n e
A r den no i se o
Antin us h e constructed A m o u r a lyri cal
, ,
’
'
,
o
.
o ,
l ove r J a i de m a n dé hi e r a m a m a n c o m m e n t o n a v a i l
,
de s e n f a n ts e t e ll e m a r ép o n du qu e c e t a i t u a n d o n
’ ’ '
”
b a i s a i t u n h o m m e su r l a b o u ch e , would i n a e w sh rt f o
m onth s calmly a nnounc to th e worl d , e “
q u e l e s s e n ti
m e n t s de s o n m a r i p o u r c e p r i v i l ég i e ( Rimb aud ) de s
'
”
ll I use s s e m u a i e n t e n u n e affe c t i o n
A e
/
t r o p vi n e !
“
t h e we a k willed po et fr m hi s ho m e i n Pa ri s to a va ga
o e
-
e ,
, o ,
o ,
.
o .
.
,
sh e wa s a wi fe wo rthy o f a ny ma n a nd alt ho u h ,
e o
Such wa s th her ine o f L a Bo n n e Ch a n s o n , a work
whi ch L ep e ll e t i er calls a sta nz a taken fr m th e eternal o
J o e m o f youthful love S ome yea rs a fter h er div rce o
I
o o
.
o
.
,
o o
.
o , .
O
a ce rta i n chamb er i n Pa ri s where hi s a ff ecti nate Ri m
”
o
b au d o fl e re d him o n e night a singula r hospitality
A “
nd the p oet turns from My G o d to me h a s sai d
.
o
to c mpose
,
O c ha m br e , a s t u g a r de l es sp e c tr e s r idi cu l e s ,
-
O p l e i n de j o ur s a l e e t de bru i ts
ce st ry he h a d a
e
p ra cti c a l t m p erament In p rop rti on however a s hi s o
e e e e ,
e
.
,
“
Verl a ine I S b a ck to th e hospital printed a s a news
e
it m i n th e da ily press wa s the signal fo r a fresh b atch
,
,
A
.
e
enig m a ti c songs th fo o d whi ch young p oets p ro i ded
,
v
di stilling a mysteri ous musi c from th e ab si nthe ffered O ,
ee
by them a nd pr s nting a t l a st a specta cl e uni que i n
,
v
st a i rs we di sco e red a do r We knocked A voi ce o
e e
,
ee
. .
o o
whi ch the g d f Cha nce ha s endowe d them and they
o o
fall t cha sing the butterfli es o f p assi n rather tha n
,
o ,
A ,
e e ,
e e
.
, ,
O ld a t t h e po t s birth
’
e x
.
Th po et s m other wa s bo rn i n F a m pou ( P a s D e
’
C a l a i s ) Fr a nc e
H r ma i d n na m w a s Jo sép he e e e ,
e e e
.
-
, ,
French r m y He wa s Ch e v a l i e r o f th e L e g i o n d H o n
e e
’
.
n e a r and o f th o rd r o f Sa i n t F e r di n a n d d Esp a g n e
e e v
’
.
In th Verl a in s m o e d to P a ri s a n d bought
e e
p rop rty i n th suburb L e s B a tignoll s on the ol d ru , e , e
Sa int L oui s
e e e
.
e
wa s a n only chil d a n d a t a n a rly a g e wa s s nt to e .
e e ee e
priv a t s chool ru H l n a n d l a t r to th Insti t ute e e
L a ndry bo a rding s chool on the ru Ch a p t a l
,
e wee e
h r h
,
e
re m a in d s
,
r al y a r eve e s A
t thi s Institute pu p ils er w e ,
e e e e e
.
p r p a r d by cl ass s a t the L y cé B on a p a rt I n a cl a ss
o f fi fty pupils th e futur e e e e
po et r a nk d n ith r fi rst no r
.
e es e ,
e
l a st H wa s p ci a lly defi ci nt i n m a th m a ti c s but e
e e e ee
.
,
.
e
m nded by hi s t a cher e .
1 6 Paul Ve rl a i n e
e
Ve rla in s p a rents i ntende d hi m fo r the law , and
’
e
a ft r hi s school days h e bega n the study o f thi s
p ro
f e ssi o n , a t the sam e ti m e endea o ring to secure a p o si v
ti o n with the G o rn m ent Finding l a di sta s t eful , ve w
the future po et to ok ( a fter s me months trai ning i n a
.
o '
f r o i d in hi s Co nf essi o ns ho at th e age wh en mo st
,
e
childr n a re still i n kni ckerb ockers h e lo st hi s i nnocence
, ,
e
i n a vil b a g n i o o n a si de str et i n P a ri s e ,
e
.
e ,
.
,
“
b o r the i m pri nt Alphonse L e m e rr e publi sh er Pa ri s ; , ,
4 7 Pa ss a ge Choi seul 1 8 6 6
e , .
e
son upon who m she l avi she d e ery tenderness Inde ed v
O ,
.
,
e ,
o o
.
o
i n hi s y uth couple d with a weak will a nd neuroti c
,
o f po e m s th e F ét e s G a l a n t e s
e O e
.
,
e
.
ing by turns
e
.
Wh en C a pt a in Verlai n di e d h e le ft hi s wi dow in ,
e e
upon hi m sel f an d a little money i n 1 8 6 9 i n Pa ri s went
, , ,
fa r i f o n e ha d B ohe m i a n ta stes
,
e
.
e e
o o
cl ocks th a t pl ay a merry littl e tun e and th en strike th e
h ur— s lemnly .
1 8 P a u l Ve rl a i ne
e e
.
e v e e ,
.
,
w
.
e
Ch a n s o n ( Th G o od Song ) must ver resound to he r e ,
e
credit Un fo rtunat fo r he r that her path Should have
.
,
i m po ssibl e
v
.
Tu rn towa rd th e po et
e
M a rk hi s yes ho w full o f love
,
The la rk
M ounts to th e sk y ab o e v .
o f the
,
w
eddi ng wa s p ostponed t i ce V rlain e g a ve w ,
e
e
.
e e
e
.
i n t h a t m a tchl ss l ay o f triumph a nt j oy
H i s L i fe
e
Wi nt r ha s gone : the b al m y light inde d e
D ances from e a rth unto the he avens cle a r
,
.
e
.
ee e
the nupti a ls w r c lebrate d a t th chur ch o f Notre e ,
e
D a m e d Cli g m a n co u rt Among thos e pr sent wa s e
e e e e
.
ve e e ,
.
i n hi s li fe
e
.
” ’
e e -
wi nt r 1 8 7 0 7 1
,
-
.
e .
20 Pa ul Ve rl a i n e
B e fore l ng o
g h e began to g h m e drunk some say t o o o
bea t hi s wi f e
,
e
.
e
wh ere th i r so n G eo rges wa s b o rn a nd where o n e
,
o ,
R imba ud .
’
P a ul a n d hi s wi fe were Still livi ng with the l atter s
pa rents a n d the i ntro ducti o n o f Rimb a u d i nto thei r
o ,
h m e wa s a fresh cause o f di sc rd o
v v
.
In June 1 8 7 3 V rl ai ne a nd Ri m bau d er b a ck i n
, ,
’
B elgium wh ere Paul s m othe r awa ite d hi m i n B russels
,
o
.
“
L e p e ll e t i e r writes Ve rlai ne s psychol gi cal s tate at
’
o
.
e e ,
v
’
o f the R e v e il
’
Th po et wa s f o r a p eri d o n the e , ,
o
e e
.
entitl ed L e s Me m o i r e s d u n Ve uf ( Th e M emo ri es o f
' ’
,
a Wi dowe r )
Upon hi s return t Pa ri s the po et ha d found new o
e
fa ces and n w writers Hi s boyho o d fri ends ha d di s
,
e e e
.
w
o e ev
.
o
.
,
,
o
e
.
( )
’
1 8 8 3 8 4 th a-
t h e w a s sentenced to a month s i m pri son
m ent fo r th re a teni ng during a fi t o f drunkenness the
e
li f o f thi s de oted pa rent v , ,
e w
pa ny wi th hi s mother wh o fo rgave him e ry thing ev ,
o w ,
,
,
.
“ ”
Po o r L elain fill d m uch spa c i n th papers During
e v
.
e
e e
.
e ’
, ,
v
er a l t hi n olu m es o f poe m s non o f whi ch howeve r
,
e ,
e
equ a l d i n litera ry v a lu e hi s e a rli er o rk
,
w , ,
“
A ll things co m e to hi m who a sks fo r n thing
.
o
e e
ev n d ath Th e G r en Fai ry tha t ha d so long pre e
ew
.
, .
,
v”
by dr a m s fe eri sh a n d so m nolent a n d w nt away e
,
po et di ed .
M o u t o n Thi s wa s
e , .
’
the p o t s l a st ea rthly a sylum Thanks to hi s m i stress .
,
e
,
e
church Sai nt Eti enne du M ont wa s b ornep by fri ends
-
, , ,
-
O .
TH E W O RK
e
Paul V rl aine i s a j uggler by the gra ce f G o d O .
Aline G o rr e n .
ee
fulness the faults inh r nt i n hi s clay I n a cco rd with .
A d a sh o f di a bl e r i e a nd we have— a de c a de n t There
'
e
.
—
co m a n d go Y sterd a y it wa s a Futuri st tod a y i t i s
.
1v e s .
v m G a
[ 25 ]
26 Paul Ve rl a i n e
cu ra te bri efly st a t d
, How v r the i nfluence o f .
,
e e
V rl a i ne S lit r a ry a ct i ity ext nded through thre e
’
v e .
e
di stin ct p ri ods o f Fr n ch p o etry— thos o f the P a r e e
n a ss i e n s Sy m b o l i s t s and D éca de n t s In co m m o n with
e e ex e
.
, ,
e
cha r m ed th e ea r although la cking i n a ssi on a nd i dea s ’
,
a n d unabl e to rea ch th e h ea rt m a u x e t Ca m e e s .
e ve
.
,
, e
th e Qu a rti er L atin wa s o ri gi nally m eant a s a n i nsulti ng
e ,
ve
a pp llati on H owe r th ey i m m di at ly s eiz ed up on it e e
A
.
,
ing to b o u rg e o i s p u r i t a n i s m e Th e P a r n a ss i e n s a nd
e
.
e e
.
e
.
e
a n d ch a r m ing pro s a pp e a rs to o fo r m a l a n d a rchi t e c
e
tur a l f o r pur l y e m oti on a l po etry How ve r at the
,
. e ,
e
.
,
“
hi ch go a s f a r a s vers e ca n go to b co m e pure musi c
e
the voi c o f a bi rd with a hu m a n soul With Ve r
,
e e
.
e
,
e
al m ost inter chang a ble : h pa ints wi th sound a n d hi s
lin a n d a tmosphere b eco m e m usi c
e e
H i s l a ndscap
e
.
e e e e ve
.
“
hi s will lw a ys the po t o f instin ct o r i m puls vers
ex e e
.
,
e e e ,
e e
. .
L m a i tr who n xt to Pro f R n é D ou m i e i s th
’
,
e ,
“
p o et s s e v e ri st criti c says tha t h e uses th l a ngu a ge not
.
,
w e e e e w e
like a great ri t r b ca us h kno s i t but lik a chil d
,
e e e e v e
b caus h i s igno ra nt o f it H gi es wrong sens s to
,
e e e e
.
e ,
e e e
the s a m way hi s rhythms a r e so m eti m s perceptibl by
no o n e but hims el f
,
.
e
.
R o m a n c e s Sa n s P a r o l e s, an d
Sa g e ss e a nd J a di s e t N a g u er e
so m e O f th e p ems i n o
.
e
sum m r Night s D ream i s the source’
L ep elleti e r
z e
.
o .
o
o
f rm er p o em i s a Dresden shephe rdess in Fi n de Si e cl e
,
o , ,
o
th e fo rm s ? n t those o f men o r w m en but mysti c o
hyb ri d creatures with ha nds ner u s a nd pale a nd eye s
, vo ,
,
‘
,
s p e ci e u x e t t o u t bas
“
G auti e r
sang to hi s a ntique lyre p rai se o f the fl esh
o
and c ntempt o f the soul ; B audel ai re on a m edieval
organ chanted hi s unb eli e f i n go dness a nd truth a nd o
30 P a ul Ve rl a i n e
e e
.
,
’
’ ”
s e n e s t j a m a i s u n e ch o s e m o r t e
p
e e e
a s .
song :
0 t r i s t e , t r i s t e e t a i t m o n dm e
'
’
A c a u s e , a ca u s e d u n e
v
.
, ,
e ,
w
thi ck f et— th e hole m a ss o f b ody a n d colo rs a sup e r
, ,
,
,
v
e
‘
, , .
,
e
re you lik m ys l f ? I no t l a ve me al ne But e e .
o
e , .
v
e e
-
e ,
.
.
,
“
My hea r t a n d m y thoughts a cco m pa ny thi s pal e
enchantress whil i n h r fl owing dress sh e w a lks over
, e , e ,
e
e
,
e v
e
monk and b g a n pouri ng forth a s ri es o f vers s a s e ,
e
mysti cal a n d unint lligible a s a ny i n th e pocalyps e e A
e
Quit in keeping with thi s m ent a l a ttitud a re the po e m s
o f P a ra ll él e m e n t
e .
v
. .
,
“
Th rea ding o f P a ra llel e m e n t i s equi alent to taking
a n a phro disi a c o f e e x v
xqui site fl a o r It e okes the vi si on
o f a ho rde o f unbri dl d lu uri es h en n y i n
. v
g like a b and
w
o f il d st alli ons turne d lo o se a m ong ma res o n a n open
,
p r a i ri e o f th e Fa r West L e s p a ssi o n s l es p l u s p e rv e rs e .
,
3 2 Paul Ve r l a i ne
l e s v i ce s a ri o r m a u x, h o r s n a t u re , s o n t ce l e br e s, m a g
' '
n i fie s da n s c e l i v r e M a z s e n de s v e r s s i m e r v e i l l e u x de
.
fa c t u r e , a v e c de t e ll e s s u b t i li t e s d e xp re ssi o n, d u n
’ ’ ’
r t h m e t o u r a t o ur b e r c e u r co m m e de l e n ts b a i s e rs o u
y ’ '
’
,
'
r a v i da n s l e l a n de s b r u t a l e s e t r i e n t e s qu i l e n g a r de l e
c a r a c t e r e d u n e ce u v re l i t t e r a i r e , s i n c e r e e t de h a u t e
'
’
” '
o
v a l e u r p o e t i qu e .
’
Ve rl a ines po eti cal output a fte r hi s rel ea se fr m
pri son and th e publi cati n o f Sag e ss e wa s m ore m ature o
o
a nd o riginal th ugh l ess b rilli a nt J a di s e t Na g u ér e
,
o
.
e o
.
“
! wei g h e wo n th e crown o f all p rnographi c works
,
an d Ch a n so n s p o u r Ell e a nd O de s e n So n H o n n e u r
cel ebr a te hi s va ri ous mi stress es Th ese two bo oks a re
o
.
the mo st p a rt wa s that o f ,
nu v i e ux p o e t e e r r e da ns l a g o u t t z e r e
”
Av e c l a d u n f a n t o m e fr i l e ux
’
tr i s t e v o ix .
o v
.
“ ”
H o w much o f hi s w rk will li e ? a sks a writer
Lep e ll e t i e r 3 Li fe o f Verla ine 1n Current Lit ’
“
Perh ap s a hundre d pag g es but th ose pa ges
po ets o f the 1 9 th cen e ,
er ; he throws no i llu m i
The Wo r k 33
o o
nating ra y up n the pr blems that v ex humanity ; h e
oo
sp eaks to us neithe r o f fo rtitude no r h p e but i n its
,
o
verb al m a gi c a nd p ower to evoke hal f f rgo tten m o ds
o
-
o ,
g ld o f literature .
TH E CUL T O F VE RLA I NE
Th at the qu a lity o f m u ch o f the wo rk o f P aul Ve r
e e
l a in i s o f th highest li tera ry value a nd that hi s fame
e
ifs growing r a th r th a n di m ini shing a r i ncont st a bl e
,
e e
a cts .
G eo rge A
Tournoux i n hi s Bibl i o g ra p hi c Ve rl a i n i
e e .
w
e , ,
.
ee
m a k s no pr t nsi on to b eing co m plet Th e co m pil r e e ,
e ee
.
i ntro ducti on : “
We h a ve thought i t n c ss a ry to di s ee
e
rega rd th notati ons i n the g n r a l hi sto ri s o f Fr nch ee e e
e e
liter a tur the ncy clop di a s a n d th wo rks o f e p h e m e e
,
e ee e
,
ee
Verlaine app ea rs m r ly i n a n a cci dental o r su m m ary
mann r e e
I f w have dep a rte d fro m thi s lin e o f
v e
.
e
the p ri odi c a l o r that th e c i rcumst a nces und r hi ch e w
e e ,
e ew
.
v w
di i ded 1 nto t o s ecti ons Th e fi rst deals i th th wo rk
o f V erl aine publi she d i n Fr a nc e e
.
On not a ti on ( 1 0 7 )
w e ,
v
i n thi s di i si on shows th e co m pl et ew
orks o f the po et
.
o v e
t h a e b e n publi she d 1n L ipzi g by Ro ohlt m 1 9 1 0 e w
e e e
.
1 8 70 . Pe t i t i n -
I 2 .
1 8 90
1 0
9 4
9 1 . o
H mb res Impri m é sous . le ma nteau e t n e se vend
nulle pa rt i n 1 8 .
- .
I O
9 7
94 . La Trilogi e ér ti u e de Paul Verlai ne ( Ami es oq .
,
o
e , , ,
. .
o f B aud lai re s Fl e u rs du Il l a l
o
’
.
e o ,
.
,
o
,
o
38 P a u l Ve rl a i n e
p l e t e .
Ji m e n e z writ es m t he H e l i o s ( Octob er , 1 9 03 )
P a bl o Ve r l a i n e y s u l u n a P a ul Verlaine a nd
h i s bri de th e m oon
n o v i a la
(
L l a n t o e n m i c o ra z o n It
’
( . .
D o t e si o
A x o
.
e
through tr a nsl a ti ons by nati e writers v
v o
.
’
Rouma ni a h a s only o n e collecti on o f the poet s work
i n th e a nthol ogy o f D nghel a nd St O Jo si f ( Eu . A . . .
’
s v s a nthology publi shed l n M o scow m 1 9 1 1 i s the
o ,
o f G r m a n literatur
,
fo r G er m any a re a s follows
1 9 00
P tit i n 1 6 -
.
6
5 5 . P Wi e gl e r B audela i re und Verl ai ne B erlin
. . . .
B eh r s Verlag i n 1 6
’
.
-
.
1 9 0 2
N u e L i t e rat u ra n st alt i n 1 6
L eipzig . .
-
.
H ndel i n 1 6 .
-
.
V A h
O H andler Paul erla ine lt e G e
e
5 9 6 . . u sg e w a. .
e
57 1. c a
. u k a l .
-
.
g n B erlin O e st e rh eld i h 8 . . .
-
.
57 2 . W von K a
. l ck r e u t h Paul V erl a ine A u sg e . .
. e ,
e , ,
e .
,
o
.
A , . .
e ,
,
’
i n English Symon s transl ati ons a ll to o few in num
e
.
,
o
K o
.
j
ct fo r a rtists D e ga s p ai nted him i n the Absinth e
o
grinke r and ! rn Pea rson C a zals C a rri e re a nd
.
, , , ,
’
C a z als drawing whi ch h angs i n the Nati nal M useum
o ,
o
.
e ff a ble mystery
o
.
Schi rm er N ew Yo rk , .
’
Th e p oet s statue stands in the L uxembourg ga rdens ,
B RG PP .
M ay , 1 9 1 6 .
P O E M S S AT U R NI NE
( O
P EMES SA TURNI ENS)
TO EU G ENE CA RR I ER E
THE Wi se f
old a s le a rned a s m n today
o , e ,
e
That they coul d r a d thei r future i n the ski es
,
v e o
.
o
v e
L ike l a a with ring all b e fore so tha t
, ,
ALWAY O F KOHINOO R ,
OF PA PAL H S OW A P RI
N D E S A N S L E ND O P R
H I A R P
.
E L O G A BAL U S N D S A D A NA AL U S !
’ ’
M y young desi re created ne ath domes spla she d o
, er
e
Th e wil d d li ri ous h a rems o f the fl esh
,
.
,
AF TE R T H R EE Y E A RS
I P U S H E D a si de the n rrow swingi ng gate
e
a
Th e ro ses no d a s o f o ld a n d o n e sees
e ,
e ee .
v
I e en found Va ll e da st a nding there
A ’
t th e w a lk s end h er pla ster scal ed a nd ba re
,
— Frail m i d the pungent scent o f m ignonette
’
, ,
, .
H o
all fo rever g ne— sweet fo li shness ! o
o
as
spurning
O f my ennui disgust a nd s re d i stress !
, o
So h er e am I at la st sa d a nd al n e o
o
C l d a s a n alta r— c lder tha n a stone
Orphan who kn ws no elder S i ster s love o o , ,
’
.
,
0 o
w man whose ca ress my soul b eguiled
,
o
,
,
,
LAS S I U D T E
A b a t a l l a s de a m o r ca m
p o de p l u m a .
( G ongora ) .
or
O the sweetness !
a while my ,
cha rming !
o
B e like a si ster s metimes p ea ce fully wa rming
, ,
’
,
o
B e languo r us making the drowsy ca resses ;
,
A ,
o e
But i n y ur d a r hea rt o f gold you tell m e my child
Th e false pa ssi on go es sounding he r cla ri on wild
, , .
o
Let her s und at her ea se hussy deli ri ous , .
.
a
y o u will b re a k o h so fine , , .
MY FA M I L IA R D R A ME
O FTT I M ES I h ave thi s stra nge a nd p enetrating
dream
o o o
:
o ,
o .
o o
B runette r bl nde o r Titi a n ha i re d ? I d n t n w ! o oko
o o
-
, ,
’
H e r name ? Twa s sweet I well recall when sp ken l w
As sweet a s those b el ved ones by Li fe exiled o .
,
mild ,
oo
I t hath the ech f dea r voi ces long si nce still .
To A W O MA N
T O y o u these s o ngs f o r the c o ns o ling gra ce
O f y o ur grea t eyes where laughs a nd weeps a dream
F o r y o u r pure s o ul wh o s e go odness sheds a b eam
;
Th e sw ll ows a o f a fterno on sk y
D ea r—
,
on S m , .
ETCH I NG S
P A R I S IA N SK ET CH
Like a sa d b assoon ;
And a fa r a Shivering to m cat cri e d
With th e strange frail notes o f a gh stly tune o .
o
And I drea m ed f Plato a s I stroll ed o n ,
And o f Phi di a s ,
MARI NE
T HE deep sounding sea
Throb s unde r th e eye
O f the sa d moon o n high
Throb s mou rn fully .
In th e h eavens where fl e e ,
Th e sto rm go ds 1n wonde r ,
Fi e rce ro a rs th e thunder
F0 rm i dably .
EF F E TS O F
C NI G H T
T HE night Th e rai n A pal e sky cut with ra gged
j
. .
. o
e
N o w to th right now l e ft a s when the eye p erceives
, ,
e
ho st o f halb rdi ers like gi ants ma rching by ;
,
eye
’
Th e rain s keen lances thrown from a bla ck sky .
G RO TE S U E S
!
By th e ro a d o f a dventu res
Th ey go to rn and despis ed
, .
Th ey have i n th e twilight
The a i r o f a ba d drea m .
52 P a ul Ve rl a i n e
Th e l ve o f things eternal
,
Go o
then ld vagabonds !
o
,
o
Shut o u t fr m pa ra di se !
e w
Freez e s you r fl sh he re the b ones sh w thr ugh o o .
T WI L I G H T OF MYS IC T EVE
o
A p erfu m e strong a nd wa rm wh se poi s n
— D ahli a lily tulip a nd buttercup
, o o
o , ,
o
D r wning my s ul my s enses a nd my rea s n o
o
Unites i n n e vast l a ssi tu de
, , ,
o ,
M em ry h ere wi th th e Twilight
,
.
Po e m s Sa t u r n i n e 55
P EN E ENT ENT
RO M AD S IM AL
VA L P URG I S NI G H T ,
C L AS SI C
THtheSotherI
i s rather the sabbat o f o
the sec nd Faust than ,
;
A rhyth m i c sabbat— rhyth m i c a s a l ay
I s rhythmi c I m agi ne a g a rden by L en tre
. o
C o rrect ri di culous a n d gay
, .
o
C hestnut trees ; a nd fl wering pla nts f rming a le a fy o
dune ;
o
S m e dwa rfe d ro se bushes se t ab out with loving ca re ;
o
B ey nd the yews well pla ce d 1n tri a ngle Th e mo n o
o
.
,
o k
M i dnight s unds a nd wa ens i n th e depth o f thi s ld
, o
p a rk
A m elancholy a i r— a h eavy slow a nd sa dly li stless
,
air
’
o
A huntsma n s l ay swee t l w a nd mel anch ly a s
, , o
Th e hunting song i n Ta nnhauser .
o
And mingling with the s ft green sha d ws o f the trees o ,
Are they then thy regrets O dreamer who i nvi tes thi s
,
h ell
Thy thoughts o r thy re m orse— say ?— these cre a tu res
,
Spurned ?
T h ese sp ectre s that so m e m a ddening impulse sways ;
'
the b rain
M aking th e i r mourn ful round a nd winding ever
,
C rrect r i di culous a nd g ay
, .
AU U M T N SO N G
LO NG sobbing winds
v
The i olins
,
Of au tumn drone
Wounding m y h ea rt
,
k
Cho ing an d p ale ,
When on th e gal e
Th e hour sounds deep
I call to min d
D ea d yea rs b ehind
A
n d I weep .
,
And I going, ,
B orne by blowing
Winds a n d gri e f ,
The dying le a f .
TH E S H P H RD S E E ’
HOUR
T H E m o o n i s red upo n th e ea stern sk y ,
TH E N I GH TI N G A L E
e e e
.
o
,
CA PRI CES
W O MA N A ND CA T
S HE wa s pl
v ying with h er cat
a ,
M a r elous i t wa s to s e e
.
SO NG OF TH E I N GEN U ES
And a rm i n a rm we go ,
’
And o u r sheph erds b onnets
Keep u s fresh and pal e ,
o
To make the ri ch M nsi eur M a chi n hi s son i n law
A
- -
.
SUB U R BE
T HE littl e yews o f th e ce etery m
Trembl e b e fo re th e wi ntry bla sts
I n the clea r cold light .
Penetra ti ng a s re m o rs e
’
Falls the he a vy col d tha t o e rp o we rs
Seeming to rea ch e en to th e dea d v .
,
o
To th e po r de a d who a re always
A ,
.
Po e m s Sa t u r n i n e
w e
M ake bloo m ith nch a ntingg
e
G lory th e g a rd ns a n d th e fie l ds
e
Tha tythe rud w i nter hol ds 1n di stress !
e
And wh n th e sunsets fall
,
SE REN A DE
LI KE the vo i ce f
one dea d yet singing
o
.
64 P a ul Verl a i ne
o
Then I praise ver much a s befitting -
, ,
o
o
Thr ugh my nights f un re st o .
o
An d I si ng f thy re d lip s intently ,
Lips re d a s a j ewel ;
o
O f the ma rtyrd m l ai d n m e gently o
My Angel— m y G h ul ! o ,
o
Op en thy s ul a n d thy e a r t the s und o o
O f m m and lin ; o
o
F r the e ave I m ade fo r the e t re sound o
o
Thi s s ng cruel and thin
,
.
,
A DAHLIA
o ,
o o
No r have y u fl esh like th s e fa i r ne s who all th e day o
o
Strew n th e summe r fi elds the r ws f new mown hay o o
o
Enthroning y u dumb i dol mi dst the incense light
, ,
’
.
,
oo ,
o
Di sdain fully am ng th e taunting j a smines white
,
,
.
Po e m s Sa t ur n i ne 65
NE VE R M O RE
O NWAl R D! co mp z ce
,
my p oo r h ea rt ! Onwa rd , my o ld a c
o
Li ft t G o d thy canticl e rej uvenate d sin ger !
o o
Ent ne hoa rse rg a n thy Te D e u m s ri s i ng high
,
o o
.
, ,
y our eye
o ,
H a ppiness ha s w a lk d si de by si de with m e e ’
.
e e e .
.
,
IL B C IO A
( T H E K I SS )
Tlively
A
HE Ki ss Pi nk hollyho ck
tune on littl e k eys
o v e s domai n
p e a rl
! 1n L
’
!
so e de r gi rl
o f
Fra ed by the lips
m o f m a .
An
’
angel s song with l ove ’
3 well known re fr a in .
66 Paul Ve rl a i ne
’ ’
Like the Rhi ne s vi ntage o r a si nger s rhym es
You so othe o u r pa i n— ol d sorro s cold
,
w ,
e
D i with the pout upon a ch purpl e fol d e
Let Av ’
on s swa n o r G o ethe p ra 1se b etim s e .
ee e
Th s childi sh v rses s a d bouquet at b est ;
,
,
IN THE WOOD S
S OM E — th e i nno cent
, th e lymphati c or
e
Thes bra nches thi ck like billows without b und o
ee ,
e o
Fills m with h rro r fooli sh yet p ro found
, , .
,
Summer e
eves the redn ss o f th e sunsets
e
I s sunk i n the gray blu o f mi sts they p aint
-
M RCO A
0
6turned
HEN M a rco p a ssed the young m en ra n a nd
,
A
.
Wh en M a rco p assed .
O f a va st sy phony m o f
Wi th ecsta sy transpo rted a s it spr ng
,
m ,
Wh en M a rco sang .
ry sound o f a r m s
a
o o
As th ugh a n il fe d fi re that fl ames n high o
o
-
,
Wh en M a rco wept .
o
When M a rc da nce d he r silken ski rt m i r é , , o ,
o
When M a rc sl ept what o dors ri ch f ambe r o
,
o
H er b reath a r s e light rhythmi cal a nd slow
, , .
o
But when sh e l ved th e fl o ds o f luxury o
’
,
vo
s suppl e a n d de uri ng a s a fl a m e
Then fr z en l ay o .
M OON L I G HT
o ,
o
That fr m i ts ma rbl e b ed j ets in the bre ez e .
PANTOM I ME
PI ERRO T o
ets nothing from Cli t an der
wh
Empti es a fl a go n
,
ailing t rende r o ,
, o
C a ssa ndra wh i s nea rly l ost t o V i ew
Weeps f o r her di si n he r1t e d neph ew
,
o
C lu m bine drea m s strangely su rpri se d t o feel
,
[ 71 1
M OON L I G HT
A s th y go tripping lightly on th i r ro a d
e
M ingling th i r songs with r a ys caught from the moon
,
e
Th moonlight rays so s a d but O how f a i r !
That m ake th e drowsy bi rds dre a m in thei r trees
And so b with ecsta sy th fountai n cl e a r e ,
PANTO MI ME
e
We ep s f o r h r di si nh ri te d n ph e e ew ,
e
e
’
,
[ 71 1
72 P a ul V e rl a i n e
ON THE G RA SS
, , nu qu e .
My fl ame — D o mi . la , , so l , , si .
é,
Abb your cunni ng we unveil
— La di es I di e i ndeed f o r the e
.
— wi sh t o b e a little d o g today
I
— Let ea ch one ki ss hi s shepherdess a nd s oo n
.
THE WAL K
PAI NTE D a nd p owdered a s i n the o l d pa sto ral days
Frail ami d the en rmous bows o f ribb on red o ,
,
o
Ab ve a v alk where s me o l d m ss green seats a re o o
sp rea g
o
.
o
o , ,
o
.
Mo u t h ca rm i n e b o dy plump a nd p roud n r n wi ng
, , , o ko .
wh
a tri fl e wi s er tha n th e b eauty patch -
e o
Yes i nd ed th u cruel Clym ene
, ,
e
Wh o woul d des c nd to the Elysi a n Fi elds ?
,
THE I NG EN US
THE high h eels b attl—ed with long ski rts
And the uneven ea rth b reez e unbi d
h o wing a shi ning limb too o ften hi d
a
S , ,
e
And thi s lightning o f necks gl wing a n d white o
z
D a z le d o u r youth ful f li sh eyes
, oo ,
.
,
C O RTE G E
e
O f h r robe th a t h stri e s t o ma inta in
, e v ,
,
,
e
Th negro b oy shy littl e ight W
e ,
e
Oftti m s li fts the tra i n r a th r high
,
e e
To ga z with mi schi vous eye
On that whi ch h e drea m s o f by night .
ga z e m or
ca re or .
THE SHE L L S
E AC H shell i ncrusted
I n the grotto wh ere we kn e w l ove
, ,
Has 1t s p e cu l 1ari t y .
o
An ther a ffects you r languo rs
And your p all o rs when wea rily
You turn f rom my h al f m cking eyes
,
- o ,
K
S A TIN G
Y ES we were dup es
, both y u a nd I
To have o u r i ntrigues fo r o u r pa ins
, o ,
o
Spring ha d , h wever , I woul d say ,
o
S erved , i f my mem ry b e no t sla ck ,
o
To m y st i f u r littl e pla
fli
But in a e shi o n n t so la c ! o b k
o
F r i n th e S p ri ng th e a i r i s fresh ,
o
And i n th e a rdent su n i s bl own
Thi s fresh exci tant newly b o rn
, .
o o
And make s the a nxi u s spi rit numbo .
o
That sti rs to j y th e s ense s five
o
Tra nspo rts us t the ve ry ski es ;
,
o
N w M a d a me Winte r s here a nd numb ’
, ,
e
.
’
You r two ha nds i n the mu ff you ve on
e
Si t fi rm a nd sa f ly i n y ur pl a ce o ,
A
.
FANT A TI C S S
on th e m on o .
o
Pr cla ims th e pa ssi on wi th h ea d spli tting stra in -
.
CYTH ERE
A L I G HT
pavili on l ends
Shelte r whe re o u r gla dness bl ends
Fanned by the r se tre es fri ends o -
, .
,
F e t es G a ll a n t 79
o
Od rs o f roses faint wander ,
AFLOAT
THE st r f
the shepherd trembles
a o
e
Th e ch v a li e r Atys who s cra pes
Hi s guita r to the ungrate ful Chl ri s
,
,
o
Throws a saucy wi nk .
o
Th e abb é c nfess es i n a low tone E gl e .
THE FAUN
That l e d me o n and le d y o u o n y o u o l d
e
Sa d pilgrims wi th th e m lancholy mi en
,
o o
Unto thi s h ur wh se flyi ng f tsteps b l doo ,
o
G o swi rling to the sounding tambourine .
MAN DO L INE
who ,
Thi s th e eternal Cl i t an de r ,
o
Th ei r sh rt vests o f silk ,
Th ei r el egance th ei r jo y
A ,
o
D aily i n my th ughts i n my dreams a t night
A nd by night a nd by day a d rabl e M a dame !
,
o ,
Ah well a t l a st my b dy di sapp ea rs
, o , ,
o
You r p a rr t cat a nd dog ? Th e so ci ety
, ,
o e e
.
o o
o
O f th se most high a nd cel eb rate d fl ames
Who se a rdent hea rts have light d up the p a st ! e
Less love d wa s Cl eopa tra by my faith
o
O f Ant ny a nd C a esa r tha n you by me ! ,
, ,
e
D a r fri end a di eu Al rea dy t o o much ta l k
o
.
, .
IN DO L EN TS
— Th e prop si ti on s ra re ’
.
— Th e ra re i s go o d L et s di e my o wn
.
’
, ,
oe
— Si r i ndeed you re fa r t o o bold’
,
o
b
.
,
’
—
Let s j ust e still i f y o u would rather .
But Ti rei s a nd hi s D o ri m en e ,
C O L UM BINE
LEAN DE R th e fop , ,
Pi errot wi th a hop
That w uld
e e o
Flea lik cl a r a bush ;
-
,
,
’
C a ssa ndra neath her plush
Drawn hoo d ;
P a u l Verl a i ne
C ostu m e d like a fo ol ,
All these p e pl e fl ee ,
Or wo rs e ;
Laugh a n d da nce a s well ,
B e fo re a saucy b elle
Pervers e ,
Sa d i nsi pi d cou rs e
,
O f sta rs .
Oh ! Tell m e towa rd
What fell unt wa rd , o
Di sa sters
A ee
Wi th li ft d ski rt i n h and
h whith r with h er ba nd
,
O f dup es ?
86 P a u l Verl a i ne
o o
Hal f cl s e y u r eyes
o o o o
C r ss y ur a rms n y ur b rea st
,
o
Welc me the b reathing wi nd
Th at i s rippling so sweet
The wave s o f re d gra sses
That m ve at your feeto .
Th e nightingal e calls .
o k
In the l d pa r soli ta ry a nd va st
o
Tw sp ecters have evoked the p a st .
? .
87
o
— Oh they were blue th e h eavens a nd h p e wa s high !
o , ,
o
— N w hop e ha s vani shed t wa rd th e bla ckened sky
,
,
o
Thus thr ugh th e ta ngl e d weeds they walk ,
e
.
N aught else .
o
Th e sweet C o m p ani n h e ha s found at la st
Whose soul hi s soul weeps f o r a s days g p a st o ,
o o
Her eyes a re full f y uth ful fi re
o
A k
Inn cent yet wi se tha t n thing mi ss ;
, o ,
O f a n i m materi al i ssk
wa ening the strange desi re
.
9 2 P a u l Verl a i ne
o
C ap t ures with ut hO p e o f flight
, ,
,
A ’
n d wh at she s ays t were well to hee d
.
;
Yet will sh eh ersel f a Muse
F o rgiving t o the p o int o f a mity
be
;
Au da ci ous — w o rthy p ri z e
, , se e
o ne a .
Indee d o f hi s s o ng g oo d o r b a d !
Yet pro o f si ncere whose every lo ok reve al s
,
o , o
I wh a dmi red n r fea re d h er ambu s gay
, ,
o o
And n my soul s full o f vi si ns s mb e r
,
o o
o o
A ray fr m he r all j oy us presence b r e ok ,
.
94 Paul V e rl a i ne
o k o
I wi sh t wa l stra ightf rwa rd n w thr ugh Li fe o o
o
My ta sk i n V i e w n r stepping nce a si de ; o ,
o o o ,
o ,
A , , ,
A
thousa nd quail
Singing singing i n the thym e
, .
Tu rn towa rd th e po et ma rk
Hi s eyes how full o f l ve ;
,
o
— Th e la r k
o o
M unts t th e sk y ab ove .
ov
Turn thy l i ng gla nce e m ploy
o
,
— Wha t j y o
Ami dst th e rip e wheat wet wi th dew !
w
I n the s eet trouble d dream , so cha ste
Of my dea r sl eepi ng o n e .
— H a ste ha ste
’
Fo r here s the g lden su n o
, ,
.
The G o o d So ng 95
T HE white m oo n
hines i n the w oo d
S ;
From ea ch bra nch
Comes a vo 1ce
Under the boughs .
O well b eloved
-
.
o
The po l refl ects
oo
Pr f und mi rror
,
Th e silhouette
O f th e bla ck willow
Where the wi nd weep s .
Drea m o n, thi s i s th e h u r o .
A va st a nd tender
Pea ce fulness
Seems to descend
Fro m th e fi rm a m e n t
Tha t a sta r tints .
q
Thi s i s th e ex ui site h ur o .
, a , , ,
—
An a spe ct str a nge a whi rlpool rushing by ;
The telegr a ph s slim poles go tilting o e r
’ ’
.
9 6 P au l V e rl a i n e
o
A smell f burning c al a nd hi ssing steam o
o o o
.
o ,
, o .
o
Ah what t m e all thi s since i n my eyes
,
oo ,
o o
,
o
Th e brutal rumble f the n i sy c a ch o o o .
A SA INT in he r b right h al o
A h tel aine i n her t o wer
a
,
Fa ce p e a rl and pi n th at b rings k
o
T m i nd some fa i r p atri ci an dame
,
I se e I
he a r all these p r u d things o
,
o
Swi fte r tha n bi rd r bull et o r th e thi n
, ,
o
Sha rp s uth se a wind tipp ed wi th a fi sh s fin
’
o
H ere c mes like to a n a rr w th e su spi ci on o ,
o ,
o
.
o ,
,
T HI S h a rd
pro o f so n will h ave a n end o ,
o
N w th ey a re p a ss ed th e d a ys o f fea rs , ,
’
Th e bitter wo rds I ve kill ed th em all
, ,
o
M e to a cclaim the happy day
When I shall s e e my fia n cee !
Withi n my h ea rt i s day ,
o
L ng silent dumb a n d da rk
, , ,
Th at i n the cl ea r sk y sings .
e e
.
’
Welcom d she ll bi d th e stay
, ,
o
And wh en y u spoke a s though without design
q ,
o
F r the voi ce like the eye s f Thi s that m a e s o k
j o ,
o
I s thi s a v a m h p e tha t my hea rt h lds tight
,
o ,
’
S
Th e cha rme d fati gu e a nd waiting we a d o re
, ,
! ll t he s e j
Wi thout rel ea se though va i n del ay b esp ea k s
M a d o f th e m o nths a nd furi o us f th e wee k s
, ,
o .
I 02 P a u l Verl a i ne
THE o
noi se f taverns an d the bla ck mud f the o
si dewalks ,
Th e to rn leaves fl u tt e ri n g i n th e wi ntry a i r ;
o
Th e omnibus a st rm o f rusty i r n a nd mud
, o
Tha t creaks unplea santly o n its four gri nding wh eels
A o , ,
XVI I
I i t n o t ? D espite wha t o thers s ay
S
Who merely envy u s o ur present j oys
so ,
o
,
.
The G o o d So ng 1 03
o o — o
Of th se wh truly l ve i s i t not so ?
XVI I I
T HE SE o
st rmy tim es serve t remind o
That ma rri age o f the s uls should bind o
Our h ea rts 1n happy un i son
o
.
’
And fa cing thi s twere well we two
,
o ,
A o o
nd still t wh m my h ea rt cri es han s ! . k ,
1 04 P a ul Verl a i ne
a ccompli ce o f my j oy
’
su n ,
Hi s rays mi d silks and satin will empl y
,
o
o ,
o
T make y ur b eauty still m re ra re m re clea r o ,
, o .
o
The fa r blue sk y utsprea d like s m e high tent o
S hall tremble sumptu usly i n lengthening f lds o o ,
o
Ab ve our happy b r ws wh s e pall r holds o o o
Expectancy wi th j oy a nd gla dness blent
, .
o .
’
I f o e r th e ea stern sk y wa s drawn
One feebl e glow o f coming day
o
Y ur gl ance ma de mo rning o f the dawn
,
S fa r so u n dm g
Y o ur v o i ce sa i d C o urage— and away
, .
“ ”
: .
L e ve n t da n s l a p l a i n e
f
Susp e n d s o n ha l e i n e .
( Fav a rt ) .
T HI S is oo
the langu r us ecsta sy
o
Thi s i s th e a m or us fatigu e
,
o o
Thi s i s th e wo d tha t rej i ces
,
o
When i n the hush f the bree e
,
z
Si n
,
o
fr m th e trembling tre s e
o o
Th e c o i r f littl e v i ces .
o
The sl w turning p ebbl es l w sigh ’
o ,
o
And thi s s ul that laments
Plaintive— intense
o
I s thi s not urs fill ed with ca re ? ,
,
I
The so und f 1ces
, o
VA G UE LY guess acr ss a mu rmu r dra wn ,
o vo l o ng si nce still
al as !
, ,
[ r09 ]
I IO Paul V e rla i ne
o
An d s ul and he a rt that blend i n m a d desire
,
o o
The y ung h urs b ala ncing with the o l d h u rs o .
I l p l e u t do u c e m e n t su r la v i ll e .
I T weeps i n my hea rt
A s i t ra i ns th e town
o
on .
So ftdri p o f the ra in
o
On the r o fs a nd the ground ,
Fo r a hea rt th at i s wea ry
O sweet i s the s und ! o
It weep s without right
k
And hea rt si c i s my s ng o
o o
-
.
Without l o ve
,
ha te or
’
So n j i m p o r t u n, d
o
o y e u x, un cl av e ci n
s o n o re .
( Petrus B rel ) .
’
Whilst lightly a s a bi rd s wing i n a dale
An old tune very fe ebl sweet and gay e , ,
e ,
e
C i rcle s di scr tely re its faint note s fa il
,
,
,
,
e
What i s thi s sudd n ro cking in m y hea rt
Thi s sti rring o f my inmo st soul p ro found ?
Wha t wouldst thou o f m e ? gh stly song thou a rt ! o
Wha t i s thy wi sh thou sweet uncertai n s und o
Tha t dying seeks the win d w t dep a rt
, ,
,
o o ,
o
B eneath hi s co at ill fa m ed and white -
, ,
,
,
Children D o m i nu s v o bi s cu m /
,
H OW sa d —h w o my he art to day
sa d ,
’
Fo r m e , no b a l m can e e r consol e ,
Who m a de an ex 1l e o f my soul .
Y o u meager wolves t o
In th e bitte r n rth wind o , ,
The h t i ng a l e fr o m t he he i g ht o f
n ig
a br a n c h, l o o k i ng do wn , t hi n k s t o
ha v e f a l l e n i n t he r i v e r H e i s a t t he.
s u m m i t o f a n o a k , y e t h a t h h e f e ar o f
dr o wn i ng .
( Cyrano de B e rgera c ) .
TH E shakidow ssed
f tree s i n the vapo r o us strea m f o g
o ,
M ourns a nd co plai ns th e d o ve
o , ,
m .
1 1 5
A A
BE L G I N L N D SCAPE S
Co n qu e s t es da R o y
V e s e s t a m e s)
( i e i l l p .
VVA L CO URT
Fo r fr a nk dri nkers ,
Sha dy bowers .
To all s m okers
Serva nts de a r .
G ay high ro a ds
A nd stati ons nea r .
G o o d wandering Jews ,
CHARLE ROI
I N the bl ck gra ss
a
The Kobolds go .
The wi nd pro f o u n d
Must weep I know
, .
1 1 6 P a u l Verl a i n e
o
Strike th s e who p a ss .
M o re h ovels than
F i ne homes ti s sa i d ’
zo
, .
What ho ri ns
O f fo rges re d !
What do es o n e smell ?
Th e dep ots thunder
The eyes w nder o ,
Wh ere s C ha rle r i ?
’
o
,
Si ni ster
o do rs !
Ah wh a t i s thi s
, ,
’
Like a sistrum s
Noi sy ki ss ?
H ol d your b reath !
No w all i s b rutal !
Th e swea t o f m en
Th e cri es o f metal !
In th e bla ck gr a ss
The Kob olds go .
Wi th a t i t s si de th e somb e r light
, ,
O f the setting su n .
C a f é o f the Young F x o
ugust 1 8 7 2 A ,
,
HO R SE S O F WOOD
P a r Sa i n t G il l e ,
-
Vi e n s n o us e n ,
- -
M o n ag i l e
Al e z a n
o
.
( V Hug )
. .
, m
Turn , t urn , wo oden ho rs es turn ! ,
, e
Turn wo o d n horses sp ee d away , .
A
M LINE S
W
,
A
Where a sh tree s fo rm a lea fy b owe r
-
re v a st Sa ha ra s o f rip e gra in
,
.
,
I 20 P a ul Ve rl a i n e
o
The windo w we enj oy thi s V i ew
o
M a de t the wi sh o f F én el o n .
,
WATE R C OLO R S
G REEN
H , o
ERE a re th e fruits fl wers l eaves a nd b ra nches , ,
m eet ;
And then here i s my h ea rt f o r your delight .
SP L EEN
m .
,
1 22 P a ul Ve rl a i ne
, I
Ah rem emb e r th e old days ,
’
Let s da nce a 11g !
1 26 P a u l Ve rl a i ne
o
When p et a n d do ct r simply a nd h onestly o
C o m m uned with the fe rvo r o f hu m ble novi ces ,
A
To go i n uteuil to gathe r lili e s a nd ro s es
,
o
Like G a r p rai sing G o d who all di sp oses
, , .
o o
King p liti ci a n m nk a rti sa n a nd chemi st ;
, ,
, v .
m o re elate
o o ,
Tha t I were a s a s,
a
,
o
I n tha t grea t m ral time o f high th eology
G ui ded by the unique f lly o f th C ross o e ,
o o o o
U p n y ur wings f r ck O f oli sh C athedral ! , o ,
Wi sdo m 1 27
0 MY G d th o u ha st w o unde d m e with l o ve
A nd the wo und vib rating still
o , ,
o o
1s .
I
O m y G o d am , stri ck e n with thy fea r ,
o , .
oo ,
o
H ere i s my v i ce noi se shame ful a nd lying
, .
Al a s , o
Th u G o d o f oblati on a nd p a rd n o
,
o
Wh at i s the depth f mi ne i ng rat 1t u de !
,
o
Ala s Th u G o d o f blati n a nd p a rd n
, , o o o .
o o
G o d f terr r a nd G o d o f sa ncti ty ,
A la s , thi s bla ck abyss o f my cri me
G o d o f terro r a nd G o d o f sancti ty
, o
Thou G o d f p ea ce o f j y a nd o f happiness
, o , ,
o
Th u G o d o f p ea ce o f j oy a nd f happiness
, , .
, .
H o
OPE shi nes a s d th a wi sp f straw in the stable o
oo
.
’
Why fea rest thou th e drunken wasp s wil d f lish
fl ight ?
1 30 Paul Ve r l a i n e
I o
Am to ea rly born r late ? , o
Wh at ha s th e worl d f o r me to do ?
My p ai n i s deep— O all o f you
o
Pray f r p o o r G a spa rd a nd hi s fa te
, ,
A G REAT
wea ri ness
Falls on my li fe :
e
Sle p all hop e, ,
I nothing mo re
I lo se th e me o ry
se e .
m
O f ba d a nd o f goo d .
O the sa d hi sto ry !
I a m a cra dle
A h and may b al ance
In a bla ck cave .
Silence silence ! ,
o blue calm
A tree top j ust b ey o nd the roo f
S , so ;
Th e chi m e i n the sk y th at se e I
Di stantly rings ;
o
A b i rd n th e tr e that se e e I
Pla intively sings .
Wi sdo m 131
My G o d my G o d but li fe i s there
, , ,
e
Tranquil a nd sweet ;
Thi s p a ce ful murmur that hear I
C omes fro m th e street !
In te a rs a nd ruth ?
, e
Say what hav you done y o u who a re here , ,
D rea m s th a t to m e a re dea r ~
On frightened pi ni ons fly ,
Th e su m mer b re ez es fre e
’
e
O r the cri mson waves ea ch o n e ,
,
Sa d, wi th what sa dn ss it c ri es ! e
Th e di stant pilot li stening fea rs
v , .
,
It fl o ats di es a nd di sappea rs
, ,
o
T wh eel— a nd then mo re sa dly cri es .
1 3 2 P a u l Ve rl a i ne
o
D rea m s that t m e a re dea r ,
T HE sound o f a ho rn s ob s t o wa rd th e w oo d
An o rpha n stra i n tha t wanders a t will ,
,
;
And so rrow a n d pl ea sure blend a s o n e
I n a ravi shing tune with a sa d re fra in .
An d o
th e stra i n ha s the a i r f a si gh
O f autumn so so ft i t seems a nd low
, ,
T HE fa irer
se a is
Tha n cathedral s a re
A tende r nurse ;
Sh e ha s the gi fts
So terrible and sweet
o
.
Sh e p ard ns all
When cruel billows be at .
o
Up n the water sings
A ll ye wh hope o
In vain di e with ut p ain
, o .
’
Then ne ath the s i es
, k ,
ET NA G UERE)
138 Pa ul Ve rl a i n e
KALE I DO SC OPE
To G er m a i n N o uv e a u
pa st :
o q
F r a n i nstant uite va gu e a nd yet gripping ne o
fa st
o
.
o
Oh thi s cry n the se a a nd thi s voi ce i n the wo d !
,
’
o
Thi s shall seem a s though all l ay a fa r from one s ra nge ;
An awakening slowly from cycles o f change
o
And with all clea re r sh wn a nd wi th all underst d oo
o
I n thi s stre et i n th e h ea rt f the ma gi cal town
o
Whe re the rgans at dusk grind the igs wi th a sweep j ,
o ,
o
Yet s sa d will thi s seem a s almo st to b enumb
With th e tea rs fl owing wa rm that th e ch eek s ftly feel s o ,
,
O f O ld and R e c e n t ly 1 39
e
With th wo rds very ol d like b ou uets p al e a nd de a d ; q
,
A o
b r ws
ll these p ea sants that cut through th e crowd that i s
led
o
To stroll there a nd wh talk with the y uthful bla ck
, o
gua rds ,
o
And all thi s a s th ugh drea m ing o n e wakens t see o
A e ,
o
Su m mer— the grass— noi s e m i r é o f the fl ight o f a b e e
,
INTE R IO R
o
Wh sa dly smiles— witness di s u ieting— where j i n q o
o o
S l w echo es o f a s ng e p 1t hal am 1u m
o
,
In a n o b se ss1o n m a de f musk a nd f b en z o m o ,
ART OF POETRY
To Charl e s Mo ri ce
o o
M re va gue m re solubl e i n th e a i r
;
o ,
Als oo
,ne shoul d fail not t choo se o
H i s wo rds in a contemptuous way
o
.
o
.
o
.
o
F r we wi sh but th e Nuance t a d rn o o ,
o o
.
o o ,
o
Take El qu ence and wring its ne c k
’
And twill strengthen your vers e ften time
,
o
o
-
ALLE G O R Y '
To J u le s Va l e do n
k
ike so m e bo re d ing w a tching a to rture d vi ctim cry
, ,
Even the gra sshopp ers have felt the heavy sp ell
o
.
o
fl w o .
, ,
THE INN
To J ean Mo r e a s
'
Se t
1 ,
o
by the dusty r a d that m a e s ou r p r feet blee d k oo
o o o
.
nee d
“
G ay littl e inn with B nheur o
n the swingi ng sign o .
O f O ld an d Re ce n t ly 1 43
o
H ere th u canst smoke a nd sing a nd sleep f r all i s , , , o
thine .
o
The ki tchen with i t s l w bl a c r o f wh ere r sts the
, k o oo
hen
o ,
o
With the clock s ti ckta cking pulse ’
, .
C I R C UM SPE CTION
To G a s t o n Se ne cha l
’ ’
sea t
Unde r thi s gi a nt tree wh re light winds di e away e
I n broken sighs th a t flutter n ath the b ra nch es gray ’
e
e
B athe d i n th so ft ca ressing moonli ght pal e a nd sweet
,
cre e t ,
o ur knees l et fall o ur eyes . di s
way ,
’
Our hai r a n owl s wing touches i n our calm retreat
, .
VE R SE S TO BE SL AN DE RE D
To Charl e s Vi g n i e r .
o
o ne ;
Y ur bo dy lying chast i l y on my humbl e b e d ;
A s one who ponde rs over something h e ha s rea d ,
o o
,
sp rea d !
O thought b ewildering tha t nea rly turns the hea d !
Sl eep p oo o ,
i s g ne o .
,
’
o ,
wa its
o oo
Th e othe r m re fer ci us l au h with whi ch it ma tes !
Oh wake ! a nd tell m e qui ck T e s ul i s it imm rtal ?
, . o , o
1 46 P a ul Ve rl a i ne
’
Twa s sho rtly a fter we ha d ha d th e Si ege a nd mo st
“ ”
O f country houses ha d b een level ed t th e ground o
o
.
round ;
o
An d som e ha d ca nn n b alls imb edded i n the pla ster
U R
And thus inscrib e d : A S O V EN I O F TH E D I S A S T E R .
TH E PO ET A ND TH E M SE U
O CHAM BE R have you kept thei r fo li sh sp ec
, o
ters grim ,
h ea rd ?
0 cha m b e r have you kept th os e figure s va gu ely blurred
, ,
o
F 1c l Furni shed chamb er that rec ils from all f these
,
si nce then !
O f O ld a nd R e c e n t ly 1 47
A R O GU E
To J e a n M o re a s
'
0
° ITH th e eyes o f a de a th s he a d a skull
That th e m oon m akes m e a ger and thi n
’
-
,
-
e
Wi th th voi ce o f a n ol d m an f a iling fa st
A e
s o n e h a rs at a the a te r
,
e e
All my r m o rs — let us say all my p a st
,
e e e
Ol d rogu b gon ! I l ove not thi s a t all
e ,
e “
H answers thus : Thi s i s less fa rci c a l
’ ”
.
, e
But a s to your conc rn O sw et Kn a ve pi sh ! , e ,
’
I m mindful but thi s fa r tha t i f you wi sh
—
, , ,
Why cl ea r o t
, u — g o to Jeri cho
1 48 P a u l Ve rl a i ne
M AD RG L
I A
Y Owhite
U m a dden m e th ese days o f autumn p al e and
,
while ,
o ,
RE CENT L Y
R L GU E
P O O
C re a te d by th e p al e moon blurre d
By tossing b ranche s f a tree o ,
,
BALLAD
O N Two YO N U G E M TR E ES L
oo ,
o
o o
I n c lo rs f h ap i n e ss
, ,
o o
B i rds sat n t ile b ughs f e ach tre e ; o
.
An d g ra ss stretche d f r i dl eness o
But de arer my elm s were t me o .
Fr o o
di ning r om lighte d a nd cle a r
W o o
m my , ,
But de a re r my elms we re to m e .
I V VO I
nd j y where y u r l
Wi t h h alth a nd love . ,
But de a re r m v el m s v
1 54 P a u l Ve rl a i n e
A
P R SI FAL
si de .
E VEN IN G THOU G HT
exile ,
In th at wil d l a ndscape b o rn a s f a dr am O e
ee
Wh r w a tch thei r f a bl e d herds ere t aking flight
,
Th e tend r O id l onely b a rd o f L o e
Sweeps with hi s gl ance the sky— below— ab ove
, ,
o
H i s be a rd now ne a rly white i s rudely t rn
,
,
, o .
,
L UC IEN L ETI NO I S
111
O WOMAN ! Prudent wi se — c a lm en my
A s yet h a l f c onsci ous o f your v 1ct o ry
, , e ,
A e
,
e
nd sprea ding ruin fa r with i ron a n d fl am e
O goo d unc rt a i n fri nd so littl sur e e
,
, ,
v
,
e e
From o n e that on r mo rs e alone recalls )
e
Thi s insul t But a s you can n r ha e eve v
e e v
.
I H AVE a m o
ni a f o r l ve My fo li sh he a rt i s weak
a . o .
shines ,
z .
o
d ,
.
i eat b
k
Imm e di ately emb ar s f o r the i sles o f the C hi m eras
C a rrying naught but the bitte r te a rs i t h a d kn wn o ,
XVI I I
D O y o u recall i n Pa ra dise dea r soul
The station at Auteuil— th e trains f l d
, ,
o o
o
On a cel esti al l adde r fl o ati ng down .
,
o .
1 62 P a ul Ve rl a i n e
A L L E G ORY
e
With stupi d mi en and sle py li stless ai r
A withere d N a i a d with he r drowsy wiles
,
THE FR IEN D S
ON TH E B A C O NY L
T WO f o rms wa tching the swallo w s in thei r flight
One pale with j et bl a ck hai r the othe r blonde
.
, ;
And pi nk— thei r fl owi ng ga rments blond f o ld
, .
, , o ,
.
P a r a ll e l ly 1 63
o
Strange c uple pitying e ery other coupl e v ,
SA PP HO
o
,
a ,
o
By h andfuls pulls he r l ng an d stre a m ing hai r
,
HAR L OT S
To t h e P r i n cess Ka u k i n e .
“
Cap e l l o s de A ng e l o s
( F r a n di s e e s a n o l )
p g
,
’
Shes foully blonde yet passing fa i r
o
To us wh sin with her ea ch day
,
o
But sh e i s m re to m e h l d I o
e e
L ik so m e d ep fl aming c i rcl e o e r
, ,
’
e
Th entra nce o f a temple doo r ;
Or like the fable d fl e ece o f gol d .
e e
’
An d who sh a ll si ng thi s b eauty s source
Sa ve m e her cho ri st r an d pri st ,
,
e
He r sl ave h r m a ste r who at le ast
, ,
He r body wi th i ts h a rmoni es
A s so ft and white a s i s a rose ;
,
e
Thighs b a uti ful b re a sts fi rm a n d t nse ;
, e
The b a ck the loi ns the sto m a ch fe a st
o ,
.
I 66 P a u l Ve rl a i n e
’
You re right my gi rl ! 5 0 lov e me
,
o
Be tte r tha n y ung or age d men
,
v
I know e a ch m o e m ent e a ch behest ;
A n d pledge you a n indulgent he art
,
RE FE REN CE S
II
FA SE L R
I MP ESS I O N
D AM E m o use scamp e rs
Bla ck i n th e gray f eve o .
,
G ray 1n the da rk .
Th ey sound th e b ell
o
.
Th ey sound th e b ell
Y u t o oo
shoul d sleep
, ,
,
N ot the ba d dream
o o o
.
N t th e b a d dream ;
Th e go o d always !
Th e wi de m nlight ! oo
Th ey sno re cl se by you r si de o
oo
.
Th e wi de m nlight
In reali t y !
P a r a ll e l]y 1 67
A clou d p a sses
It gro w s da rk a s a n o ven
,
A cloud pa sses ,
H o ld th e dawn
:
, day o f !
D am e m o us e scamp ers !
Pink i n th e rays blue so .
OTH E S R
T HE j ail yard blosso s with ca re
Li k e the f o rehea d
- m ,
O f e ach there
Wh o goes with faltering step and thigh
o ne
hrunken quite
S
A long the wall ,
F oo li sh with light .
Turn , Sa m sons
without D elilah ,
Without Philistine ,
Tu rn well th e
M ill th e Fates predestine
And ra iling not th e l aw apa rt
, , ,
C rush at e a ch move
o
Y u r fa ith you r hea rt
And you r l ve o
,
o
A w rd— the dungeo n i s thei r l t ! o
N t a sigh o
o o
.
It i s s h t
They think t di e o .
o
An d I — I g in me a sure d stri des
With th at sa d b and .
o
And i f I to shall contrite be
.
Thy stubb rn v o w
,
o ,
,
So ci ety
Di d you cho se m e ? o
o
B r thers mine goo d ol d robb ers
, ,
Sweet vagabonds ,
ok
S m e o n philos phically o ,
Promena de you ,
Pea ce fully
o
.
’
Ti s sweet to nothing d .
RE VE R S I BLE S
To tu s i n m a l i g n o p o s i t u s .
S wi ft
calls that come t wa e ,
Then slowly di e .
Th e Al re a dy s a re the Ag ai n s l
I 70 P au l Ve rl a i n e
’
One might well say tw a s like awaking bi rds that try
A n ea rly flight against the vi olet tinte d sk y
A nd with the daylight sca rcely yet be gun t dawn
,
o
o o
.
R
I MP O BA B E L , BUT T RU E
LA ! I am i n th e Index and in th e dedicati ns, o
He re I am Paul V pu re and simple The audacity
. .
o
.
o ,
o ok .
TH E LA ST TEN
o
, ,
o
Open a t l a st— en ugh why puni sh m re ? o ,
B ru ssels ug 1 8 7 3 A, .
, .
M ons Jan I 8 7 5 , .
, .
P a r a ll e lly I 7I
MOON S
wa ste ,
v
O f ki sses o n He r h and and not up on Thei r thro ats
The ile Tiberi a s I a m to da y m ay k ep
,
-
, e .
o ,
AF E R M NNE R O F P UL VE RL N E
T TH E A A AI
T HE m o on s ’
bl a e
When I assume th e m ask no cturne
to what i s done m fo r
f
Fo r those who wound you r sens e o f truth
’
Ti s not through l ack p ardonings o
;
Mysel f I p ardon ti s youth ’
E! P L N
A ATI ON
’ ’
Je v o us di s qu e ce n e s t p as cc qu e l on e n sa .
P .
brea st these te a rs o f mi ne
,
and ap a rt
Th e dre am to be W i th him alon e with o ut design
h 1m , l o w ,
, .
The o
nightm a re o f a never ending st r m y scene
, ,
.
.
T give o ne s li fe t o Go d
’ ’
o r to one s native l and
Or t o the other wh o m y love —
o .
And fo r the !
i nfami e s !
TH E LA ST P TE G L L NT E A A ‘
o
.
, ,
.
1 74 Pa ul Ve rl a i n e
o
Th at I wa s h oted at wa s ve ry plai n
By those young toughs ne a r whe re o n e take s the ca r ;
And the abuse I th rew them though in va in
Wa s such I nea rly choke d o n my ciga r
, ,
o
N w I return : I h ea r a voi ce— the light
Step o f a gho st o
S m eone o r no o n e ne a r ?
,
A
.
o
The h ur o f droll awakening soundeth clea r
,
A A
.
S ,
Ye s j e t ta t o re sa d wanderer
, , ,
—
But give inste a d o f alms yoursel e s
,
v ,
.
P a r a l l e l ly I 7S
o
C a n s e rve y u r lust the fi lthy h st ? o
o o
Old fool have y u n t ha d your due
o ,
In spite dainties l o st
f vi ew
Y o ur hea rt grown i cy through and thr o ugh
o to ,
A
The i ndi cati ons tha t they b e a r
nd give the fo rce to eve ry fa ce
,
I 76 P a u l Ve rl a i n e
a child f
And dancing ki sses like a fl a e
, o ,
, m .
o ,
o ,
o
S m e sho w
at le a st o f decency
, , .
o ,
o .
1 78 Paul V e rl a i n e
o
T the puff e d eye o f phil anthr py ; o
o
Al l se ems bla ck t him m ai d o r gri sette
o oo
M en r w i ne o r b ks o f the day
, ,
,
.
,
E NV O I
Pri nce o r princesse s go I pp ray , ,
HAND S
Th ey a re a wo rl d 1n movement so it seem s ;
Th eythumb and li ttl e finge r a re the p le s
,
o
B etween whi ch fl ow the strange m a gneti c stre ams .
o o
Th e mete rs that Sh ot a cross the brai n
’
,
In sum m er t w
, ,
'
.
‘
e
, ,
He re on m y t able, u n de rn e at h m y eye ‘ ‘
, .
While sl o ly m my ch amb e r so b e re ft , ,
,
PIE R ROT G AM IN
Thi s i s Pi errot Pi e rr o t Pi e rr o t
.
,
, r ,
13 , , !
, ,
T hi s malice infin it e
rim acer yet p o et quite
o
G , .
Fa ce p a l e mouth m ockin g— fi n e ;
,
e
Adol scence tha t ta rri e s late
o e
.
Go ,b rothe r com r de go !
Pl y th e d e vi l high
,
a ,
low
P i s e v e ry toll
a an d
Take o f ar .
, , ,
o .
’
They a re deceive d Through li fe s stri ct ways I com e
o
.
o t se e
S me ne edful bre a d n o t t much wi ne a b ette r b ed
, oo , .
o , .
, ,
,
,
! ,
o
Abu se s a re re f r m e d— the citi z en m ade fre e
A nd strong I n fa ct h e mu st else the stability
.
, ,
o
Ti s well they ught to treat me like a bl atant f l
,
,
oo .
,
These goo d folk that the Jou rnal renders quite inane ,
o o
The R ev luti n that ti s always well t cite ’
o
A oo
n d als t condemn ha s not extingui she d uite , q
Thei r lively Sp i r i ts that a re none the less sincere ;
,
k o
La c ing nly Chri sti an h pe— thi s i s a convent o .
A o o o
n d with ut j eal usy I h pe and with ut st ri e
’
,
,
, o ,
o o o,
! ! V
To Mo nsi e ur Bo re ly '
Y OU a sk o
o f m e s m e ve rse s o n Am u r o
My bo ok o f sa d em ti ns and di stress oo ,
,
o o .
,
.
I 88 P a ul Ve rl a i n e
XXX I
I M ME D I ATE L Y a fte r the sumptu o us Salutaris
o
With all the lights put ut s ave a few fl i c e ring candl es k ,
k
Wi th solemn nell th e b ell s f th e cathedral o
A re answere d fro m the towers o f all the di ocese
o ’
H vering a n d weeping o e r the towns a n d the count ry
,
o
E ach go es t rest l e d by the dole ful v ice s o
e ,
O f my ol d days e en a s I should ;,
’
o
Embra ce y u l ong to take you r bre ath
, ,
o .
o
Wi th that strong l ve that l a sts till de ath
So l ve me true
Fo r without you
o ,
.
I nothing am
A
n d nothing can !
,
Y o u h a d ten fingers an d no m re ,
k e s vali ant e v e ry p rt
, , .
You r love m a a
, o
Al one you nly h ave the a rt ,
To pu ff me up a hea rt divi ne
o
.
So l ve m e true
Fo r with ut y u o o ,
I nothing am
A o
n d n thing ca n !
,
O f what i m po rt p a r bl e u ! my o wn ;
Fo r I shall always l ove y u well
,
o
A n d you Sh all l ove but m e alone
,
o o
In u r tw m i seri es l et s unite ’
.
So love m e t ru e
For with ut y o u o ,
I n thing am o ,
,
An d nothing can !
BRUNETTE o r blonde ?
Bl ackli e th e ski es
, or k ,
Your eye s ?
o ok
I d n t n o w and yet I love thei r depths p ro f und o
o ,
M ild o r s e e re ? v
,
Wi se o r with a m cking a rt o
,
Y ur h ea rt ? o ,
o o o
I d n t kn w an d yet give tha n s t n atu re de a r k o
o
,
p a rt
1 94 P a ul V e rl a i n e
’
o
I m scho le d in things tha t b ring a cu rse
Revolting also in a way
.
A ,
s b a d a s a ny m a n to day
, ,
’
Ti s true I once wa s quite a rake
And tru e p erh a ps th at I am yet
.
o
.
,
B ah l et u s never cea se to b e
,
Wa rm love rs Mignon f o r we ca n
, ,
! ! V
OFo rNWoma
C E I wa s ysti c but it coul d not l ast
m ,
.
fo r
F o r the i de a th t I n o w f o rswe a r
,
! a .
o ’
T day ti s you wh have m e o on my knee s !
So ng s f or H er I 9S
o
W m an the M a ster rules through y o u t day o
, ,
o
Rules wi th a fo rce that make s the str ngest b end
.
o
nd fei gn all things simply t gai n he r end
,
o
T mysti c days long gon e thi s lay I sen d !
HEN p ea ce fully
I talk with y u o
Thi s 13 truly cha rming
Then p e ace fu l ly
o
Y u talk wi th me .
When I dispute
o
And fo li shly rep r a ch y u
Then y o u di spute
o o ,
Ah thi s i s droll !
,
I f 1t hap
pp e n s
I deceive you ,
O mi se ry
o
Y u run the t wn
,
o
A nd gai ly you deceive me
,
I f I am tru e
Fo r a ny length o f time ,
Y o u stay with me ,
R em aining tru e
Fo r j ust tha t length f tim e o .
I f happy
I shoul d chance to b e ,
Y o u a re twi ce a s happy
A nd I am gla d
,
o
To se e y u also happy .
D O I weep ,
Y o u weep with me .
Am I i n nee d ,
[ 1 99 ]
2 00 P a ul V e rl a i n e
How ga ily
You h a sten to my side .
Am I faint
You t o o a re faint
I am m o re
,
An d
I n seein g y o u
So f a i n t m g .
AWill you di e to o
h when I di e
,
, ?
“
As I l ove y o u
o
Th e m st I too
”
, ,
Will su rely di e .
And I awake
From all these mu sings .
Al a s ! Wa s thi s a dre am ?
( A dre a m n o r wha t ? )
These m u s1n g s .
, o
A n o ath that you ha d neve r m a de .
aw
-
( , .
B I B LIO G RAPHY
UL RL
. . .
FLU F U L R
I 91 1 .
"
Milnes T H E I N E N C E O B A DE AI E
‘
I u rqu e t
o
-
. .
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R o wohlt
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NO TES
ge
to be
43
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isen i ed f Eunpigrd inpheB p deu r ire s iFvree rs M i n rdinpg e
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t tl : a o un l co n de m n é, a cco to
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46 In
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n En g ish
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y Fa m i l ia r
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la . a c Y o ccl a : ue la la 1s ob
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49
n
.
Vo l IV
P a ri si a n Sk e t ch
hers n e p r i ns
n b y Twi igh M si
he
. d .
,
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.
,
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s dy iren indssp r A siighs Ber r nd his f n nseveri re
tu
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Pa ge 55 Va lp u rg is N i ht g Cl assi c T he ine l
T at th e a at of t he co a t,
t a t he o t ;
refers se n d p r G e he s F us
t o t he co a t of o t
’
a t .
aP ge 60 g f g So n o t he I n én u es
The
. .
n igh s p ss
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”
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The were g n p r is n s
,
igh s were
Cau ss ades an d t he Ri chel i eu x
an t t c t
a at of o lo u l .
P ge i T his p e see ed h ve p e s d
Sa
a
i
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-
64
e n i n ed
.
f
A D a hl
t o Ver i ne t he
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to
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d C at
Ver
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1 8 66 . om a an an d So o f t he
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la i ne I n i e t m
a
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a ll , acco t o Do o ,
P ge wri es his p e
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llo
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65 .
Do
N ev e r m o r e
tl he
. Le p ell e t i e r
la had
t
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ac t
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l ; as y et has c no a l
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t he
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t i 67
n
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rhy h
t o u r n ien s re ds
ar c o .
s y
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P oém e s Sat
refr i
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a :
t o
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t he
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ma : o .
P ge P ierr u bi ne
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t al a
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an d S a a ;
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erry quips
t a n d t l h as n o t o ll wh
t
c t
y ex
;
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.
2 10 P a u l Ve rla i n e
eVer
n ire y
t
i i
l r
so ns i n is i n ser ed
n e his w rs A p e eviden y di ed by
n t he ex e
G reen
t a l at o ,
t as an am p l of
F iry
la at o t . o m tl c t at t he
a .
P ge V
I n F ren h f k re Je n de ive e w ys
a I1 11 .
f . Be h o l d t h e d o g o J ean N i v e l le
unn i n g w y when s w n ed Un i k e Je n s
c o l lo t he do g o f a N ll w as al a
M Mi he s s i n g b k— s rr w l
’
r a a mo t a t . a do g t he
ca t begins f s
P e t e L u st u c ru
as
.
o ll o w :
o ld c o co c t am o u
!
per qu i
u i c r i p a r l a f e n ét r
’
lu i
’
est c -
a,
Ae Mi he v re h n es perd
E t 1 co m
’
L u st u cr u lu i a résp o n du :
“
ll z , la m er l,
’ ’
c ot c at t p as u
P ge b ds f b u u s spiri s
mien neesis bvih r uers i b ing ining wn i n Be giu refer
c
a
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o
1 15
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l
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t
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1 19
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m
h
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of
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t he
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p e es w rd ye ux is s b i ed h
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o é t he l a : So vos a !
ieux
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In “
O u ev res Co m l
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t t he o u st tu t fo r t at
o f c .
P ge —
T he s i ne his p e is f ws
N ! Tw as G a l l i ci a n
'
a 1 26 . . o/ J a n s e n is t
la t l of t o m as o llo
i es de pierre f e h dr e
Su r t es a l 6 o ll Cat é al !
T he e n i n g d je i ve f e i n his nne i n is
,
ex eedi
th e
c n g y bs u re W f ish
F ren h w rd f e e n i n g
c
m
l o
a
o
hedr c T here is s
wi h rge eshes “
o f t he a
o ll
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m a
ct
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la
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ct o
al o
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,
P ge i i
u di r s n sis his u ri u s y s i p
a I II 128 . . H op e sh n es as do t h a w sp o f s t r aw .
th e re der referred
a
Fo r
15
a
n e p r i ns
l
IV
c ou
to
a a ly
Le m a1 t re , Co
of t c
t m
o
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l my t
,
Vo l
ca l
.
oe m
.
No t e s 21 1
Page
his b V
u if u p e
I 1 30
p
.
Of
hisI b k Mwind Pwris ns AbI veu d w b fp re s b wu gnds w
t
oo
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t l o
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:
co m
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o
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la
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t
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a
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a
fr dis n Br u sse s
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t he ai r
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am
i o
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In
of
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a
om
f ar
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o
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ta t
ff t .
l
P ge g ) Eviden y wri en i n s e
h spi Whi e n igh s s eep ess n igh s
o
a
t al
f
.
137 ( . O
t
O ld P r o l o
t ar e l
ue
l
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t .
tl tt om
P ge A n un i n e igib e j u b e
wo
u
rds— k eid s pe
a
n t he
1 38
a
.
io
e i
dinrie g p e s v g b nd d ys wi h A r hu r i b ud The
al
t
p ies
o co
’
W ri en i n Be gi
Ka l e i do sco p e
a a o
, as t he t t l
.
a
m l
t
t
.
t
ll
Rm
l
tt
a
m l
.
l
o
um
f
refers
“
An d t he wu se
e n wi h pper b un d se
e he e om
s heir br
q ue w rn by w en
t ws co o cl o to t o ,
co u t
m t al
.
l m t , o r ca
L e p e ll e t i e r a t he
, o om
o m w as m a t
as a
ma ma d n f mo
or a
o co m
o o l.
o t o m ai t
. c al l i t t he o of a
P ge W ri en i n pris
Pe i s r es Brusse s Ju y
a 1 66 . Fa l se I m p r essi o n n . tt t he o o f t he
t t -
Ca m ,
l , l , 1 8 73 .
P ge Wri en i n ris n P e i s r es
BrTheuss s hersup n were
a
el , o a a u lo om t he ca t .
ac
a
mo
coder eye gu rd
t,
,
la
t he
w as al l o
of a a
to
.
om a a m al l
P ge As i e in di es his —p e
m ay bea
. re d b k rd we
1 68
a
Rev e rsi bl es
.
i
e nfingr (hif ines )inis see rn d s n refer her rrTnhege hird
ac wa as n reg r rder .
ll
i ts
as
t tl
t he
ca t
u la
,
o
t o m
the
m
an d
a
h pe ou
i t
pris
l
an y as c l a
t he
M n—
co
r h vi e
n g bee n
n
one
ta
w ay
z a
as th e o t
t o an a
.
a
t
m t
pP risedns in pe u i r y sh ped ve
of
l ac
t he c
o .
n a
a
l n t he
c l a l
o
a Ver ine s M at
al co
o s
.
t he a l t a
See la
a
’
es
P ge i P e referri n g Ar hur
b uda
a
.
E 1 72 . x p la n a t on. o m to t Ri m
2 12 P a u l Ve r la i ne
as
ge
f ws
Pa
o ll o
1 75
:
. The I m p e n i t e n t . T he s ine i n his p e is
la t l t o m
Si no u s s es
om m c e t am i t eu x
he w rd is rg here e qu i v e n i n
.
En g ish
T o am i te u x a ot . T no al t
l .