A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields/Chanson (Victor Hugo)
CHANSON.
If there be a charming sward
By dewdrops always prest,
Where through all seasons fairies guard
Flowers by bees carest,
Where one may gather day and night,
Honeysuckle, jasmine, lily white,
I fain of it would make a site
For thy foot to rest.
If there be a loving heart
Where Honour's throne is drest,
Loyal and true in every part,
That changes ne'er molest,
Eager to run its noble race,
Intent to do some work of grace,
I fain of it would make a place
For thy brow to rest.
And if there be of love a dream
Rose-scented as the west,
Which shows each time it comes a gleam—
A something sweet and blest—
A dream of which heaven is the pole,
A dream that mingles with the soul,
I fain of it would make the goal
Where thy mind should rest.
A.