Famous Single Poems
it was very difficult for Lydia to decide whether she should blush without smiling, or smile without blushing, or blush and smile simultaneously, or just sit with downcast eyes and seem not to understand. How times do change!
The poem which called forth the loudest reprobation was entitled “The Farewell of Clarimonde,” and was suggested by Gautier’s famous story, which Miss Wheeler had somewhere happened upon and devoured with avidity. Here are four stanzas—the worst ones:
Adieu, Romauld! But thou canst not forget me,
Although no more I haunt thy dreams at night,
Thy hungering heart forever must regret me,
And starve for those lost moments of delight.
Naught shall avail thy priestly rites and duties—
Nor fears of Hell, nor hope of Heaven beyond:
Before the Cross shall rise my fair form’s beauties—
The lips, the limbs, the eyes of Clarimonde.
I knew all arts of love: he who possessed me
Possessed all women, and could never tire:
A new life dawned for him who once caressed me:
Satiety itself I set on fire.
Inconstancy I chained: men died to win me;
Kings cast by crowns for one hour on my breast,
And all the passionate tide of love within me
I gave to thee, Romauld. Wert thou not blest?
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