In the Assize Court, Poem by Charles Cros

Poem by Charles Cros Collection The Collar of ClawsPeriod 19th century

(To Édouard Dubus)

I am the expelled one from the old pagodas
Having laughed a little during the Mystery;
The elders said: You should have kept silent
When we recited, solemn, our odes.

Seated on my bench, I listen to the codes
And to this magistrate, beneath his toga, austere,
Who eyes the lady with the panther eyes,
Whose bodice is adorned like geodes.

There are people at this hearing,
There are people filled with science,
There is no lack of the woman element.

Branded, condemned, called a poet,
Under the blade I will lay my head
That public opinion demands!

Charles Cros

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