Faltering Counsel, Poem by Paul Verlaine

Poem by Paul Verlaine Collection Jadis et naguèreThemes SchoolPeriod 19th century

Burn in the eyes of women,
But keep your heart
And fear the languor
Of wedding songs.

Drink to forget!
Brandy is one
That carries the moon
In her apron.

The insults of men,
What does it matter?
Go on, our heart knows
Alone what we are.

What we are worth
Our blood sings it!
Does the wicked thorn
Bite at your heels?

The teasing wind dares
To slap you often?
Sing in the wind
And pluck the rose!

Go on, all is for the best
In this worst of worlds!
Above all let them talk,
Above all be joyful
To be a victim
To these poor people:
The indulgent gods
Have loved your crime!

You will bloom again
In an Elysium!
Despised soul,
You will shine!

You are not of those
Whom a stroke of Fate
Suddenly scatters
Into a thousand sparks.

Hard and clear metal,
Each blow refines you
Into a divine weapon
For a proud design.

Back to the forge!
And you will quiver,
Vibrate and rejoice
In the hand of Saint George

And of Saint Michael,
In calm glories,
In the pure wind of palms,
On the wing of heaven!…

It is to be a smile
In the midst of tears,
It is to be flowers
In the field of martyrdom,

It is to be the fire
That sleeps in the stone,
It is to be in prayer,
It is to wait a while!

Paul Verlaine

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