To Madame H. F., Poem by Alfred De Musset

Poem by Alfred De Musset Collection ArrayPeriod 19th century

Rondeau.

It is easy to please whoever wishes to please.
An ignorant man, a listened-to chatterbox,
A journalist, a praised versifier,
Without any trouble find their business there.
To praise a fool is pure charity.

A half-centenarian Araminta
In her mirror sees a flattered portrait.
If our blue-stockings are to be praised,
It is easy.

But if one must paint with sincerity
The simple and kind air, the involuntary grace,
The easy wit and the severe reason,
Encompassing beauty with a double charm,
Of such a portrait, surely, one will hardly say:
It is easy!

Alfred De Musset

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