We Are in Infamous Times, Poem by Paul Verlaine

Poem by Paul Verlaine Collection La Bonne ChansonThemes LovePeriod 19th century

We are in infamous times
When the marriage of souls
Must seal the union of hearts;
At this hour of dreadful storms
Two courages are not too many
To live under such conquerors.

Facing what men dare to do
It would become us, above all,
To stand erect, enraptured pair
In the austere ecstasy of the just,
And proclaiming with an august gesture
Our proud love, like a defiance.

But what need to tell you of it?
You, goodness, you, the smile,
Are you not also the counsel,
The good counsel, loyal and brave,
Laughing child with grave thoughts,
To whom all my heart says: thank you!

Paul Verlaine

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