Victor-Marie Hugo

("Tout vit! et se pose avec gr'ce.") How graceful the picture! the life, the repose! The sunbeam that plays on the porchstone wide;

("Sentiers o' l'herbe se balance.") [Bk. III. xi., July, 1853.] O paths whereon wild grasses wave!

[XXXVII., April 12, 1840.] My love flowed e'er for things with wings. When boy I sought for forest fowl,

("Elle est toute petite.") [Bk. XXVI.] She is so little - in her hands a rose:

("Soyez comme l'oiseau.") [XXXIII. vi.] Thou art like the bird

("Oh, regardez le ciel!") [June, 1828.] See, where on high the moving masses, piled

("Devant les trahisons.") [Bk. VII, xvi., Jersey, Dec. 2, 1852.] Before foul treachery and heads hung down,

("Les feuilles qui gisaient.") The leaves that in the lonely walks were spread, Starting from off the ground beneath the tread,

("Jamais elle ne raille.") [Bk. III. xiii.] Where your brood seven lie,

("Tu domines notre 'ge; ange ou d'mon, qu'importe!") [I. vii.] Angel or demon! thou, - whether of light

("O Soleil!") [Bk. II. iv., Anniversary of the Coup d''tat, 1852.] O Sun! thou countenance divine!

("Vieux lierre, frais gazon.") [XXXVIII., 1840.] Brown ivy old, green herbage new;

("Accourez tous, oiseaux de proie!") [VII., September, 1825.] Ho! hither flock, ye fowls of prey!

("Le parfum d'un lis.") [Bk. V. xiii.] The lily's perfume pure, fame's crown of light,

("Booz s''tait couch'.") [Bk. II. vi.] At work within his barn since very early,

("Je suis la Charit'.") [February, 1837.] "Lo! I am Charity," she cries,

("L'enfant chantait.") [Bk. I. xxiii., Paris, January, 1835.] The small child sang; the mother, outstretched on the low bed,

("Oh, quand je dors.") [XXVII.] Oh! when I sleep, come near my resting-place,

("Tandis que l''toile inodore.") [XXXII.] While bright but scentless azure stars

("Ah! je le tiens enfin.") [CROMWELL, Act II., October, 1827.] THURLOW communicates the intention of Parliament to

("Ceux-ci partent.") [Bk. III. v., February, 1843.] We pass - these sleep

("Souvent quand mon esprit riche.") [VII., May 18, 1828.] When my mind, on the ocean of poesy hurled,

("Don Roderique est ' la chasse.") [XXX., May, 1828.] Unto the chase Rodrigo's gone,

("O douleur! j'ai voulu savoir.") [XXXIV. i., October, 183-.] I have wished in the grief of my heart to know

("L'Avarice et l'Envie.") [LE CONSERVATEUR LIIT'RAIRE, 1820.] Envy and Avarice, one summer day,

("Il vivait, il jouait.") [Bk. III. xv., May, 1843.] He lived and ever played, the tender smiling thing.

("Phoebus, n'est-il sur la terre?") [OPERA OF "ESMERALDA," ACT IV., 1836.] Phoebus, is there not this side the grave,

("Qu'est-ce que Sigismond et Ladislas ont dit.") [Bk. XV. iii. 1.] I.

("Moune, 'cureuil.") [xx.] Squirrel, mount yon oak so high,

(BISMARCK AND NAPOLEON III.) ("Un jour, sentant un royal app'tit.") [Bk. III. iii., Jersey, September, 1852.]

("Vous 'tes singulier.") [MARION DELORME, Act I., June, 1829, played 1831.] MARION (smiling.) You're strange, and yet I love you thus.

[Inscription under a Statue of the Virgin and Child, at Guernsey. - The poet sees in the emblem a modern Atlas, i.e., Freedom supporting the World.] ("Le peuple est petit.") Weak is the People - but will grow beyond all other -

("Gastibelza, l'homme ' la carabine.") [XXII., March, 1837.] Gastibelza, with gun the measure beating,

(DEDICATED TO CHATEAUBRIAND.) [Bk. IV. vi., July, 1822.] Woe unto him! the child of this sad earth,

("Comment, disaient-ils.") [XXIII., July 18, 1838.] How shall we flee sorrow - flee sorrow? said he.

("Si vous n'avez rien ' me dire.") [Bk. II. iv., May, 18 - .] Speak, if you love me, gentle maiden!

("O palais, sois b'ni'.") [II., June, 1839.] Palace and ruin, bless thee evermore!

("Comme le matin rit sur les roses.") [Bk. I. xii.] The dawn is smiling on the dew that covers

("Il est nuit. La cabane est pauvre.") [Bk. LII. iii.] 'Tis night - within the close stout cabin door,

("J'habite l'ombre.") [1855.] True; I dwell lone,

("Courtisans! attabl's dans le splendide orgie.") [Bk. I. x., Jersey, December, 1852.] Cheer, courtiers! round the banquet spread -

("Toi qu'aimais Juv'nal.") [Nox (PRELUDE) ix., Jersey, November, 1852.] Thou who loved Juvenal, and filed

("Lorsque l'enfant parait.") [XIX., May 11, 1830.] The child comes toddling in, and young and old

("Vous qui pleurez, venez ' ce Dieu.") [Bk. III. iv., March, 1842.] Ye weepers, the Mourner o'er mourners behold!

("Oh! n'insultez jamais une femme qui tombe.") [XIV., Sept. 6, 1835.] I tell you, hush! no word of sneering scorn -

[V, vi., August, 1832.] Say, Lord! for Thou alone canst tell Where lurks the good invisible

("Jersey dort dans les flots.") [Bk. III. xiv., Oct. 8, 1854.] Dear Jersey! jewel jubilant and green,

("Un jour, Kanut mourut.") [Bk. X. i.] King Canute died.[1] Encoffined he was laid.

("En ce temps-l' du ciel les portes.") [Bk. I. v., December, 1822.] The golden gates were opened wide that day,

TO LITTLE JEANNE. ("Vous e'tes donc hier un an.") [September, 1870.]

CAIN. ("Lorsque avec ses enfants Cain se f't enfui.") [Bk. II]

("Un soldat au dur visage.") [CROMWELL, ACT I.] "Hold, little blue-eyed page!"

("Orph'e au bois du Caystre.") [Bk. I. ii.] Orpheus, through the hellward wood

("Jeune fille, l'amour c'est un miroir.") [XXVI., February, 1835.] Young maiden, true love is a pool all mirroring clear,

("Mon 'me ' ton coeur s'est donn'e.") [ANGELO, Act II., May, 1835.] My soul unto thy heart is given,

("Ecoute-moi, Madeline.") [IX., September, 1825.] List to me, O Madelaine!

("La salle est magnifique.") [IV. Aug. 23, 1839.] The hall is gay with limpid lustre bright -

("Ainsi, lorsqu'un mortel!") [XXXIV., May, 1828.] As when a mortal - Genius' prize, alack!

(VICTOR HUGO TO GARIBALDI.) ("Ces jeunes gens, combien 'taient-ils.") [LA VOIX DE GUERNESEY, December, 1868.]

("Non! je n'y puis tenir.") [CROMWELL, Act III. sc. iv.] Stay! I no longer can contain myself,

("La lune 'tait sereine.") [X., September, 1828.] Bright shone the merry moonbeams dancing o'er the wave;

("Puisque j'ai mis ma l'vre ' ta coupe.") [XXV., Jan. 1, 1835.] Since I have set my lips to your full cup, my sweet,

("L'aurore s'allume.") [XX. a, December, 1834.] Morning glances hither,

("Mes soeurs, l'onde est plus fraiche.") [TO THE FLORAL GAMES, Toulouse, Feb. 10, 1820.] "Sisters! the wave is freshest in the ray

("Regardez: les enfants.") [XX., June, 1884.] See all the children gathered there,

("Charle! ' mon fils!") [March, 1871.] Charles, Charles, my son! hast thou, then, quitted me?

("J'aime ' me figure.") [Bk. III. vii. and viii.] I love to look, as evening fails,

("Toujours lui! lui partout!") [XL., December, 1828.] Above all others, everywhere I see

("' quoi je songe?") [XXIIL, July, 1836.] What do I dream of? Far from the low roof,

("Ah! tu finiras bien par hurler!") [Bk. III. ii., Jersey, August, 1852.] How well I knew this stealthy wolf would howl,

("Amis! ennui nous tue.") [Bk. IV. xv., March, 1825.] Aweary unto death, my friends, a mood by wise abhorred,

("Laissons le glaive ' Rome.") [Bk. III. xvi., October, 1852.] Pray Rome put up her poniard!

("Entre deux rocs d'un noir d''b'ne.") [XXVII., November, 1828.] Between two ebon rocks

("A quoi bon entendre les oiseaux?") [RUY BLAS, Act II.] Oh, why not be happy this bright summer day,

("J''tais seul pr's des flots.") [XXXVII., September 5, 1828.] I stood by the waves, while the stars soared in sight,

("J'aime le carillon dans tes cit's antiques.") [XVIII., August, 1837.] Within thy cities of the olden time

("Dans ta haute demeure.") [Bk. III. ix., 1881.] In thine abode so high

("Ainsi l'H'tel de Ville illumine.") [VI., May, 1833.] Behold the ball-room flashing on the sight,

("Ma fille! ' seul bonheur.") [LE ROI S'AMUSE, Act II] My child! oh, only blessing Heaven allows me!

("L'-haut, qui sourit.") [Bk. VII. vii., September, 1853.] Who smiles there? Is it

("Nous emmenions en esclavage.") [VIII., March, 1828.] We're bearing fivescore Christian dogs

("Seule au pied de la tour.") [IX., September, 1833.] Alone, beneath the tower whence thunder forth

("La femelle! elle est morte.") [Bk. I. xiii., Jersey, February, 1853.] Mother birdie stiff and cold,

("O Dieu, si vous avez la France.") [VII., August, 1832.] O God! if France be still thy guardian care,

("De quel non te nommer?") [PRELUDE, a, Oct. 20, 1835.] How shall I note thee, line of troubled years,

("Oui, le bonheur bien vite a pass'.") [Bk. V. ii., February, 1821.] Yes, Happiness hath left me soon behind!

("Roses et Papillons.") [XXVII., Dec. 7, 1834.] The grave receives us all:

("Une terre au flanc maigre.") [Bk. III. xi., October, 1840.] A clod with rugged, meagre, rust-stained, weather-worried face,

("En partant du Golfe d'Otrante.") [Bk. XXVIII.] We told thirty when we started

("Quand tu chantes.") When the voice of thy lute at the eve Charmeth the ear,

[FOR MY LITTLE CHILD ONLY.] ("Tas de feux tombants.") [Bk. III. vii.]

("S'il est un charmant gazon.") [XXII, Feb. 18, 1834.] If there be a velvet sward

("Sonnex, clarions!") [Bk. VI. vii.] Flourish the trumpet! and rattle the drum!

("Un jour, le morne esprit.") [Bk. VI. vii., Jersey, September, 1855.] One day, the sombre soul, the Prophet most sublime

("O vous que votre 'ge d'fende") [IX., February, 1840.] In youthful spirits wild,

("Le soleil s'est couch'") [XXXV. vi., April, 1829.] The sun set this evening in masses of cloud,

("L'aube na't et ta porte est close.") [XXIII., February, 18 - .] Though heaven's gate of light uncloses,

("Toutes les passions s''loignent avec l''ge.") [XXXIV. ii., October, 183-.] As life wanes on, the passions slow depart,

("Vous qui ne savez pas combien l'enfance est belle.") Sweet sister, if you knew, like me, The charms of guileless infancy,

("Quels sont ces bruits sourds?") [XXIV., July 17, 1836.] Hark to that solemn sound!

("Aveugle comme Hom're.") [Improvised at the Caf' de Paris.] Blind, as was Homer; as Belisarius, blind,

("Qui leur e't dit l'aust're destine'?") [II. v., November, 1836.] Who then, to them[1] had told the Future's story?

("Sur une barricade.") [June, 1871.] Like Casabianca on the devastated deck,

("Le cheval galopait toujours.") [Bk. XV. ii. 10.] The good steed flew o'er river and o'er plain,

("Oh! qu'est-ce que c'est donc que l'Inconnu.") [January, 1871.] Who then - oh, who, is like our God so great,

("Prenez garde ' ce petit 'tre.") [LAUS PUER: POEM V.] Take heed of this small child of earth;

("Devant la blanche ferme.") [XV., May, 1837.] Before the farm where, o'er the porch, festoon

("Mon p're, ce h'ros au sourire.") [Bk. XLIX. iv.] My sire, the hero with the smile so soft,

("Monseigneur le Duc de Bretagne.") [VI., October, 1825.] My lord the Duke of Brittany

("Quoi! ne pouvez-vous vivre ensemble?") [XXXV., June, 1828.] The River Deity upbraids his Daughters, the contributary Streams: -

("Mes jeunes cavaliers.") [HERNANI, Act I., March, 1830.] What business brings you here, young cavaliers?

("Pendant que dans l'auberge.") [Bk. IV. xiii., Jersey, November, 1852.] While in the jolly tavern, the bandits gayly drink,

("Murs, ville et port.") [XXVIII., Aug. 28, 1828.] Town, tower,

("Oh! vous aurez trop dit.") [Bk. III. xiv., April, 1843.] Ah, you said too often to your angel

("Encore si ce banni n'e't rien aim' sur terre.") [V, iv., August, 1832.] Too hard Napoleon's fate! if, lone,

("O dix-huiti'me si'cle!") [IV. vi] O Eighteenth Century! by Heaven chastised!

("Un bouffon manquait ' cette f'te.") [LES BURGRAVES, Part II.] The EMPEROR FREDERICK BARBAROSSA, believed to be dead, appearing as a beggar among the Rhenish nobility at a castle, suddenly reveals himself.

("Un lion avait pris un enfant.") [XIII.] A Lion in his jaws caught up a child -

("Quand longtemps a grond' la bouche du V'suve.") [I. vii.] When huge Vesuvius in its torment long,

("Si je pouvais voir, O patrie!") [Bk. III. xxxvii.] Would I could see you, native land,

("Vous, sire, 'coutez-moi.") [LE ROI S'AMUSE, Act I.] M. ST. VALLIER (an aged nobleman, from whom King Francis I. decoyed his daughter, the famous beauty, Diana of Poitiers).

("N'ai-je pas pour toi, belle juive.") [XII., Oct. 27, 1828.] To please you, Jewess, jewel!

("O' vas-tu donc, jeune 'me.") [XV.] THE PERI.

("Lorsqu'' l'antique Olympe immolant l'evangile.") [Bk. II. v., 1823.] [There was in Rome one antique usage as follows: On the eve of the execution day, the sufferers were given a public banquet - at the prison gate - known as the "Free Festival." - CHATEAUBRIAND'S "Martyrs."]

("Avez-vous oui dire?") [LES BURGRAVES, Part I., March, 1843.] JOB. Hast thou ne'er heard men say

("Ho, guerriers! je suis n' dans le pays des Gaules.") [V., March 11, 1825.] Ho, warriors! I was reared in the land of the Gauls;

("O! dis-moi, tu veux fuir?") [Bk. IV, vii., Jan. 31, 1821.] Forget? Can I forget the scented breath

("Dors-tu? m're de notre m're.") [III., 1823.] "To die - to sleep." - SHAKESPEARE.

("Les Turcs ont pass's l'.") [XVIII., June 10, 1828.] All is a ruin where rage knew no bounds:

("L''glise est vaste et haute.") [IV., June 29, 1839.] The Church[1] is vast; its towering pride, its steeples loom on high;

("L'Orient! qu'y voyez-vous, po'tes?") [PRELUDE, b.] Now, vot'ries of the Muses, turn your eyes,

("O caresse sublime.") [April, 1871.] Upon the grave's cold mouth there ever have caresses clung

("Allah! qui me rendra-") [XVL, May, 1828.] Oh, Allah! who will give me back my terrible array?

("Fuyons ensemble.") [HERNANI, Act II.] DONNA SOL.    Together let us fly!

("Si j''tais la feuille.") [XXII., September, 1828.] Oh! were I the leaf that the wind of the West,

("Mon duc, rien qu'un moment.") [HERNANI, Act V.] One little moment to indulge the sight

("Il semblait grelotter.") [XXXVI., December, 1837.] He seemed to shiver, for the wind was keen.

("Le voile du matin.") [Bk. V. viii., April, 1822.] The mist of the morning is torn by the peaks,

("Non, l'avenir n'est ' personne!") [V. ii., August, 1832.] Sire, beware, the future's range

("A Juana la Grenadine!") [XXIX., October, 1843.] To Juana ever gay,

("Nous nous promenions ' Rozel-Tower.") [Bk. VI. iv., October, 1852.] We walked amongst the ruins famed in story

("L'homme auquel on vous destina.") [HERNANI, Act I.] Listen. The man for whom your youth is destined,

("D'rision! que cet amour boiteux.") [HERNANI, Act III.] O mockery! that this halting love

("Un jour Ali passait.") [XIII, Nov. 8, 1828.] Ali came riding by - the highest head

("Il s'est dit tant de fois.") [III., May, 1830.] How often have the people said: "What's power?"

("Un Ange vit un jour.") [LA PITI' SUPREME VIII., 1881.] When an angel of kindness

("' toi, toujours ' toi.") [XXXIX., 1823] To thee, all time to thee,

("Moi, quelque soit le monde.") [XV., May 11, 1830.] For me, whate'er my life and lot may show,

You say, "Where goest thou?" I cannot tell, And still go on. If but the way be straight, It cannot go amiss! before me lies

("Comme dans les 'tangs.") [X., May, 1839.] As in some stagnant pool by forest-side,

("Oui, ce front, ce sourire.") [Bk. V. xxii., November, 1825.] That brow, that smile, that cheek so fair,

("Homme chauve et noir.") [XIX., May, 1839.] A gruesome man, bald, clad in black,

It was a humble church, with arches low, The church we entered there, Where many a weary soul since long ago

("Vous voil' dans la froide Angleterre.") [Bk. III. xlvii., Jersey, Sept. 19, 1854.] You may doubt I find comfort in England

("Il neigeait.") [Bk. V. xiii., Nov. 25-30, 1852.] It snowed. A defeat was our conquest red!

("Celui-ci, des Silvas, c'est l'a'n'.") [HERNANI, Act III.] In that reverend face

("La tombe dit ' la rose.") [XXXI., June 3, 1837] The Grave said to the rose

("La flamme par ton ordre, O roi!") [XXIII., November, 1825.] Thy will, O King, is done! Lighting but to consume,

("L', voyez-vous passer, la nu'e.") [I., November, 1828.] I.

("Adieu, patrie.") [Bk. V. ix., Aug. 1, 1852.] Farewell the strand,

("Ma Regina, cette noble figure.") [LES BURGRAVES, Part II.] Thy noble face, Regina, calls to mind

("Zim-Zizimi, Soudan d''gypte.") [Bk. XVI. i.] Zim Zizimi - (of the Soudan of burnt Egypt,

Sitting in a porchway cool, Fades the ruddy sunlight fast, Twilight hastens on to rule -

DONNA SOL to HERNANI. ("Nous partirons demain.") [HERNANI, ACT I.]

("Lorsque le regiment des hallebardiers.") [Bk. XXXI.] When the regiment of Halberdiers

("Fr'res, vous avez vos journ'es.") [I., July, 1830.] Youth of France, sons of the bold,

("Sonnez, clairons de la pens'e!") [Bk. VII. i., March 19, 1853.] Sound, sound for ever, Clarions of Thought!

("Si je n''tait captive.") [IX., July, 1828.] Oh! were I not a captive,

("Ma fille, va prier!") [XXXVII., June, 1830.] I.

("Temps futurs.") [Part "Lux," Jersey, Dec. 16-20, 1853.] O vision of the coming time!

[Bk. III. vi., October, 1846.] A lion camped beside a spring, where came the Bird Of Jove to drink:

("Qu'avez-vous, mes fr'res?") [XI., September, 18288.] "Have you prayed tonight, Desdemona?"

("Dans l'alc've sombre.") [XX., November, 1831.] In the dusky nook,

("Il est un peu tard.") [Bk. III. xxx., Oct. 30, 1854.] Late it is to look so proud,

("Si vous continuez toute p'le.") [November, 1870.] If you continue thus so wan and white;

("Dans les vieilles for'ts.") [X., April 20, 1837.] Through ancient forests - where like flowing tide

("Canaris! nous t'avons oubli'.") [VIII., October, 1832.] O Canaris! O Canaris! the poet's song

Where are the hapless shipmen? - disappeared, Gone down, where witness none, save Night, hath been, Ye deep, deep waves, of kneeling mothers feared,

("Puisqu'ici-bas tout 'me.") [XL, May 19, 1836.] Since everything below,

("O Charles, je te sens pr's de moi.") [July, 1871.] I feel thy presence, Charles. Sweet martyr! down

("Enfants! Oh! revenez!") [XXII, April, 1837] Children, come back - come back, I say -

[Bought with the proceeds of Readings of "Les Ch'timents" during the Siege of Paris.] [1872.] Thou deadly crater, moulded by my muse,

[Oct. 9, 1830.] When with gigantic hand he placed, For throne, on vassal Europe based,

("Enfants, on vous dira plus tard.") [January, 1871.] In later years, they'll tell you grandpapa

("Laissez-moi pleurer sur cette race.") [I. v.] Oh! let me weep that race whose day is past,

("Matel'ts, vous d'ploirez les voiles.") [XVI., May 5, 1839.] Ye mariners! ye mariners! each sail to the breeze unfurled,

("Sara, belle d'indolence.") [XIX., August, 1828.] In a swinging hammock lying,