Poetry Double Header

Now playing: Danny Elfman - I. Pianos
via FoxyTunes


Since I need to get some sleep, some poetry. First off, the Hooker translation of the famous Dueling Poem in Cyrano de Bergerac (recommended by TC and implemented in the 1950 film version with Jose Ferrer)...


Lightly I toss my hat away
Languidly over my arm let fall
The cloak that covers my bright array
Then, out swords! And to work withal.

A Lancelot, in his ladies hall
A Spartacus at the hippodrome
I dally awhile with you, dear jackal
Then as I end the refrain, thrust home!

Where shall I skewer my peacock? Nay!
Better for you to have shunned this brawl
Here in the heart, through your ribbons gay?
In the belly, ‘neath your silken shawl?

Mark how my point floats, light as the foam
Ready to drive you back to the wall
Then as I end the refrain, thrust home!

Ho, for a rhyme…Mark, you’re as white as whey!
You break! You cower! You cringe! You crawl!
Tac! And I parry your last assay
So the turn of my hand forestall

Life with its honey, death with its gall
So may the turn of my fancy roam
Free for a time ‘till the rhyme’s recall
Then as I end the refrain, thrust home!

Refrain:
Prince! Pray God that is Lord of all
Pardon your soul, for your time has come!
Beat – Pass – Fling you aslant, asprawl –
Then as I end the refrain, Thrust home!


Also, because I'm a sucker for love poetry, I love me some Alfred Noyes, and to tie this post together, the following...


Song
(After the French of Rostand)
Alfred Noyes

O, many a lover sighs
Beneath the summer skies
For black or hazel eyes
    All day.
No light or hope can mar
My whiter brighter star;
I love a princess far
    Away.

Now you that haste to meet
Your love's returning feet
Must plead for every sweet
    Caress;
But, day and night and day,
Without a prayer to pray,
I love my far away
    Princess.


Enough, More Later.
- James