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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FETES GALANTES: MANDOLINE by PAUL VERLAINE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THE SINGERS OF SERENADES
Last Line: ECSTASY OF THE MOON.
Subject(s): MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS;

The singers of serenades
Whisper their faded vows
Unto fair listening maids
Under the singing boughs.
Tircis, Aminte, are there,
Clitandre has waited long,
And Damis for many a fair
Tyrant makes many a song.
Their short vests, silken and bright,
Their long pale silken trains,
Their elegance of delight,
Twine soft blue silken chains.
And the mandolines and they,
Faintlier breathing, swoon
Into the rose and gray
Ecstasy of the moon.





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