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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AFTER WATTEAU by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: EMBARQUONS-NOUS!' I SEEM TO GO
Last Line: EMBARQUONS-NOUS!'
Subject(s): ART & ARTISTS; PAINTINGS & PAINTERS; WATTEAU, ANTOINE (1684-1721);

(TO F. W.)

'EMBARQUONS-NOUS!' I seem to go
Against my will. 'Neath alleys low
I bend, and hear across the air --
Across the stream -- faint music rare, --
Whose 'cornemuse,' whose 'chalumeau'?

Hark! was not that a laugh I know?
Who was it, hurrying, turned to show
The galley swinging by the stair? --
'Embarquons-nous!'

The silk sail flaps, light breezes blow;
Frail laces flutter, satins flow;
You, with the love-knot in your hair,
'Allons, embarquons pour Cythere';
You will not? Press her, then, PIERROT, --
'Embarquons-nous!'



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