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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FETES GALANTES: FANTOCHES by PAUL VERLAINE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: SCARAMOUCHE WAVES A THREATENING HAND
Last Line: OF THE LOUD LANGUOROUS NIGHTINGALE.

Scaramouche waves a threatening hand
To Pulcinella, and they stand,
Two shadows, black against the moon.

The old doctor of Bologna pries
For simples with impassive eyes,
And mutters o'er a magic rune.

The while his daughter, scarce half-dressed,
Glides slyly 'neath the trees, in quest
Of her bold pirate lover's sail;

Her pirate from the Spanish main,
Whose passion thrills her in the pain
Of the loud languorous nightingale.



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