Do you hear the scandal-mongers Passing by, Breathing poison in a whisper, In a sigh? Moving cautiously and slow, Smiling sweetly as they go, Never noisy -- gliding smoothly as a snake, Supping here and sliding there Through the meadows fresh and fair, Leaving subtle slime and poison in their wake. Saw you not the scandal-monger As she sat Beaming brightly 'neath the roses On her hat? In her dainty gloves and dress Angel-like, and nothing less, Seemed she -- casting smiles and pleasing words about. Once she shrugged and shook her head, Raised her eyes and nothing said, When you spoke of friends, and yet it left a doubt. Did you watch the scandal-monger At the ball? Through the music, rhythm, beauty, Light, and all, Moving here and moving there, With a whisper light as air, Casting shadows on a sister woman's fame -- Just a whispered word or glance -- As she floated through the dance, And a doubt forever hangs upon a name. You will find the scandal-mongers Everywhere; Sometimes men, but often women, Young and fair; Yet their tongues drip foulest slime, And they spend their leisure time Casting mud on those who climb by work and worth! Shun them, shun them as you go -- Shun them, whether high or low; They are but the cursed serpents of the earth. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...RELIGION AND DOCTRINE by JOHN MILTON HAY THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 31. HER GIFTS by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI AGAMEMNON: HELEN. CHORUS by AESCHYLUS LE GUIGNON by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE THE WANDERING JEW by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER TO MY OLD COAT by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER AT A FUNERAL by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT |