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THE WANDERER: 2. IN FRANCE: ADIEU, MIGNONNE, MA BELLE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Adieu, mignonne, ma belle -- when you are gone
Last Line: The poor thing's slumber. Let it still sleep on!
Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Owen; Lytton, 1st Earl Of; Lytton, Robert
Subject(s): France; Travel; Journeys; Trips


ADIEU, Mignonne, ma belle ... when you are gone,
Vague thoughts of you will wander, searching love
Through this dim heart: through this dim room, Mignonne,
Vague fragrance from your hair and dress will move.

How will you think of this poor heart to-morrow,
This poor fond heart with all its joy in you?
Which you were fain to lean on, once, in sorrow,
Though now you bid it such a light adieu.

You'll sing perchance... "I passed a night of dreams
Once, in an old inn's old worm-eaten bed,
Passing on life's highway. How strange it seems,
That never more I there shall lean my head!"

Adieu, Mignonne, adieu, Mignonne, mabelle!
Ah, little witch, our greeting was so gay,
Our love so painless, who'd have thought "Farewell"
Could ever be so sad a word to say?

I leave a thousand fond farewells with you:
Some for your red wet lips, which were so sweet:
Some for your darling eyes, so dear, so blue:
Some for your wicked, wanton little feet:

But for your little heart, not yet awake, --
What can I leave your little heart, Mignonne?
It seems so fast asleep, I fear to break
The poor thing's slumber. Let it still sleep on!





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