Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, YOLANTE AND MARY, by HEINRICH HEINE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

YOLANTE AND MARY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Both these ladies know by instinct
Last Line: There have reign'd, then been dismiss'd
Subject(s): Hearts; Poetry & Poets; Youth


1.

BOTH these ladies know by instinct
How a poet well to treat,
For they ask'd me and my genius
Luncheon with them once to eat.

Ah! the soup was quite delicious,
And the wine was old and rare,
And the game was really heavenly,
And well-larded was the hare.

They of poetry kept talking,
Till I had enough at last,
And I thank'd them for the honour
Of this very kind repast.

2.

WITH which shall I become enamour'd,
Since both are loveable and mild?
The mother's still a pretty woman,
The daughter is a pretty child.

The white and inexperienced members
Are very pleasant to the view,
And yet the genial eyes that answer
Our tenderness are charming too.

My heart the jackass grey resembles,
Who when twixt two hay bundles placed.
Eyes them with hesitation, doubting
Which of the two the best will taste.

3.

THE bottles are empty, the breakfast was good,
The ladies are gay and impassion'd;
They open their corsets in right merry mood,
Methinks they with point lace are fashion'd.

Their bosoms how fair! Their shoulders how white
My heart is soon trembling all over;
They presently jump on the bed with delight,
And hide themselves under the cover.

The curtains around them before long they pull,
And snore away, free from intrusion;
I stand in the chamber alone, like a fool,
And stare at the bed in confusion.

4.

NOW that I'm fast growing older,
Youth's by keener fire replaced,
And my arm, becoming bolder,
Circles many a loving waist.

Though at first they were affrighted,
Yet they soon were reconcil'd;
Modest doubts and wrath united
Were o'ercome by flattery mild.

Yet the best of all is wanting
When I taste my victory;
Can it be my youth's enchanting
Bashful weak stupidity?

5.

THIS tricolour'd flow'r now worn is
In my breast, to show I'm free,
Proving that my heart freeborn is,
And a foe to slavery.

Sweet Queen Mary, who thy quarters
In my heart hast fix'd, pray list:
Many of earth's fairest daughters
There have reign'd, then been dismiss'd





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