OCTAVE MIRBEAU
RUTAL refinement of deep-seated vice
Carves the coarse features in a sentient mould.
The gardens,’ that were soft with flowers and gold
And sickening with murder of lust to entice
The insane to filthier raptures, carrion spice
Of ordure for perfume, bloom there, fixed bold
By the calm of the Master, god-like to behold
The horror with firm chisel and glance of ice.
Ay! and the petty and the sordid soul,
A servile whore’s deformed debauchery,?
Grins from the image. Let posterity
From Rodin’s art guess Mirbeau’s heart, extol
The lethal chamber men ere then will find
For the pimp’s pen and the corrupted mind.
1 Le jardin des supplices, par Octave Mirbeau.
2 Les mémoires d’une femme de chambre, par Octave Mirbeau.
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