BALLADE DE LA JOLIE MARION 
45 
 
 
BALLADE DE LA JOLIE MARION 
 
It is a sweet thing to be loved, 
Although my sighs in absence wake, 
Although my saddening heart is moved, 
I smile and bear for love’s dear sake. 
My songs their wonted music make, 
Joyous and careless, songs of youth, 
Because the sacred lips of both 
Are met to kiss the last good-bye, 
Because sweet glances weep for ruth 
That we must part, and love must die. 
 
Remembrance of love’s long delights 
Is to remember sighs and tears, 
Yet I will think upon the nights 
I whispered into passionate ears 
The fond desires, the sweet faint fears. 
My lover’s limbs of lissome white 
Gleamed in the darkness and strange light, 
The wondrous orbs voluptuously 
Bent on me all unearthly bright : 
But we must part, and love must die.