The Winged Beetle

221 LE BEAU NAVIRE I WILL recount to thee, enchantress smooth ! The varied beauties that adorn thy youth, And paint for thee thy loveliness Where infancy and womanhood caress. Sweeping the air with that broad skirt, to me Is imaged some tall ship that puts to sea With canvas spread, that treads a measure Of love-in-idleness and peace-with-pleasure ! On shining shoulder and soft rounded throat Thy poised head sways—strange grace of melilote With a triumphant air and mild Thou passest on thy way, majestic child ! I will recount to thee, enchantress smooth, The varied beauties that adorn thy youth, And paint for thee thy loveliness Where infancy and womanhood caress. Thy bosom juts its jubilance of jet Triumphant, like a noble cabinet Whose clear and polished panels fling Back like bright shields the lightnings of the Spring.