222 
LE BEAU NAVIRE 
 
 
Challenging shields, with rosy bosses starred !   
Wardrobe of tender secrets, filled with nard, 
 Wines, scents, liqueurs, a Comus train 
Fit to intoxicate man’s heart and brain. 
 
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 !   
 
Strong limbs that toss aside their tented veil 
Brew acrid draughts of madness, darkly male, 
 Like two black witch-women that turn 
And stir some ghastly philtre in their urn. 
 
Thine arms—could strangle a young Hercules !— 
Rival and beat the python’s strength-in-ease ;   
 Made to crush—obstinately sure 
To print him in thine heart, thy paramour !   
 
On shining shoulder and soft rounded throat 
Thy posed head sways—strange grace of melilote !   
 With a triumphant air and mild 
Thou passest on thy way, majestic child !