Classic Poem

" E MBARQUONS-NOUS ! " I seem to go
Against my will. 'Neath alleys low
I bend, and hear across the air —
Across the stream — faint music rare, —
Whose " cornemuse ," whose " chalumeau "?

Hark! was not that a laugh I know?
Who was it, hurrying, turned to show
The galley swinging by the stair? —
" Embarquons-nous! "

The silk sail flaps, light breezes blow;
Frail laces flutter, satins flow;
You, with the love-knot in your hair,
" Allons, embarquons pour Cythere ";
You will not? Press her, then, Pierrot , —
" Embarquons-nous! "