Classic Poem

Les infidelites de Lisette

Liz, as mistress o'er all,
E'en my wine, you may reign;
But 'tis martyrdom for me
To ask it in vain
And if glasses you count
At my age, fickle jade —
Pray, have I ever counted
The slips you have made?
Ah, Liz, all along
You've deceived me — and yet
I would fain have a bumper,
To toast my grisette!

Lindor's impudence spoils
All the tricks you devise:
Softly breathed are his words;
Deeply drawn are his sighs
Of his tenderest hopes
I'm instructed by him —
Lest I scold you for this,
Fill at least to the brim!
Ah, Liz, all along
You've deceived me — and yet
I would fain have a bumper,
To toast my grisette!

With Clitander so blest
When I caught you at last,
You were tenderly counting
The kisses that passed
To redouble their sum
Didn't cause you much pain —
Come, for all of those kisses
Fill, fill up again!
Ah, Liz, all along
You've deceived me — and yet
I would fain have a bumper,
To toast my grisette!

Giving jewels and lace
Mondor, free of his purse,
Plays with you in my presence,
Nor finds you averse
Nay, I've seen him, grown bold,
Put his arm round your waist —
For a rascal so great
To the dregs let me taste!
Ah, Liz, all along
You've deceived me — and yet
I would fain have a bumper,
To toast my grisette!

Then, I saw, as I entered
Your chamber one night,
Though the window a robber
On tiptoe take flight
'Twas the rogue I had sent
From your parlor, that eve —
Come, a fresh bottle bring,
Lest too much I perceive
Ah, Liz, all along
You've deceived me — and yet
I would fain have a bumper,
To toast my grisette!

All enriched with your favors,
We've both the same friends;
Those of whom you are weary
My favor attends
But, then, traitress, with them
You must let me drink deep;
Be my mistress for aye,
And our friends let us keep!
Ah, Liz, all along
You've deceived me — and yet
I would fain have a bumper,
To toast my grisette!