C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
The Spell
By Paul Verlaine (1844–1896)
Translation of Gertrude Hall“Son joyeux, importun, d’un clavecin sonore.
THE KEYBOARD, over which two slim hands float,
—PÉTRUS BOREL.
T
Shines vaguely in the twilight pink and gray,
Whilst with a sound like wings, note after note
Takes flight to form a pensive little lay
That strays, discreet and charming, faint, remote,
About the room where perfumes of Her stray.
To that dim ditty’s dreamy rise and fall?
What do you want with me, pale melody?
What is it that you want, ghost musical,
That fades toward the window waveringly,
A little open on the garden small?