Anchor Anthology of French Poetry from Nerval to Valery in English Translation From Nerval to Valery, in English Translation

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"The Albatross" L'Albatros translated by Kate Flores Ofttimes, for diversion, the men of the crew Capture albatross, vast birds of the seas That accompany, at languid, leisurely pace, Boats on their way through bitter straits. Having scarce been taken aboard These kings of the blue, awkward and shy, Piteously their great white wings Let droop like oars at their sides. This winged voyager, how clumsy he is and weak! He just now so lovely, how comic and ugly! One with a stubby pipe teases his beak, Another mimics, limping, the cripple who could fly! The Poet resembles this prince of the clouds, Who laughs at hunters and haunts the storms; Exiled to the ground amid the jeering pack, His giant wings will not let him walk. "L'Albatros" by Charles Baudelaire Souvent, pour l'amuser, les hommes d'equipage Prennant des albatros, vastes oiseaux des mers, Qui suivent, indolents compagnons de voyage, Le navire glissant sur les gouffres amers. A peine les ont-ils deposes sur les planches, Que ces rois de l'azur, maladroits et honteux, Laissent piteusement leurs grandes ailes blanches Comme des avirons trainer a cote d'eux. Ce voyageur aile, comme il est gauche et veule! Lui, naguere si beau, qu'il est comique et laid! L'un agrace son bec avec un brule-gueule, L'autre mime, en boitant, l'infirme qui volait! Le Poete est semblable au prince des nuees Qui hante la tempete et se rit de l'archer; Exile sur le sol au milieu des huees, Ses ailes de geant l'empechent de marcher.