English translations of Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine, opus 83
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956)
1. Clair de lune [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "Clair de lune", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 1, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
Votre âme est un paysage choisi Que vont charmant masques et bergamasques Jouant du luth et dansant et quasi Tristes sous leurs déguisements fantasques. Tout en chantant sur le mode mineur L'amour vainqueur et la vie opportune, Ils n'ont pas l'air de croire à leur bonheur Et leur chanson se mêle au clair de lune, Au calme clair de lune triste et beau, Qui fait rêver les oiseaux [dans]1 les arbres Et sangloter d'extase les jets d'eau, Les grands jets d'eau sveltes parmi les marbres.
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "Clair de lune", written 1867, appears in Fêtes galantes, no. 1, Paris, Alphonse Lemerre, first published 1867
See other settings of this text.
View original text (without footnotes)Confirmed with Paul Verlaine, Fêtes galantes, Paris: Alphonse Lemerre, 1869, pages 1-2. First appeared in the journal La Gazette rimée, February 20, 1867.
Note: All ampersands (&) as appear in the first publication are changed to "et".
1 Diepenbrock: "sous" by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
1. Moonlight
Language: English
Your soul is a chosen landscape charmed by masquers and revellers playing the lute and dancing and almost sad beneath their fanciful disguises! Even while singing, in a minor key, of victorious love and fortunate living they do not seem to believe in their happiness, and their song mingles with the moonlight, the calm moonlight, sad and beautiful, which sets the birds in the trees dreaming, and makes the fountains sob with ecstasy, the tall slender fountains among the marble statues!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © 2000 by Peter Low, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "Clair de lune", written 1867, appears in Fêtes galantes, no. 1, Paris, Alphonse Lemerre, first published 1867
Go to the general single-text view
Translation of title "Clair de lune" = "Moonlight"
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 81
Translation © by Peter Low
2. Walcourt [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "Walcourt", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 2, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
Briques et tuiles, Ô les charmants Petits asiles Pour les amants ! Houblons et vignes, Feuilles et fleurs, Tentes insignes Des francs buveurs ! Guinguettes claires, Bières, clameurs, Servantes chères À tous fumeurs ! Gares prochaines, Gais chemins grands... Quelles aubaines, Bons juifs errants !
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "Walcourt", written 1873, appears in Romances sans paroles, in Paysages belges, no. 1
See other settings of this text.
Note provided by Laura Prichard: In 1871, Verlaine met the poet Rimbaud, and then left his wife Mathilde for him, traveling together for three years. This poem [set in Walcourt, Belgium] describes their amorous adventures on the road.
by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
2. Walcourt
Language: English
Bricks and tiles, Oh, what charming Little hidden refuges [they create] For lovers! Hops and vines, Leaves and flowers, Remarkable little bowers [can shelter] For the serious drinker! Brightly painted outdoor taverns, Beers, cheers, [Are brought by] well-paid waitstaff To all the smokers! Nearby railway stations, Fine, wide streets... What boons To Wandering Jews!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © 2023 by Laura Prichard, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "Walcourt", written 1873, appears in Romances sans paroles, in Paysages belges, no. 1
Go to the general single-text view
Translator's note for Stanza 4, Line 4, "Wandering Jew" is a reference to the legendary shoemaker condemned to wander the Earth.
This text was added to the website: 2023-09-01
Line count: 16
Word count: 54
Translation © by Laura Prichard
3. Un grand sommeil noir [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "Un grand sommeil noir", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 3, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
Un grand sommeil noir Tombe sur ma vie : Dormez, tout espoir, Dormez, toute envie ! Je ne vois plus rien, Je perds la mémoire Du mal et du bien... Ô la triste histoire ! Je suis un berceau Qu'une main balance Au creux d'un caveau : Silence, silence !
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), no title, written 1873, appears in Sagesse, in Sagesse III, no. 5, first published 1880
See other settings of this text.
Originally titled Berceuse (Cellulairement, no. 8).
by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
3.
Language: English
A long black sleep Descends upon my life: Sleep, all hope, Sleep, all desire! I can no longer see anything, I am losing my remembrance Of the bad and the good . . . Oh, the sad story! I am a cradle That is rocked by a hand In the depth of a vault. Silence, silence!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © 2008 by Corinne Orde, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), no title, written 1873, appears in Sagesse, in Sagesse III, no. 5, first published 1880
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2008-01-16
Line count: 12
Word count: 56
Translation © by Corinne Orde
4. J'ai peur d'un baiser [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "J'ai peur d'un baiser", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 4, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
J'ai peur d'un baiser Comme d'une abeille. Je souffre et je veille Sans me reposer : J'ai peur d'un baiser ! Pourtant j'aime Kate Et ses yeux jolis. Elle est délicate, Aux longs traits pâlis. Oh ! que j'aime Kate ! C'est Saint-Valentin ! Je dois et je n'ose Lui dire au matin ... La terrible chose Que Saint-Valentin ! Elle m'est promise, Fort heureusement ! Mais quelle entreprise Que d'être un amant Près d'une promise ! J'ai peur d'un baiser Comme d'une abeille. Je souffre et je veille Sans me reposer : J'ai peur d'un baiser !
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "A poor young shepherd", appears in Romances sans paroles, in Aquarelles, no. 5, first published 1874
See other settings of this text.
by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
4. I am afraid of a kiss
Language: English
I am afraid of a kiss As of a bee. I suffer and I stay awake Without resting: I am afraid of a kiss! Yet I love Kate And her lovely eyes. She is delicate In [her] long, faded features. Oh! how I love Kate! It is Valentine's Day! I must and I do not dare Tell [her] in the morning… What [a] terrible thing, Valentine's Day! She is promised to me, Very happily! But what enterprise To be a lover Near one [who is] betrothed! I am afraid of a kiss As of a bee. I suffer and I stay awake Without resting: I am afraid of a kiss!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © 2020 by Garrett Medlock, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "A poor young shepherd", appears in Romances sans paroles, in Aquarelles, no. 5, first published 1874
Go to the general single-text view
Translations of title(s):
"A poor little shepherd" = "A poor little shepherd"
"A poor shepherd" = "A poor shepherd"
"A poor young shepherd" = "A poor young shepherd"
"Aquarelle anglaise" = "English watercolor"
"J'ai peur d'un baiser" = "I am afraid of a kiss"
"Le petit berger" = "The little shepherd"
This text was added to the website: 2020-04-29
Line count: 25
Word count: 110
Translation © by Garrett Medlock
5. Il pleure dans mon cœur [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "Il pleure dans mon cœur", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 5, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
Il [pleure]1 dans mon cœur Comme il pleut sur la ville ; Quelle est cette langueur Qui pénètre mon cœur ? Ô bruit doux de la pluie, Par terre et sur les toits ! Pour un cœur qui s'ennuie, Ô le [chant]2 de la pluie ! Il pleure sans raison Dans [ce]3 cœur qui s'écœure. Quoi ! nulle trahison ? ... [Ce]4 deuil est sans raison. C'est bien la pire peine, De ne savoir pourquoi... Sans amour et sans haine Mon cœur a tant de peine !
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), no title, appears in Romances sans paroles, in Ariettes oubliées, no. 3, Sens, Typographie de Maurice L'Hermite, first published 1874
See other settings of this text.
View original text (without footnotes)1 Rostand: "pleut"
2 Debussy: "bruit"
3 Fauré, Rostand: "mon"; Madetoja: "le"
4 Fauré, Rostand: "Mon"
by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
5. There is weeping in my heart
Language: English
There is weeping in my heart like the rain falling on the town. What is this languor that pervades my heart? Oh the patter of the rain on the ground and the roofs! For a heart growing weary oh the song of the rain! There is weeping without cause in this disheartened heart. What! No betrayal? There's no reason for this grief. Truly the worst pain is not knowing why, without love or hatred, my heart feels so much pain.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © 2000 by Peter Low, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), no title, appears in Romances sans paroles, in Ariettes oubliées, no. 3, Sens, Typographie de Maurice L'Hermite, first published 1874
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 81
Translation © by Peter Low
6. Dansons la gigue! [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "Dansons la gigue!", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 6, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
Dansons la gigue! J'aimais surtout ses jolis yeux Plus clairs que l'étoile des cieux, J'aimais ses yeux malicieux. Dansons la gigue! Elle avait des façons vraiment De désoler un pauvre amant, Que c'en était vraiment charmant! Dansons la gigue! Mais je trouve encore meilleur Le baiser de sa bouche en fleur Depuis qu'elle est morte à mon coeur. Dansons la gigue! Je me souviens, je me souviens Des heures et des entretiens, Et c'est le meilleur de mes biens. Dansons la gigue!
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), subtitle: "Soho", appears in Romances sans paroles, in Aquarelles, in 3. Streets, no. 1, first published 1874
See other settings of this text.
by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
6.
Language: English
Let’s dance the jig! I loved above all her comely eyes, Clearer than the star of the skies, I loved her malicious eyes. Let’s dance the jig! She truly had fashions To ravage a poor lover, Which was truly charming! Let’s dance the jig! But I find still better The kiss from her mouth in flower Since she is dead to my heart. Let’s dance the jig! I remember, I remember Hours and discussions, And this is the best of my possessions. Let’s dance the jig!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © 2020 by Garrett Medlock, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), subtitle: "Soho", appears in Romances sans paroles, in Aquarelles, in 3. Streets, no. 1, first published 1874
Go to the general single-text view
Translations of title(s):
"Streets" = "Streets"
"Dansons la gigue" = "Let's dance the jig"
"J'aimais surtout" = "I loved above all"
"Je me souviens" = "I remember"
"Gigue" = "Jig"
This text was added to the website: 2020-03-05
Line count: 17
Word count: 86
Translation © by Garrett Medlock
7. Les coquillages [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "Les coquillages", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 7, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
Chaque coquillage incrusté Dans la grotte où nous nous aimâmes À sa particularité. L'un a la pourpre de nos âmes Dérobée au sang de nos cœurs Quand je brûle et [quand]1 tu t'enflammes ; Cet autre affecte tes langueurs Et tes pâleurs alors que, lasse, Tu m'en veux de mes yeux moqueurs ; Celui-ci contrefait la grâce De ton oreille, et celui-là Ta nuque rose, courte et grasse ; Mais un, entre autres, me troubla.
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "Les coquillages", appears in Fêtes galantes, no. 9, Paris, Alphonse Lemerre, first published 1869
See other settings of this text.
View original text (without footnotes)Confirmed with Paul Verlaine, Fêtes galantes, Paris: Alphonse Lemerre, 1869, pages 17-18.
Note: All ampersands (&) as appear in the first publication are changed to "et".
1 some editions: "que" by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
7. The seashells
Language: English
Each encrusted seashell In the cave where we loved one another Has its defining characteristic, One, the purple of our souls Stolen from the blood of our hearts When I burn and so that you ignite; This other one affects your languor And your pallor so that, weary, You became annoyed by my mocking eyes; This one mimics the grace Of your ear, and that one Your pink neck, short and full; But one among the others troubled me.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © 2020 by Garrett Medlock, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "Les coquillages", appears in Fêtes galantes, no. 9, Paris, Alphonse Lemerre, first published 1869
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2020-04-28
Line count: 13
Word count: 79
Translation © by Garrett Medlock
8. La lune blanche [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "La lune blanche ", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 8, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
La lune blanche Luit dans les bois ; De chaque branche Part une voix Sous la ramée... Ô bien aimée. L'étang reflète, Profond miroir, La silhouette Du saule noir Où le vent pleure... Rêvons, c'est l'heure. Un vaste et tendre Apaisement Semble descendre Du firmament Que l'astre irise... C'est l'heure exquise.
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), no title, appears in La bonne chanson, no. 6, first published 1870
See other settings of this text.
by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
8. The white moon
Language: English
The white moon shines in the woods. From each branch springs a voice beneath the arbor. Oh my beloved... Like a deep mirror the pond reflects the silhouette of the black willow where the wind weeps. Let us dream! It is the hour... A vast and tender calm seems to descend from a sky made iridescent by the moon. It is the exquisite hour!
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © by Grant A. Lewis, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
Contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), no title, appears in La bonne chanson, no. 6, first published 1870
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 18
Word count: 64
Translation © by Grant A. Lewis
9. En sourdine [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "En sourdine", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 9, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
Calmes dans le demi-jour Que les branches hautes font, Pénétrons bien notre amour De ce silence profond. [Fondons]1 nos âmes, nos cœurs Et nos sens extasiés, Parmi les vagues langueurs Des pins et des arbousiers. Ferme tes yeux à demi, Croise tes bras sur ton sein, Et de ton cœur endormi Chasse à jamais tout dessein. Laissons-nous persuader Au souffle berceur et doux, Qui vient à tes pieds rider Les ondes des gazons roux. Et quand, solennel, le soir Des chênes noirs tombera, Voix de notre désespoir, Le rossignol chantera.
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "En sourdine", written 1868, appears in Fêtes galantes, no. 21, first published 1868
See other settings of this text.
View original text (without footnotes)Confirmed with Paul Verlaine, Fêtes galantes, Paris: Alphonse Lemerre, 1869, pages 49-50. Note: first appeared in the journal L'Artiste, July 1, 1868, and then in 1869 in Fêtes galantes, Paris, Éd. Alphonse Lemerre.
Note: The ampersands (&) as appear in the first publication are changed to "et".
1 Fauré: "Mêlons" by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
9. Muted
Language: English
Calm in the half-day That the high branches make, Let us soak well our love In this profound silence. Let us mingle our souls, our hearts And our ecstatic senses Among the vague langours Of the pines and the bushes. Close your eyes halfway, Cross your arms on your breast, And from your sleeping heart Chase away forever all plans. Let us abandon ourselves To the breeze, rocking and soft, Which comes to your feet to wrinkle The waves of auburn lawns. And when, solemnly, the evening From the black oaks falls, The voice of our despair, The nightingale, will sing.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), "En sourdine", written 1868, appears in Fêtes galantes, no. 21, first published 1868
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 101
Translation © by Emily Ezust
10. Mandoline [sung text not yet checked]
by Jósef-Zygmunt Szulc (1875 - 1956), "Mandoline", op. 83 (Dix mélodies sur des poésies de Verlaine) no. 10, published 1907 [ voice and piano ], Paris, Rouart Lerolle
Language: French (Français)
Les donneurs de sérénades Et les belles écouteuses Échangent des propos fades Sous les ramures chanteuses. C'est Tircis et c'est Aminte, Et c'est l'éternel Clitandre, Et c'est Damis qui pour mainte Cruelle [fait]1 maint vers tendre. Leurs courtes vestes de soie, Leurs longues robes à queues, Leur élégance, leur joie Et leurs molles ombres bleues Tourbillonnent dans l'extase D'une lune rose et grise, Et la mandoline jase Parmi les frissons de brise.
Text Authorship:
- by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), title 1: "Mandoline", title 2: "Trumeau", written 1867, appears in Fêtes galantes, no. 15, Paris, Alphonse Lemerre, first published 1867
See other settings of this text.
View original text (without footnotes)Confirmed with Paul Verlaine, Fêtes galantes, Paris: Alphonse Lemerre, 1869, pages 33-34. Note: All the ampersands (&) that appeared in the first publication were changed to "et".
Note: first appeared in La Gazette rimée, February 20, 1867, under the title "Trumeau", and then in Fêtes galantes, Paris, éd. Alphonse Lemerre, 1869, under the title "Mandoline".
1 Fauré, Hahn: "fit" by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
10. Mandolin
Language: English
The givers of serenades And the lovely women who listen Exchange insipid words Under the singing branches. There is Thyrsis and Amyntas And there's the eternal Clytander, And there's Damis who, for many a Heartless woman, wrote many a tender verse. Their short silk coats, Their long dresses with trains, Their elegance, their joy And their soft blue shadows, Whirl around in the ecstasy Of a pink and grey moon, And the mandolin prattles Among the shivers from the breeze.
Text Authorship:
- Translation from French (Français) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust
Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:
Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
from the LiederNet ArchiveFor any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in French (Français) by Paul Verlaine (1844 - 1896), title 1: "Mandoline", title 2: "Trumeau", written 1867, appears in Fêtes galantes, no. 15, Paris, Alphonse Lemerre, first published 1867
Go to the general single-text view
Translation of title "Mandoline" = "Mandolin"This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 80
Translation © by Emily Ezust