Then, Most, I Smile.
By Victor-Marie Hugo
("Il est un peu tard.")
[Bk. III. xxx., Oct. 30, 1854.]
Late it is to look so proud,
Daisy queen! come is the gloom
Of the winter-burdened cloud! -
"But, in winter, most I bloom!"
Star of even! sunk the sun!
Lost for e'er the ruddy line;
And the earth is veiled in dun, -
"Nay, in darkness, best I shine!"
O, my soul! art 'bove alarm,
Quaffing thus the cup of gall -
Canst thou face the grave with calm? -
"Yes, the Christians smile at all."