17.12.2012, 13:40
Not less'ning admiration, but confirming
Reading, I mark'd of late what I could well
Be much inclined, and am not far from terming
Perversion, which Machiavel's truth might tell-
That France's fine language, buoyant as her sons,
Full, rich and sparkling as a swelling stream
Which through a verdant scene refreshing runs,
Is puerile in expression — light— indigne !
Then to chiv'lrous Coeur de Lion ascribe
The lack of energy, — great Handel gibe,
And all that is mellifluous as great,
To Coriolanus' grandeur, fiction's Pierre
The loss of dignity, of force — whate'er
The mind desires, that in la langue Francaise you meet.
Reading, I mark'd of late what I could well
Be much inclined, and am not far from terming
Perversion, which Machiavel's truth might tell-
That France's fine language, buoyant as her sons,
Full, rich and sparkling as a swelling stream
Which through a verdant scene refreshing runs,
Is puerile in expression — light— indigne !
Then to chiv'lrous Coeur de Lion ascribe
The lack of energy, — great Handel gibe,
And all that is mellifluous as great,
To Coriolanus' grandeur, fiction's Pierre
The loss of dignity, of force — whate'er
The mind desires, that in la langue Francaise you meet.