THE YOUNG CAPTIVE

Translated from André Chènier by Sir ToUemache Sinclair. The ears of corn grow ripe, scared by no scythe's dread shape. With fear of no wine-press in summer time the grape

Presents dawn's sweet and welcome drinks ; And I, as beauteous, and as young, would urge this plea, Although this present hour brings trouble dire to me,

I'd fain live yet. Death, spare love's links ! Let stoics with dry eyes rush to embrace, their death : I weep and hope. At the north wind's injurious breath

I bend, and then raise up my head.

If there are bitter days, ah! there are some so sweet 1 Oh say, what honey leaves no slight distaste unmeet,

What sea has no fierce storms nor dread I

404 LVnMES ET SOURIRES

Illusions fruitful dwell in my fond hreast, so ,îfay, A prison's walls encompass me in vain today :

Mine are the wings of hope, not sighs. From cruel fowlers' nets escaped, in which 'twould pine, More lively and more happy, to heaven's realms divine,

The swallow sings quite loud, and flies. Is it my turn to die? I calmly doze, discreet, I gently watch, and to remorse my vigil sweet,

Nor my sleep, are a prey in rest.

By day my welcome smiles in all men's eyes to cheer, My look on downcast faces'mid these precincts drear,

Soon joy revives in each sad breast.

My journey gay is still so far from its dread end, I rove, and of the elms, which skirt the way and bend,

I've scarcely passed the first grand trunk. At life's rich banquet, just begun, so full of zest, My lips have only for an instant fondly pressed

The cup, full in my hands, not drunk.

I'm only in my spring : I wish to see the crop. And like the sun, from season till new season stop,

I'd fain complete my year so bright.

My form, they say is fair, the garden's glory's mine, I've only seen the lights of early morning shine,

I'd fain complete my day ere night.

Oh ! Death ! thou can'st still wait ! retire, ah ! come not yet : Go to console the hearts, which shame, fear, and regret,

And pale Despair, have harshly wrung.

For me bright hope has many charms ; friendship, delight : Love has warm kisses; Muses, songs; oh! life is bright.

Ah, let me live! Spare me! I'm young*.