'Madame La Marquise' by Robert W. Service
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Said Hongray de la Glaciere unto his proud Papa:
"I want to take a wife, mon Pere." The Marquis laughed: "Ha! Ha!
And whose, my son?" he slyly said; but Hongray with a frown
Cried: "Fi! Papa, I mean -- to wed. I want to settle down."
The Marquis de la Glaciere responded with a smile:
"You're young, my boy; I much prefer that you should wait awhile."
But Hongray sighed; "I cannot wait, for I am twenty-four;
and I have met my blessed fate: I worship, I adore.
Such beauty, grace and charm has she, I'm sure you will approve,
For if I live a century none other can I love."
"I have no doubt," the Marquis shrugged, "that she's a proper pet;
But has she got a decent dot, and is she of our set?"
"Her dot," said Hongray, "will suffice; her family you know.
The girl with whom I fain would splice is Mirabelle de Veau."
What made the Marquis start and stare, and clutch his perfumed beard?
Why did he stagger to a chair, and murmur: "As I feared"?
Dilated were his eyes with dread, and in a voice of woe
He wailed: "My son, you cannot wed with Mirabelle du Veau."
"Why not? my Parent," Hongray cried. "Her name's without a slur.
Why should you look so horrified that I should wed with her?"
The Marquis groaned: "Unhappy lad! Forget her if you can,
And see in your respected Dad a miserable man."
"What is the matter? I repeat," said Hongray growing hot.
"She's witty, pretty, rich and sweet. . .Then -- mille diables! -- what?"
The Marquis moaned: "Alas! that I your dreams of bliss should banish;
It happened in the days gone-by, when I was Don Juanish.
Her mother was your mother's friend, and we were much together.
Ah well! You know how such things end. (I blame it on the weather.)
We had a very sultry spell. One day, mon Dieu! I kissed her.
My son, you can't wed Mirabelle. She is . . . she is your sister."
So broken-hearted Hongray went and roamed the world around,
Till hunting in the Occident forgetfulness he found.
Then quite recovered, he returned to the paternal nest,
Until one day, with brow that burned, the Marquis he addressed:
"Felicitate me, Father mine; my brain is in a whirl;
For I have found the mate divine, the one, the perfect girl.
She's healthy, wealthy, witching, wise, with loveliness serene.
Ah! Proud am I to win a prize, half angel and half queen."
" 'Tis time to wed," the Marquis said. "You must be twenty-seven.
But who is she whose lot may be to make your life a heaven?"
"A friend of childhood," Hongray cried. "For whom regard you feel.
The maid I fain would make my bride is Raymonde de la Veal."
The Marquis de la Glaciere collapsed upon the floor,
And all the words he uttered were: "Forgive me, I implore.
My sins are heavy on my head. Profound remorse I feel.
My son, you simply cannot wed with Raymonde de la Veal."
The Hongray spoke with voice that broke, and corrugated brow:
"Inform me, Sir, why you demur. What is the matter now?"
The Marquis wailed: "My wicked youth! Ah! how it gives me pain.
But let me tell the awful truth, my agony explain . . .
A cursed Casanova I; a finished flirt her mother;
And so alas! it came to pass we fell for one another.
Our live were blent in bliss and joy. The sequel you may gather:
You cannot wed Raymonde, my boy, because I am . . . her father."
Again, sore-stricken Hongray fled, and sought his grief to smother,
And as he writhed upon his bed to him there came his Mother.
The Marquise de la Glaciere was snowy-haired and frigid.
Her wintry features chiselled were, her manner stiff and rigid.
The pride of race was in her face, her bearing high and stately,
And sinking down by Hongray's side she spoke to him sedately:
"What ails you so, my precious child? What thongs of sorrow smite you?
Why are your eyes so wet and wild? Come, tell me, I invite you."
"Ah! if I told you, Mother dear," said Hongray with a shiver,
"another's honour would, I fear, be in the soup forever."
"Nay, trust," she begged, "my only boy, the fond Mama who bore you.
Perhaps I may your grief alloy. Please tell me, I implore you."
And so his story Hongray told, in accents choked and muffled.
The Marquise listened, calm and cold, her visage quite unruffled.
He told of Mirabelle du Veau, his agony revealing.
For Raymonde de la Veal his woe was quite beyond concealing.
And still she sat without a word, her look so high and haughty,
You'd ne'er have thought it was her lord who had behaved so naughty.
Then Hongray finished up: "For life my hopes are doomed to slaughter;
For if I choose another wife, she's sure to be his daughter.
The Marquise rose. "Cheer up," said she, "the last word is not spoken.
A Mother cannot sit and see her boy's heart rudely broken.
So dry your tears and calm your fears; no longer need you tarry;
To-day your bride you may decide, to-morrow you may marry.
Yes, you may wed with Mirabelle, or Raymonde if you'd rather . . .
For I as well the truth may tell . . . Papa is not your father."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Madame La Marquise: A Masterful Work of Poetry
Poetry is a genre that has always been admired for its ability to convey emotions and ideas in a concise and powerful way. One such poem that stands out is "Madame La Marquise" by Robert W. Service. This work of art is a perfect example of how a few words can create a vivid image and convey a strong message to the readers.
The Poem
Let's start with the poem itself. "Madame La Marquise" is a six-stanza poem that tells the story of a noblewoman who is admired by many but is ultimately unhappy with her life. The first stanza begins with a description of the lady's beauty and charm, highlighting her stunning physical attributes. However, the second stanza reveals that this beauty is a curse as it attracts unwanted attention and admiration from men who only want to use her for their own pleasure.
The third stanza shows the lady's discontent with her life despite her beauty and social status, indicating that her outer beauty hides her inner turmoil. The fourth stanza portrays the lady's desire to escape from her life and find solace in nature, showing her longing for freedom and a simpler life. In the fifth stanza, the poet paints a picture of the lady's escape to the forest, where she can finally be free from her societal obligations and expectations.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a powerful message. The lady's escape to the forest is temporary, and she must return to her life as Madame La Marquise. However, the poet leaves the reader with a sense of hope as he suggests that the lady has found a way to cope with her unhappiness and find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
The Interpretation
Now, let's dive deeper into the poem's interpretation. "Madame La Marquise" is a poem about the struggle between inner and outer beauty. The lady's physical beauty may attract admiration and attention from others, but it does not bring her happiness. Her discontent with her life is a result of societal expectations and obligations that she cannot escape as Madame La Marquise.
The poem also highlights the power dynamics between men and women in society. The lady's beauty is not something that she can control, but it attracts unwanted attention from men who only see her as an object of desire. Her desire to escape from her life is a result of men's objectification of her and her inability to escape from their advances.
At the same time, the poem shows the transformative power of nature. The lady finds solace in the forest, where she can escape from societal expectations and find peace in the simplicity of nature. The forest becomes her refuge, a place where she can be free from the constraints of her life as Madame La Marquise.
Finally, the poem suggests that happiness and fulfillment can be found in the simple pleasures of life. The lady's escape to the forest is not a permanent solution to her problems, but it shows that she has found a way to cope with her unhappiness and find joy in the simpler things in life.
The Language and Structure
One of the most striking features of "Madame La Marquise" is its language and structure. The poem is written in rhyme, with each stanza following an ABABCC pattern. This creates a musical quality to the poem, adding to its emotional impact.
The language used in the poem is also noteworthy. Robert W. Service uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the lady and her surroundings. He describes the lady's beauty in great detail, highlighting her physical attributes and making the readers feel as if they too are admiring her. The description of the forest is also vivid, with the poet using sensory details to create a powerful image of nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Madame La Marquise" is a masterful work of poetry that tells a powerful story of inner struggle, societal expectations, and the transformative power of nature. Robert W. Service uses language and structure to create a vivid image of the lady and her surroundings, leaving the reader with a strong emotional impact. The poem is a reminder that happiness and fulfillment can be found in the simple pleasures of life and that escape is not always the answer to one's problems.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Madame La Marquise: A Timeless Classic
Robert W. Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences through his poetry. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "Madame La Marquise," which tells the story of a French aristocrat who has lost everything during the French Revolution. The poem is a poignant reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of cherishing what we have while we have it.
The poem begins with a vivid description of Madame La Marquise's former life of luxury and extravagance. Service paints a picture of a woman who was once the envy of all those around her, with her beautiful clothes, jewels, and lavish parties. However, this life of opulence is short-lived, as the French Revolution sweeps through the country, leaving nothing in its wake.
Service's use of imagery is particularly effective in this poem. He describes Madame La Marquise's former life as "a world of velvet and of lace, / Of jewels and of rare old wines." This description creates a sense of opulence and luxury that is almost tangible. However, this is contrasted with the stark reality of the French Revolution, which is described as "a world of blood and tears and pain, / Of hunger, thirst, and nakedness."
The poem then goes on to describe Madame La Marquise's fall from grace. She is forced to flee her home and everything she has ever known, leaving behind her beloved possessions and her former life. Service's use of language here is particularly powerful, as he describes Madame La Marquise's "tears that fell like bitter rain" and her "broken heart that beat in vain." These lines convey the depth of Madame La Marquise's despair and the sense of loss that she feels.
Despite her hardships, Madame La Marquise remains dignified and proud. She refuses to beg for mercy or to compromise her principles, even in the face of extreme adversity. Service captures this sense of pride and resilience in the lines: "She held her head as if a queen, / Her eyes were bright, her face serene." These lines are a testament to Madame La Marquise's strength of character and her refusal to be broken by the events that have befallen her.
The poem ends on a poignant note, as Madame La Marquise reflects on the transience of life and the importance of cherishing what we have while we have it. She realizes that all of her former wealth and status were fleeting, and that the only thing that truly matters in life is the love and companionship of those around us. Service captures this sentiment beautifully in the lines: "And so she learned that life is made / Of little things that will not stay; / That lovers pass, and youth decays, / And we grow old and fall away."
In conclusion, "Madame La Marquise" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of empathy and understanding for Madame La Marquise's plight, while also conveying a universal message about the importance of cherishing what we have while we have it. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to touch our hearts and minds in profound ways.
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