The Poetical Works of Ernest Christopher Dowson Edited, with an introduction, by Desmond Flower |
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RONDEAU |
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 | The Poetical Works of Ernest Christopher Dowson |  |
95
RONDEAU
Ah, Manon, say, why is it weAre one and all so fain of thee?
Thy rich red beauty debonnaire
In very truth is not more fair,
Than the shy grace and purity
That clothe the maiden maidenly;
Her gray eyes shine more tenderly
And not less bright than thine her hair,
Ah, Manon, say!
Expound, I pray, the mystery
Why wine-stained lip and languid eye,
And most unsaintly Maenad air,
Should move us more than all the rare
White roses of virginity?
Ah, Manon, say!
| The Poetical Works of Ernest Christopher Dowson | |