29 NOVEMBER 1930, Page 21

Two Pieces from Paul Verlaine

Fantoches THE moonlight sheds a glamour on the scene, And Punchinelle and Scaramouche, half-seen Against its pale gleam, unspeaking stand.

The old calm-eyed physician sits alone, Gabbling runes to himself in an undertone And scratching mystic symbols in the sand.

The while his daughter drifts among the trees But lightly clad : Searching the darkened seas For a familiar sail ; Which brings her pirate lover from the Main Whose love thrills through her body like the pain Of the vociferous nightingale.