The Vampire by Charles Baudelaire (Le Vampire)
Analysis
Baudelaire makes a reference to Kipling's poem of the same name in the last stanza with "Fool!" The fool is addicted to bringing the vampire back to life.
This translation of "The Vampire" wasn't able to keep the same rhyme scheme or syllables. Nonetheless, it does keep much of the same feeling as the original, so it shouldn't be brushed off as simply doggerel. It's emotion and meaning brings something simple doggerel does not: words that influence our thinking.
Poem
The Vampire You who, like the stab of a knife, Entered my plaintive heart; You who, strong as a herd Of demons, came, ardent and adorned, To make your bed and your domain Of my humiliated mind - Infamous bitch to whom I'm bound Like the convict to his chain, Like the stubborn gambler to the game, Like the drunkard to his wine, Like the maggots to the corpse, - Accurst, accurst be you! I begged the swift poniard To gain for me my liberty, I asked perfidious poison To give aid to my cowardice. Alas! both poison and the knife Contemptuously said to me: "You do not deserve to be freed From your accursed slavery, Fool! - if from her domination Our efforts could deliver you, Your kisses would resuscitate The cadaver of your vampire!" Published in 1857. Translation by William Aggeler, The Flowers of Evil (Fresno, CA: Academy Library Guild, 1954)
Poem
Le Vampire Toi qui, comme un coup de couteau, Dans mon coeur plaintif es entrée; Toi qui, forte comme un troupeau De démons, vins, folle et parée, De mon esprit humilié Faire ton lit et ton domaine; - Infâme à qui je suis lié Comme le forçat à la chaîne, Comme au jeu le joueur têtu, Comme à la bouteille l'ivrogne, Comme aux vermines la charogne - Maudite, maudite sois-tu! J'ai prié le glaive rapide De conquérir ma liberté, Et j'ai dit au poison perfide De secourir ma lâcheté. Hélas! le poison et le glaive M'ont pris en dédain et m'ont dit: "Tu n'es pas digne qu'on t'enlève à ton esclavage maudit, Imbécile! - de son empire Si nos efforts te délivraient, Tes baisers ressusciteraient Le cadavre de ton vampire!" Poème de Charles Baudelaire Publié en 1857.
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