John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
Gustave Nadaud 1820-1893 John Bartlett
| 1 |
| I ’m growing old, I’m sixty years; I ’ve labored all my life in vain. In all that time of hopes and fears, I ’ve failed my dearest wish to gain. I see full well that here below Bliss unalloyed there is for none My prayer would else fulfilment know— Never have I seen Carcassonne! |
| Carcassonne. Translated by John Reuben Thompson. Stanza 1. |
| 2 |
| Yet could I these two days have spent, While still the autumn sweetly shone, Ah, me! I might have died content When I had looked on Carcassonne. |
| Carcassonne. Translated by John Reuben Thompson. Stanza 2. |
| 3 |
| They tell me every day is there Not more nor less than Sunday gay; In shining robes and garments fair The people walk upon their way. One gazes there on castle walls As grand as those of Babylon, A bishop and two generals! What joy to be in Carcassonne! Ah! might I but see Carcassonne! |
| Carcassonne. Translated by John Reuben Thompson. Stanza 3. |
| 4 |
| The vicar ’s right; he says that we Are ever wayward, weak and blind; He tells us in his homily Ambition ruins all mankind; |
| Carcassonne. Translated by John Reuben Thompson. Stanza 4. |
| 5 |
| Thy pardon, Father, I beseech, In this my prayer if I offend; One something sees beyond his reach From childhood to his journey’s end. My wife, our little boy Aignan, Have travelled even to Narbonne; My grandchild has seen Perpignan; And I—have not seen Carcassonne. |
| Carcassonne. Translated by John Reuben Thompson. Stanza 5. |