Les Regrets/23

XXII. 'As well as in our tongue we can convey '

Les Regrets ~ XXIII written by Joachim Du Bellay translated by A. S. Kline

XXIV. 'In the hell of my body, my chained spirit'

Les Regrets - XXIII. ‘On donne les degrés au savant écolier’.

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XXIII

"They grant the wise scholar a degree"
 
They grant the wise scholar a degree
They grant a state to the man of justice,
They grant the courtier a rich benefice,
The general a gold chain for bravery,
 
They grant the brave explorer his booty,
They grant officials the rights of office,
They grant the servant pay for his service,
And the poet garlands from the laurel tree.
 
Why then make Calliope lament anew,
At the little that men grant her noble crew?
Jodelle, you must choose another labour,
 
Than that of the Muse, to remedy indigence.
What wages are you owed for your pleasure,
Since the pleasure itself is our recompense?

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