English poem
D.--The Triolet
by Raymond MacDonald Alden (1873–1924)
The triolet is really a diminutive form of the Rondeau, and was not originally distinguished by name. It consists of eight lines, with two rimes, lines 1 and 2 recurring as lines 7 and 8, and line 1 also as line 4. The rime-scheme is ABaAabAB. Here, as in the villanelle, a change of signification in the repeated lines is thought to add to the charm of the form.
A French specimen, from Ranchin, is cited by Mr. Gleeson White as being called by some "the king of triolets":
Le premier jour du mois de mai Fut le plus heureux de ma vie: Le beau dessein que je formai, Le premier jour du mois de mai! Je vous vis et je vous aimai. Si ce dessein vous plut, Sylvie, Le premier jour du mois de mai Fut le plus heureux de ma vie.
Easy is the Triolet, If you really learn to make it! Once a neat refrain you get, Easy is the Triolet. As you see!--I pay my debt With another rhyme. Deuce take it, Easy is the Triolet, If you really learn to make it!