English poem
Ii
by Théophile Gautier (1811–1872)
In the Tuileries fount the swan Meets the ice, and all the trees, As in land of fairies wan, Arc bedecked with filigrees.
Flowers of frost in vases low Stand unquickened and unstirred, And we trace upon the snow Starred footsteps of a bird.
Where with lightest raiment spanned, Venus was with Phocion met, Now has Winter's hoary hand Clodion's "Chilly Maiden" set.