To Hélène de Mecklembourg

Fontainebleau, May 1837.

The old palace awaits the princess of the Saxons

Who from the last Capets wishes to save the offspring;

Charlemagne attentive to his steps triumphing

Shouts to Napoleon that Charles the Fifth pardons.

But before the portcullis wait two kings in person;

What is the recollection that has them both so trembling,

That the deadeyed granddad returns slowly walking,

Disdaining entirely to strike withal these fishers of crowns?

O Medicis! are the times at last all tolled?

Your three sons have gone back within your gown’s great folds

But there remains one still clinging to your mantle.

An eaglet full of weakness forgotten quite by hazard,

He brings back the lightning unto his father Cæsar...

And he it is in the air who piled up the stormcloud!

Gérard de Nerval