To Mlle. Adele

Mademoiselle Adele,

You are the very model

Of order and authority

That would have completed me!

Mademoiselle Adele,

You are the very model

Of joy and gaiety:

Long live your authority!

You’ve told me of such things,

Nearly the flag of pink

That is the flag of Frenchery,

You’ve told me of such things,

Nearly the flag of crimson

That is upon your lips.

Paul Verlaine