WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY. TIIE BALLAD OF BOUILLABAISSE. A STREET there is in Paris famous, For which no rhyme our language yields, Rue Neuve des Petits Champs its name is— The New Street of the Little Fields; But still in comfortable case; To eat a bowl of Bouillabaisse. This Bouillabaisse a noble dish is- A sort of soup or broth, or brew, Of hotchpotch of all sorts of fishes, That Greenwich never could outdo; Green herbs, red peppers, mussels, saffern, Soles, onions, garlic, roach, and dace; All these you eat at Terre's tavern, In that one dish of Bouillabaisse. Indeed a rich and savoury stew 'tis ; And true philosophers, methinks, Who love all sorts of natural beauties, Should love good victuals and good drinks. And Cordelier or Benedictine Might gladly, sure, his lot embrace, Nor find a fast-day too afflicting, Which served him up a Bouillabaisse. THE BALLAD OF BOUILLABAISSE. I wonder if the house still there is? Yes, here the lamp is, as before; The smiling red-checked écaillere is Still opening oysters at the door. I recollect his droll grimace; And hoped you liked your Bouillabaisse. We enter-nothing's changed or older. “How's Monsieur Terré, waiter, pray?" The waiter stares and shrugs his shoulder, “ Monsieur is dead this many a day.” “ It is the lot of saint and sinner, So honest Terré's run his race." “What will Monsieur require for dinner?” "Say, do you still cook Bouillabaisse ?" “Oh oui, Monsieur,” 's the waiter's answer; “Quel vin Monsieur desire-t-il ?” “ Tell me a good one.” “ That I can, sir; The Chambertin with yellow seal." "So Terré's gone," I say, and sink in My old accustomed corner place; “He's done with feasting and with drinking, With Burgundy and Bouillabaisse." My old accustomed corner here is, The table still is in the nook ; This well-known chair since last I took. I'd scarce a beard upon my face, And now a grizzled, grim old fogy, I sit and wait for Bouillabaisse. WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY. Where are you, old companions trusty, Of early days, here met to dine? Come, waiter! quick, a flagon crusty I'll pledge them in the good old wine. My memory can quick retrace; And share the wine and Bouillabaisse. There's Jack has made a wondrous marriage; There's laughing Tom is laughing yet; There's brave Augustus drives his carriage; There's poor old Fred in the Gasette, On James's head the grass is growing: Good Lord! the world has wagged apace Since here we set the claret flowing, And drank, and ate the Bouillabaisse. Ah me! how quick the days are flitting ! I mind me of a time that's gone, In this same place—but not alone. A dear, dear face looked fondly up, _There's no one now to share my cup. I drink it as the Fates ordain it. Come, fill it, and have done with rhymes : Fill up the lonely glass, and drain it In memory of the dear old times. Welcome the wine, whate'er the scal is: And sit you down and say your grace With thankful heart, whate'er the meal is. -Here comes the smoking Bouillabaisse. WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY. They've hushed the Minster bell; The organ 'gins to swell; She's coming, she's coming! My lady comes at last, And hastening hither, May Heaven go with her! Kneel, undisturbed, fair saint! Meekly and duly; With thoughts unruly. But suffer me to pace Lingering a minute Angels within it. |