I am the Empire in the last of its decline,
That sees the tall, fair-haired Barbarians pass, the while
Composing indolent acrostics, in a style
Of gold, with languid sunshine dancing in each line.
Of death, perchance! Alas, so lagging in desire!
Ah, all is drunk! Bathyllus, hast done laughing, pray?
Ah, all is drunk,--all eaten! Nothing more to say!
That sees the tall, fair-haired Barbarians pass, the while
Composing indolent acrostics, in a style
Of gold, with languid sunshine dancing in each line.
Of death, perchance! Alas, so lagging in desire!
Ah, all is drunk! Bathyllus, hast done laughing, pray?
Ah, all is drunk,--all eaten! Nothing more to say!
Paul Verlaine - Decay (1883)
Thomas Couture - The Romans of the Decadence (1847)
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