History & Politics
The Patience of the People
Translated by G.W.M. Reynolds (1888) · From Les Feuilles d'automne (1831)
How often have the people said: "What's power?"
Who reigns soon is dethroned? each fleeting hour
Has onward borne, as in a fevered dream,
Such quick reverses, like a judge supreme--
Austere but just, they contemplate the end
To which the current of events must tend.
Self-confidence has taught them to forbear,
And in the vastness of their strength, they spare.
Armed with impunity, for one in vain
Resists a nation, they let others reign.
Codex Note
French: "Il s'est dit tant de fois." [III., May, 1830.]
Cite this poem
MLA
Hugo, Victor. “The Patience of the People.” Translated by G.W.M. Reynolds. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/hugo/22/.
Chicago
Hugo, Victor. “The Patience of the People.” Translated by G.W.M. Reynolds. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/hugo/22/.
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