Victor Hugo: My Little Neighbor

(Still looking for the French original)

MY LITTLE NEIGHBOR.


If you nothing have to say,
Why so often come this way?
Rosy mouth and blue eyes smiling,
Stronger heads than mine beguiling

From their study and their labor;
Tell me, charming little neighbor,
If you nothing have to say,
Why so often come this way ?

If you nothing have to teach,
Why not practise as you preach?
Little hands so softly pressing,
Teasing half, and half caressing,

Saucy mouth, and sparkling eye,
Needs must have a reason why;
If you nothing have to teach
Why not practise as you preach

If you say I have not won you,
Why not, sweet one, let me shun you?
Now my books aside are thrown,
You I read, and you alone;

If you ever are denying,
Why then hinder me from flying?
If you say I have not won you,
Why not, sweet one, let me shun you ?