Valmont Poems
David Noble

Based on Milo Forman's 1989 film, "Valmont" based on Dangerous Liaisons.

Tourvel's Lament 9-28-99

Will he ride completely out of my life,
Heart of my heart, life of my life?
All is desolate, the scenery,
But even more, the being in me.
Cruel love, once so kind and witty.
To depart, even these skies weep in pity.
If I still mean so much,
Your tender heart, I can touch.
Surely, I have reason to grieve
If in you, I had not believed.
But you will be depraved
If I am carried to the grave.
Valmont, for thee I yearn.
Remember me and return.

Cecelie's fear 10-4-99

As I recorded my feelings, I learned a skill.
But the foolish man kissed me at his will
And hoped that Dauceny's affections he'd kill.

My nerves and senses tremble. I can see
In helping to speak desire, those words taking o'er me.
I can feel two warriors tugging at my body.

"Have mercy Valmont! Heed my advice!
My kindness and friendship I can sacrifice.
Those are my only gifts you must suffice."

Meurteil's Plot 10-6-99

My dear one, even if you leave,
Let not remorse make you grieve.
But a resentful ungrateful heart
Will end up with an everlasting smart.

The love you give your choice
May change if you hear my voice.
But an unheeding bitter heart
Will feel anger's poisonous dart.

So go and enjoy your new conquest.
My friend will make you double blessed.
And your fickle faithless heart
Will feel the pangs of an abandoned heart.

Valmont's Eagerness 10-12-99

I go, sent on a sinful mission,
But I want a more innocent position.
For I test the ladies by a green clover
And the fairest leaf shall be my lover.
If only I could, her icy spirit move,
I would enflame without saying, "I love".
"Look into my eyes and see
is there man more faithful than me?"
She looks, smiles, yet she doesn't speak.
I hope this pledging silence will not break.

Dauceny's Secret 10-12-99

I will tune my harp's chords.
Tune your voice to my words.
For the plaints that you sing
Are the plaints of my feelings.

Be silent I pray, speak not
Lest your mama finds us out.
Sing my thoughts to me instead,
& may our feelings in mind be said.