also the title of a Paul Verlaine poem, set most wonderfully by Fauré. (among others) (apologies if the translation is poor, it was a quick google.)

Mandoline [Mandolin]

Les donneurs de sérénades
Et les belles écouteuses
Echangent des propos fades
Sous les ramures chanteuses.

C'est Tircis et c'est Aminte,
Et c'est l'éternel Clitandre,
Et c'est Damis qui pour mainte
Cruelle fait maint vers tendre.

Leurs courtes vestes de soie,
Leurs longues robes ŕ queues,
Leur élégance, leur joie
Et leurs molles ombres bleues

Tourbillonnent dans l'extase
D'une lune rose et grise,
Et la mandoline jase
Parmi les frissons de brise.


Mandoline [Mandolin]

The givers of serenades
And the beautiful listeners
Exchange conversations insipid
Underneath the singing branches.

It is Tircis and it is Aminte
And it is the eternal Clitandre
And it is Damis who, for many cruel ladies,
Makes many verses tender.

Their short jackets of silk,
Their long dresses with trains,
Their elegance, their joy
And their soft blue shadows.

Tumble in the ecstasy
Of a pink and grey moon,
And the mandolin chatters
Amongst the shimmers of the breeze.


formerly known as etaoin...