I understood that it was a metaphor for a fierce storm, possibly a hurricane. It is indeed a wonderfully crafted poem. I haven't heard the Faure treatment, but will be looking it up soon!

I can't picture it sung, but I can imagine it recited to music -- starting with a slow air then progressing through speeds and complexities to a full-fledged reel, and back again. Irish music on uilleann pipes would work well. Are there any French tunes that reach the requisite degree of frenzy?

C