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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Jasmin: Barber, Poet, Philanthropist + +Author: Samuel Smiles + +Release Date: July 26, 2008 [EBook #838] +Last Updated: February 6, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JASMIN: BARBER, POET *** + + + + +Produced by Eric Hutton, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + JASMIN + </h1> + <h3> + Barber, Poet, Philanthropist + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Samuel Smiles, LL.D. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Il rasait bien, il chantait.... Si la France + possedait dix poetes comme Jasmin, dix poetes de + cette influence, elle n'aurait pas a craindre de + revolutions."—Sainte-Beuve +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>Detailed Contents:</b> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Preface + + CHAPTER I. Agen—Jasmins Boyhood + + Description of Agen + Statue of Jasmin + His 'Souvenirs' + Birth of Jasmin + Poverty of the Family + Grandfather Boe + The Charivari + Jasmin's Father and Mother + His Playfellows + Playing at Soldiers + Agen Fairs + The Vintage + The Spinning Women + School detested + Old Boe carried to the Hospital + Death of Boe +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER II. Jasmin at School + + Sister Boe + Jasmin enters the Seminary + His Progress + His Naughty Trick + Tumbles from a Ladder + His Punishment + Imprisoned + The Preserves + Expelled from the Seminary + His Mother sells her Wedding-ring for Bread + The Abbe Miraben + Jasmin a Helpful Boy +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER III. Barber and Hair-dresser + + Jasmin Apprenticed + Reading in his Garret + His First Books + Florian's Romances + Begins to Rhyme + The Poetic Nature + Barbers and Poetry + Importance of the Barber + Jasmin first Theatrical Entertainment + Under the Tiles + Talent for Recitation + Jasmin begins Business +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER IV. Jasmin and Mariette + + Falls in Love + Marries Mariette Barrere + Jasmin's Marriage Costume + Prosperity in Business + The 'Curl-Papers' + Christened "Apollo" + Mariette dislikes Rhyming + Visit of Charles Nodier + The Pair Reconciled + Mariette encourages her Husband + Jasmin at Home + The "rivulet of silver" + Jasmin buys his House on the Gravier + Becomes Collector of Taxes +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER V. Jasmin and Gascon + + Jasmin first Efforts at Verse-making + The People Conservative of old Dialects + Jasmin's study of Gascon + Langue d'Oc and Langue d'Oil + Antiquity of Languages in Western Europe + The Franks + Language of Modern France + The Gauls + The "Franciman" + Language of the Troubadours + Gascon and Provencal + Jasmin begins to write in Gascon + Uneducated Poets + Jasmin's 'Me cal Mouri' + Miss Costello's translation + The 'Charivari' + Jasmin publishes First Volume of 'The Curl-papers' (Papillotos) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER VI. Beranger—'Mes Souvenirs'—P. De Musset + + The 'Third of May' + Statue of Henry IV + Nerac + Jasmin's Ode in Gascon approved + A Corporal in the National Guard + Letter to Beranger + His Reply + 'Mes Souvenirs' + Recollections of his past Life + Nodier's Eulogy + Lines on the Banished Poles + Saint-Beuve on Jasmin's Poems + Second Volume of the 'Papillotos' published + Interview with Paul de Musset +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER VII. 'The Blind Girl of Castel-cuille' + + A Poetical Legend + Translated into English by Lady Georgiana Fullerton and + Longfellow + Description of Castel-cuille + The Story of Marguerite + The Bridal Procession to Saint-Amans + Presence of Marguerite + Her Death + The Poem first recited at Bordeaux + Enthusiasm excited + Popularity of the Author + Fetes and Banquets + Declines to visit Paris + Picture of Mariette + A Wise and Sensible Wife + Private recitation of his Poems + A Happy Pair + Eloquence of Jasmin +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER VIII. Jasmin as Philanthropist. + + Charity a Universal Duty + Want of Poor-Law in France + Appeals for Help in Times of Distress + Jasmin Recitations entirely Gratuitous + Famine in the Lot-et-Garonne + Composition of the Poem 'Charity' + Respect for the Law + Collection at Tonneins + Jasmin assailed by Deputations + His Reception in the Neighbouring Towns + Appearance at Bergerac + At Gontaud + At Damazan + His Noble Missions +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER IX. Jasmin's 'Franconnette' + + Composition of the Poem + Expostulations of M. Dumon + Jasmin's Defence of the Gascon Dialect + Jasmin and Dante + 'Franconnette' dedicated to Toulouse + Outline of the Story + Marshal Montluc + Huguenots + Castle of Estellac + Marcel and Pascal + The Buscou + 'The Syren with a Heart of Ice' + The Sorcerer + Franconnette accursed + Festival on Easter Morning + The Crown Piece + Storm at Notre Dame + The Villagers determine to burn Franconnette + Her Deliverance and Marriage +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER X. Jasmin's at Toulouse. + + 'Franconnette' Recited first at Toulouse + Received with Acclamation + Academy of Jeux-Floraux + Jasmin Eloquent Declamation + The Fetes + Publication of 'Franconnette' + Sainte-Beuve's Criticism + M. de Lavergne + Charles Nodier + Testimonial to Jasmin + Mademoiselle Gaze + Death of Jasmin's Mother + Jasmin's Acknowledgment + Readings in the Cause of Charity + Increasing Reputation +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XI. Jasmin's visit to Paris. + + Visits Paris with his Son + Wonders of Paris + Countries Cousins + Letters to Agen + Visit to Sainte-Beuve + Charles Nodier, Jules Janin + Landlord of Jasmin's Hotel + Recitation before Augustin Thierry and Members of the Academy + Career of the Historian + His Blindness + His Farewell to Literature +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XII. Jasmin's recitations in Paris. + + Assembly at Augustin Thierry's + The 'Blind Girl' Recited + The Girl's Blindness + Interruptions of Thierry + Ampere Observation + Jasmin's love of Applause + Interesting Conversation + Fetes at Paris + Visit to Louis Philippe and the Duchess of Orleans + Recitals before the Royal Family + Souvenirs of the Visit + Banquet of Barbers and Hair-dressers + M. Chateaubriand + Return to Agen +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XIII. Jasmin's and his English critics. + + Translation of his Poems + The Athenoeum + Miss Costello's Visit to Jasmin + Her Description of the Poet + His Recitations + Her renewed Visit + A Pension from the King + Proposed Journey to England + The Westminster Review + Angus B. Reach's Interview with Jasmin + His Description of the Poet + His Charitable Collections for the Poor + Was he Quixotic? + His Vivid Conversation + His Array of Gifts + The Dialect in which he Composes +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XIV. Jasmin's tours of philanthropy + + Appeals from the Poor and Distressed + His Journeys to remote places + Carcassone + The Orphan Institute of Bordeaux + 'The Shepherd and the Gascon Poet' + The Orphan's Gratitude + Helps to found an Agricultural Colony + Jasmin Letter + His Numerous Engagements + Society of Arts and Literature + His Strength of Constitution + At Marseilles + + At Auch + Refusal to shave a Millionaire + Mademoiselle Roaldes + Jasmin Cheerful Help + Their Tour in the South of France + At Marseilles again + Gratitude of Mademoiselle Roaldes + Reboul at Nimes + Dumas and Chateaubriand + Letters from Madame Lafarge +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XV. Jasmin's Vineyard—'Martha the Innocent' + + Agen + Jasmin buys a little Vineyard, his 'Papilloto' + 'Ma Bigno' dedicated to Madame Veill + Description of the Vineyard + The Happiness it Confers + M. Rodiere, Toulouse + Jasmin's Slowness in Composition + A Golden Medal struck in his Honour + A Pension Awarded him + Made Chevalier of the Legion of Honour + Serenades in the Gravier + Honour from Pope Pius IX + 'Martha the Innocent' + Description of the Narrative + Jasmin and Martha + Another Visit to Toulouse + The Banquet + Dax, Gers, Condon + Challenge of Peyrottes + Jasmin's Reply + His further Poems + 'La Semaine d'um Fil' described + Dedicated to Lamartine + His Reply +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XVI. The Priest without a Church. + + Ruin of the Church at Vergt + Description of Vergt + Jasmin Appealed to for Help + The Abbe and Poet + Meeting at Perigueux + Fetes and Banquets + Montignac, Sarlat, Nontron, Bergerac + Consecration of the Church + Cardinal Gousset + Jasmin's Poem + 'A Priest without a Church' + Assailed by Deputations + St. Vincent de paul + A Priest and his Parishioners + The Church of Vergt again + Another Tour for Offerings + Creche at Bordeaux + Revolution of 1848 + Abbe and Poet recommence their Journeys + Jasmin invited to become a Deputy + Declines, and pursues his Career of Charity +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XVII. The Church of Vergt again—French Academy— + Emperor and Empress + + Renewed Journeys Journeys for Church of Vergt + Arcachon + Biarritz + A Troupe of poor Comedians Helped + Towns in the South + Jasmin's Bell-Tower erected + The French Academy + M. Villemain to Jasmin + M. de Montyon's Prize + M. Ancelo to Jasmin + Visit Paris again + Monseigneur Sibour + Banquet by Les Deux Mondes Reviewers + Marquise de Barthelemy, described in 'Chambers' Journal + Description of Jasmin and the Entertainment + Jasmin and the French Academy + Visit to Louis Napoleon + Intercedes for return of M. Baze + Again Visits Paris + Louis Napoleon Emperor, and Empress Eugenie + The Interview + M. Baze Restored to his Family at Agen + The Church of Vergt Finished, with Jasmin Bells +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XVIII. Jasmin enrolled Maitre-es-Jeux at toulouse + —crowned by Agen + + Jasmin invited to Toulouse + Enrolled as Maitre-es-Jeux + The Ceremony in the Salle des Illustres + Jasmin acknowledgment + The Crowd in the Place de Capitol + Agen awards him a Crown of Gold + Society of Saint Vincent de Paul + The Committee + Construction of the Crown + The Public Meeting + Address of M. Noubel, Deputy + Jasmin's Poem, 'The Crown of My Birthplace' +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XIX. Last poems—more missions of charity + + His 'New Recollections' + Journey to Albi and Castera + Bordeaux + Montignac, Saint Macaire + Saint Andre, Monsegur + Recitation at Arcachon + Societies of Mutual Help + 'Imitation of Christ' Testimony from Bishop of Saint Flour + Jasmin's Self-denial + Collects about a Million and a half of Francs for the Poor + Expenses of his Journey of fifty Days + His Faithful Record + Jasmin at Rodez + Aurillac + Toulouse + His last Recital at Villeneuve-sur-Lot +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHAPTER XX. Death of Jasmin—his character. + + Jasmin's Illness from Overwork and Fatigue + Last Poem to Renan + Receives the Last Sacrament + Takes Leave of his Wife + His Death, at Sixty-five + His Public Funeral + The Ceremony + Eulogiums + M. Noubel, Deputy; Capot and Magen + Inauguration of Bronze Statue + Character of Jasmin + His Love of Truth + His Fellow-Feeling for the Poor + His Pride in Agen + His Loyalty and Patience + Charity his Heroic Programme + His long Apostolate +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + APPENDIX + + Jasmin Defence of the Gascon Dialect + The Mason's Son + The Poor Man's Doctor + My Vineyard + Franconnette +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>JASMIN.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. AGEN.—JASMIN'S BOYHOOD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. JASMIN AT SCHOOL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. BARBER AND HAIRDRESSER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. JASMIN AND MARIETTE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. JASMIN AND GASCON.—FIRST + VOLUME OF "PAPILLOTES." </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. MISCELLANEOUS VERSES—BERANGER—'MES + SOUVENIRS'—PAUL DE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. 'THE BLIND GIRL OF CASTEL-CUILLE.' + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. JASMIN AS PHILANTHROPIST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. JASMIN'S 'FRANCONNETTE.' </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. JASMIN AT TOULOUSE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. JASMIN'S VISIT TO PARIS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. JASMIN'S RECITATIONS IN PARIS. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. JASMIN AND HIS ENGLISH CRITICS. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. JASMIN'S TOURS OF PHILANTHROPY. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. JASMIN'S VINEYARD—'MARTHA THE + INNOCENT.' </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. THE PRIEST WITHOUT A CHURCH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. THE CHURCH OF VERGT AGAIN—FRENCH + ACADEMY—EMPEROR AND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. JASMIN ENROLLED MAITRE-ES-JEUX + AT TOULOUSE—CROWNED BY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. LAST POEMS—MORE MISSIONS OF + CHARITY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. DEATH OF JASMIN—HIS + CHARACTER. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> THE POOR MAN'S DOCTOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> MY VINEYARD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> FRANCONNETTE. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + My attention was first called to the works of the poet Jasmin by the + eulogistic articles which appeared in the Revue des Deux Mondes, by De + Mazade, Nodier, Villemain, and other well-known reviewers. + </p> + <p> + I afterwards read the articles by Sainte-Beuve, perhaps the finest critic + of French literature, on the life and history of Jasmin, in his 'Portraits + Contemporains' as well as his admirable article on the same subject, in + the 'Causeries du Lundi.' + </p> + <p> + While Jasmin was still alive, a translation was published by the American + poet Longfellow, of 'The Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille,' perhaps the best of + Jasmin's poems. In his note to the translation, Longfellow said that + "Jasmin, the author of this beautiful poem, is to the South of France what + Burns is to the South of Scotland, the representative of the heart of the + people; one of those happy bards who are born with their mouths full of + birds (la bouco pleno d'aouvelous). He has written his own biography in a + poetic form, and the simple narrative of his poverty, his struggles, and + his triumphs, is very touching. He still lives at Agen, on the Garonne; + and long may he live there to delight his native land with native songs." + </p> + <p> + I had some difficulty in obtaining Jasmin's poems; but at length I + received them from his native town of Agen. They consisted of four volumes + octavo, though they were still incomplete. But a new edition has since + been published, in 1889, which was heralded by an interesting article in + the Paris Figaro. + </p> + <p> + While at Royat, in 1888, I went across the country to Agen, the town in + which Jasmin was born, lived, and died. I saw the little room in which he + was born, the banks of the Garonne which sounded so sweetly in his ears, + the heights of the Hermitage where he played when a boy, the Petite + Seminaire in which he was partly educated, the coiffeur's shop in which he + carried on his business as a barber and hair-dresser, and finally his tomb + in the cemetery where he was buried with all the honours that his + towns-fellows could bestow upon him. + </p> + <p> + From Agen I went south to Toulouse, where I saw the large room in the + Museum in which Jasmin first recited his poem of 'Franconnette'; and the + hall in the Capitol, where the poet was hailed as The Troubadour, and + enrolled member of the Academy of Jeux Floraux—perhaps the crowning + event of his life. + </p> + <p> + In the Appendix to this memoir I have endeavoured to give translations + from some of Jasmin's poems. Longfellow's translation of 'The Blind Girl + of Castel-Cuille' has not been given, as it has already been published in + his poems, which are in nearly every library. In those which have been + given, I have in certain cases taken advantage of the translations by Miss + Costello Miss Preston (of Boston, U.S.), and the Reverend Mr. Craig, D.D., + for some time Rector of Kinsale, Ireland. + </p> + <p> + It is, however, very difficult to translate French poetry into English. + The languages, especially the Gascon, are very unlike French as well as + English. Hence Villemain remarks, that "every translation must virtually + be a new creation." But, such as they are, I have endeavoured to translate + the poems as literally as possible. Jasmin's poetry is rather wordy, and + requires condensation, though it is admirably suited for recitation. When + other persons recited his poems, they were not successful; but when Jasmin + recited, or rather acted them, they were always received with enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + There was a special feature in Jasmin's life which was altogether unique. + This was the part which he played in the South of France as a + philanthropist. Where famine or hunger made its appearance amongst the + poor people—where a creche, or orphanage, or school, or even a + church, had to be helped and supported Jasmin was usually called upon to + assist with his recitations. He travelled thousands of miles for such + purposes, during which he collected about 1,500,000 francs, and gave the + whole of this hard-earned money over to the public charities, reserving + nothing for himself except the gratitude of the poor and needy. And after + his long journeyings were over, he quietly returned to pursue his humble + occupation at Agen. Perhaps there is nothing like this in the history of + poetry or literature. For this reason, the character of the man as a + philanthropist is even more to be esteemed than his character as a poet + and a song-writer. + </p> + <p> + The author requests the indulgence of the reader with respect to the + translations of certain poems given in the Appendix. The memoir of Jasmin + must speak for itself. + </p> + <p> + London, Nov. 1891. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + JASMIN. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. AGEN.—JASMIN'S BOYHOOD. + </h2> + <p> + Agen is an important town in the South of France, situated on the right + bank of the Garonne, about eighty miles above Bordeaux. The country to the + south of Agen contains some of the most fertile land in France. The wide + valley is covered with vineyards, orchards, fruit gardens, and + corn-fields. + </p> + <p> + The best panoramic view of Agen and the surrounding country is to be seen + from the rocky heights on the northern side of the town. A holy hermit had + once occupied a cell on the ascending cliffs; and near it the Convent of + the Hermitage has since been erected. Far underneath are seen the + red-roofed houses of the town, and beyond them the green promenade of the + Gravier. + </p> + <p> + From the summit of the cliffs the view extends to a great distance along + the wide valley of the Garonne, covered with woods, vineyards, and + greenery. The spires of village churches peep up here and there amongst + the trees; and in the far distance, on a clear day, are seen the + snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees. + </p> + <p> + Three bridges connect Agen with the country to the west of the Garonne—the + bridge for ordinary traffic, a light and elegant suspension bridge, and a + bridge of twenty-three arches which carries the lateral canal to the other + side of the river. + </p> + <p> + The town of Agen itself is not particularly attractive. The old streets + are narrow and tortuous, paved with pointed stones; but a fine broad + street—the Rue de la Republique—has recently been erected + through the heart of the old town, which greatly adds to the attractions + of the place. At one end of this street an ideal statue of the Republic + has been erected, and at the other end a life-like bronze statue of the + famous poet Jasmin. + </p> + <p> + This statue to Jasmin is the only one in the town erected to an + individual. Yet many distinguished persons have belonged to Agen and the + neighbourhood who have not been commemorated in any form. Amongst these + were Bernard Palissy, the famous potter{1}; Joseph J. Scaliger, the great + scholar and philologist; and three distinguished naturalists, Boudon de + Saint-Aman, Bory de Saint-Vincent, and the Count de Lacepede. + </p> + <p> + The bronze statue of Jasmin stands in one of the finest sites in Agen, at + one end of the Rue de la Republique, and nearly opposite the little shop + in which he carried on his humble trade of a barber and hairdresser. It + represents the poet standing, with his right arm and hand extended, as if + in the act of recitation. + </p> + <p> + How the fame of Jasmin came to be commemorated by a statue erected in his + native town by public subscription, will be found related in the following + pages. He has told the story of his early life in a bright, natural, and + touching style, in one of his best poems, entitled, "My Recollections" + (Mes Souvenirs), written in Gascon; wherein he revealed his own character + with perfect frankness, and at the same time with exquisite sensibility. + </p> + <p> + Several of Jasmin's works have been translated into English, especially + his "Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille," by Longfellow and Lady Georgina + Fullerton. The elegant translation by Longfellow is so well known that it + is unnecessary to repeat it in the appendix to this volume. But a few + other translations of Jasmin's works have been given, to enable the reader + to form some idea of his poetical powers. + </p> + <p> + Although Jasmin's recitations of his poems were invariably received with + enthusiastic applause by his quick-spirited audiences in the South of + France, the story of his life will perhaps be found more attractive to + English readers than any rendering of his poems, however accurate, into a + language different from his own. For poetry, more than all forms of + literature, loses most by translation—especially from Gascon into + English. Villemain, one of the best of critics, says: "Toute traduction en + vers est une autre creation que l'original." + </p> + <p> + We proceed to give an account—mostly from his own Souvenirs—of + the early life and boyhood of Jasmin. The eighteenth century, old, + decrepit, and vicious, was about to come to an end, when in the corner of + a little room haunted by rats, a child, the subject of this story, was + born. It was on the morning of Shrove Tuesday, the 6th of March, 1798,—just + as the day had flung aside its black night-cap, and the morning sun was + about to shed its rays upon the earth,—that this son of a crippled + mother and a humpbacked tailor first saw the light. The child was born in + a house situated in one of the old streets of Agen—15 Rue + Fon-de-Rache—not far from the shop on the Gravier where Jasmin + afterwards carried on the trade of a barber and hairdresser. + </p> + <p> + "When a prince is born," said Jasmin in his Souvenirs, "his entrance into + the world is saluted with rounds of cannon, but when I, the son of a poor + tailor made my appearance, I was not saluted even with the sound of a + popgun." Yet Jasmin was afterwards to become a king of hearts! A Charivari + was, however, going on in front of a neighbour's door, as a nuptial + serenade on the occasion of some unsuitable marriage; when the clamour of + horns and kettles, marrow-bones and cleavers, saluted the mother's ears, + accompanied by thirty burlesque verses, the composition of the father of + the child who had just been born. + </p> + <p> + Jacques Jasmin was only one child amongst many. The parents had + considerable difficulty in providing for the wants of the family, in food + as well as clothing. Besides the father's small earnings as a tailor of + the lowest standing, the mother occasionally earned a little money as a + laundress. A grandfather, Boe, formed one of the family group. He had been + a soldier, but was now too old to serve in the ranks, though France was + waging war in Italy and Austria under her new Emperor. Boe, however, + helped to earn the family living, by begging with his wallet from door to + door. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin describes the dwelling in which this poor family lived. It was + miserably furnished. The winds blew in at every corner. There were three + ragged beds; a cupboard, containing a few bits of broken plates; a stone + bottle; two jugs of cracked earthenware; a wooden cup broken at the edges; + a rusty candlestick, used when candles were available; a small half-black + looking-glass without a frame, held against the wall by three little + nails; four broken chairs; a closet without a key; old Boe's suspended + wallet; a tailor's board, with clippings of stuff and patched-up garments; + such were the contents of the house, the family consisting in all of nine + persons. + </p> + <p> + It is well that poor children know comparatively little of their miserable + bringings-up. They have no opportunity of contrasting their life and + belongings with those of other children more richly nurtured. The infant + Jasmin slept no less soundly in his little cot stuffed with larks' + feathers than if he had been laid on a bed of down. Then he was nourished + by his mother's milk, and he grew, though somewhat lean and angular, as + fast as any king's son. He began to toddle about, and made acquaintances + with the neighbours' children. + </p> + <p> + After a few years had passed, Jasmin, being a spirited fellow, was allowed + to accompany his father at night in the concerts of rough music. He placed + a long paper cap on his head, like a French clown, and with a horn in his + hand he made as much noise, and played as many antics, as any fool in the + crowd. Though the tailor could not read, he usually composed the verses + for the Charivari; and the doggerel of the father, mysteriously + fructified, afterwards became the seed of poetry in the son. + </p> + <p> + The performance of the Charivari was common at that time in the South of + France. When an old man proposed to marry a maiden less than half his age, + or when an elderly widow proposed to marry a man much younger than + herself, or when anything of a heterogeneous kind occurred in any proposed + union, a terrible row began. The populace assembled in the evening of the + day on which the banns had been first proclaimed, and saluted the happy + pair in their respective houses with a Charivari. Bells, horns, pokers and + tongs, marrow-bones and cleavers, or any thing that would make a noise, + was brought into requisition, and the noise thus made, accompanied with + howling recitations of the Charivari, made the night positively hideous. + </p> + <p> + The riot went on for several evenings; and when the wedding-day arrived, + the Charivarists, with the same noise and violence, entered the church + with the marriage guests; and at night they besieged the house of the + happy pair, throwing into their windows stones, brickbats, and every kind + of missile. Such was their honeymoon! + </p> + <p> + This barbarous custom has now fallen entirely into disuse. If attempted to + be renewed, it is summarily put down by the police, though it still exists + among the Basques as a Toberac. It may also be mentioned that a similar + practice once prevailed in Devonshire described by the Rev. S. Baring + Gould in his "Red Spider." It was there known as the Hare Hunt, or + Skimmity-riding. + </p> + <p> + The tailor's Charivaris brought him in no money. + </p> + <p> + They did not increase his business; in fact, they made him many enemies. + His uncouth rhymes did not increase his mending of old clothes. However + sharp his needle might be, his children's teeth were still sharper; and + often they had little enough to eat. The maintenance of the family mainly + depended on the mother, and the wallet of grandfather Boe. + </p> + <p> + The mother, poor though she was, had a heart of gold under her serge gown. + She washed and mended indefatigably. When she had finished her washing, + the children, so soon as they could walk, accompanied her to the willows + along the banks of the Garonne, where the clothes were hung out to dry. + There they had at least the benefit of breathing fresh and pure air. + Grandfather Boe was a venerable old fellow. He amused the children at + night with his stories of military life— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Wept o'er his wounds, or, tales of sorrow done, + Shouldered his crutch, and showed how fields were won." +</pre> + <p> + During the day he carried his wallet from door to door in Agen, or amongst + the farmhouses in the neighbourhood; and when he came home at eve he + emptied his wallet and divided the spoil amongst the family. If he + obtained, during his day's journey, some more succulent morsel than + another, he bestowed it upon his grandson Jacques, whom he loved most + dearly. + </p> + <p> + Like all healthy boys, young Jasmin's chief delight was in the sunshine + and the open air. He also enjoyed the pleasures of fellowship and the + happiness of living. Rich and poor, old and young, share in this glorified + gladness. Jasmin had as yet known no sorrow. His companions were poor boys + like himself. They had never known any other condition. + </p> + <p> + Just as the noontide bells began to ring, Jasmin set out with a hunch of + bread in his hand—perhaps taken from his grandfather's wallet—to + enjoy the afternoon with his comrades. Without cap or shoes he sped' away. + The sun was often genial, and he never bethought him of cold. On the + company went, some twenty or thirty in number, to gather willow faggots by + the banks of the Garonne. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how my soul leapt!" he exclaimed in his Souvenirs, "when we all set + out together at mid-day, singing. 'The Lamb whom Thou hast given me,' a + well known carol in the south. The very recollection of that pleasure even + now enchants me. 'To the Island—to the Island!' shouted the boldest, + and then we made haste to wade to the Island, each to gather together our + little bundle of fagots." + </p> + <p> + The rest of the vagrants' time was spent in play. They ascended the cliff + towards the grotto of Saint John. They shared in many a contest. They + dared each other to do things—possible and impossible. There were + climbings of rocks, and daring leaps, with many perils and escapades, + according to the nature of boys at play. At length, after becoming tired, + there was the return home an hour before nightfall. And now the little + fellows tripped along; thirty fagot bundles were carried on thirty heads; + and the thirty sang, as on setting out, the same carol, with the same + refrain. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin proceeds, in his Souvenirs, to describe with great zest and a + wonderful richness of local colour, the impromptu fetes in which he bore a + part; his raids upon the cherry and plum orchards—for the + neighbourhood of Agen is rich in plum-trees, and prunes are one of the + principal articles of commerce in the district. Playing at soldiers was + one of Jasmin's favourite amusements; and he was usually elected Captain. + </p> + <p> + "I should need," he says, "a hundred trumpets to celebrate all my + victories." Then he describes the dancing round the bonfires, and the + fantastic ceremonies connected with the celebration of St. John's Eve. + </p> + <p> + Agen is celebrated for its fairs. In the month of June, one of the most + important fairs in the South of France is held on the extensive promenade + in front of the Gravier. There Jasmin went to pick up any spare sous by + holding horses or cattle, or running errands, or performing any trifling + commission for the farmers or graziers. When he had filled to a slight + extent his little purse, he went home at night and emptied the whole + contents into his mother's hand. His heart often sank as she received his + earnings with smiles and tears. "Poor child," she would say, "your help + comes just in time." Thus the bitter thought of poverty and the evidences + of destitution were always near at hand. + </p> + <p> + In the autumn Jasmin went gleaning in the cornfields, for it was his + greatest pleasure to bring home some additional help for the family needs. + In September came the vintage—the gathering in and pressing of the + grapes previous to their manufacture into wine. The boy was able, with his + handy helpfulness, to add a little more money to the home store. Winter + followed, and the weather became colder. In the dearth of firewood, Jasmin + was fain to preserve his bodily heat, notwithstanding his ragged clothes, + by warming himself by the sun in some sheltered nook so long as the day + lasted; or he would play with his companions, being still buoyed up with + the joy and vigour of youth. + </p> + <p> + When the stern winter set in, Jasmin spent his evenings in the company of + spinning-women and children, principally for the sake of warmth. A score + or more of women, with their children, assembled in a large room, lighted + by a single antique lamp suspended from the ceiling. The women had + distaffs and heavy spindles, by means of which they spun a kind of coarse + pack-thread, which the children wound up, sitting on stools at their feet. + All the while some old dame would relate the old-world ogreish stories of + Blue Beard, the Sorcerer, or the Loup Garou, to fascinate the ears and + trouble the dreams of the young folks. It was here, no doubt, that Jasmin + gathered much of the traditionary lore which he afterwards wove into his + poetical ballads. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin had his moments of sadness. He was now getting a big fellow, and + his mother was anxious that he should receive some little education. He + had not yet been taught to read; he had not even learnt his A B C. The + word school frightened him. He could not bear to be shut up in a close + room—he who had been accustomed to enjoy a sort of vagabond life in + the open air. He could not give up his comrades, his playing at soldiers, + and his numerous escapades. + </p> + <p> + The mother, during the hum of her spinning-wheel, often spoke in whispers + to grandfather Boe of her desire to send the boy to school. When Jasmin + overheard their conversation, he could scarcely conceal his tears. Old Boe + determined to do what he could. He scraped together his little savings, + and handed them over to the mother. But the money could not then be used + for educating Jasmin; it was sorely needed for buying bread. Thus the + matter lay over for a time. + </p> + <p> + The old man became unable to go out of doors to solicit alms. Age and + infirmity kept him indoors. He began to feel himself a burden on the + impoverished family. He made up his mind to rid them of the incumbrance, + and desired the parents to put him into the family arm-chair and have him + carried to the hospital. Jasmin has touchingly told the incident of his + removal. + </p> + <p> + "It happened on a Monday," he says in his Souvenirs: "I was then ten years + old. I was playing in the square with my companions, girded about with a + wooden sword, and I was king; but suddenly a dreadful spectacle disturbed + my royalty. I saw an old man in an arm-chair borne along by several + persons. The bearers approached still nearer, when I recognised my + afflicted grandfather. 'O God,' said I, 'what do I see? My old grandfather + surrounded by my family.' In my grief I saw only him. I ran up to him in + tears, threw myself on his neck and kissed him. + </p> + <p> + "In returning my embrace, he wept. 'O grandfather,' said I, 'where are you + going? Why do you weep? Why are you leaving our home?' 'My child,' said + the old man, 'I am going to the hospital,{2} where all the Jasmins die.' + He again embraced me, closed his eyes, and was carried away. We followed + him for some time under the trees. I abandoned my play, and returned home + full of sorrow." + </p> + <p> + Grandfather Boe did not survive long in the hospital. He was utterly worn + out. After five days the old man quietly breathed his last. His wallet was + hung upon its usual nail in his former home, but it was never used again. + One of the bread-winners had departed, and the family were poorer than + ever. + </p> + <p> + "On that Monday," says Jasmin, "I for the first time knew and felt that we + were very poor." + </p> + <p> + All this is told with marvellous effect in the first part of the + Souvenirs, which ends with a wail and a sob. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes to Chapter I. + </p> + <p> + {1} It is stated in the Bibliographie Generale de l'Agenais, that Palissy + was born in the district of Agen, perhaps at La Chapelle Biron, and that, + being a Huguenot, he was imprisoned in the Bastille at Paris, and died + there in 1590, shortly after the massacre of St. Bartholomew. But Palissy + seems to have been born in another town, not far from La Chapelle Biron. + The Times of the 7th July, 1891, contained the following paragraph:— + </p> + <p> + "A statue of Bernard Palissy was unveiled yesterday at Villeneuvesur-Lot, + his native town, by M. Bourgeois, Minister of Education." + </p> + <p> + {2} L'hopital means an infirmary or almshouse for old and impoverished + people. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. JASMIN AT SCHOOL. + </h2> + <p> + One joyful day Jasmin's mother came home in an ecstasy of delight, and + cried, "To school, my child, to school!" "To school?" said Jasmin, greatly + amazed. "How is this? Have we grown rich?" "No, my poor boy, but you will + get your schooling for nothing. Your cousin has promised to educate you; + come, come, I am so happy!" It was Sister Boe, the schoolmistress of Agen, + who had offered to teach the boy gratuitously the elements of reading and + writing. + </p> + <p> + The news of Jacques' proposed scholarship caused no small stir at home. + The mother was almost beside herself with joy. The father too was equally + moved, and shed tears of gratitude. He believed that the boy might yet be + able to help him in writing out, under his dictation, the Charivari + impromptus which, he supposed, were his chief forte. Indeed, the whole + family regarded this great stroke of luck for Jacques in the light of a + special providence, and as the beginning of a brilliant destiny. The + mother, in order to dress him properly, rummaged the house, and picked out + the least mended suit of clothes, in which to array the young scholar. + </p> + <p> + When properly clothed, the boy, not without fear on his own part, was + taken by his mother to school. + </p> + <p> + Behold him, then, placed under the tuition of Sister Boe! There were some + fifty other children at school, mumbling at the letters of the alphabet, + and trying to read their first easy sentences. Jasmin had a good memory, + and soon mastered the difficulties of the A B C. "'Twixt smiles and + tears," he says, "I soon learnt to read, by the help of the pious Sister." + </p> + <p> + In six months he was able to enter the Seminary in the Rue Montesquieu as + a free scholar. He now served at Mass. Having a good ear for music,he + became a chorister, and sang the Tantum ergo. He was a diligent boy, and + so far everything prospered well with him. He even received a prize. True, + it was only an old cassock, dry as autumn heather. But, being trimmed up + by his father, it served to hide his ragged clothes beneath. + </p> + <p> + His mother was very proud of the cassock. "Thank God," she said, "thou + learnest well; and this is the reason why, each Tuesday, a white loaf + comes from the Seminary. It is always welcome, for the sake of the hungry + little ones." "Yes," he replied, "I will try my best to be learned for + your sake." But Jasmin did not long wear the cassock. He was shortly after + turned out of the Seminary, in consequence of a naughty trick which he + played upon a girl of the household. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin tells the story of his expulsion with great frankness, though + evidently ashamed of the transaction. He was passing through the inner + court one day, during the Shrove Carnival, when, looking up, he caught + sight of a petticoat. He stopped and gazed. A strange tremor crept through + his nerves. What evil spirit possessed him to approach the owner of the + petticoat? He looked up again, and recognised the sweet and rosy-cheeked + Catherine—the housemaid of the Seminary. She was perched near the + top of a slim ladder leaning against the wall, standing upright, and + feeding the feathery-footed pigeons. + </p> + <p> + A vision flashed through Jasmin's mind—"a life all velvet," as he + expressed it,—and he approached the ladder. He climbed up a few + steps, and what did he see? Two comely ankles and two pretty little feet. + His heart burned within him, and he breathed a loud sigh. The girl heard + the sigh, looked down, and huddled up the ladder, crying piteously. The + ladder was too slim to bear two. It snapped and fell, and they tumbled + down, she above and he below! + </p> + <p> + The loud screams of the girl brought all the household to the spot—the + Canons, the little Abbe, the cook, the scullion—indeed all the + inmates of the Seminary. Jasmin quaintly remarks, "A girl always likes to + have the sins known that she has caused others to commit." But in this + case, according to Jasmin's own showing, the girl was not to blame. The + trick which he played might be very innocent, but to the assembled + household it seemed very wicked. He must be punished. + </p> + <p> + First, he had a terrible wigging from the master; and next, he was + sentenced to imprisonment during the rest of the Carnival. + </p> + <p> + In default of a dungeon, they locked him in a dismal little chamber, with + some bread and water. Next day, Shrove Tuesday, while the Carnival was + afoot, Jasmin felt very angry and very hungry. "Who sleeps eats," says the + proverb. "But," said Jasmin, "the proverb lies: I did not sleep, and was + consumed by hunger." Then he filled up the measure of his iniquity by + breaking into a cupboard! + </p> + <p> + It happened that the Convent preserves were kept in the room wherein he + was confined. Their odour attracted him, and he climbed up, by means of a + table and chair, to the closet in which they were stored. He found a + splendid pot of preserves. He opened it; and though he had no spoon, he + used his fingers and soon emptied the pot. What a delicious treat he + enjoyed enough to make him forget the pleasures of the Carnival. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was about to replace the empty pot, when he heard the click-clack + of a door behind him. He looked round, and saw the Superior, who had + unlocked the door, and come to restore the boy to liberty. Oh, unhappy + day! When the Abbe found the prisoner stealing his precious preserves, he + became furious. "What! plundering my sweetmeats?" he cried. "Come down, + sirrah, come down! no pardon for you now." He pulled Jasmin from his chair + and table, and the empty jar fell broken at his feet. "Get out, get out of + this house, thou imp of hell!" And taking Jasmin by the scruff of the + neck, he thrust him violently out of the door and into the street. + </p> + <p> + But worse was yet to come. When the expelled scholar reached the street, + his face and mouth were smeared with jam. He was like a blackamoor. Some + urchins who encountered him on his homeward route, surmised that his + disguise was intended as a masque for the Carnival. He ran, and they + pursued him. The mob of boys increased, and he ran the faster. At last he + reached his father's door, and rushed in, half dead with pain, hunger, and + thirst. The family were all there—father, mother, and children. + </p> + <p> + They were surprised and astonished at his sudden entrance. After kissing + them all round, he proceeded to relate his adventures at the Seminary. He + could not tell them all, but he told enough. His narrative was received + with dead silence. But he was thirsty and hungry. He saw a pot of + kidney-bean porridge hanging over the fire, and said he would like to + allay his hunger by participating in their meal. But alas! The whole of it + had been consumed. The pot was empty, and yet the children were not + satisfied with their dinner. "Now I know," said the mother, "why no white + bread has come from the Seminary." Jasmin was now greatly distressed. + "Accursed sweetmeats," he thought. "Oh! what a wretch I am to have caused + so much misery and distress." + </p> + <p> + The children had eaten only a few vegetables; and now there was another + mouth to fill. The fire had almost expired for want of fuel. The children + had no bread that day, for the Seminary loaf had not arrived. What were + they now to do? The mother suffered cruel tortures in not being able to + give her children bread, especially on the home-coming of her favourite + scapegrace. + </p> + <p> + At last, after glancing at her left hand, she rose suddenly. She exclaimed + in a cheerful voice, "Wait patiently until my return." She put her Sunday + kerchief on her head, and departed. In a short time she returned, to the + delight of the children, with a loaf of bread under her arm. They laughed + and sang, and prepared to enjoy their feast, though it was only of bread. + The mother apparently joined in their cheerfulness, though a sad pain + gnawed at her heart. Jasmin saw his mother hide her hand; but when it was + necessary for her to cut the loaf, after making the cross according to + custom, he saw that the ring on her left hand had disappeared. "Holy + Cross," he thought, "it is true that she has sold her wedding-ring to buy + bread for her children." + </p> + <p> + This was a sad beginning of life for the poor boy. He was now another + burden on the family. Old Boe had gone, and could no longer help him with + his savoury morsels. He was so oppressed with grief, that he could no + longer play with his comrades as before. But Providence again came to his + aid. The good Abbe Miraben heard the story of his expulsion from the + Seminary. Though a boy may be tricky he cannot be perfect, and the priest + had much compassion on him. Knowing Jasmin's abilities, and the poverty of + his parents, the Abbe used his influence to obtain an admission for him to + one of the town's schools, where he was again enabled to carry on his + education. + </p> + <p> + The good Abbe was helpful to the boy in many ways. One evening, when + Jasmin was on his way to the Augustins to read and recite to the Sisters, + he was waylaid by a troop of his old playfellows. They wished him to + accompany them to the old rendezvous in the square; but he refused, + because he had a previous engagement. The boys then began to hustle him, + and proceeded to tear off his tattered clothes. He could only bend his + head before his assailants, but never said a word. + </p> + <p> + At length his good friend Miraben came up and rescued him. He drove away + the boys, and said to Jasmin, "Little one, don't breathe a word; your + mother knows nothing. They won't torment you long! Take up thy clothes," + he said. "Come, poverty is not a crime. Courage! Thou art even rich. Thou + hast an angel on high watching over thee. Console thyself, brave child, + and nothing more will happen to vex thee." + </p> + <p> + The encouragement of the Abbe proved prophetic. No more troubles of this + kind afflicted the boy. + </p> + <p> + The aged priest looked after the well-being of himself and family. He sent + them bread from time to time, and kept the wolf from their door. Meanwhile + Jasmin did what he could to help them at home. During the vintage time he + was well employed; and also at fair times. He was a helpful boy, and was + always willing to oblige friends and neighbours. + </p> + <p> + But the time arrived when he must come to some determination as to his + future calling in life. He was averse to being a tailor, seeing the sad + results of his father's trade at home. After consultation with his mother, + he resolved on becoming a barber and hairdresser. Very little capital was + required for carrying on that trade; only razors, combs, and scissors. + </p> + <p> + Long after, when Jasmin was a comparatively thriving man, he said: "Yes, I + have eaten the bread of charity; most of my ancestors died at the + hospital; my mother pledged her nuptial ring to buy a loaf of bread. All + this shows how much misery we had to endure, the frightful picture of + which I have placed in the light of day in my Souvenirs. But I am afraid + of wearying the public, as I do not wish to be accused of aiming too much + at contrasts. For when we are happy, perfectly happy, there is nothing + further from what I am, and what I have been, as to make me fear for any + such misconstruction on the part of my hearers." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. BARBER AND HAIRDRESSER. + </h2> + <p> + Jasmin was sixteen years old when he was apprenticed to a barber and + hairdresser at Agen. The barber's shop was near the Prefecture—the + ancient palace of the Bishop. It was situated at the corner of Lamoureux + Street and the alley of the Prefecture. There Jasmin learnt the art of + cutting, curling, and dressing hair, and of deftly using the comb and the + razor. The master gave him instructions in the trade, and watched him + while at work. Jasmin was willing and active, and was soon able to curl + and shave with any apprentice in Agen. + </p> + <p> + After the day's work was over, the apprentice retired to his garret under + the tiles. There he spent his evenings, and there he slept at night. + Though the garret was infested by rats, he thought nothing of them; he had + known them familiarly at home. + </p> + <p> + They did him no harm, and they even learnt to know him. His garret became + his paradise, for there he renewed his love of reading. The solitariness + of his life did him good, by throwing his mind in upon himself, and + showing the mental stuff of which he was made. All the greatest and + weightiest things have been done in solitude. + </p> + <p> + The first books he read were for the most part borrowed. Customers who + came to the shop to be shaved or have their hair dressed, took an interest + in the conversation of the bright, cheerful, dark-eyed lad, and some of + them lent him books to read. What joy possessed him when he took refuge in + his garret with a new book! Opening the book was like opening the door of + a new world. What enchantment! What mystery! What a wonderful universe + about us! + </p> + <p> + In reading a new book Jasmin forgot his impoverished boyhood, his + grandfather Boe and his death in the hospital, his expulsion from the + Seminary, and his mother's sale of her wedding-ring to buy bread for her + children. He had now left the past behind, and a new world lay + entrancingly before him. He read, and thought, and dreamed, until far on + in the morning. + </p> + <p> + The first books he read were of comparatively little importance, though + they furnished an opening into literature. 'The Children's Magazine'{1} + held him in raptures for a time. Some of his friendly customers lent him + the 'Fables of Florian,' and afterwards Florian's pastoral romance of + 'Estelle'—perhaps his best work. The singer of the Gardon entirely + bewitched Jasmin. 'Estelle' allured him into the rosy-fingered regions of + bliss and happiness. Then Jasmin himself began to rhyme. Florian's works + encouraged him to write his first verses in the harmonious Gascon patois, + to which he afterwards gave such wonderful brilliancy. + </p> + <p> + In his after life Jasmin was often asked how and when he first began to + feel himself a poet. Some think that the poetical gift begins at some + fixed hour, just as one becomes a barrister, a doctor, or a professor. But + Jasmin could not give an answer. + </p> + <p> + "I have often searched into my past life," he said, "but I have never yet + found the day when I began my career of rhyming."{2} + </p> + <p> + There are certain gifts which men can never acquire by will and work, if + God has not put the seed of them into their souls at birth; and poetry is + one of those gifts. + </p> + <p> + When such a seed has been planted, its divine origin is shown by its power + of growth and expansion; and in a noble soul, apparently insurmountable + difficulties and obstacles cannot arrest its development. The life and + career of Jasmin amply illustrates this truth. Here was a young man born + in the depths of poverty. In his early life he suffered the most cruel + needs of existence. When he became a barber's apprentice, he touched the + lowest rung of the ladder of reputation; but he had at least learned the + beginnings of knowledge. + </p> + <p> + He knew how to read, and when we know the twenty-four letters of the + alphabet, we may learn almost everything that we wish to know. From that + slight beginning most men may raise themselves to the heights of moral and + intellectual worth by a persevering will and the faithful performance of + duty. + </p> + <p> + At the same time it must be confessed that it is altogether different with + poetical genius. It is not possible to tell what unforeseen and forgotten + circumstances may have given the initial impulse to a poetic nature. It is + not the result of any fortuitous impression, and still less of any act of + the will. + </p> + <p> + It is possible that Jasmin may have obtained his first insight into poetic + art during his solitary evening walks along the banks of the Garonne, or + from the nightingales singing overhead, or from his chanting in the choir + when a child. Perhaps the 'Fables of Florian' kindled the poetic fire + within him; at all events they may have acted as the first stimulus to his + art of rhyming. They opened his mind to the love of nature, to the + pleasures of country life, and the joys of social intercourse. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing in the occupation of a barber incompatible with the + cultivation of poetry. Folez, the old German poet, was a barber, as well + as the still more celebrated Burchiello, of Florence, whose sonnets are + still admired because of the purity of their style. Our own Allan Ramsay, + author of 'The Gentle Shepherd,' spent some of his early years in the same + occupation. + </p> + <p> + In southern and Oriental life the barber plays an important part. In the + Arabian tales he is generally a shrewd, meddling, inquisitive fellow. In + Spain and Italy the barber is often the one brilliant man in his town; his + shop is the place where gossip circulates, and where many a pretty + intrigue is contrived. + </p> + <p> + Men of culture are often the friends of barbers. Buffon trusted to his + barber for all the news of Montbard. Moliere spent many long and pleasant + hours with the barber of Pezenas. Figaro, the famous barber of Seville, + was one of the most perfect prototypes of his trade. Jasmin was of the + same calling as Gil Bias, inspired with the same spirit, and full of the + same talent. He was a Frenchman of the South, of the same race as Villon + and Marot. + </p> + <p> + Even in the prim and formal society of the eighteenth century, the barber + occupied no unimportant part. He and the sculptor, of all working men, + were allowed to wear the sword—that distinctive badge of gentility. + In short, the barber was regarded as an artist. Besides, barbers were in + ancient times surgeons; they were the only persons who could + scientifically "let blood." The Barber-Surgeons of London still represent + the class. They possess a cup presented to the Guild by Charles II., in + commemoration of his escape while taking refuge in the oak-tree at + Boscobel.{3} + </p> + <p> + But to return to the adventures of Jasmin's early life. He describes with + great zest his first visit to a theatre. It was situated near at hand, by + the ancient palace of the Bishop. After his day's work was over—his + shaving, curling, and hairdressing—he went across the square, and + pressed in with the rest of the crowd. He took his seat. + </p> + <p> + "'Heavens!' said he, 'where am I?' The curtain rises! 'Oh, this is lovely! + It is a new world; how beautifully they sing; and how sweetly and tenderly + they speak!' I had eyes for nothing else: I was quite beside myself with + joy. 'It is Cinderella,' I cried aloud in my excitement. 'Be quiet,' said + my neighbour. 'Oh, sir! why quiet? Where are we? What is this?' 'You + gaping idiot,' he replied, 'this is the Comedy!' + </p> + <p> + "Jasmin now remained quiet; but he saw and heard with all his eyes and + ears. 'What love! what poetry!' he thought: 'it is more than a dream! It's + magic. O Cinderella, Cinderella! thou art my guardian angel!' And from + this time, from day to day, I thought of being an actor!" + </p> + <p> + Jasmin entered his garret late at night; and he slept so soundly, that + next morning his master went up to rouse him. "Where were you last night? + Answer, knave; you were not back till midnight?" "I was at the Comedy," + answered Jasmin sleepily; "it was so beautiful!" "You have been there + then, and lost your head. During the day you make such an uproar, singing + and declaiming. You, who have worn the cassock, should blush. But I give + you up; you will come to no good. Change, indeed! You will give up the + comb and razor, and become an actor! Unfortunate boy, you must be blind. + Do you want to die in the hospital?" + </p> + <p> + "This terrible word," says Jasmin, "fell like lead upon my heart, and + threw me into consternation. Cinderella was forthwith dethroned in my + foolish mind; and my master's threat completely calmed me. I went on + faithfully with my work. I curled, and plaited hair in my little room. As + the saying goes, S'il ne pleut, il bruine (If it does not rain, it + drizzles). When I suffered least, time passed all the quicker. It was then + that, dreaming and happy, I found two lives within me—one in my + daily work, another in my garret. I was like a bird; I warbled and sang. + What happiness I enjoyed in my little bed under the tiles! I listened to + the warbling of birds. Lo! the angel came, and in her sweetest voice sang + to me. Then I tried to make verses in the language of the shepherd swain. + Bright thoughts came to me; great secrets were discovered. What hours! + What lessons! What pleasures I found under the tiles!" + </p> + <p> + During the winter evenings, when night comes on quickly, Jasmin's small + savings went to the oil merchant. He trimmed his little lamp, and went on + till late, reading and rhyming. His poetical efforts, first written in + French, were to a certain extent successful. While shaving his customers, + he often recited to them his verses. They were amazed at the boy's + cleverness, and expressed their delight. He had already a remarkable + talent for recitation; and in course of time he became eloquent. It was + some time, however, before his powers became generally known. The ladies + whose hair he dressed, sometimes complained that their curl papers were + scrawled over with writing, and, when opened out, they were found covered + with verses. + </p> + <p> + The men whom he shaved spread his praises abroad. In so small a town a + reputation for verse-making soon becomes known. "You can see me," he said + to a customer, "with a comb in my hand, and a verse in my head. I give you + always a gentle hand with my razor of velvet. My mouth recites while my + hand works." + </p> + <p> + When Jasmin desired to display his oratorical powers, he went in the + evenings to the quarter of the Augustins, where the spinning-women + assembled, surrounded by their boys and girls. There he related to them + his pleasant narratives, and recited his numerous verses. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, he even began to be patronized. His master addressed him as + "Moussu,"—the master who had threatened him with ending his days in + the hospital! + </p> + <p> + Thus far, everything had gone well with him. What with shaving, + hairdressing, and rhyming, two years soon passed away. Jasmin was now + eighteen, and proposed to start business on his own account. This required + very little capital; and he had already secured many acquaintances who + offered to patronize him. M. Boyer d'Agen, who has recently published the + works of Jasmin, with a short preface and a bibliography,{4} says that he + first began business as a hairdresser in the Cour Saint-Antoine, now the + Cour Voltaire. When the author of this memoir was at Agen in the autumn of + 1888, the proprietor of the Hotel du Petit St. Jean informed him that a + little apartment had been placed at Jasmin's disposal, separated from the + Hotel by the entrance to the courtyard, and that Jasmin had for a time + carried on his business there. + </p> + <p> + But desiring to have a tenement of his own, he shortly after took a small + house alongside the Promenade du Gravier; and he removed and carried on + his trade there for about forty years. The little shop is still in + existence, with Jasmin's signboard over the entrance door: "Jasmin, + coiffeur des Jeunes Gens," with the barber's sud-dish hanging from a + pendant in front. The shop is very small, with a little sitting-room + behind, and several bedrooms above. When I entered the shop during my + visit to Agen, I found a customer sitting before a looking-glass, wrapped + in a sheet, the lower part of his face covered with lather, and a young + fellow shaving his beard. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's little saloon was not merely a shaving and a curling shop. + Eventually it became known as the sanctuary of the Muses. It was visited + by some of the most distinguished people in France, and became celebrated + throughout Europe. But this part of the work is reserved for future + chapters. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes to Chapter III. + </p> + <p> + {1} Magasin des Enfants. + </p> + <p> + {2} Mes Nouveaux Souvenirs. + </p> + <p> + {3} In England, some barbers, and barber's sons, have eventually occupied + the highest positions. Arkwright, the founder of the cotton manufacture, + was originally a barber. Tenterden, Lord Chief Justice, was a barber's + son, intended for a chorister in Canterbury Cathedral. Sugden, afterwards + Lord Chancellor, was opposed by a noble lord while engaged in a + parliamentary contest. Replying to the allegation that he was only the son + of a country barber, Sugden said: "His Lordship has told you that I am + nothing but the son of a country barber; but he has not told you all, for + I have been a barber myself, and worked in my father's shop,—and all + I wish to say about that is, that had his Lordship been born the son of a + country barber, he would have been a barber still!" + </p> + <p> + {4} OEUVRES COMPLETES DE JACQUES JASMIN: Preface de l'Edition,, Essai + d'orthographe gasconne d'apres les langues Romane et d'Oc, et collation de + la traduction litterale. Par Boyer d'Agen. 1889. Quatre volumes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. JASMIN AND MARIETTE. + </h2> + <p> + Jasmin was now a bright, vivid, and handsome fellow, a favourite with men, + women, and children. Of course, an attractive young man, with a pleasant, + comfortable home, could not long remain single. At length love came to + beautify his existence. "It was for her sake," he says, "that I first + tried to make verses in the sweet patois which she spoke so well; verses + in which I asked her, in rather lofty phrases, to be my guardian angel for + life." + </p> + <p> + Mariette{1} was a pretty dark-eyed girl. She was an old companion of + Jasmin's, and as they began to know each other better, the acquaintance + gradually grew into affection, and finally into mutual love. She was of + his own class of life, poor and hardworking. After the day's work was + over, they had many a pleasant walk together on the summer evenings, along + the banks of the Garonne, or up the ascending road toward the Hermitage + and the rocky heights above the town. There they pledged their vows; like + a poet, he promised to love her for ever. She believed him, and loved him + in return. The rest may be left to the imagination. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin still went on dreaming and rhyming! Mariette was a lovely subject + for his rhymes. He read his verses to her; and she could not but be + pleased with his devotion, even though recited in verse. He scribbled his + rhymes upon his curl-papers; and when he had read them to his sweetheart, + he used them to curl the hair of his fair customers. When too much soiled + by being written on both sides, he tore them up; for as yet, he had not + the slightest idea of publishing his verses. + </p> + <p> + When the minds of the young pair were finally made up, their further + courtship did not last very long. They were willing to be united. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Happy's the wooing that's not long a-doing." +</pre> + <p> + The wedding-day at length arrived! Jasmin does not describe his bride's + dress. But he describes his own. "I might give you," he says in his + Souvenirs, "a picture of our happy nuptial day. I might tell you at length + of my newly dyed hat, my dress coat with blue facings, and my home-spun + linen shirt with calico front. But I forbear all details. My godfather and + godmother were at the wedding. You will see that the purse did not always + respond to the wishes of the heart." + </p> + <p> + It is true that Jasmin's wedding-garment was not very sumptuous, nor was + his bride's; but they did the best that they could, and looked forward + with hope. Jasmin took his wife home to the pleasant house on the Gravier; + and joy and happiness sat down with them at their own fireside. There was + no Charivari, because their marriage was suitable. Both had been poor, and + the wife was ready and willing to share the lot of her young husband, + whether in joy or sorrow. Their home was small and cosy—very + different from the rat-haunted house of his lame mother and humpbacked + father. + </p> + <p> + Customers came, but not very quickly. The barber's shop was somewhat + removed from the more populous parts of the town. But when the customers + did come, Jasmin treated them playfully and humorously. He was as lively + as any Figaro; and he became such a favourite, that when his customers + were shaved or had their hair dressed, they invariably returned, as well + as recommended others to patronize the new coiffeur. + </p> + <p> + His little shop, which was at first nearly empty, soon became fuller and + fuller of customers. People took pleasure in coming to the hair-dresser's + shop, and hearing him recite his verses. He sang, he declaimed, while + plying his razor or his scissors. But the chins and tresses of his sitters + were in no danger from his skipping about, for he deftly used his hands as + well as his head. His razor glistened lightly over the stubbly beards, and + his scissors clipped neatly over the locks of his customers. + </p> + <p> + Except when so engaged, he went on rhyming. In a little town, gossip flies + about quickly, and even gets into the local papers. + </p> + <p> + One day Jasmin read in one of the Agen journals, "Pegasus is a beast that + often carries poets to the hospital." Were the words intended for him? He + roared with laughter. Some gossip had bewitched the editor. Perhaps he was + no poet. His rhymes would certainly never carry him to the hospital. + Jasmin's business was becoming a little more lucrative.. It is true his + house was not yet fully furnished, but day by day he was adding to the + plenishing. At all events his humble home protected him and his wife from + wind and weather. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion M. Gontaud, an amiable young poet, in a chaffing way, + addressed Jasmin as "Apollo!" in former times regarded as the god of + poetry and music. The epistle appeared in a local journal. Jasmin read it + aloud to his family. Gontaud alleged in his poem that Apollo had met + Jasmin's mother on the banks of the Garonne, and fell in love with her; + and that Jasmin, because of the merits of his poetry, was their son. + </p> + <p> + Up flamed the old pair! "What, Catherine?" cried the old man, "is it true + that you have been a coquette? How! have I been only the foster-father of + thy little poet?" "No! No!" replied the enraged mother; "he is all thine + own! Console thyself, poor John; thou alone hast been my mate. And who is + this 'Pollo, the humbug who has deceived thee so? Yes, I am lame, but when + I was washing my linen, if any coxcomb had approached me, I would have hit + him on the mouth with a stroke of my mallet!" "Mother," exclaimed the + daughter, "'Pollo is only a fool, not worth talking about; where does he + live, Jacques?" Jasmin relished the chaff, and explained that he only + lived in the old mythology, and had no part in human affairs. And thus was + Apollo, the ancient god of poetry and music, sent about his business. + </p> + <p> + Years passed on, the married pair settled down quietly, and their life of + happiness went on pleasantly. The honeymoon had long since passed. Jasmin + had married at twenty, and Mariette was a year younger. + </p> + <p> + When a couple live together for a time, they begin to detect some little + differences of opinion. It is well if they do not allow those little + differences to end in a quarrel. This is always a sad beginning of a + married life. + </p> + <p> + There was one thing about her husband that Mariette did not like. That was + his verse-making. It was all very well in courtship, but was it worth + while in business? She saw him scribbling upon curl-papers instead of + attending to his periwigs. She sometimes interrupted him while he was + writing; and on one occasion, while Jasmin was absent on business, she + went so far as to burn his pens and throw his ink into the fire! + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was a good-natured man, but he did not like this treatment. It was + not likely to end in a quiet domestic life. He expostulated, but it was of + little use. He would not give up his hobby. He went on rhyming, and in + order to write down his verses he bought new pens and a new bottle of ink. + Perhaps he felt the germs of poetic thought moving within him. His wife + resented his conduct. Why could he not attend to the shaving and + hair-dressing, which brought in money, instead of wasting his time in + scribbling verses on his curl-papers? + </p> + <p> + M. Charles Nodier, member of the French Academy, paid a visit to Agen in + 1832. Jasmin was then thirty-four years old. He had been married fourteen + years, but his name was quite unknown, save to the people of Agen. It was + well known in the town that he had a talent for versification, for he was + accustomed to recite and chaunt his verses to his customers. + </p> + <p> + One quiet morning M. Nodier was taking a leisurely walk along the + promenade of the Gravier, when he was attracted by a loud altercation + going on between a man and a woman in the barber's shop. The woman was + declaiming with the fury of a Xantippe, while the man was answering her + with Homeric laughter. Nodier entered the shop, and found himself in the + presence of Jasmin and his wife. He politely bowed to the pair, and said + that he had taken the liberty of entering to see whether he could not + establish some domestic concord between them. + </p> + <p> + "Is that all you came for?" asked the wife, at the same time somewhat + calmed by the entrance of a stranger. Jasmin interposed— + </p> + <p> + "Yes, my dear—certainly; but—-" "Your wife is right, sir," + said Nodier, thinking that the quarrel was about some debts he had + incurred. + </p> + <p> + "Truly, sir," rejoined Jasmin; "if you were a lover of poetry, you would + not find it so easy to renounce it." + </p> + <p> + "Poetry?" said Nodier; "I know a little about that myself." + </p> + <p> + "What!" replied Jasmin, "so much the better. You will be able to help me + out of my difficulties." + </p> + <p> + "You must not expect any help from me, for I presume you are oppressed + with debts." + </p> + <p> + "Ha, ha!" cried Jasmin, "it isn't debts, it's verses, Sir." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed," said the wife, "it's verses, always verses! Isn't it + horrible?" + </p> + <p> + "Will you let me see what you have written?" asked Nodier, turning to + Jasmin. + </p> + <p> + "By all means, sir. Here is a specimen." The verses began: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Femme ou demon, ange ou sylphide, + Oh! par pitie, fuis, laisse-moi! + Doux miel d'amour n'est que poison perfide, + Mon coeur a trop souffert, il dort, eloigne-toi. + + "Je te l'ai dit, mon coeur sommeille; + Laisse-le, de ses maux a peine il est gueri, + Et j'ai peur que ta voix si douce a mon oreille + Par un chant d'amour ne l'eveille, + Lui, que l'amour a taut meurtri!" +</pre> + <p> + This was only about a fourth part of the verses which Jasmin had + composed.{2} Nodier confessed that he was greatly pleased with them. + Turning round to the wife he said, "Madame, poetry knocks at your door; + open it. That which inspires it is usually a noble heart and a + distinguished spirit, incapable of mean actions. Let your husband make his + verses; it may bring you good luck and happiness." + </p> + <p> + Then, turning to the poet, and holding out his hand, he asked, "What is + your name, my friend?" + </p> + <p> + "Jacques Jasmin," he timidly replied. "A good name," said Nodier. "At the + same time, while you give fair play to your genius, don't give up the + manufacture of periwigs, for this is an honest trade, while verse-making + might prove only a frivolous distraction." + </p> + <p> + Nodier then took his leave, but from that time forward Jasmin and he + continued the best of friends. A few years later, when the first volume of + the Papillotos appeared, Nodier published his account of the above + interview in Le Temps. He afterwards announced in the Quotidienne the + outburst of a new poet on the banks of the Garonne—a poet full of + piquant charm, of inspired harmony—a Lamartine, a Victor Hugo, a + Gascon Beranger! + </p> + <p> + After Nodier's departure, Madame Jasmin took a more favourable view of the + versification of her husband. She no longer chided him. The shop became + more crowded with customers. Ladies came to have their hair dressed by the + poet: it was so original! He delighted them with singing or chanting his + verses. He had a sympathetic, perhaps a mesmeric voice, which touched the + souls of his hearers, and threw them into the sweetest of dreams. + </p> + <p> + Besides attending to his shop, he was accustomed to go out in the + afternoons to dress the hair of four or five ladies. This occupied him for + about two hours, and when he found the ladies at home, he returned with + four or five francs in his purse. But often they were not at home, and he + came home francless. Eventually he gave up this part of his trade. The + receipts at the shop were more remunerative. Madame encouraged this + economical eform; she was accustomed to call it Jasmin's coup d'etat. + </p> + <p> + The evenings passed pleasantly. Jasmin took his guitar and sang to his + wife and children; or, in the summer evenings they would walk under the + beautiful elms in front of the Gravier, where Jasmin was ready for + business at any moment. Such prudence, such iligence, could not but have + its effect. When Jasmin's first volume of the Papillotos was published, it + was received with enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + "The songs, the curl-papers," said Jasmin, "brought in such a rivulet of + silver, that, in my poetic joy, I broke into morsels and burnt in the fire + that dreaded arm-chair in which my ancestors had been carried to the + hospital to die." + </p> + <p> + Madame Jasmin now became quite enthusiastic. Instead of breaking the + poet's pens and throwing his ink into the fire, she bought the best pens + and the best ink. She even supplied him with a comfortable desk, on which + he might write his verses. "Courage, courage!" she would say. "Each verse + that you write is another tile to the roof and a rafter to the dwelling; + therefore make verses, make verses!" + </p> + <p> + The rivulet of silver increased so rapidly, that in the course of a short + time Jasmin was enabled to buy the house in which he lived—tiles, + rafters, and all. Instead of Pegasus carrying him to the hospital, it + carried him to the office of the Notary, who enrolled him in the list of + collectors of taxes. He was now a man of substance, a man to be trusted. + The notary was also employed to convey the tenement to the prosperous + Jasmin. He ends the first part of his Souvenirs with these words: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "When Pegasus kicks with a fling of his feet, + He sends me to curl on my hobby horse fleet; + I lose all my time, true, not paper nor notes, + I write all my verse on my papillotes."{3} +</pre> + <p> + Endnotes to chapter IV. + </p> + <p> + {1} In Gascon Magnounet; her pet name Marie, or in French Mariette. Madame + Jasmin called herself Marie Barrere. + </p> + <p> + {2} The remaining verses are to be found in the collected edition of his + works—the fourth volume of Las Papillotos, new edition, pp. 247-9, + entitled A une jeune Voyayeuse. + </p> + <p> + {3} Papillotes, as we have said, are curl-papers. Jasmin's words, in + Gascon, are these: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Quand Pegazo reguiuno, et que d'un cot de pe + Memboyo friza mas marotos, + Perdi moun ten, es bray, mais noun pas moun pape, + Boti mous beis en papillotos!" +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. JASMIN AND GASCON.—FIRST VOLUME OF "PAPILLOTES." + </h2> + <p> + Jasmin's first efforts at verse-making were necessarily imperfect. He + tried to imitate the works of others, rather than create poetical images + of his own. His verses consisted mostly of imitations of the French poems + which he had read. He was overshadowed by the works of Boileau, Gresset, + Rousseau, and especially by Beranger, who, like himself, was the son of a + tailor. + </p> + <p> + The recollections of their poetry pervaded all his earlier verses. His + efforts in classical French were by no means successful. It was only when + he had raised himself above the influence of authors who had preceded him, + that he soared into originality, and was proclaimed the Poet of the South. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin did not at first write in Gascon. In fact, he had not yet mastered + a perfect knowledge of this dialect. Though familiarly used in ancient + times, it did not exist in any written form. It was the speech of the + common people; and though the Gascons spoke the idiom, it had lost much of + its originality. It had become mixed, more or less, with the ordinary + French language, and the old Gascon words were becoming gradually + forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Yet the common people, after all, remain the depositories of old idioms + and old traditions, as well as of the inheritances of the past. They are + the most conservative element in society. They love their old speech, + their old dress, their old manners and customs, and have an instinctive + worship of ancient memories. + </p> + <p> + Their old idioms are long preserved. Their old dialect continues the + language of the fireside, of daily toil, of daily needs, and of domestic + joys and sorrows. It hovers in the air about them, and has been sucked in + with their mothers' milk. Yet, when a primitive race such as the Gascons + mix much with the people of the adjoining departments, the local dialect + gradually dies out, and they learn to speak the language of their + neighbours. + </p> + <p> + The Gascon was disappearing as a speech, and very few of its written + elements survived. Was it possible for Jasmin to revive the dialect, and + embody it in a written language? He knew much of the patois, from hearing + it spoken at home. But now, desiring to know it more thoroughly, he set to + work and studied it. He was almost as assiduous as Sir Walter Scott in + learning obscure Lowland words, while writing the Waverley Novels. Jasmin + went into the market-places, where the peasants from the country sold + their produce; and there he picked up many new words and expressions. He + made excursions into the country round Agen, where many of the old farmers + and labourers spoke nothing but Gascon. He conversed with illiterate + people, and especially with old women at their spinning-wheels, and + eagerly listened to their ancient tales and legends. + </p> + <p> + He thus gathered together many a golden relic, which he afterwards made + use of in his poetical works. He studied Gascon like a pioneer. He made + his own lexicon, and eventually formed a written dialect, which he wove + into poems, to the delight of the people in the South of France. For the + Gascon dialect—such is its richness and beauty—expresses many + shades of meaning which are entirely lost in the modern French. + </p> + <p> + When Jasmin first read his poems in Gascon to his townspeople at Agen, he + usually introduced his readings by describing the difficulties he had + encountered in prosecuting his enquiries. His hearers, who knew more + French than Gascon, detected in his poems many comparatively unknown + words,—not indeed of his own creation, but merely the result of his + patient and long-continued investigation of the Gascon dialect. Yet they + found the language, as written and spoken by him, full of harmony—rich, + mellifluous, and sonorous. Gascon resembles the Spanish, to which it is + strongly allied, more than the Provencal, the language of the Troubadours, + which is more allied to the Latin or Italian. + </p> + <p> + Hallam, in his 'History of the Middle Ages,' regards the sudden outburst + of Troubadour poetry as one symptom of the rapid impulse which the human + mind received in the twelfth century, contemporaneous with the improved + studies that began at the Universities. It was also encouraged by the + prosperity of Southern France, which was comparatively undisturbed by + internal warfare, and it continued until the tremendous storm that fell + upon Languedoc during the crusade against the Albigenses, which shook off + the flowers of Provencal literature.{1} + </p> + <p> + The language of the South-West of France, including the Gascon, was then + called Langue d'Oc; while that of the south-east of France, including the + Provencal, was called Langue d'Oil. M. Littre, in the Preface to his + Dictionary of the French language, says that he was induced to begin the + study of the subject by his desire to know something more of the Langue + d'Oil—the old French language.{2} + </p> + <p> + In speaking of the languages of Western Europe, M. Littre says that the + German is the oldest, beginning in the fourth century; that the French is + the next, beginning in the ninth century; and that the English is the + last, beginning in the fourteenth century. It must be remembered, however, + that Plat Deutsch preceded the German, and was spoken by the Frisians, + Angles, and Saxons, who lived by the shores of the North Sea. + </p> + <p> + The Gaelic or Celtic, and Kymriac languages, were spoken in the middle and + north-west of France; but these, except in Brittany, have been superseded + by the modern French language, which is founded mainly on Latin, German, + and Celtic, but mostly on Latin. The English language consists mostly of + Saxon, Norse, and Norman-French with a mixture of Welsh or Ancient + British. That language is, however, no test of the genealogy of a people, + is illustrated by the history of France itself. In the fourth and fifth + centuries, the Franks, a powerful German race, from the banks of the + Rhine, invaded and conquered the people north of the Somme, and eventually + gave the name of France to the entire country. The Burgundians and + Visigoths, also a German race, invaded France, and settled themselves in + the south-east. In the year 464, Childeric the Frank took Paris. + </p> + <p> + The whole history of the occupation of France is told by Augustin Thierry, + in his 'Narratives of the Merovingian Times.' "There are Franks," he says + in his Preface, "who remained pure Germans in Gaul; Gallo-Romans, + irritated and disgusted by the barbarian rule; Franks more or less + influenced by the manners and customs of civilised life; and 'Romans more + or less barbarian in mind and manners.' The contrast may be followed in + all its shades through the sixth century, and into the middle of the + seventh; later, the Germanic and Gallo-Roman stamp seemed effaced and lost + in a semi-barbarism clothed in theocratic forms." + </p> + <p> + The Franks, when they had completed the conquest of the entire country, + gave it the name of Franken-ric—the Franks' kingdom. Eventually, + Charles the Great, or Charlemagne, descended from Childeric the Frank, was + in 800 crowned Emperor of the West. Towards the end of his reign, the + Norsemen began to devastate the northern coast of Franken-ric. + Aix-la-Chapelle was Charlemagne's capital, and there he died and was + buried. At his death, the Empire was divided among his sons. The Norse + Vikingers continued their invasions; and to purchase repose, Charles the + Simple ceded to Duke Rollo a large territory in the northwest of France, + which in deference to their origin, was known by the name of Normandy. + </p> + <p> + There Norman-French was for a long time spoken. Though the Franks had + supplanted the Romans, the Roman language continued to be spoken. In 996 + Paris was made the capital of France; and from that time, the language of + Paris became, with various modifications, the language of France; and not + only of France, but the Roman or Latin tongue became the foundation of the + languages of Italy, Spain, and Portugal. + </p> + <p> + Thus, Gaulish, Frankish, and Norman disappeared to give place to the + Latin-French. The Kymriac language was preserved only in Brittany, where + it still lingers. And in the south-west of France, where the population + was furthest removed from the invasions of the Gauls, Ostrogoths, and + Visigoths, the Basques continued to preserve their language,—the + Basques, who are supposed by Canon Isaac Taylor to be the direct + descendants of the Etruscans. + </p> + <p> + The descendants of the Gauls, however, constitute the mass of the people + in Central France. The Gauls, or Galatians, are supposed to have come from + the central district of Asia Minor. They were always a warlike people. In + their wanderings westward, they passed through the north of Italy and + entered France, where they settled in large numbers. Dr. Smith, in his + Dictionary of the Bible, says that "Galatai is the same word as Keltici," + which indicates that the Gauls were Kelts. It is supposed that St. Paul + wrote his Epistle to the Galatians soon after his visit to the country of + their origin. "Its abruptness and severity, and the sadness of its tone, + are caused by their sudden perversion from the doctrine which the Apostle + had taught them, and which at first they had received so willingly. It is + no fancy, if we see in this fickleness a specimen of that 'esprit + impretueux, ouvert a toutes les impressions,' and that 'mobilite extreme,' + which Thierry marks as characteristic of the Gaulish race." At all events, + the language of the Gauls disappeared in Central France to make way for + the language or the Capital—the modern French, founded on the Latin. + The Gaulish race, nevertheless, preserved their characteristics—quickness, + lightness, mobility, and elasticity—qualities which enabled them + quickly to conceive new ideas, and at the same time to quickly abandon + them. The Franks had given the country the name it now bears—that of + France. But they were long regarded as enemies by the Central and Southern + Gauls. In Gascony, the foreigner was called Low Franciman, and was + regarded with suspicion and dislike. + </p> + <p> + "This term of Franciman," says Miss Costello, who travelled through the + country and studied the subject, "evidently belongs to a period of the + English occupation of Aquitaine, when a Frenchman was another word for an + enemy."{3} But the word has probably a more remote origin. When the + Franks, of German origin, burst into Gaul, and settled in the country + north of the Loire, and afterwards carried their conquests to the + Pyrenees, the Franks were regarded as enemies in the south of France. + </p> + <p> + "Then all the countries," says Thierry, "united by force to the empire of + the Franks, and over which in consequence of this union, the name of + France had extended itself, made unheard-of efforts to reconquer their + ancient names and places. Of all the Gallic provinces, none but the + southern ones succeeded in this great enterprise; and after the wars of + insurrection, which, under the sons of Charlemagne, succeeded the wars of + conquest, Aquitaine and Provence became distinct states. Among the South + Eastern provinces reappeared even the ancient name of Gaul, which had for + ever perished north of the Loire. The chiefs of the new Kingdom of Aries, + which extended from the Jura to the Alps, took the title of Gaul in + opposition to the Kings of France."{4} + </p> + <p> + It is probable that this was the cause of the name of "Franciman" being + regarded as an hereditary term of reproach in the Gaulish country south of + the Loire. Gascon and Provencal were the principal dialects which remained + in the South, though Littre classes them together as the language of the + Troubadours. + </p> + <p> + They were both well understood in the South; and Jasmin's recitations were + received with as much enthusiasm at Nimes, Aries, and Marseilles, as at + Toulouse, Agen, and Bordeaux. + </p> + <p> + Mezzofanti, a very Tower of Babel in dialects and languages, said of the + Provencal, that it was the only patois of the Middle Ages, with its + numerous derivations from the Greek, the Arabic, and the Latin, which has + survived the various revolutions of language. The others have been altered + and modified. They have suffered from the caprices of victory or of + fortune. Of all the dialects of the Roman tongue, this patois alone + preserves its purity and life. It still remains the sonorous and + harmonious language of the Troubadours. The patois has the suppleness of + the Italian, the sombre majesty of the Spanish, the energy and preciseness + of the Latin, with the "Molle atque facetum, le dolce de, l'Ionic;" which + still lives among the Phoceens of Marseilles. The imagination and genius + of Gascony have preserved the copious richness of the language. + </p> + <p> + M. de Lavergne, in his notice of Jasmin's works, frankly admits the local + jealousy which existed between the Troubadours of Gascony and Provence. + There seemed, he said, to be nothing disingenuous in the silence of the + Provencals as to Jasmin's poems. They did not allow that he borrowed from + them, any more than that they borrowed from him. These men of Southern + France are born in the land of poetry. It breathes in their native air. It + echoes round them in its varied measures. Nay, the rhymes which are its + distinguishing features, pervade their daily talk. + </p> + <p> + The seeds lie dormant in their native soil, and when trodden under foot, + they burst through the ground and evolve their odour in the open air. + Gascon and Provencal alike preserve the same relation to the classic + romance—that lovely but short-lived eldest daughter of the Latin—the + language of the Troubadours. + </p> + <p> + We have said that the Gascon dialect was gradually expiring when Jasmin + undertook its revival. His success in recovering and restoring it, and + presenting it in a written form, was the result of laborious + investigation. He did not at first realize the perfect comprehension of + the idiom, but he eventually succeeded by patient perseverance, When we + read his poems, we are enabled to follow, step by step, his lexicological + progress. + </p> + <p> + At first, he clung to the measures most approved in French poetry, + especially to Alexandrines and Iambic tetrameters, and to their irregular + association in a sort of ballad metre, which in England has been best + handled by Robert Browning in his fine ballad of 'Harve; Riel.' + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's first rhymes were written upon curl papers, and then used on the + heads of his lady customers. When the spirit of original poetry within him + awoke, his style changed. Genius brought sweet music from his heart and + mind. Imagination spiritualised his nature, lifted his soul above the + cares of ordinary life, and awakened the consciousness of his affinity + with what is pure and noble. Jasmin sang as a bird sings; at first in weak + notes, then in louder, until at length his voice filled the skies. Near + the end of his life he was styled the Saint Vincent de Paul of poetry. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin might be classed among the Uneducated Poets. But what poet is not + uneducated at the beginning of his career? The essential education of the + poet is not taught in the schools. + </p> + <p> + The lowly man, against whom the asperities of his lot have closed the + doors of worldly academies, may nevertheless have some special vocation + for the poetic life. Academies cannot shut him out from the odour of the + violet or the song of the nightingale. He hears the lark's song filling + the heavens, as the happy bird fans the milk-white cloud with its wings. + He listens to the purling of the brook, the bleating of the lamb, the song + of the milkmaid, and the joyous cry of the reaper. Thus his mind is daily + fed with the choicest influences of nature. He cannot but appreciate the + joy, the glory, the unconscious delight of living. "The beautiful is + master of a star." This feeling of beauty is the nurse of civilisation and + true refinement. Have we not our Burns, who + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "in glory and in joy + Followed his plough along the mountain side;" +</pre> + <p> + Clare, the peasant boy; Bloomfield, the farmer's lad; Tannahill, the + weaver; Allan Ramsay, the peruke-maker; Cooper, the shoemaker; and + Critchley Prince, the factory-worker; but greater than these was + Shakespeare,—though all were of humble origin. + </p> + <p> + France too has had its uneducated poets. Though the ancient song-writers + of France were noble; Henry IV., author of Charmante Gabrielle; Thibault, + Count of Champagne; Lusignan, Count de la Marche; Raval, Blondel, and + Basselin de la Vive, whose songs were as joyous as the juice of his + grapes; yet some of the best French poets of modem times have been of + humble origin—Marmontel, Moliere, Rousseau, and Beranger. There were + also Reboul, the baker; Hibley, the working-tailor; Gonzetta, the + shoemaker; Durand, the joiner; Marchand, the lacemaker; Voileau, the + sail-maker; + </p> + <p> + Magu, the weaver; Poucy, the mason; Germiny, the cooper;{5} and finally, + Jasmin the barber and hair dresser, who was not the least of the + Uneducated Poets. + </p> + <p> + The first poem which Jasmin composed in the Gascon dialect was written in + 1822, when he was only twenty-four years old. It was entitled La fidelitat + Agenoso, which he subsequently altered to Me cal Mouri (Il me fait + mourir), or "Let me die." It is a languishing romantic poem, after the + manner of Florian, Jasmin's first master in poetry. It was printed at Agen + in a quarto form, and sold for a franc. Jasmin did not attach his name to + the poem, but only his initials. + </p> + <p> + Sainte-Beuve, in his notice of the poem, says, "It is a pretty, + sentimental romance, showing that Jasmin possessed the brightness and + sensibility of the Troubadours. As one may say, he had not yet quitted the + guitar for the flageolet; and Marot, who spoke of his flageolet, had not, + in the midst of his playful spirit, those tender accents which contrasted + so well with his previous compositions. And did not Henry IV., in the + midst of his Gascon gaieties and sallies, compose his sweet song of + Charmante Gabrielle? Jasmin indeed is the poet who is nearest the region + of Henry IV."{6} Me cal Mouri was set to music by Fourgons, and obtained + great popularity in the south. It was known by heart, and sung everywhere; + in Agen, Toulouse, and throughout Provence. It was not until the + publication of the first volume of his poems that it was known to be the + work of Jasmin. + </p> + <p> + Miss Louisa Stuart Costello, when making her pilgrimage in the South of + France, relates that, in the course of her journey," A friend repeated to + me two charming ballads picked up in Languedoc, where there is a variety + in the patois. I cannot resist giving them here, that my readers may + compare the difference of dialect. I wrote them clown, however, merely by + ear, and am not aware that they have ever been printed. The mixture of + French, Spanish, and Italian is very curious."{7} + </p> + <p> + As the words of Jasmin's romance were written down by Miss Costello from + memory, they are not quite accurate; but her translation into English + sufficiently renders the poet's meaning. The following is the first verse + of Jasmin's poem in Gascon— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Deja la ney encrumis la naturo, + Tout es tranquille et tout cargo lou dol; + Dins lou clouche la brezago murmuro, + Et lou tuquet succedo al rossignol: + Del mal, helas! bebi jusq'a la ligo, + Moun co gemis sans espouer de gari; + Plus de bounhur, ey perdut moun amigo, + Me cal mouri! me cal mouri!" +</pre> + <p> + Which Miss Costello thus translates into English: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Already sullen night comes sadly on, + And nature's form is clothed with mournful weeds; + Around the tower is heard the breeze's moan, + And to the nightingale the bat succeeds. + Oh! I have drained the cup of misery, + My fainting heart has now no hope in store. + Ah! wretched me! what have I but to die? + For I have lost my love for evermore!" +</pre> + <p> + There are four verses in the poem, but the second verse may also be given + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Fair, tender Phoebe, hasten on thy course, + My woes revive while I behold thee shine, + For of my hope thou art no more the source, + And of my happiness no more the sign. + Oh! I have drained the cup of misery, + My fainting heart has now no bliss in store. + Ah! wretched me! what have I but to die? + Since I have lost my love for evermore!" +</pre> + <p> + The whole of the poem was afterwards translated into modem French, and, + though somewhat artificial, it became as popular in the north as in the + south. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's success in his native town, and his growing popularity, + encouraged him to proceed with the making of verses. His poems were + occasionally inserted in the local journals; but the editors did not + approve of his use of the expiring Gascon dialect. They were of opinion + that his works might be better appreciated if they appeared in modern + French. Gascon was to a large extent a foreign language, and greatly + interfered with Jasmin's national reputation as a poet. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless he held on his way, and continued to write his verses in + Gascon. They contained many personal lyrics, tributes, dedications, hymns + for festivals, and impromptus, scarcely worthy of being collected and + printed. Jasmin said of the last description of verse: "One can only pay a + poetical debt by means of impromptus, and though they may be good money of + the heart, they are almost always bad money of the head." + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's next poem was The Charivari (Lou Charibari), also written in + Gascon. It was composed in 1825, when he was twenty-seven years old; and + dedicated to M. Duprount, the Advocate, who was himself a poetaster. The + dedication contained some fine passages of genuine beauty and graceful + versification. It was in some respects an imitation of the Lutrin of + Boileau. It was very different from the doggerel in which he had taken + part with his humpbacked father so long ago. Then he had blown the + cow-horn, now he spoke with the tongue of a trumpet. The hero of Jasmin's + Charivari was one Aduber, an old widower, who dreamt of remarrying. It + reminded one of the strains of Beranger; in other passages of the + mock-heroic poem of Boileau. + </p> + <p> + Though the poem when published was read with much interest, it was not + nearly so popular as Me cal Mouri. This last-mentioned poem, his first + published work, touched the harp of sadness; while his Charivari displayed + the playfulness of joy. Thus, at the beginning of his career, Jasmin + revealed himself as a poet in two very different styles; in one, touching + the springs of grief, and in the other exhibiting brightness and + happiness. At the end of the same year he sounded his third and deepest + note in his poem On the Death of General Foy—one of France's truest + patriots. Now his lyre was complete; it had its three strings—of + sadness, joy, and sorrow. + </p> + <p> + These three poems—Me cal Mouri, the Charivari, and the ode On the + Death of General Foy, with some other verses—were published in 1825. + What was to be the title of the volume? As Adam, the carpenter-poet of + Nevers, had entitled his volume of poetry 'Shavings,' so Jasmin decided to + name his collection 'The Curl-papers of Jasmin, Coiffeur of Agen.' The + title was a good one, and the subsequent volumes of his works were known + as La Papillotos (the Curl-papers) of Jasmin. The publication of this + first volume served to make Jasmin's name popular beyond the town in which + they had been composed and published. His friend M. Gaze said of him, that + during the year 1825 he had been marrying his razor with the swan's quill; + and that his hand of velvet in shaving was even surpassed by his skill in + verse-making. + </p> + <p> + Charles Nodier, his old friend, who had entered the barber's shop some + years before to intercede between the poet and his wife, sounded Jasmin's + praises in the Paris journals. He confessed that he had been greatly + struck with the Charivari, and boldly declared that the language of the + Troubadours, which everyone supposed to be dead, was still in full life in + France; that it not only lived, but that at that very moment a poor barber + at Agen, without any instruction beyond that given by the fields, the + woods, and the heavens, had written a serio-comic poem which, at the risk + of being thought crazy by his colleagues of the Academy, he considered to + be better composed than the Lutrin of Boileau, and even better than one of + Pope's masterpieces, the Rape of the Lock. + </p> + <p> + The first volume of the Papillotes sold very well; and the receipts from + its sale not only increased Jasmin's income, but also increased his + national reputation. Jasmin was not, however, elated by success. He + remained simple, frugal, honest, and hard-working. He was not carried off + his feet by eclat. Though many illustrious strangers, when passing through + Agen, called upon and interviewed the poetical coiffeur, he quietly went + back to his razors, his combs, and his periwigs, and cheerfully pursued + the business that he could always depend upon in his time of need. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes to Chapter V. + </p> + <p> + {1}Hallam's 'Middle Ages,' iii. 434. 12th edit. (Murray.) + </p> + <p> + {2} His words are these: "La conception m'en fut suggeree par mes etudes + sur la vieille langue francaise ou langue d'oil. Je fus si frappe des + liens qui unissent le francais moderne au francais ancien, j'apercus tant + de cas ou les sens et des locutions du jour ne s'expliquent que par les + sens et les locutions d'autrefois, tant d'exemples ou la forme des mots + n'est pas intelligible sans les formes qui ont precede, qu'il me sembla + que la doctrine et meme l'usage de la langue restent mal assis s'ils ne + reposent sur leur base antique." (Preface, ii.) + </p> + <p> + {3} 'Bearn and the Pyrenees,' i. 348. + </p> + <p> + {4} THIERRY—'Historical Essays,' No. XXIV. + </p> + <p> + {5} Les Poetes du Peuple an xix. Siecle. Par Alphonse Viollet. Paris, + 1846. + </p> + <p> + {6} Portraits contemporains, ii. 61 (ed. 1847). + </p> + <p> + {7} 'Pilgrimage to Auvergne,' ii. 210. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. MISCELLANEOUS VERSES—BERANGER—'MES SOUVENIRS'—PAUL + DE + </h2> + <p> + MUSSET. + </p> + <p> + During the next four years Jasmin composed no work of special importance. + He occasionally wrote poetry, but chiefly on local subjects. In 1828 he + wrote an impromptu to M. Pradel, who had improvised a Gascon song in + honour of the poet. The Gascon painter, Champmas, had compared Jasmin to a + ray of sunshine, and in 1829 the poet sent him a charming piece of verse + in return for his compliment. + </p> + <p> + In 1830 Jasmin composed The Third of May, which was translated into French + by M. Duvigneau. It appears that the Count of Dijon had presented to the + town of Nerac, near Agen, a bronze statue of Henry IV., executed by the + sculptor Raggi—of the same character as the statue erected to the + same monarch at Pau. But though Henry IV. was born at Pau, Nerac was + perhaps more identified with him, for there he had his strong castle, + though only its ruins now remain. + </p> + <p> + Nerac was at one time almost the centre of the Reformation in France. + Clement Marot, the poet of the Reformed faith, lived there; and the house + of Theodore de Beze, who emigrated to Geneva, still exists. The Protestant + faith extended to Agen and the neighbouring towns. When the Roman + Catholics obtained the upper hand, persecutions began. Vindocin, the + pastor, was burned alive at Agen. J. J. Scaliger was an eye-witness of the + burning, and he records the fact that not less than 300 victims perished + for their faith. + </p> + <p> + At a later time Nerac, which had been a prosperous town, was ruined by the + Revocation of the Edict of Nantes; for the Protestant population, who had + been the most diligent and industrious in the town and neighbourhood, were + all either "converted," hanged, sent to the galleys, or forced to emigrate + to England, Holland, or Prussia. Nevertheless, the people of Nerac + continued to be proud of their old monarch. + </p> + <p> + The bronze statue of Henry IV. was unveiled in 1829. On one side + </p> + <p> + of the marble pedestal supporting the statue were the words "Alumno, mox + patri nostro, Henrico quarto," and on the reverse side was a verse in the + Gascon dialect: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Brabes Gascons! + A moun amou per bous aou dibes creyre; + Benes! Benes! ey plaze de bous beyre! + Approucha-bous!" +</pre> + <p> + The words were assumed to be those of; Henry IV., and may be thus + translated into English: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Brave Gascons! + You may well trust my love for you; + Come! come! I leave to you my glory! + Come near! Approach!"{1} +</pre> + <p> + It is necessary to explain how the verse in Gascon came to be engraved on + the pedestal of the statue. The Society of Agriculture, Sciences, and + Arts, of Agen, offered a prize of 300 francs for the best Ode to the + memory of Henry the Great. Many poems were accordingly sent in to the + Society; and, after some consideration, it was thought that the prize + should be awarded to M. Jude Patissie. But amongst the thirty-nine poems + which had been presented for examination, it was found that two had been + written in the Gascon dialect. The committee were at first of opinion that + they could not award the prize to the author of any poem written in the + vulgar tongue. At the same time they reported that one of the poems + written in Gascon possessed such real merit, that the committee decided by + a unanimous vote that a prize should be awarded to the author of the best + poem written in the Gascon dialect. Many poems were accordingly sent in + and examined. Lou Tres de May was selected as the best; and on the letter + attached to the poem being opened, the president proclaimed the author to + be "Jasmin, Coiffeur." After the decision of the Society at Agen, the + people of Nerac desired to set their seal upon their judgment, and they + accordingly caused the above words to be engraved on the reverse side of + the pedestal supporting the statue of Henry IV. Jasmin's poem was crowned + by the Academy of Agen; and though it contained many fine verses, it had + the same merits and the same defects as the Charivari, published a few + years before. + </p> + <p> + M. Rodiere, Professor of Law at Toulouse, was of opinion that during the + four years during which Jasmin produced no work of any special importance, + he was carefully studying Gascon; for it ought to be known that the + language in which Godolin wrote his fine poems is not without its + literature. "The fact," says Rodiere, "that Jasmin used some of his time + in studying the works of Godolin is, that while in Lou Charibari there are + some French words ill-disguised in a Gascon dress, on the other hand, from + the year 1830, there are none; and the language of Jasmin is the same as + the language of Godolin, except for a few trifling differences, due to the + different dialects of Agen and Toulouse." + </p> + <p> + Besides studying Gascon, Jasmin had some military duties to perform. He + was corporal of the third company of the National Guard of Agen; and in + 1830 he addressed his comrades in a series of verses. One of these was a + song entitled 'The Flag of Liberty' (Lou Drapeou de la Libertat); another, + 'The Good All-merciful God!' (Lou Boun Diou liberal); and the third was + Lou Seromen. + </p> + <p> + Two years later, in 1832, Jasmin composed The Gascons, which he improvised + at a banquet given to the non-commissioned officers of the 14th Chasseurs. + Of course, the improvisation was carefully prepared; and it was composed + in French, as the non-commissioned officers did not understand the Gascon + dialect. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin extolled the valour of the French, and especially of the Gascons. + The last lines of his eulogy ran as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "O Liberty! mother of victory, + Thy flag always brings us success! + Though as Gascons we sing of thy glory, + We chastise our foes with the French!" +</pre> + <p> + In the same year Jasmin addressed the poet Beranger in a pleasant poetical + letter written in classical French. Beranger replied in prose; his answer + was dated the 12th of July, 1832. He thanked Jasmin for his fervent + eulogy. While he thought that the Gascon poet's praise of his works was + exaggerated, he believed in his sincerity. + </p> + <p> + "I hasten," said Beranger, "to express my thanks for the kindness of your + address. Believe in my sincerity, as I believe in your praises. Your + exaggeration of my poetical merits makes me repeat the first words of your + address, in which you assume the title of a Gascon{2} poet. It would + please me much better if you would be a French poet, as you prove by your + epistle, which is written with taste and harmony. The sympathy of our + sentiments has inspired you to praise me in a manner which I am far from + meriting, Nevertheless, sir, I am proud of your sympathy. + </p> + <p> + "You have been born and brought up in the same condition as myself. Like + me, you appear to have triumphed over the absence of scholastic + instruction, and, like me too, you love your country. You reproach me, + sir, with the silence which I have for some time preserved. At the end of + this year I intend to publish my last volume; I will then take my leave of + the public. I am now fifty-two years old. I am tired of the world. My + little mission is fulfilled, and the public has had enough of me. I am + therefore making arrangements for retiring. Without the desire for living + longer, I have broken silence too soon. At least you must pardon the + silence of one who has never demanded anything of his country. I care + nothing about power, and have now merely the ambition of a morsel of bread + and repose. + </p> + <p> + "I ask your pardon for submitting to you these personal details. But your + epistle makes it my duty. I thank you again for the pleasure you have + given me. I do not understand the language of Languedoc, but, if you speak + this language as you write French, I dare to prophecy a true success in + the further publication of your works.—BERANGER."{3} + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this advice of Beranger and other critics, Jasmin + continued to write his poems in the Gascon dialect. He had very little + time to spare for the study of classical French; he was occupied with the + trade by which he earned his living, and his business was increasing. His + customers were always happy to hear him recite his poetry while he shaved + their beards or dressed their hair. + </p> + <p> + He was equally unfortunate with M. Minier of Bordeaux. Jasmin addressed + him in a Gascon letter full of bright poetry, not unlike Burns's Vision, + when he dreamt of becoming a song-writer. The only consolation that Jasmin + received from M. Minier was a poetical letter, in which the poet was + implored to retain his position and not to frequent the society of + distinguished persons. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the finest work which Jasmin composed at this period of his life + was that which he entitled Mous Soubenis, or 'My Recollections.' In none + of his poems did he display more of the characteristic qualities of his + mind, his candour, his pathos, and his humour, than in these verses. He + used the rustic dialect, from which he never afterwards departed. He + showed that the Gascon was not yet a dead language; and he lifted it to + the level of the most serious themes. His verses have all the greater + charm because of their artless gaiety, their delicate taste, and the + sweetness of their cadence. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin began to compose his 'Recollections' in 1830, but the two first + cantos were not completed until two years later. The third canto was added + in 1835, when the poem was published in the first volume of his + 'Curl-Papers' (Papillotes). These recollections, in fact, constitute + Jasmin's autobiography, and we are indebted to them for the description we + have already given of the poet's early life. + </p> + <p> + Many years later Jasmin wrote his Mous noubels Soubenis—'My New + Recollections'; but in that work he returned to the trials and the + enjoyments of his youth, and described few of the events of his later + life. "What a pity," says M. Rodiere, "that Jasmin did not continue to + write his impressions until the end of his life! What trouble he would + have saved his biographers! For how can one speak when Jasmin ceases to + sing?" + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary to return to the autobiography and repeat the + confessions of Jasmin's youth. His joys and sorrows are all described + there—his birth in the poverty-stricken dwelling in the Rue Fon de + Rache, his love for his parents, his sports with his playfellows on the + banks of the Garonne, his blowing the horn in his father's Charivaris, his + enjoyment of the tit-bits which old Boe brought home from his + begging-tours, the decay of the old man, and his conveyance to the + hospital, "where all the Jasmins die;" then his education at the Academy, + his toying with the house-maid, his stealing the preserves, his expulsion + from the seminary, and the sale of his mother's wedding-ring to buy bread + for her family. + </p> + <p> + While composing the first two cantos of the Souvenirs he seemed half + ashamed of the homeliness of the tale he had undertaken to relate. Should + he soften and brighten it? Should he dress it up with false lights and + colours? For there are times when falsehood in silk and gold are + acceptable, and the naked new-born truth is unwelcome. But he repudiated + the thought, and added:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Myself, nor less, nor more, I'll draw for you, + And if not bright, the likeness shall be true." +</pre> + <p> + The third canto of the poem was composed at intervals. It took him two + more years to finish it. It commences with his apprenticeship to the + barber; describes his first visit to the theatre, his reading of Florian's + romances and poems, his solitary meditations, and the birth and growth of + his imagination. Then he falls in love, and a new era opens in his life. + He writes verses and sings them. He opens a barber's shop of his own, + marries, and brings his young bride home. "Two angels," he says, "took up + their abode with me." His newly-wedded wife was one, and the other was his + rustic Muse—the angel of homely pastoral poetry: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Who, fluttering softly from on high, + Raised on his wing and bore me far, + Where fields of balmiest ether are; + There, in the shepherd lassie's speech + I sang a song, or shaped a rhyme; + There learned I stronger love than I can teach. + Oh, mystic lessons! Happy time! + And fond farewells I said, when at the close of day, + Silent she led my spirit back whence it was borne away!" +</pre> + <p> + He then speaks of the happiness of his wedded life; he shaves and sings + most joyfully. A little rivulet of silver passes into the barber's shop, + and, in a fit of poetic ardour, he breaks into pieces and burns the + wretched arm-chair in which his ancestors were borne to the hospital to + die. His wife no longer troubles him with her doubts as to his verses + interfering with his business. She supplies him with pen, paper, ink, and + a comfortable desk; and, in course of time, he buys the house in which he + lives, and becomes a man of importance in Agen. He ends the third canto + with a sort of hurrah— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Thus, reader, have I told my tale in cantos three: + Though still I sing, I hazard no great risk; + For should Pegasus rear and fling me, it is clear, + However ruffled all my fancies fair, + I waste my time, 'tis true; though verses I may lose, + The paper still will serve for curling hair."{4} +</pre> + <p> + Robert Nicoll, the Scotch poet, said of his works: "I have written my + heart in my poems; and rude, unfinished, and hasty as they are, it can be + read there." Jasmin might have used the same words. "With all my faults," + he said, "I desired to write the truth, and I have described it as I saw + it." + </p> + <p> + In his 'Recollections' he showed without reserve his whole heart. Jasmin + dedicated his 'Recollections,' when finished, to M. Florimond de + Saint-Amand, one of the first gentlemen who recognised his poetical + talents. This was unquestionably the first poem in which Jasmin exhibited + the true bent of his genius. He avoided entirely the French models which + he had before endeavoured to imitate; and he now gave full flight to the + artless gaiety and humour of his Gascon muse. It is unfortunate that the + poem cannot be translated into English. It was translated into French; but + even in that kindred language it lost much of its beauty and pathos. The + more exquisite the poetry that is contained in one language, the more + difficulty there is in translating it into another. + </p> + <p> + M. Charles Nodier said of Lou Tres de May that it contains poetic thoughts + conveyed in exquisite words; but it is impossible to render it into any + language but its own. In the case of the Charivari he shrinks from + attempting to translate it. There is one passage containing a superb + description of the rising of the sun in winter; but two of the lines quite + puzzled him. In Gascon they are + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Quand l'Auroro, fourrado en raoubo de sati, + Desparrouillo, san brut, las portos del mati.' +</pre> + <p> + Some of the words translated into French might seem vulgar, though in + Gascon they are beautiful. In English they might be rendered: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "When Aurora, enfurred in her robe of satin, + Unbars, without noise, the doors of the morning." +</pre> + <p> + "Dream if you like," says Nodier, "of the Aurora of winter, and tell me if + Homer could have better robed it in words. The Aurora of Jasmin is quite + his own; 'unbars the doors of the morning'; it is done without noise, like + a goddess, patient and silent, who announces herself to mortals only by + her brightness of light. It is this finished felicity of expression which + distinguishes great writers. The vulgar cannot accomplish it." + </p> + <p> + Again Nodier says of the 'Recollections': "They are an ingenuous marvel of + gaiety, sensibility, and passion! I use," he says, "this expression of + enthusiasm; and I regret that I cannot be more lavish in my praises. There + is almost nothing in modem literature, and scarcely anything in ancient, + which has moved me more profoundly than the Souvenirs of Jasmin. + </p> + <p> + "Happy and lovely children of Guienne and Languedoc, read and re-read the + Souvenirs of Jasmin; they will give you painful recollections of public + schools, and perhaps give you hope of better things to come. You will + learn by heart what you will never forget. You will know from this poetry + all that you ought to treasure." + </p> + <p> + Jasmin added several other poems to his collection before his second + volume appeared in 1835. Amongst these were his lines on the Polish nation—Aux + debris de la Nation Polonaise, and Les Oiseaux Voyageurs, ou Les Polonais + en France—both written in Gascon. Saint-beuve thinks the latter one + of Jasmin's best works. "It is full of pathos," he says, "and rises to the + sublime through its very simplicity. It is indeed difficult to exaggerate + the poetic instinct and the unaffected artlessness of this amiable bard. + "At the same time," he said, "Jasmin still wanted the fire of passion to + reach the noblest poetic work. Yet he had the art of style. If Agen was + renowned as 'the eye of Guienne,' Jasmin was certainly the greatest poet + who had ever written in the pure patois of Agen." + </p> + <p> + Sainte-Beuve also said of Jasmin that he was "invariably sober." And + Jasmin said of himself, "I have learned that in moments of heat and + emotion we are all eloquent and laconic, alike in speech and action—unconscious + poets in fact; and I have also learned that it is possible for a muse to + become all this willingly, and by dint of patient toil." + </p> + <p> + Another of his supplementary poems consisted of a dialogue between Ramoun, + a soldier of the Old Guard, and Mathiou, a peasant. It is of a political + cast, and Jasmin did not shine in politics. He was, however, always a + patriot, whether under the Empire, the Monarchy, or the Republic. He loved + France above all things, while he entertained the warmest affection for + his native province. If Jasmin had published his volume in classical + French he might have been lost amidst a crowd of rhymers; but as he + published the work in his native dialect, he became forthwith + distinguished in his neighbourhood, and was ever after known as the Gascon + poet. + </p> + <p> + Nor did he long remain unknown beyond the district in which he lived. When + his second volume appeared in 1835, with a preface by M. Baze, an advocate + of the Royal Court of Agen, it created considerable excitement, not only + at Bordeaux and Toulouse, but also at Paris, the centre of the literature, + science, and fine arts of France. There, men of the highest distinction + welcomed the work with enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + M. Baze, in his preface, was very eulogistic. "We have the pleasure," he + said, "of seeing united in one collection the sweet Romanic tongue which + the South of France has adopted, like the privileged children of her + lovely sky and voluptuous climate; and her lyrical songs, whose masculine + vigour and energetic sentiments have more than once excited patriotic + transports and awakened popular enthusiasm. For Jasmin is above all a poet + of the people. He is not ashamed of his origin. He was born in the midst + of them, and though a poet, still belongs to them. For genius is of all + stations and ranks of life. He is but a hairdresser at Agen, and more than + that, he wishes to remain so. His ambition is to unite the razor to the + poet's pen." + </p> + <p> + At Paris the work was welcomed with applause, first by his poetic sponsor, + Charles Nodier, in the Temps, where he congratulated Jasmin on using the + Gascon patois, though still under the ban of literature. "It is a + veritable Saint Bartholomew of innocent and beautiful idioms, which can + scarcely be employed even in the hours of recreation." He pronounced + Jasmin to be a Gascon Beranger, and quoted several of his lines from the + Charivari, but apologised for their translation into French, fearing that + they might lose much of their rustic artlessness and soft harmony. + </p> + <p> + What was a still greater honour, Jasmin was reviewed by the first critic + of France—Sainte-Beuve in the leading critical journal, the Revue + des deux Mondes. The article was afterwards republished in his + Contemporary Portraits.{5} He there gives a general account of his poems; + compares him with the English and Scotch poets of the working class; and + contrasts him with Reboul, the baker of Nimes, who writes in classical + French, after the manner of the 'Meditations of Lamartine.' He proceeds to + give a brief account of Jasmin's life, taken from the Souvenirs, which he + regards as a beautiful work, written with much artlessness and simplicity. + </p> + <p> + Various other reviews of Jasmin's poems appeared, in Agen, Bordeaux, + Toulouse, and Paris, by men of literary mark—by Leonce de Lavergne, + and De Mazude in the Revue des deux Mondes—by Charles Labitte, M. + Ducuing, and M. de Pontmartin. The latter classed Jasmin with Theocritus, + Horace, and La Fontaine, and paid him the singular tribute, "that he had + made Goodness as attractive as other French writers had made Badness." + Such criticisms as these made Jasmin popular, not only in his own + district, but throughout France. + </p> + <p> + We cannot withhold the interesting statement of Paul de Musset as to his + interview with Jasmin in 1836, after the publication of his second volume + of poems. Paul de Musset was the author of several novels, as well as of + Lui et Elle, apropos of his brother's connection with George Sand. Paul de + Musset thus describes his visit to the poet at Agen.{6} + </p> + <p> + "Let no one return northward by the direct road from Toulouse. Nothing can + be more dreary than the Lot, the Limousin, and the interminable Dordogne; + but make for Bordeaux by the plains of Gascony, and do not forget the + steamboat from Marmande. You will then find yourself on the Garonne, in + the midst of a beautiful country, where the air is vigorous and healthy. + The roads are bordered with vines, arranged in arches, lovely to the eyes + of travellers. The poets, who delight in making the union of the vine with + the trees which support it an emblem of marriage, can verify their + comparisons only in Gascony or Italy. It is usually pear trees that are + used to support them.... + </p> + <p> + "Thanks to M. Charles Nodier, who had discovered a man of modest talent + buried in this province, I knew a little of the verses of the Gascon poet + Jasmin. Early one morning, at about seven, the diligence stopped in the + middle of a Place, where I read this inscription over a shop-door, + 'Jasmin, Coiffeur des jeunes gens.' We were at Agen. I descended, + swallowed my cup of coffee as fast as I could, and entered the shop of the + most lettered of peruke-makers. On a table was a mass of pamphlets and + some of the journals of the South. + </p> + <p> + "'Monsieur Jasmin?' said I on entering. 'Here I am, sir, at your service,' + replied a handsome brown-haired fellow, with a cheerful expression, who + seemed to me about thirty years of age. + </p> + <p> + "'Will you shave me?' I asked. 'Willingly, sir,' he replied, I sat down + and we entered into conversation. 'I have read your verses, sir,' said I, + while he was covering my chin with lather. + </p> + <p> + "'Monsieur then comprehends the patois?' 'A little,' I said; 'one of my + friends has explained to me the difficult passages. But tell me, Monsieur + Jasmin, why is it that you, who appear to know French perfectly, write in + a language that is not spoken in any chief town or capital.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, sir, how could a poor rhymer like me appear amongst the great + celebrities of Paris? I have sold eighteen hundred copies of my little + pieces of poetry (in pamphlet form), and certainly all who speak Gascon + know them well. Remember that there are at least six millions of people in + Languedoc.' + </p> + <p> + "My mouth was covered with soap-suds, and I could not answer him for some + time. Then I said, 'But a hundred thousand persons at most know how to + read, and twenty thousand of them can scarcely be able to enjoy your + works.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, sir, I am content with that amount. Perhaps you have at Paris more + than one writer who possesses his twenty thousand readers. My little + reputation would soon carry me astray if I ventured to address all Europe. + The voice that appears sonorous in a little place is not heard in the + midst of a vast plain. And then, my readers are confined within a radius + of forty leagues, and the result is of real advantage to an author.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah! And why do you not abandon your razor?' I enquired of this singular + poet. 'What would you have?' he said. 'The Muses are most capricious; + to-day they give gold, to-morrow they refuse bread. The razor secures me + soup, and perhaps a bottle of Bordeaux. Besides, my salon is a little + literary circle, where all the young people of the town assemble. When I + come from one of the academies of which I am a member, I find myself among + the tools which I can manage better than my pen; and most of the members + of the circle usually pass through my hands.' + </p> + <p> + "It is a fact that M. Jasmin shaves more skilfully than any other poet. + After a long conversation with this simple-minded man, I experienced a + certain confusion in depositing upon his table the amount of fifty + centimes which I owed him on this occasion, more for his talent than for + his razor; and I remounted the diligence more than charmed with the + modesty of his character and demeanour." + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter VI. + </p> + <p> + {1} M. Duvigneau thus translated the words into French: he begins his + verses by announcing the birth of Henry IV.:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "A son aspect, mille cris d'allegresse + Ebranlent le palais et montent jusqu'au ciel: + Le voila beau comme dans sa jeunesse, + Alors qu'il recevait le baiser maternel. + A ce peuple charme qui des yeux le devore + Le bon Roi semble dire encore: + 'Braves Gascons, accourez tous; + A mon amour pour vous vous devez croire; + Je met a vous revoir mon bonheur et ma gloire, + Venez, venez, approchez-vous!'" +</pre> + <p> + {2} Gascon or Gasconade is often used as implying boasting or gasconading. + </p> + <p> + {3} This letter was written before Jasmin had decided to publish the + second volume of his Papillotes, which appeared in 1835. + </p> + <p> + {4} The following are the lines in Gascon:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Atai boudroy dan bous fini ma triplo paouzo; + Mais anfin, ey cantat, n'hazardi pas gran caouzo: + Quand Pegazo reguinno, et que d'un cot de pe + M'emboyo friza mas marotos, + Perdi moun ten, es bray, mais noun pas moun pape; + Boti mous bers en papillotos!" +</pre> + <p> + {5} 'Portraits Contemporains,' ii. 50. Par C. A. Sainte-Beuve, Membre de + l'Academie Francaise. 1847. + </p> + <p> + {6} 'Perpignan, l'Ariege et le poete Jasmin' (Journal politique et + litteraire de Lot-et-Garonne). + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. 'THE BLIND GIRL OF CASTEL-CUILLE.' + </h2> + <p> + Jasmin was now thirty-six years old. He was virtually in the prime of + life. He had been dreaming, he had been thinking, for many years, of + composing some poems of a higher order than his Souvenirs. He desired to + embody in his work some romantic tales in verse, founded upon local + legends, noble in conception, elaborated with care, and impressive by the + dignity of simple natural passion. + </p> + <p> + In these new lyrical poems his intention was to aim high, and he succeeded + to a marvellous extent. He was enabled to show the depth and strength of + his dramatic powers, his fidelity in the description of romantic and + picturesque incidents, his shrewdness in reading character and his skill + in representing it, all of which he did in perfect innocence of all + established canons in the composition of dramatic poetry. + </p> + <p> + The first of Jasmin's poetical legends was 'The Blind Girl of + Castel-Cuille' (L'Abuglo). It was translated into English, a few years + after its appearance, by Lady Georgiana Fullerton, daughter of the British + ambassador at Paris,{1} and afterwards by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the + American poet. Longfellow follows the rhythm of the original, and on the + whole his translation of the poem is more correct, so that his version is + to be preferred. He begins his version with these words— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Only the Lowland tongue of Scotland might + Rehearse this little tragedy aright; + Let me attempt it with an English quill, + And take, O reader, for the deed the will." +</pre> + <p> + At the end of his translation Longfellow adds:—"Jasmin, the author + of this beautiful poem, is to the South of France what Burns is to the + South of Scotland, the representative of the heart of the people,—one + of those happy bards who are born with their mouths full of birds (la + bouco pleno d'auuvelous). He has written his own biography in a poetic + form, and the simple narrative of his poverty, his struggles, and his + triumphs, is very touching. He still lives at Agen, on the Garonne, and + long may he live there to delight his native land with native songs!" It + is unnecessary to quote the poem, which is so well-known by the numerous + readers of Longfellow's poems, but a compressed narrative of the story may + be given. + </p> + <p> + The legend is founded on a popular tradition. Castel-Cuille stands upon a + bluff rock in the pretty valley of Saint-Amans, about a league from Agen. + The castle was of considerable importance many centuries ago, while the + English occupied Guienne; but it is now in ruins, though the village near + it still exists. In a cottage, at the foot of the rock, lived the girl + Marguerite, a soldier's daughter, with her brother Paul. The girl had been + betrothed to her lover Baptiste; but during his absence she was attacked + by virulent small-pox and lost her eyesight. Though her beauty had + disappeared, her love remained. She waited long for her beloved Baptiste, + but he never returned. He forsook his betrothed Marguerite, and plighted + his troth to the fairer and richer Angele. It was, after all, only the old + story. + </p> + <p> + Marguerite heard at night the song of their espousals on the eve of the + marriage. She was in despair, but suppressed her grief. Wednesday morning + arrived, the eve of St. Joseph. The bridal procession passed along the + village towards the church of Saint-Amans, singing the bridal song. The + fair and fertile valley was bedecked with the blossoms of the apple, the + plum, and the almond, which whitened the country round. Nothing could have + seemed more propitious. Then came the chorus, which was no invention of + the poet, but a refrain always sung at rustic weddings, in accordance with + the custom of strewing the bridal path with flowers: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The paths with buds and blossoms strew, + A lovely bride approaches nigh; + For all should bloom and spring anew, + A lovely bride is passing by!"{2} +</pre> + <p> + Under the blue sky and brilliant sunshine, the joyous young people frisked + along. The picture of youth, gaiety, and beauty, is full of truth and + nature. The bride herself takes part in the frolic. With roguish eyes she + escapes and cries: "Those who catch me will be married this year!" And + then they descend the hill towards the church of Saint-Amans. Baptiste, + the bridegroom, is out of spirits and mute. He takes no part in the sports + of the bridal party. He remembers with grief the blind girl he has + abandoned. + </p> + <p> + In the cottage under the cliff Marguerite meditates a tragedy. She dresses + herself, and resolves to attend the wedding at Saint-Amans with her little + brother. While dressing, she slips a knife into her bosom, and then they + start for the church. The bridal party soon arrived, and Marguerite heard + their entrance. + </p> + <p> + The ceremony proceeded. Mass was said. The wedding-ring was blessed; and + as Baptiste placed it on the bride's finger, he said the accustomed words. + In a moment a voice cried: "It is he! It is he;" and Marguerite rushed + through the bridal party towards him with a knife in her hand to stab + herself; but before she could reach the bridegroom she fell down dead—broken-hearted! + The crime which she had intended to commit against herself was thus + prevented. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, in place of a bridal song, the De Profundis was chanted, + and now each one seemed to say:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The roads shall mourn, and, veiled in gloom, + So fair a corpse shall leave its home! + Should mourn and weep, ah, well-away, + So fair a corpse shall pass to-day!"{3} +</pre> + <p> + This poem was finished in August 1835; and on the 26th of the same month + it was publicly recited by Jasmin at Bordeaux, at the request of the + Academy of that city. + </p> + <p> + There was great beauty, tenderness, and pathos in the poem. It was + perfectly simple and natural. The poem might form the subject of a drama + or a musical cantata. The lamentations of Marguerite on her blindness + remind one of Milton's heart-rending words on the same subject: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "For others, day and joy and light, + For me, all darkness, always night."{4} +</pre> + <p> + Sainte-Beuve, in criticising Jasmin's poems, says that "It was in 1835 + that his talent raised itself to the eminence of writing one of his purest + compositions—natural, touching and disinterested—his Blind + Girl of Castel-Cuille, in which he makes us assist in a fete, amidst the + joys of the villagers; and at the grief of a young girl, a fiancee whom a + severe attack of smallpox had deprived of her eyesight, and whom her + betrothed lover had abandoned to marry another. + </p> + <p> + "The grief of the poor abandoned girl, her changes of colour, her + attitude, her conversation, her projects—the whole surrounded by the + freshness of spring and the laughing brightness of the season—exhibits + a character of nature and of truth which very few poets have been able to + attain. One is quite surprised, on reading this simple picture, to be + involuntarily carried back to the most expressive poems of the ancient + Greeks—to Theocritus for example—for the Marguerite of Jasmin + may be compared with the Simetha of the Greek poet. This is true poetry, + rich from the same sources, and gilded with the same imagery. In his new + compositions Jasmin has followed his own bias; this man, who had few + books, but meditated deeply in his heart and his love of nature; and he + followed the way of true art with secret and persevering labour in what + appeared to him the most eloquent, easy, and happy manner... + </p> + <p> + "His language," Sainte-Beuve continues, "is always the most natural, + faithful, transparent, truthful, eloquent, and sober; never forget this + last characteristic. He is never more happy than when he finds that he can + borrow from an artizan or labourer one of those words which are worth ten + of others. It is thus that his genius has refined during the years + preceding the time in which he produced his greatest works. It is thus + that he has become the poet of the people, writing in the popular patois, + and for public solemnities, which remind one of those of the Middle Ages + and of Greece; thus he finds himself to be, in short, more than any of our + contemporaries, of the School of Horace, of Theocritus, or of Gray, and + all the brilliant geniuses who have endeavoured by study to bring each of + their works to perfection."{5} + </p> + <p> + The Blind Girl was the most remarkable work that Jasmin had up to this + time composed. There is no country where an author is so popular, when he + is once known, as in France. When Jasmin's poem was published he became, + by universal consent, the Poet Laureate of the South. Yet some of the + local journals of Bordeaux made light of his appearance in that city for + the purpose of reciting his as yet unknown poem. "That a barber and + hairdresser of Agen," they said, "speaking and writing in a vulgar tongue, + should attempt to amuse or enlighten the intelligent people of Bordeaux, + seemed to them beneath contempt." + </p> + <p> + But Jasmin soon showed them that genius is of no rank or condition of + life; and their views shortly underwent a sudden change. His very + appearance in the city was a triumph. Crowds resorted to the large hall, + in which he was to recite his new poem of the Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille. + The prefect, the mayor, the members of the Academy, and the most + cultivated people of the city were present, and received him with + applause. + </p> + <p> + There might have been some misgivings as to the success of the poem, but + from the moment that he appeared on the platform and began his recitation, + every doubt disappeared. He read the poem with marvellous eloquence; while + his artistic figure, his mobile countenance, his dark-brown eyebrows, + which he raised or lowered at will, his expressive gesticulation, and his + passionate acting, added greatly to the effect of his recital, and soon + won every heart. When he came to the refrain, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The paths with buds and blossoms strew," +</pre> + <p> + he no longer declaimed, but sang after the manner of the peasants in their + popular chaunt. His eyes became suffused with tears, and those who + listened to the patois, even though they only imperfectly understood it, + partook of the impression, and wept also. + </p> + <p> + He was alike tender and impressive throughout the piece, especially at the + death of the blind girl; and when he had ended, a storm of applause burst + from the audience. There was a clapping of hands and a thunderous stamping + of feet that shook the building almost to its foundations. + </p> + <p> + It was a remarkable spectacle, that a humble working man, comparatively + uneducated, should have evoked the tumultuous applause of a brilliant + assembly of intelligent ladies and gentlemen. It was indeed something + extraordinary. Some said that he declaimed like Talma or Rachel, nor was + there any note of dissonance in his reception. The enthusiasm was general + and unanimous amongst the magistrates, clergy, scientific men, artists, + physicians, ship-owners, men of business, and working people. They all + joined in the applause when Jasmin had concluded his recitation. + </p> + <p> + From this time forward Jasmin was one of the most popular men at Bordeaux. + He was entertained at a series of fetes. He was invited to soirees by the + prefect, by the archbishop, by the various social circles, as well as by + the workmen's associations. They vied with each other for the honour of + entertaining him. He went from matinees to soirees, and in ten days he + appeared at thirty-four different entertainments. + </p> + <p> + At length he became thoroughly tired and exhausted by this enormous + fete-ing. He longed to be away and at home with his wife and children. He + took leave of his friends and admirers with emotion, and, notwithstanding + the praises and acclamations he had received at Bordeaux, he quietly + turned to pursue his humble occupation at Agen. + </p> + <p> + It was one of the most remarkable things about Jasmin, that he was never + carried off his feet by the brilliant ovations he received. Though enough + to turn any poor fellow's head, he remained simple and natural to the + last. As we say in this country, he could "carry corn" We have said that + "Gascon" is often used in connection with boasting or gasconading. But the + term was in no way applicable to Jasmin. He left the echo of praises + behind him, and returned to Agen to enjoy the comforts of his fireside. + </p> + <p> + He was not, however, without tempters to wean him from his home and his + ordinary pursuits. In 1836, the year after his triumphal reception at + Bordeaux, some of his friends urged him to go to Paris—the centre of + light and leading—in order to "make his fortune." + </p> + <p> + But no! he had never contemplated the idea of leaving his native town. A + rich wine merchant of Toulouse was one of his tempters. He advised Jasmin + to go to the great metropolis, where genius alone was recognised. Jasmin + answered him in a charming letter, setting forth the reasons which + determined him to remain at home, principally because his tastes were + modest and his desires were homely. + </p> + <p> + "You too," he said, "without regard to troubling my days and my nights, + have written to ask me to carry my guitar and my dressing-comb to the + great city of kings, because there, you say, my poetical humour and my + well-known verses will bring torrents of crowns to my purse. Oh, you may + well boast to me of this shower of gold and its clinking stream. You only + make me cry: 'Honour is but smoke, glory is but glory, and money is only + money!' I ask you, in no craven spirit, is money the only thing for a man + to seek who feels in his heart the least spark of poetry? In my town, + where everyone works, leave me as I am. Every summer, happier than a king, + I lay up my small provision for the winter, and then I sing like a + goldfinch under the shade of a poplar or an ash-tree, only too happy to + grow grey in the land which gave me birth. One hears in summer the + pleasant zigo, ziou, ziou, of the nimble grasshopper, or the young sparrow + pluming his wings to make himself ready for flight, he knows not whither; + but the wise man acts not so. I remain here in my home. Everything suits + me—earth, sky, air—all that is necessary for my comfort. To + sing of joyous poverty one must be joyful and poor. I am satisfied with my + rye-bread, and the cool water from my fountain." + </p> + <p> + Jasmin remained faithful to these rules of conduct during his life. Though + he afterwards made a visit to Paris, it was only for a short time; but his + native town of Agen, his home on the Gravier, his shop, his wife and his + children, continued to be his little paradise. His muse soared over him + like a guardian angel, giving him songs for his happiness and consolation + for his sorrows. He was, above all things, happy in his wife. She cheered + him, strengthened him, and consoled him. He thus portrayed her in one of + his poems: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Her eyes like sparkling stars of heavenly blue; + Her cheeks so sweet, so round, and rosy; + Her hair so bright, and brown, and curly; + Her mouth so like a ripened cherry; + Her teeth more brilliant than the snow." +</pre> + <p> + Jasmin was attached to his wife, not only by her beauty, but by her good + sense. She counselled and advised him in everything. He gave himself up to + her wise advice, and never had occasion to regret it. It was with her + modest marriage-portion that he was enabled to establish himself as a + master hairdresser. + </p> + <p> + When he opened his shop, he set over the entrance door this sign: "L'Art + embellit La Nature: Jasmin, Coiffeur des Jeunes Gens." As his family grew, + in order to increase his income, he added the words, "Coiffeur des Dames." + This proved to be a happy addition to his business. Most of the ladies of + Agen strove for the honour of having their hair dressed by the poetical + barber. While dressing their hair he delighted them with his songs. He had + a sympathetic voice, which touched their souls and threw them into the + sweetest of dreams. + </p> + <p> + Though Jasmin was always disposed to rhyme a little, his wise wife never + allowed him to forget his regular daily work. At the same time she + understood that his delicate nature could not be entirely absorbed by the + labours of an ordinary workman. She was no longer jealous of his solitary + communions with his muse; and after his usual hours of occupation, she + left him, or sat by him, to enable him to pursue his dear reveries in + quiet. + </p> + <p> + Mariette, or Marie, as she was usually called, was a thoroughly good + partner for Jasmin. Though not by any means a highly educated woman, she + felt the elevating effects of poetry even on herself. She influenced her + husband's mind through her practical wisdom and good sense, while he in + his turn influenced hers by elevating her soul and intellect. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin, while he was labouring over some song or verse, found it necessary + to recite it to some one near him, but mostly to his wife. He wandered + with her along the banks of the Garonne, and while he recited, she + listened with bated breath. She could even venture to correct him; for she + knew, better than he did, the ordinary Gascon dialect. She often found for + him the true word for the picture which he desired to present to his + reader. Though Jasmin was always thankful for her help, he did not abandon + his own words without some little contention. He had worked out the + subject in his mind, and any new word, or mode of description, might + interrupt the beauty of the verses. + </p> + <p> + When he at length recognised the justice of her criticism, he would say, + "Marie, you are right; and I will again think over the subject, and make + it fit more completely into the Gascon idiom." In certain cases passages + were suppressed; in others they were considerably altered. + </p> + <p> + When Jasmin, after much labour and correction, had finished his poem, he + would call about him his intimate friends, and recite the poem to them. He + had no objection to the most thorough criticism, by his wife as well as by + his friends. When the poem was long and elaborate, the auditors sometimes + began to yawn. Then the wife stepped in and said: "Jasmin, you must stop; + leave the remainder of the poem for another day." Thus the recital ceased + for the time. + </p> + <p> + The people of Agen entertained a lively sympathy for their poet. Even + those who might to a certain extent depreciate his talent, did every + justice to the nobility of his character. Perhaps some might envy the + position of a man who had risen from the ranks and secured the esteem of + men of fortune and even of the leaders of literary opinion. Jasmin, like + every person envied or perhaps detracted, had his hours of depression. But + the strong soul of his wife in these hours came to his relief, and + assuaged the spirit of the man and the poet. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was at one time on the point of abandoning verse-making. Yet he was + encouraged to proceed by the demands which were made for his songs and + verses. Indeed, no fete was considered complete without the recitations of + Jasmin. It was no doubt very flattering; yet fame has its drawbacks. His + invitations were usually unceremonious. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was no doubt recognised as a poet, and an excellent reciter; yet he + was a person who handled the razor and the curling-tongs. When he was + invited to a local party, it was merely that he might recite his verses + gratuitously. He did not belong to their social circle, and his wife was + not included. What sympathy could she have with these distinguished + personages? At length Jasmin declined to go where his wife could not be + invited. He preferred to stay at home with his family; and all further + invitations of this sort were refused. + </p> + <p> + Besides, his friend Nodier had warned him that a poet of his stamp ought + not to appear too often at the feasts of the lazy; that his time was too + precious for that; that a poet ought, above all, not to occupy himself + with politics, for, by so doing, he ran the risk of injuring his talent. + </p> + <p> + Some of his local critics, not having comprehended the inner life of + Jasmin, compared his wife to the gardener of Boileau and the maid-servant + of Moliere. But the comparison did not at all apply. Jasmin had no + gardener nor any old servant or housekeeper. Jasmin and Marie were quite + different. They lived the same lives, and were all in all to each other. + They were both of the people; and though she was without culture, and had + not shared in the society of the educated, she took every interest in the + sentiments and the prosperity of her admirable husband. + </p> + <p> + One might ask, How did Jasmin acquire his eloquence of declamation—his + power of attracting and moving assemblies of people in all ranks of life? + It was the result, no doubt, partly of the gifts with which the Creator + had endowed him, and partly also of patience and persevering study. He had + a fine voice, and he managed it with such art that it became like a + perfectly tuned instrument in the hands of a musician. + </p> + <p> + His voice was powerful and pathetic by turns, and he possessed great + sweetness of intonation,—combined with sympathetic feeling and + special felicity of emphasis. And feeling is the vitalising principle of + poetry. Jasmin occasionally varied his readings by singing or chaunting + the songs which occurred in certain parts of his poems. This, together + with his eloquence, gave such immense vital power to the recitations of + the Agenaise bard. + </p> + <p> + And we shall find, from the next chapter, that Jasmin used his pathetic + eloquence for very noble,—one might almost say, for divine purposes. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter VII. + </p> + <p> + {1} The translation appeared in 'Bentley's Miscellany' for March 1840. It + was published for a charitable purpose. Mrs. Craven, in her 'Life of Lady + Georgiana Fullerton,' says: "It was put in at once, and its two hundred + and seventy lines brought to the author twelve guineas on the day on which + it appeared. Lady Fullerton was surprised and delighted. All her long + years of success, different indeed in degree, never effaced the memory of + the joy." + </p> + <p> + {2} The refrain, in the original Gascon, is as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Las carreros diouyon flouri, + Tan belo nobio bay sourti; + Diouyon flouri, diouyon graua, + Tan belo nobio bay passa!" +</pre> + <p> + {3} In Gascon: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Las carreros diouyon gemi, + Tan belo morto bay sourti! + Diouyon gemi, diouyon ploura, + Tan belo morto bay passa!" +</pre> + <p> + {4} in Gascon: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Jour per aoutres, toutjour! et per jou, malhurouzo, + Toutjour ney, toutjour ney! + Que fay negre len d'el! Oh! que moun amo es tristo!" +</pre> + <p> + {5} Sainte-Beuve: 'Causeries du Lundi,' iv. 240-1 (edit. 1852); and + 'Portraits Contemporains,' ii. 61 (edit, 1847). + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. JASMIN AS PHILANTHROPIST. + </h2> + <p> + It is now necessary to consider Jasmin in an altogether different + character—that of a benefactor of his species. Self-sacrifice and + devotion to others, forgetting self while spending and being spent for the + good of one's fellow creatures, exhibit man in his noblest + characteristics. But who would have expected such virtues to be + illustrated by a man like Jasmin, sprung from the humblest condition of + life? + </p> + <p> + Charity may be regarded as a universal duty, which it is in every person's + power to practise. Every kind of help given to another, on proper motives, + is an act of charity; and there is scarcely any man in such a straitened + condition as that he may not, on certain occasions, assist his neighbour. + The widow that gives her mite to the treasury, the poor man that brings to + the thirsty a cup of cold water, perform their acts of charity, though + they may be of comparatively little moment. Wordsworth, in a poetic gem, + described the virtue of charity: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "... Man is dear to man; the poorest poor + Long for some moments in a weary life + When they can know and feel that they have been, + Themselves, the fathers and the dealers out + Of some small blessings, have been kind to such + As needed kindness, for the single cause + That we have all of us one human heart." +</pre> + <p> + This maxim of Wordsworth's truly describes the life and deeds of Jasmin. + It may be said that he was first incited to exert himself on behalf of + charity to his neighbours, by the absence of any Poor Law in France such + as we have in England. In the cases of drought, when the crops did not + ripen; or in the phylloxera blights, when the grapes were ruined; or in + the occasional disastrous floods, when the whole of the agricultural + produce was swept away; the small farmers and labourers were reduced to + great distress. The French peasant is usually very thrifty; but where + accumulated savings were not available for relief, the result, in many + cases, was widespread starvation. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin felt that, while himself living in the midst of blessings, he owed + a duty, on such occasions, to the extreme necessities of his neighbours. + The afflicted could not appeal to the administrators of local taxes; all + that they could do was to appeal to the feelings of the benevolent, and + rely upon local charity. He believed that the extremely poor should excite + our liberality, the miserable our pity, the sick our assistance, the + ignorant our instruction, and the fallen our helping hand. + </p> + <p> + It was under such circumstances that Jasmin consented to recite his poems + for the relief of the afflicted poor. His fame had increased from year to + year. His songs were sung, and his poems were read, all over the South of + France. When it was known that he was willing to recite his poems for + charitable purposes he was immediately assailed with invitations from far + and near. + </p> + <p> + When bread fell short in winter-time, and the poor were famished; when an + hospital for the needy was starving for want of funds; when a creche or + infants' asylum had to be founded; when a school, or an orphanage, had to + be built or renovated, and money began to fail, an appeal was at once made + to Jasmin's charitable feelings. + </p> + <p> + It was not then usual for men like Jasmin to recite their poems in public. + Those who possessed his works might recite them for their own pleasure. + But no one could declaim them better than he could, and his personal + presence was therefore indispensable. + </p> + <p> + It is true, that about the same time Mr. Dickens and Mr. Thackeray were + giving readings from their works in England and America. Both readers were + equally popular; but while they made a considerable addition to their + fortunes,{1} Jasmin realised nothing for himself; all that was collected + at his recitations was given to the poor. + </p> + <p> + Of course, Jasmin was received with enthusiasm in those towns and cities + which he visited for charitable purposes. When it was known that he was + about to give one of his poetical recitals, the artisan left his shop, the + blacksmith his smithy, the servant her household work; and the mother + often shut up her house and went with her children to listen to the + marvelous poet. Young girls spread flowers before his pathway; and lovely + women tore flowers from their dresses to crown their beloved minstrel with + their offerings. + </p> + <p> + Since his appearance at Bordeaux, in 1835, when he recited his Blind Girl + for a charitable purpose, he had been invited to many meetings in the + neighbourhood of Agen, wherever any worthy institution had to be erected + or assisted. He continued to write occasional verses, though not of any + moment, for he was still dreaming of another masterpiece. + </p> + <p> + All further thoughts of poetical composition were, however, dispelled, by + the threatened famine in the Lot-et-Garonne. In the winter of 1837 bread + became very dear in the South of France. The poor people were suffering + greatly, and the usual appeal was made to Jasmin to come to their help. A + concert was advertised to be given at Tonneins, a considerable town to the + north-west of Agen, when the local musicians were to give their services, + and Jasmin was to recite a poem. + </p> + <p> + For this purpose he composed his 'Charity' (La Caritat). It was addressed + to the ladies and musicians who assisted at the entertainment. Charity is + a short lyrical effusion, not so much a finished poem as the utterings of + a tender heart. Though of some merit, it looks pale beside The Blind Girl. + But his choice of the subject proved a forecast of the noble uses which + Jasmin was afterwards enabled to make of his poetical talents. + </p> + <p> + Man, he said in his verses, is truly great, chiefly through his charity. + The compassionate man, doing his works of benevolence, though in secret, + in a measure resembles the Divine Author of his being. The following is + the introductory passage of the poem:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "As we behold at sea great ships of voyagers + Glide o'er the waves to billows white with spray, + And to another world the hardy travellers convey; + Just as bold savants travel through the sky + To illustrate the world which they espy, + Men without ceasing cry, 'How great is man!' + But no! Great God! How infinitely little he! + Has he a genius? 'Tis nothing without goodness! + Without some grace, no grandeur do we rate. + It is the tender-hearted who show charity in kindness. + Unseen of men, he hides his gift from sight, + He does all that he owes in silent good, + Like the poor widow's mite; + Yet both are great, + Great above all—great as the Grace of God." +</pre> + <p> + This is, of course, a very feeble attempt to render the words of Jasmin. + He was most pathetic when he recounted the sorrows of the poor. While + doing so, he avoided exciting their lower instincts. He disavowed all envy + of the goods of others. He maintained respect for the law, while at the + same time he exhorted the rich to have regard for their poorer brethren. + "It is the glory of the people," he said at a meeting of workmen, "to + protect themselves from evil, and to preserve throughout their purity of + character." + </p> + <p> + This was the spirit in which Jasmin laboured. He wrote some other poems in + a similar strain—'The Rich and Poor,' 'The Poor Man's Doctor,' 'The + Rich Benefactor' (Lou Boun Riche); but Jasmin's own Charity contained the + germ of them all. He put his own soul into his poems. At Tonneins, the + emotion he excited by his reading of Charity was very great, and the + subscriptions for the afflicted poor were correspondingly large. + </p> + <p> + The municipality never forgot the occasion; and whenever they became + embarrassed by the poverty of the people, they invariably appealed to + Jasmin, and always with the same success. On one occasion the Mayor wrote + to him: "We are still under the charm of your verses; and I address you in + the name of the poor people of Tonneins, to thank you most gratefully for + the charitable act you have done for their benefit. The evening you + appeared here, sir, will long survive in our memory. It excited everywhere + the most lively gratitude. The poor enjoyed a day of happiness, and the + rich enjoyed a day of pleasure, for nothing can be more blessed than + Charity!" + </p> + <p> + Jasmin, in replying to this letter, said: "Christ's words were, 'Ye have + the poor always with you'; in pronouncing this fact, he called the world + to deeds of charity, and instituted this admirable joint responsibility + (solidarite), in virtue of which each man should fulfil the duty of + helping his poorer neighbours. It is this responsibility which, when the + cry of hunger or suffering is heard, is most instrumental in bringing all + generous souls to the front, in order to create and multiply the resources + of the poor." + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's success at Tonneins led to numerous invitations of a like + character. "Come over and help us," was the general cry during that winter + of famine. The barber's shop was invaded by numerous deputations; and the + postman was constantly delivering letters of invitation at his door. He + was no longer master of his time, and had considerable difficulty in + attending to his own proper business. Sometimes his leisure hours were + appropriated six months beforehand; and he was often peremptorily called + upon to proceed with his philanthropic work. + </p> + <p> + When he could find time enough to spare from his business, he would + consent to give another recitation. When the distance was not great he + walked, partly for exercise, and partly to save money. There were few + railways in those days, and hiring a conveyance was an expensive affair. + Besides, his desire always was, to hand over, if possible, the whole of + the receipts to the charitable institutions for whose benefit he gave his + recitations. + </p> + <p> + The wayfaring poet, on his approach to the town in which he was to appear, + was usually met by crowds of people. They received him with joy and + acclamation. The magistrates presented him with a congratulatory address. + Deputations from neighbouring towns were present at the celebration. At + the entrance to the town Jasmin often passed under a triumphal arch, with + "Welcome, Jasmin! our native poet!" inscribed upon it. He was conveyed, + headed by the local band, to the hall where he was to give his recitation. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's appearance at Bergerac was a great event. Bergerac is a town of + considerable importance, containing about fourteen thousand inhabitants, + situated on the right or north bank of the river Dordogne. But during that + terrible winter the poor people of Bergerac were in great distress, and + Jasmin was summoned to their help. The place was at too great a distance + from Agen for him to walk thither, and accordingly he was obliged to take + a conveyance. He was as usual met by a multitude of people, who escorted + him into the town. + </p> + <p> + The magistrates could not find a place sufficiently large to give + accommodation to the large number of persons who desired to hear him. At + length they found a large building which had been used as a barn; and + there they raised a platform for the poet. The place was at once filled, + and those who could not get admission crowded about the entrance. Some of + the people raised ladders against the walls of the building, and clambered + in at the windows. Groups of auditors were seen at every place where they + could find a footing. Unfortunately the weather was rainy, and a crowd of + women filled the surrounding meadow, sheltered by their umbrellas. + </p> + <p> + More than five hundred persons had not been able to find admission, and it + was therefore necessary for Jasmin to give several more readings to + satisfy the general enthusiasm. All the receipts were given over by Jasmin + for the benefit of the poor, and the poet hurried home at once to his + shaving and hair-dressing. + </p> + <p> + On another occasion, at Gontaud, the weather was more satisfactory. The + day was fine and sunny, and the ground was covered with flowers. About the + time that Jasmin was expected, an open carriage, festooned with flowers, + and drawn by four horses, was sent to the gate of the town, escorted by + the municipal council, to wait for the poet. When he arrived on foot for + the place was at no great distance from Agen twelve young girls, clothed + in white, offered him a bouquet of flowers, and presented him with an + address. He then entered the carriage and proceeded to the place where he + was to give his recitation. All went well and happily, and a large + offering was collected and distributed amongst the poor. + </p> + <p> + Then at Damazan, where he gave another reading for the same purpose, after + he had entered the carriage which was to convey him to the place of + entertainment, a number of girls preceded the carriage in which the poet + sat, and scattered flowers in his way, singing a refrain of the country + adapted to the occasion. It resembled the refrain sung before the bride in + The Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The paths with flowers bestrew, + So great a poet comes this way; + For all should flower and bloom anew, + So great a poet comes to-day."{2} +</pre> + <p> + These are only specimens of the way in which Jasmin was received during + his missions of philanthropy. He went from north to south, from east to + west, by river and by road, sleeping where he could, but always happy and + cheerful, doing his noble work with a full and joyous heart. He chirruped + and sang from time to time as if his mouth was full of nightingales. And + he was never without enthusiastic multitudes to listen to his recitals, + and to share their means with the poor and afflicted. We might fill this + little story with a detailed account of his journeyings; but a summary + account is all that is at present necessary. We shall afterwards return to + the subject. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes to Chapter VIII. + </p> + <p> + {1} Mr. George Dolby, in his work 'Charles Dickens as I knew him,' tells + "the story of the famous 'reading tours,' the most brilliantly successful + enterprises that were ever undertaken." Chappell and Co. paid him 1500 + sterling for thirty readings in London and the provinces, by which they + realised 5000 sterling. Arthur Smith and Mr. Headland were his next + managers, and finally Mr. George Dolby. The latter says that Mr. Dickens + computed the money he netted under the Smith and Headland management at + about 12,000 sterling; and under Dolby's management "he cleared nearly + 33,000 sterling." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +{2} In Gascon: "Las carreros diouyon fleuri, + Tan gran poete bay sourti; + Diouyon fleuri, diouyon graua, + Tan gran poete bay passa." +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. JASMIN'S 'FRANCONNETTE.' + </h2> + <p> + Jasmin published no further poems for three or four years. His time was + taken up with his trade and his philanthropic missions. Besides, he did + not compose with rapidity; he elaborated his poems by degrees; he arranged + the plot of his story, and then he clothed it with poetical words and + images. While he walked and journeyed from place to place, he was dreaming + and thinking of his next dramatic poem—his Franconnette, which many + of his critics regard as his masterpiece. + </p> + <p> + Like most of his previous poems, Jasmin wrote Franconnette in the Gascon + dialect. Some of his intimate friends continued to expostulate with him + for using this almost dead and virtually illiterate patois. Why not write + in classical French? M. Dumon, his colleague at the Academy of Agen, again + urged him to employ the national language, which all intelligent readers + could understand. + </p> + <p> + "Under the reign of our Henry IV.," said M. Dumon, "the Langue d'Oil + became, with modifications, the language of the French, while the Langue + d'Oc remained merely a patois. Do not therefore sing in the dialect of the + past, but in the language of the present, like Beranger, Lamartine, and + Victor Hugo. + </p> + <p> + "What," asked M. Dumon, "will be the fate of your original poetry? It will + live, no doubt, like the dialect in which it is written; but is this, the + Gascon patois, likely to live? Will it be spoken by our posterity as long + as it has been spoken by our ancestors? I hope not; at least I wish it may + be less spoken. Yet I love its artless and picturesque expressions, its + lively recollections of customs and manners which have long ceased to + exist, like those old ruins which still embellish our landscape. But the + tendency which is gradually effacing the vestiges of our old language and + customs is but the tendency of civilisation itself. + </p> + <p> + "When Rome fell under the blows of the barbarians, she was entirely + conquered; her laws were subjected at the same time as her armies. The + conquest dismembered her idiom as well as her empire.... The last trace of + national unity disappeared in this country after the Roman occupation. It + had been Gaul, but now it became France. The force of centralisation which + has civilised Europe, covering this immense chaos, has brought to light, + after more than a hundred years, this most magnificent creation the French + monarchy and the French language. Let us lament, if you will, that the + poetical imagination and the characteristic language of our ancestors have + not left a more profound impression. But the sentence is pronounced; even + our Henry IV. could not change it. Under his reign the Langue d'Oil became + for ever the French language, and the Langue d'Oc remained but a patois. + </p> + <p> + "Popular poet as you are, you sing to posterity in the language of the + past. This language, which you recite so well, you have restored and + perhaps even created; yet you do not feel that it is the national + language; this powerful instrument of a new era, which invades and + besieges yours on all sides like the last fortress of an obsolete + civilisation." + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was cut to the quick by this severe letter of his friend, and he + lost not a moment in publishing a defence of the language condemned to + death by his opponent. He even displayed the force and harmony of the + language which had been denounced by M. Dumon as a patois. He endeavoured + to express himself in the most characteristic and poetical style, as + evidence of the vitality of his native Gascon. He compared it to a widowed + mother who dies, and also to a mother who does not die, but continues + young, lovely, and alert, even to the last. Dumon had published his + protest on the 28th of August, 1837, and a few days later, on the 2nd of + September, Jasmin replied in the following poem:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "There's not a deeper grief to man + Than when his mother, faint with years, + Decrepit, old, and weak and wan, + Beyond the leech's art appears; + + When by her couch her son may stay, + And press her hand, and watch her eyes, + And feel, though she revives to-day, + Perchance his hope to-morrow dies. + + It is not thus, believe me, sir, + With this enchantress—she will call + Our second mother: Frenchmen err, + Who, cent'ries since, proclaimed her fall! + Our mother-tongue—all melody— + While music lives can never die. + + Yes! she still lives, her words still ring; + Her children yet her carols sing; + And thousand years may roll away + Before her magic notes decay. + + The people love their ancient songs, and will + While yet a people, love and keep them still: + These lays are as their mother; they recall + Fond thoughts of mother, sister, friends, and all + The many little things that please the heart, + The dreams, the hopes, from which we cannot part. + These songs are as sweet waters, where we find + Health in the sparkling wave that nerves the mind. + In ev'ry home, at ev'ry cottage door, + By ev'ry fireside, when our toil is o'er, + These songs are round us—near our cradles sigh, + And to the grave attend us when we die. + + Oh, think, cold critics! 'twill be late and long, + Ere time shall sweep away this flood of song! + There are who bid this music sound no more, + And you can hear them, nor defend—deplore! + You, who were born where its first daisies grew, + Have fed upon its honey, sipp'd its dew, + + Slept in its arms, and wakened to its kiss, + Danced to its sounds, and warbled to its tone— + You can forsake it in an hour like this! + Yes, weary of its age, renounce—disown— + And blame one minstrel who is true—alone!"{1} +</pre> + <p> + This is but a paraphrase of Jasmin's poem, which, as we have already said, + cannot be verbally translated into any other language. Even the last + editor of Jasmin's poems—Boyer d'Agen—does not translate them + into French poetry, but into French prose. Much of the aroma of poetry + evaporates in converting poetical thoughts from one language into another. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin, in one part of his poem, compares the ancient patois to one of the + grand old elms in the Promenade de Gravier, which, having in a storm had + some of its branches torn away, was ordered by the local authorities to be + rooted up. The labourers worked away, but their pick-axes became unhafted. + They could not up-root the tree; they grew tired and forsook the work. + When the summer came, glorious verdure again clothed the remaining boughs; + the birds sang sweetly in the branches, and the neighbours rejoiced that + its roots had been so numerous and the tree had been so firmly planted. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's description of his mother-tongue is most touching. Seasons pass + away, and, as they roll on, their echoes sound in our ears; but the loved + tongue shall not and must not die. The mother-tongue recalls our own dear + mother, sisters, friends, and crowds of bygone associations, which press + into our minds while sitting by the evening fire. This tongue is the + language of our toils and labours; she comes to us at our birth, she + lingers at our tomb. + </p> + <p> + "No, no—I cannot desert my mother-tongue!" said Jasmin. "It + preserves the folk-lore of the district; it is the language of the poor, + of the labourer, the shepherd, the farmer and grape-gatherers, of boys and + girls, of brides and bridegrooms. The people," he said to M. Dumon, "love + to hear my songs in their native dialect. You have enough poetry in + classical French; leave me to please my compatriots in the dialect which + they love. I cannot give up this harmonious language, our second mother, + even though it has been condemned for three hundred years. Why! she still + lives, her voice still sounds; like her, the seasons pass, the bells ring + out their peals, and though a hundred thousand years may roll away, they + will still be sounding and ringing!" + </p> + <p> + Jasmin has been compared to Dante. But there is this immense difference + between them. Dante was virtually the creator of the Italian language, + which was in its infancy when he wrote his 'Divine Comedy' some six + hundred years ago, while Jasmin was merely reviving a gradually-expiring + dialect. Drouilhet de Sigalas has said that Dante lived at the sunrise of + his language, while Jasmin lived at its sunset. Indeed, Gascon was not a + written language, and Jasmin had to collect his lexicon, grammar, and + speech mostly from the peasants who lived in the neighbourhood of Agen. + Dante virtually created the Italian language, while Jasmin merely + resuscitated for a time the Gascon dialect. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was not deterred by the expostulations of Dumon, but again wrote + his new epic of Franconnette in Gascon. It took him a long time to clothe + his poetical thoughts in words. Nearly five years had elapsed since he + recited The Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille to the citizens of Bordeaux; since + then he had written a few poetical themes, but he was mainly thinking and + dreaming, and at times writing down his new epic Franconnette. It was + completed in 1840, when he dedicated the poem to the city of Toulouse. + </p> + <p> + The story embodied in the poem was founded on an ancient tradition. The + time at which it occurred was towards the end of the sixteenth century, + when France was torn to pieces by the civil war between the Huguenots and + the Catholics. Agen was then a centre of Protestantism. It was taken and + retaken by both parties again and again. The Huguenot captain, Truelle, + occupied the town in April 1562; but Blaize de Montluc, "a fierce + Catholic," as he is termed by M. Paul Joanne, assailed the town with a + strong force and recaptured it. On entering the place, Montluc found that + the inhabitants had fled with the garrison, and "the terrible chief was + greatly disappointed at not finding any person in Agen to slaughter."{2} + Montluc struck with a heavy hand the Protestants of the South. In the name + of the God of Mercy he hewed the Huguenots to pieces, and, after spreading + desolation through the South, he retired to his fortress at Estellac, + knelt before the altar, took the communion, and was welcomed by his party + as one of the greatest friends of the Church. + </p> + <p> + The civil war went on for ten years, until in August 1572 the massacre of + Saint Bartholomew took place. After that event the word "Huguenot" was + abolished, or was only mentioned with terror. Montluc's castle of + Estellac, situated near the pretty village of Estanquet, near Roquefort—famous + for its cheese—still exists; his cabinet is preserved, and his tomb + and statue are to be seen in the adjoining garden. The principal scenes of + the following story are supposed to have occurred at Estanquet, a few + miles to the south of Agen. + </p> + <p> + Franconnette, like The Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille, is a story of rivalry + in love; but, though more full of adventure, it ends more happily. + Franconnette was a village beauty. Her brilliant eyes, her rosy + complexion, her cherry lips, her lithe and handsome figure, brought all + the young fellows of the neighbourhood to her feet. Her father was a + banished Huguenot, but beauty of person sets differences of belief at + defiance. + </p> + <p> + The village lads praised her and tried to win her affections; but, like + beauties in general, surrounded by admirers, she was a bit of a flirt. + </p> + <p> + At length two rivals appeared—one Marcel, a soldier under Montluc, + favoured by Franconnette's grandmother, and Pascal, the village + blacksmith, favoured by the girl herself. One Sunday afternoon a number of + young men and maidens assembled at the foot of Montluc's castle of + Estellac on the votive festival of St. Jacques at Roquefort. Franconnette + was there, as well as Marcel and Pascal, her special admirers. Dancing + began to the music of the fife; but Pascal, the handsomest of the young + men, seemed to avoid the village beauty. Franconnette was indignant at his + neglect, but was anxious to secure his attention and devotion. She danced + away, sliding, whirling, and pirouetting. What would not the admiring + youths have given to impress two kisses on her lovely cheek!{3} + </p> + <p> + In these village dances, it is the custom for the young men to kiss their + partners, if they can tire them out; but in some cases, when the girl is + strong; and an accomplished dancer, she declines to be tired until she + wishes to cease dancing. First one youth danced with Franconnette, then + another; but she tired them all. Then came Marcel, the soldier, wearing + his sabre, with a cockade in his cap—a tall and stately fellow, + determined to win the reward. But he too, after much whirling and dancing, + was at last tired out: he was about to fall with dizziness, and then gave + in. On goes the dance; Franconnette waits for another partner; Pascal + springs to her side, and takes her round the waist. Before they had made a + dozen steps, the girl smiles and stops, and turns her blushing cheeks to + receive her partner's willing kisses. + </p> + <p> + Marcel started up in a rage, and drawing himself to his full height, he + strode to Pascal. "Peasant!" he said, "thou hast supplied my place too + quickly," and then dealt him a thundering blow between the eyes. Pascal + was not felled; he raised his arm, and his fist descended on Marcel's head + like a bolt. The soldier attempted to draw his sabre. When Pascal saw + this, he closed with Marcel, grasped him in his arms, and dashed him to + the ground, crushed and senseless. + </p> + <p> + Marcel was about to rise to renew the duel, when suddenly Montluc, who + happened to be passing with the Baron of Roquefort, stepped forward and + sternly ordered the combatants to separate. This terrible encounter put an + end to the fete. The girls fled like frightened doves. The young men + escorted Pascal to his home preceded by the fifers. Marcel was not + discouraged. On recovering his speech, he stammered out, grinding his + teeth: "They shall pay clearly for this jesting; Franconnette shall have + no other husband than myself." + </p> + <p> + Many months passed. The harvest was gathered in. There were no more + out-door fetes or dances. The villagers of Estanquet assembled round their + firesides. Christmas arrived with it games and carol-singing. Then came + the Feast of Lovers, called the Buscou,{4} on the last day of the year, + where, in a large chamber, some hundred distaffs were turning, and boys + and girls, with nimble fingers, were winding thread of the finest flax. + Franconnette was there, and appointed queen of the games. After the + winding was over, the songs and dances began to the music of a tambourin. + The queen, admired by all, sang and danced like the rest. + </p> + <p> + Pascal was not there; his mother was poor, and she endeavoured to persuade + him to remain at home and work. After a short struggle with himself, + Pascal yielded. He turned aside to his forge in silent dejection; and soon + the anvil was ringing and the sparks were flying, while away down in the + village the busking went merrily on. "If the prettiest were always the + most sensible," says Jasmin, "how much my Franconnette might have + accomplished;" but instead of this, she flitted from place to place, idle + and gay, jesting, singing, dancing, and, as usual, bewitching all. + </p> + <p> + Then Thomas, Pascal's friend, asked leave to sing a few verses; and, + fixing his keen eyes upon the coquette, he began in tones of lute-like + sweetness the following song, entitled 'The Syren with a Heart of Ice.' We + have translated it, as nearly as possible, from the Gascon dialect. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Faribolo pastouro, + Sereno al co de glas, + Oh! digo, digo couro + Entendren tinda l'houro + Oun t'amistouzaras. + Toutjour fariboulejes, + Et quand parpailloulejes + La foulo que mestrejes, + Sur toun cami set met + + Et te siet. + Mais res d'acos, maynado, + Al bounhur pot mena; + Qu'es acos d'estre aymado, + Quand on sat pas ayma?" + + "Wayward shepherd maid, + Syren with heart of ice, + Oh! tell us, tell us! when + We listen for the hour + When thou shalt feel + Ever so free and gay, + And when you flutter o'er + The number you subdue, + Upon thy path they fall + At thy feet. + But nothing comes of this, young maid, + To happiness it never leads; + What is it to be loved like this + If you ne'er can love again?" +</pre> + <p> + Such poetry however defies translation. The more exquisite the mastery of + a writer over his own language, the more difficult it is to reproduce it + in another. But the spirit of the song is in Miss Costello's + translation,{5} as given in Franconnette at the close of this volume. + </p> + <p> + When reciting Franconnette, Jasmin usually sang The Syren to music of his + own composition. We accordingly annex his music. + </p> + <p> + All were transported with admiration at the beautiful song. When Thomas + had finished, loud shouts were raised for the name of the poet. "Who had + composed this beautiful lay?" "It is Pascal," replied Thomas. "Bravo, + Pascal! Long live Pascal!" was the cry of the young people. Franconnette + was unwontedly touched by the song. "But where is Pascal?" she said. "If + he loves, why does he not appear?" "Oh," said Laurent, another of his + rivals, in a jealous and piqued tone, "he is too poor, he is obliged to + stay at home, his father is so infirm that he lives upon alms!" "You lie," + cried Thomas. "Pascal is unfortunate; he has been six months ill from the + wounds he received in defence of Franconnette, and now his family is + dependent upon him; but he has industry and courage, and will soon recover + from his misfortunes." + </p> + <p> + Franconnette remained quiet, concealing her emotions. Then the games + began. They played at Cache Couteau or Hunt the Slipper. Dancing came + next; Franconnette was challenged by Laurent, and after many rounds the + girl was tired, and Laurent claimed the kisses that she had forfeited. + Franconnette flew away like a bird; Laurent ran after her, caught her, and + was claiming the customary forfeit, when, struggling to free herself, + Laurent slipped upon the floor, fell heavily, and broke his arm. + </p> + <p> + Franconnette was again unfortunate. Ill-luck seems to have pursued the + girl. The games came to an end, and the young people were about to + disperse when, at this unlucky moment, the door was burst open and a + sombre apparition appeared. It was the Black Forest sorcerer, the supposed + warlock of the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + "Unthinking creatures," he said, "I have come from my gloomy rocks up + yonder to open your eyes. You all adore this Franconnette. Behold, she is + accursed! While in her cradle her father, the Huguenot, sold her to the + devil. He has punished Pascal and Laurent for the light embrace she gave + them. He warned in time and avoid her. The demon alone has a claim to + her." + </p> + <p> + The sorcerer ended; sparks of fire surrounded him, and after turning four + times round in a circle he suddenly disappeared! Franconnette's friends at + once held aloof from her. They called out to her, "Begone!" All in a maze + the girl shuddered and sickened; she became senseless, and fell down on + the floor in a swoon. The young people fled, leaving her helpless. And + thus ended the second fete which began so gaily. + </p> + <p> + The grossest superstition then prevailed in France, as everywhere. Witches + and warlocks were thoroughly believed in, far more so than belief in God + and His Son. The news spread abroad that the girl was accursed and sold to + the Evil One, and she was avoided by everybody. She felt herself doomed. + At length she reached her grandmother's house, but she could not work, she + could scarcely stand. The once radiant Franconnette could neither play nor + sing; she could only weep. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended two cantos of the poem. The third opens with a lovely picture + of a cottage by a leafy brookside in the hamlet of Estanquet. The spring + brought out the singing-birds to pair and build their nests. They + listened, but could no longer hear the music which, in former years, had + been almost sweeter than their own. The nightingales, more curious than + the rest, flew into the maid's garden; they saw her straw hat on a bench, + a rake and watering-pot among the neglected jonquils, and the rose + branches running riot. Peering yet further and peeping into the cottage + door, the curious birds discovered an old woman asleep in her arm-chair, + and a pale, quiet girl beside her, dropping tears upon her lily hands. + "Yes, yes, it is. Franconnette," says the poet. "You will have guessed + that already. A poor girl, weeping in solitude, the daughter of a + Huguenot, banned by the Church and sold to the devil! Could anything be + more frightful?" + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless her grandmother said to her, "My child, it is not true; the + sorcerer's charge is false. He of good cheer, you are more lovely than + ever." One gleam of hope had come to Franconnette; she hears that Pascal + has defended her everywhere, and boldly declared her to be the victim of a + brutal plot. She now realised how great was his goodness, and her proud + spirit was softened even to tears. The grandmother put in a good word for + Marcel, but the girl turned aside. Then the old woman said, "To-morrow is + Easter Day; go to Mass, pray as you never prayed before, and take the + blessed bread, proving that you are numbered with His children for ever." + </p> + <p> + The girl consented, and went to the Church of Saint Peter on Easter + morning. She knelt, with her chaplet of beads, among the rest, imploring + Heaven's mercy. But she knelt alone in the midst of a wide circle. All the + communicants avoided her. The churchwarden, Marcel's uncle, in his + long-tailed coat, with a pompous step, passed her entirely by, and refused + her the heavenly meal. Pascal was there and came to her help. He went + forward to the churchwarden and took from the silver plate the crown + piece{6} of the holy element covered with flowers, and took and presented + two pieces of the holy bread to Franconnette—one for herself, the + other for her grandmother. + </p> + <p> + From that moment she begins to live a new life, and to understand the + magic of love. She carries home the blessed bread to the ancient dame, and + retires to her chamber to give herself up, with the utmost gratefulness, + to the rapturous delight of loving. "Ah," says Jasmin in his poem, "the + sorrowing heart aye loveth best!" + </p> + <p> + Yet still she remembers the fatal doom of the sorcerer that she is sold + for a price to the demon. All seem to believe the hideous tale, and no one + takes her part save Pascal and her grandmother. She kneels before her + little shrine and prays to the Holy Virgin for help and succour. + </p> + <p> + At the next fete day she repaired to the church of Notre Dame de bon + Encontre,{7} where the inhabitants of half a dozen of the neighbouring + villages had assembled, with priests and crucifixes, garlands and tapers, + banners and angels. The latter, girls about to be confirmed, walked in + procession and sang the Angelus at the appropriate hours. The report had + spread abroad that Franconnette would entreat the Blessed Virgin to save + her from the demon. The strangers were more kind to her than her immediate + neighbours, and from many a pitying heart the prayer went up that a + miracle might be wrought in favour of the beautiful maiden. She felt their + sympathy, and it gave her confidence. The special suppliants passed up to + the altar one by one—Anxious mothers, disappointed lovers, orphans + and children. They kneel, they ask for blessings, they present their + candles for the old priest to bless, and then they retire. + </p> + <p> + Now came the turn of Franconnette. Pascal was in sight and prayed for her + success. She went forward in a happy frame of mind, with her taper and a + bouquet of flowers. She knelt before the priest. He took the sacred image + and presented it to her; but scarcely had it touched the lips of the + orphan when a terrible peal of thunder rent the heavens, and a bolt of + lightning struck the spire of the church, extinguishing her taper as well + as the altar lights. This was a most unlucky coincidence for the terrified + girl; and, cowering like a lost soul, she crept out of the church. The + people were in consternation. "It was all true, she was now sold to the + devil! Put her to death, that is the only way of ending our misfortunes!" + </p> + <p> + The truth is that the storm of thunder and lightning prevailed throughout + the neighbourhood. It is a common thing in southern climes. The storm + which broke out at Notre Dame destroyed the belfry; the church of + Roquefort was demolished by a bolt of lightning, the spire of Saint Pierre + was ruined. The storm was followed by a tempest of hail and rain. Agen was + engulfed by the waters; her bridge was destroyed,{8} and many of the + neighbouring vineyards were devastated. And all this ruin was laid at the + door of poor Franconnette! + </p> + <p> + The neighbours—her worst enemies—determined to burn the + daughter of the Huguenot out of her cottage. The grandmother first heard + the cries of the villagers: "Fire them, let them both burn together." + Franconnette rushed to the door and pleaded for mercy. "Go back," cried + the crowd, "you must both roast together." They set fire to the rick + outside and then proceeded to fire the thatch of the cottage. "Hold, + hold!" cried a stern voice, and Pascal rushed in amongst them. "Cowards! + would you murder two defenceless women? Tigers that you are, would you + fire and burn them in their dwelling?" + </p> + <p> + Marcel too appeared; he had not yet given up the hope of winning + Franconnette's love. He now joined Pascal in defending her and the old + dame, and being a soldier of Montluc, he was a powerful man in the + neighbourhood. The girl was again asked to choose between the two. At + last, after refusing any marriage under present circumstances, she clung + to Pascal. "I would have died alone," she said, "but since you will have + it so, I resist no longer. It is our fate; we will die together." Pascal + was willing to die with her, and turning to Marcel he said: "I have been + more fortunate than you, but you are a brave man and you will forgive me. + I have no friend, but will you act as a squire and see me to my grave?" + After struggling with his feelings, Marcel at last said: "Since it is her + wish, I will be your friend." + </p> + <p> + A fortnight later, the marriage between the unhappy lovers took place. + Every one foreboded disaster. The wedding procession went down the green + hill towards the church of Notre Dame. There was no singing, no dancing, + no merriment, as was usual on such occasions. The rustics shuddered at + heart over the doom of Pascal. The soldier Marcel marched at the head of + the wedding-party. At the church an old woman appeared, Pascal's mother. + She flung her arms about him and adjured him to fly from his false bride, + for his marriage would doom him to death. She even fell at the feet of her + son and said that he should pass over her body rather than be married. + Pascal turned to Marcel and said: "Love overpowers me! If I die, will you + take care of my mother?" + </p> + <p> + Then the gallant soldier dispelled the gloom which had overshadowed the + union of the loving pair. "I can do no more," he said; "your mother has + conquered me. Franconnette is good, and pure, and true. I loved the maid, + Pascal, and would have shed my blood for her, but she loved you instead of + me. + </p> + <p> + "Know that she is not sold to the Evil One. In my despair I hired the + sorcerer to frighten you with his mischievous tale, and chance did the + rest. When we both demanded her, she confessed her love for you. It was + more than I could bear, and I resolved that we should both die. + </p> + <p> + "But your mother has disarmed me; she reminds me of my own. Live, Pascal, + for your wife and your mother! You need have no more fear of me. It is + better that I should die the death of a soldier than with a crime upon my + conscience." + </p> + <p> + Thus saying, he vanished from the crowd, who burst into cheers. The happy + lovers fell into each other's arms. "And now," said Jasmin, in concluding + his poem, "I must lay aside my pencil. I had colours for sorrow; I have + none for such happiness as theirs!" + </p> + <p> + Endnotes to Chapter IX. + </p> + <p> + {1} The whole of Jasmin's answer to M. Dumon will be found in the Appendix + at the end of this volume. + </p> + <p> + {2}'Gascogne et Languedoc,' par Paul Joanne, p. 95 (edit. 1883). + </p> + <p> + {3} The dance still exists in the neighbourhood of Agen. When there a few + years ago, I was drawn by the sound of a fife and a drum to the spot where + a dance of this sort was going on. It was beyond the suspension bridge + over the Garonne, a little to the south of Agen. A number of men and women + of the working-class were assembled on the grassy sward, and were dancing, + whirling, and pirouetting to their hearts' content. Sometimes the girls + bounded from the circle, were followed by their sweethearts, and kissed. + It reminded one of the dance so vigorously depicted by Jasmin in + Franconnette. + </p> + <p> + {4} Miss Harriet Preston, of Boston, U.S., published part of a translation + of Franconnette in the 'Atlantic Monthly' for February, 1876, and adds the + following note: "The buscou, or busking, was a kind of bee, at which the + young people assembled, bringing the thread of their late spinning, which + was divided into skeins of the proper size by a broad and thin plate of + steel or whalebone called a busc. The same thing, under precisely the same + name, figured in the toilets of our grandmothers, and hence, probably, the + Scotch use of the verb to busk, or attire." + </p> + <p> + {5} Miss Louisa Stuart Costello in 'Bearn and the Pyrenees.' + </p> + <p> + {6} A custom which then existed in certain parts of France. It was taken + by the French emigrants to Canada, where it existed not long ago. The + crown of the sacramental bread used to be reserved for the family of the + seigneur or other communicants of distinction. + </p> + <p> + {7} A church in the suburbs of Agen, celebrated for its legends and + miracles, to which numerous pilgrimages are made in the month of May. + </p> + <p> + {8} A long time ago the inhabitants of the town of Agen communicated with + the other side of the Garonne by means of little boats. The first wooden + bridge was commenced when Aquitaine was governed by the English, in the + reign of Richard Coeur-de-lion, at the end of the twelfth century. The + bridge was destroyed and repaired many times, and one of the piles on + which the bridge was built is still to be seen. It is attributed to + Napoleon I. that he caused the first bridge of stone to be erected, for + the purpose of facilitating the passage of his troops to Spain. The work + was, however, abandoned during his reign, and it was not until the + Restoration that the bridge was completed. Since that time other bridges, + especially the suspension bridge, have been erected, to enable the + inhabitants of the towns on the Garonne to communicate freely with each + other. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. JASMIN AT TOULOUSE. + </h2> + <p> + It had hitherto been the custom of Jasmin to dedicate his poems to one of + his friends; but in the case of Franconnette he dedicated the poem to the + city of Toulouse. His object in making the dedication was to express his + gratitude for the banquet given to him in 1836 by the leading men of the + city, at which the President had given the toast of "Jasmin, the adopted + son of Toulouse." + </p> + <p> + Toulouse was the most wealthy and prosperous city in the South of France. + Among its citizens were many men of literature, art, and science. Jasmin + was at first disposed to dedicate Franconnette to the city of Bordeaux, + where he had been so graciously received and feted on the recitation of + his Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille; but he eventually decided to dedicate the + new poem to the city of Toulouse, where he had already achieved a + considerable reputation. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was received with every honour by the city which had adopted him. + It was his intention to read the poem at Toulouse before its publication. + If there was one of the towns or cities in which his language was + understood—one which promised by the strength and depth of its roots + to defy all the chances of the future—that city was Toulouse, the + capital of the Langue d'Oc. + </p> + <p> + The place in which he first recited the poem was the Great Hall of the + Museum. When the present author saw it about two years ago, the ground + floor was full of antique tombs, statues, and monuments of the past; while + the hall above it was crowded with pictures and works of art, ancient and + modern. + </p> + <p> + About fifteen hundred persons assembled to listen to Jasmin in the Great + Hall. "It is impossible," said the local journal,{1} "to describe the + transport with which he was received." The vast gallery was filled with + one of the most brilliant assemblies that had ever met in Toulouse. Jasmin + occupied the centre of the platform. At his right and left hand were + seated the Mayor, the members of the Municipal Council, the Military + Chiefs, the members of the Academy of Jeux-Floraux,{2} and many + distinguished persons in science, literature, and learning. A large space + had been reserved for the accommodation of ladies, who appeared in their + light summer dresses, coloured like the rainbow; and behind them stood an + immense number of the citizens of Toulouse. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin had no sooner begun to recite his poem than it was clear that he + had full command of his audience. Impressed by his eloquence and powers of + declamation, they were riveted to their seats, dazzled and moved by turns, + as the crowd of beautiful thoughts passed through their minds. The + audience were so much absorbed by the poet's recitation that not a whisper + was heard. He evoked by the tones and tremor of his voice their sighs, + their tears, their indignation. He was by turns gay, melancholy, artless, + tender, arch, courteous, and declamatory. As the drama proceeded, the + audience recognised the beauty of the plot and the poet's knowledge of the + human heart. He touched with grace all the cords of his lyre. His poetry + evidently came direct from his heart: it was as rare as it was delicious. + </p> + <p> + The success of the recitation was complete, and when Jasmin resumed his + seat he received the most enthusiastic applause. As the whole of the + receipts were, as usual, handed over by Jasminto the local charities, the + assembly decided by acclamation that a subscription should be raised to + present to the poet, who had been adopted by the city, some testimony of + their admiration for his talent, and for his having first recited to them + and dedicated to Toulouse his fine poem of Franconnette. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin handed over to the municipality the manuscript of his poem in a + volume beautifully bound. The Mayor, in eloquent language, accepted the + work, and acknowledged the fervent thanks of the citizens of Toulouse. + </p> + <p> + As at Bordeaux, Jasmin was feted and entertained by the most distinguished + people of the city. At one of the numerous banquets at which he was + present, he replied to the speech of the chairman by an impromptu in + honour of those who had so splendidly entertained him. But, as he had + already said: "Impromptus may be good money of the heart, but they are + often the worst money of the head."{3} + </p> + <p> + On the day following the entertainment, Jasmin was invited to a "grand + banquet" given by the coiffeurs of Toulouse, where they presented him with + "a crown of immortelles and jasmines," and to them also he recited another + of his impromptus.{4} + </p> + <p> + Franconnette was shortly after published, and the poem was received with + almost as much applause by the public as it had been by the citizens of + Toulouse. Sainte-beuve, the prince of French critics, said of the work:— + </p> + <p> + "In all his compositions Jasmin has a natural, touching idea; it is a + history, either of his invention, or taken from some local tradition. With + his facility as an improvisatore, aided by the patois in which he + writes,... when he puts his dramatis personae into action, he endeavours + to depict their thoughts, all their simple yet lively conversation, and to + clothe them in words the most artless, simple, and transparent, and in a + language true, eloquent, and sober: never forget this latter + characteristic of Jasmin's works."{5} + </p> + <p> + M. de Lavergne says of Franconnette, that, of all Jasmin's work, it is the + one in which he aimed at being most entirely popular, and that it is at + the same time the most noble and the most chastened. He might also have + added the most chivalrous. "There is something essentially knightly," says + Miss Preston, "in Pascal's cast of character, and it is singular that at + the supreme crisis of his fate he assumes, as if unconsciously, the very + phraseology of chivalry. + </p> + <p> + "Some squire (donzel) should follow me to death. It is altogether natural + and becoming in the high-minded smith." + </p> + <p> + M. Charles Nodier—Jasmin's old friend—was equally + complimentary in his praises of Franconnette. When a copy of the poem was + sent to him, with an accompanying letter, Nodier replied:— + </p> + <p> + "I have received with lively gratitude, my dear and illustrious friend, + your beautiful verses, and your charming and affectionate letter. I have + read them with great pleasure and profound admiration. A Although ill in + bed, I have devoured Franconnette and the other poems. I observe, with a + certain pride, that you have followed my advice, and that you think in + that fine language which you recite so admirably, in place of translating + the patois into French, which deprives it of its fullness and fairness. I + thank you a thousand times for your very flattering epistle. I am too + happy to expostulate with you seriously as to the gracious things you have + said to me; my name will pass to posterity in the works of my friends; the + glory of having been loved by you goes for a great deal." + </p> + <p> + The time at length arrived for the presentation of the testimonial of + Toulouse to Jasmin. It consisted of a branch of laurel in gold. The artist + who fashioned it was charged to put his best work into the golden laurel, + so that it might be a chef d'oeuvre worthy of the city which conferred it, + and of being treasured in the museum of their adopted poet. The work was + indeed admirably executed. The stem was rough, as in nature, though the + leaves were beautifully polished. It had a ribbon delicately ornamented, + with the words "Toulouse a Jasmin." + </p> + <p> + When the work was finished and placed in its case, the Mayor desired to + send it to Jasmin by a trusty messenger. He selected Mademoiselle Gasc, + assisted by her father, advocate and member of the municipal council, to + present the tribute to Jasmin. It ought to have been a fete day for the + people of Agen, when their illustrious townsman, though a barber, was + about to receive so cordial an appreciation of his poetical genius from + the learned city of Toulouse. It ought also to have been a fete day for + Jasmin himself. + </p> + <p> + But alas! an unhappy coincidence occurred which saddened the day that + ought to have been a day of triumph for the poet. His mother was dying. + When Mademoiselle Gasc, accompanied by her father, the Mayor of Agen, and + other friends of Jasmin, entered the shop, they were informed that he was + by the bedside of his mother, who was at death's door. The physician, who + was consulted as to her state, said that there might only be sufficient + time for Jasmin to receive the deputation. + </p> + <p> + He accordingly came out for a few moments from his mother's bed-side. M. + Gasc explained the object of the visit, and read to + </p> + <p> + Jasmin the gracious letter of the Mayor of Toulouse, concluding as + follows:— + </p> + <p> + "I thank you, in the name of the city of Toulouse, for the fine poem which + you have dedicated to us. This branch of laurel will remind you of the + youthful and beautiful Muse which has inspired you with such charming + verses." + </p> + <p> + The Mayor of Agen here introduced Mademoiselle Gasc, who, in her turn, + said:— + </p> + <p> + "And I also, sir, am most happy and proud of the mission which has been + entrusted to me." + </p> + <p> + Then she presented him with the casket which contained the golden laurel. + Jasmin responded in the lines entitled 'Yesterday and To-day,' from which + the following words may be quoted:— + </p> + <p> + "Yesterday! Thanks, Toulouse, for our old language and for my poetry. Your + beautiful golden branch ennobles both. And you who offer it to me, + gracious messenger—queen of song and queen of hearts—tell your + city of my perfect happiness, and that I never anticipated such an honour + even in my most golden dreams. + </p> + <p> + "To-day! Fascinated by the laurel which Toulouse has sent me, and which + fills my heart with joy, I cannot forget, my dear young lady, the sorrow + which overwhelms me—the fatal illness of my mother—which makes + me fear that the most joyful day of my life will also be the most + sorrowful." + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's alarms were justified. His prayers were of no avail. His mother + died with her hand in his shortly after the deputation had departed. Her + husband had preceded her to the tomb a few years before. He always had a + firm presentiment that he should be carried in the arm-chair to the + hospital, "where all the Jasmins die." But Jasmin did his best to save his + father from that indignity. He had already broken the arm-chair, and the + old tailor died peacefully in the arms of his son. + </p> + <p> + Some four months after the recitation of Franconnette at Toulouse, Jasmin + resumed his readings in the cause of charity. In October 1840 he visited + Oleron, and was received with the usual enthusiasm; and on his return to + Pau, he passed the obelisk erected to Despourrins, the Burns of the + Pyrenees. At Pau he recited his Franconnette to an immense audience amidst + frenzies of applause. It was alleged that the people of the Pyrenean + country were prosaic and indifferent to art. But M. Dugenne, in the + 'Memorial des Pyrenees,' said that it only wanted such a bewitching poet + as Jasmin—with his vibrating and magical voice—to rouse them + and set their minds on fire. + </p> + <p> + Another writer, M. Alfred Danger, paid him a still more delicate + compliment. + </p> + <p> + "His poetry," he said, "is not merely the poetry of illusions; it is + alive, and inspires every heart. His admirable delicacy! His profound tact + in every verse! What aristocratic poet could better express in a higher + degree the politeness of the heart, the truest of all politeness."{6} + </p> + <p> + Jasmin did not seem to be at all elated by these eulogiums. When he had + finished his recitations, he returned to Agen, sometimes on foot, + sometimes in the diligence, and quietly resumed his daily work. His + success as a poet never induced him to resign his more humble occupation. + Although he received some returns from the sale of his poems, he felt + himself more independent by relying upon the income derived from his own + business. + </p> + <p> + His increasing reputation never engendered in him, as is too often the + case with self-taught geniuses who suddenly rise into fame, a supercilious + contempt for the ordinary transactions of life. "After all," he said, + "contentment is better than riches." + </p> + <p> + Endnotes to Chapter X. + </p> + <p> + {1} Journal de Toulouse, 4th July, 1840. + </p> + <p> + {2} The Society of the Jeux-Floraux derives its origin from the ancient + Troubadours. It claims to be the oldest society of the kind in Europe. It + is said to have been founded in the fourteenth century by Clemence Isaure, + a Toulousian lady, to commemorate the "Gay Science." A meeting of the + society is held every year, when prizes are distributed to the authors of + the best compositions in prose and verse. It somewhat resembles the annual + meeting of the Eisteddfod, held for awarding prizes to the bards and + composers of Wales. + </p> + <p> + {3} The following was his impromptu to the savants of Toulouse, 4th July, + 1840:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Oh, bon Dieu! que de gloire! Oh, bon Dieu! que d'honneurs! + Messieurs, ce jour pour ma Muse est bien doux; + Mais maintenant, d'etre quitte j'ai perdu l'esperance: + Car je viens, plus fier que jamais, + Vous payer ma reconnaissance, + Et je m'endette que plus!" +</pre> + <p> + {4} This is the impromptu, given on the 5th July, 1840: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Toulouse m'a donne un beau bouquet d'honneur; + Votre festin, amis, en est une belle fleur; + Aussi, clans les plaisirs de cette longue fete, + Quand je veux remercier de cela, + Je poursuis mon esprit pour ne pas etre en reste + Ici, l'esprit me nait et tombe de mon coeur!" +</pre> + <p> + {5} 'Causeries du Lundi,' iv. 240 (edit. 1852). + </p> + <p> + {6} "La politesse du coeur," a French expression which can scarcely be + translated into English; just as "gentleman" has no precise equivalent in + French. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. JASMIN'S VISIT TO PARIS. + </h2> + <p> + Jasmin had been so often advised to visit Paris and test his powers there, + that at length he determined to proceed to the capital of France. It is + true, he had been eulogized in the criticisms of Sainte-Beuve, Leonce de + Lavergne, Charles Nodier, and Charles de Mazade; but he desired to make + the personal acquaintance of some of these illustrious persons, as well as + to see his son, who was then settled in Paris. It was therefore in some + respects a visit of paternal affection as well as literary reputation. He + set out for Paris in the month of May 1842. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was a boy in his heart and feelings, then as always. Indeed, he + never ceased to be a boy—in his manners, his gaiety, his + artlessness, and his enjoyment of new pleasures. + </p> + <p> + What a succession of wonders to him was Paris—its streets, its + boulevards, its Tuileries, its Louvre, its Arc de Triomphe—reminding + him of the Revolution and the wars of the first Napoleon. + </p> + <p> + Accompanied by his son Edouard, he spent about a week in visiting the most + striking memorials of the capital. They visited together the Place de la + Concorde, the Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame, the Madeleine, the Champs + Elysees, and most of the other sights. At the Colonne Vendome, Jasmin + raised his head, looked up, and stood erect, proud of the glories of + France. He saw all these things for the first time, but they had long been + associated with his recollections of the past. + </p> + <p> + There are "country cousins" in Paris as well as in London. They are known + by their dress, their manners, their amazement at all they see. When + Jasmin stood before the Vendome Column, he extended his hand as if he were + about to recite one of his poems. "Oh, my son," he exclaimed, "such + glories as these are truly magnificent!" The son, who was familiar with + the glories, was rather disposed to laugh. He desired, for decorum's sake, + to repress his father's exclamations. He saw the people standing about to + hear his father's words. "Come," said the young man, "let us go to the + Madeleine, and see that famous church." "Ah, Edouard," said Jasmin, "I can + see well enough that you are not a poet; not you indeed!" + </p> + <p> + During his visit, Jasmin wrote regularly to his wife and friends at Agen, + giving them his impressions of Paris. His letters were full of his usual + simplicity, brightness, boyishness, and enthusiasm. "What wonderful things + I have already seen," he said in one of his letters, "and how many more + have I to see to-morrow and the following days. M. Dumon, Minister of + Public Works" (Jasmin's compatriot and associate at the Academy of Agen), + "has given me letters of admission to Versailles, Saint-Cloud, Meudon in + fact, to all the public places that I have for so long a time been burning + to see and admire." + </p> + <p> + After a week's tramping about, and seeing the most attractive sights of + the capital, Jasmin bethought him of his literary friends and critics. The + first person he called upon was Sainte-Beuve, at the Mazarin Library, of + which he was director. "He received me like a brother," said Jasmin, "and + embraced me. He said the most flattering things about my Franconnette, and + considered it an improvement upon L'Aveugle. 'Continue,' he said, 'my good + friend' and you will take a place in the brightest poetry of our epoch.' + In showing me over the shelves in the Library containing the works of the + old poets, which are still read and admired, he said, 'Like them, you will + never die.'" + </p> + <p> + Jasmin next called upon Charles Nodier and Jules Janin. Nodier was + delighted to see his old friend, and after a long conversation, Jasmin + said that "he left him with tears in his eyes." Janin complimented him + upon his works, especially upon his masterly use of the Gascon language. + "Go on," he said, "and write your poetry in the patois which always + appears to me so delicious. You possess the talent necessary for the + purpose; it is so genuine and rare." + </p> + <p> + The Parisian journals mentioned Jasmin's appearance in the capital; the + most distinguished critics had highly approved of his works; and before + long he became the hero of the day. The modest hotel in which he stayed + during his visit, was crowded with visitors. Peers, ministers, deputies, + journalists, members of the French Academy, came to salute the author of + the 'Papillotos.' + </p> + <p> + The proprietor of the hotel began to think that he was entertaining some + prince in disguise—that he must have come from some foreign court to + negotiate secretly some lofty questions of state. But when he was + entertained at a banquet by the barbers and hair-dressers of Paris, the + opinions of "mine host" underwent a sudden alteration. He informed + Jasmin's son that he could scarcely believe that ministers of state would + bother themselves with a country peruke-maker! The son laughed; he told + the maitre d'hotel that his bill would be paid, and that was all he need + to care for. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was not, however, without his detractors. Even in his own country, + many who had laughed heartily and wept bitterly while listening to his + voice, feared lest they might have given vent to their emotions against + the legitimate rules of poetry. Some of the Parisian critics were of + opinion that he was immensely overrated. They attributed the success of + the Gascon poet to the liveliness of the southerners, who were excited by + the merest trifles; and they suspected that Jasmin, instead of being a + poet, was but a clever gasconader, differing only from the rest of his + class by speaking in verse instead of prose. + </p> + <p> + Now that Jasmin was in the capital, his real friends, who knew his + poetical powers, desired him to put an end to these prejudices by reciting + before a competent tribunal some of his most admired verses. He would have + had no difficulty in obtaining a reception at the Tuileries. He had + already received several kind favours from the Duke and Duchess of Orleans + while visiting Agen. The Duke had presented him with a ring set in + brilliants, and the Duchess had given him a gold pin in the shape of a + flower, with a fine pearl surrounded by diamonds, in memory of their + visit. It was this circumstance which induced him to compose his poem 'La + Bago et L'Esplingo' (La Bague et L'Epingle) which he dedicated to the + Duchess of Orleans. + </p> + <p> + But Jasmin aimed higher than the Royal family. His principal desire was to + attend the French Academy; but as the Academy did not permit strangers to + address their meetings, Jasmin was under the necessity of adopting another + method. The Salons were open. + </p> + <p> + M. Leonce de Lavergne said to him: "You are now classed among our French + poets; give us a recitation in Gascon." Jasmin explained that he could not + give his reading before the members of the Academy. "That difficulty," + said his friend, "can soon be got over: I will arrange for a meeting at + the salon of one of our most distinguished members." + </p> + <p> + It was accordingly arranged that Jasmin should give a reading at the house + of M. Augustin Thierry, one of the greatest of living historians. The + elite of Parisian society were present on the occasion, including Ampere, + Nizard, Burnouf, Ballanche, Villemain, and many distinguished personages + of literary celebrity. + </p> + <p> + A word as to Jasmin's distinguished entertainer, M. Augustin Thierry. He + had written the 'History of the Conquest of England by the Normans'—an + original work of great value, though since overshadowed by the more minute + 'History of the Norman Conquest,' by Professor Freeman. Yet Thierry's work + is still of great interest, displaying gifts of the highest and rarest + kind in felicitous combination. It shows the careful plodding of the + antiquary, the keen vision of the man of the world, the passionate fervour + of the politician, the calm dignity of the philosophic thinker, and the + grandeur of the epic poet. Thierry succeeded in exhuming the dry bones of + history, clothing them for us anew, and presenting almost visibly the "age + and body of the times" long since passed away. + </p> + <p> + Thierry had also written his 'Narratives of the Merovingian Times,' and + revived almost a lost epoch in the early history of France. In writing out + these and other works—the results of immense labour and research—he + partly lost his eyesight. He travelled into Switzerland and the South of + France in the company of M. Fauriel. He could read no more, and towards + the end of the year the remains of his sight entirely disappeared. He had + now to read with the eyes of others, and to dictate instead of writing. In + his works he was assisted by the friendship of M. Armand Carrel, and the + affection and judgment of his loving young wife. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded with courage, and was able to complete the fundamental basis + of the two Frankish dynasties. He was about to follow his investigations + into the history of the Goths, Huns, and Vandals, and other races which + had taken part in the dismemberment of the empire. "However extended these + labours," he says,{1} "my complete blindness could not have prevented my + going through them; I was resigned as much as a courageous man can be: I + had made a friendship with darkness. But other trials came: acute + sufferings and the decline of my health announced a nervous disease of the + most serious kind. I was obliged to confess myself conquered, and to save, + if it was still time, the last remains of my health." + </p> + <p> + The last words of Thierry's Autobiographical Preface are most touching. + "If, as I delight in thinking, the interest of science is counted in the + number of great national interests, I have given my country all that the + soldier mutilated on the field of battle gives her. Whatever may be the + fate of my labours, this example I hope will not be lost. I would wish it + to serve to combat the species of moral weakness which is the disease of + the present generation; to bring back into the straight road of life some + of those enervated souls that complain of wanting faith, that know not + what to do, and seek everywhere, without finding it, an object of worship + and admiration. Why say, with so much bitterness, that in this world, + constituted as it is, there is no air for all lungs, no employment for all + minds? Is there not opportunity for calm and serious study? and is not + that a refuge, a hope, a field within the reach of all of us? With it, + evil days are passed over without their weight being felt; every one can + make his own destiny; every one can employ his life nobly. This is what I + have done, and would do again if I had to recommence my career: I would + choose that which has brought me to where I am. Blind, and suffering + without hope, and almost without intermission, I may give this testimony, + which from me will not appear suspicious; there is something in this world + better than sensual enjoyments, better than fortune, better than health + itself: it is devotion to science." + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter XI. + </p> + <p> + {1} Autobiographical Preface to the 'Narratives of the Merovingian Times.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. JASMIN'S RECITATIONS IN PARIS. + </h2> + <p> + It was a solemn and anxious moment for Jasmin when he appeared before this + select party of the most distinguished literary men in Paris: he was no + doubt placed at a considerable disadvantage, for his judges did not even + know his language. He had frequently recited to audiences who did not know + Gascon; and on such occasions he used, before commencing his recitation, + to give in French a short sketch of his poem, with, an explanation of some + of the more difficult Gascon words. This was all; his mimic talent did the + rest. His gestures were noble and well-marked. His eyes were flashing, but + they became languishing when he represented tender sentiments. Then his + utterance changed entirely, often suddenly, following the expressions of + grief and joy. There were now smiles, now tears in his voice. + </p> + <p> + It was remarkable that Jasmin should first recite before the blind + historian The Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille. It may be that he thought it + his finest poem, within the compass of time allotted to him, and that it + might best please his audience. When he began to speak in Gascon he was + heard with interest. A laugh was, indeed, raised by a portion of his + youthful hearers, but Jasmin flashed his penetrating eye upon them; and + there was no more laughter. When he reached the tenderest part he gave way + to his emotion, and wept. Tears are as contagious as smiles; and even the + academicians, who may not have wept with Rachel, wept with Jasmin. It was + the echo of sorrow to sorrow; the words which blind despair had evoked + from the blind Margaret. + </p> + <p> + All eyes were turned to Thierry as Jasmin described the girl's blindness. + The poet omitted some of the more painful lines, which might have + occasioned sorrow to his kind entertainer. These lines, for instance, in + Gascon: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Jour per aoutres, toutjour! et per jou, malhurouzo, + Toutjour ney! toutjour ney! + Que fay negre len d'el! Oh! que moun amo es tristo! + Oh! que souffri, moun Diou! Couro ben doun, Batisto!" +</pre> + <p> + or, as translated by Longfellow: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Day for the others ever, but for me + For ever night! for ever night! + When he is gone, 'tis dark! my soul is sad! + I suffer! O my God! come, make me glad." +</pre> + <p> + When Jasmin omitted this verse, Thierry, who had listened with rapt + attention, interrupted him. "Poet," he said, "you have omitted a passage; + read the poem as you have written it." Jasmin paused, and then added the + omitted passage. "Can it be?" said the historian: "surely you, who can + describe so vividly the agony of those who cannot see, must yourself have + suffered blindness!" The words of Jasmin might have been spoken by Thierry + himself, who in his hours of sadness often said, "I see nothing but + darkness today." + </p> + <p> + At the end of his recital Jasmin was much applauded. Ampere, who had + followed him closely in the French translation of his poem, said: "If + Jasmin had never written verse, it would be worth going a hundred leagues + to listen to his prose." What charmed his auditors most was his frankness. + He would even ask them to listen to what he thought his best verses. "This + passage," he would say, "is very fine." Then he read it afresh, and was + applauded. He liked to be cheered. "Applaud! applaud!" he said at the end + of his reading, "the clapping of your hands will be heard at Agen." + </p> + <p> + After the recitation an interesting conversation took place. Jasmin was + asked how it was that he first began to write poetry; for every one likes + to know the beginnings of self-culture. He thereupon entered into a brief + history of his life; how he had been born poor; how his grandfather had + died at the hospital; and how he had been brought up by charity. He + described his limited education and his admission to the barber's shop; + his reading of Florian; his determination to do something of a similar + kind; his first efforts, his progress, and eventually his success. He said + that his object was to rely upon nature and truth, and to invest the whole + with imagination and sensibility—that delicate touch which vibrated + through all the poems he had written. His auditors were riveted by his + sparkling and brilliant conversation. + </p> + <p> + This seance at M. Thierry's completed the triumph of Jasmin at Paris. The + doors of the most renowned salons were thrown open to him. The most + brilliant society in the capital listened to him and feted him. Madame de + Remusat sent him a present of a golden pen, with the words: "I admire your + beautiful poetry; I never forget you; accept this little gift as a token + of my sincere admiration." Lamartine described Jasmin, perhaps with some + exaggeration, as the truest and most original of modern poets. + </p> + <p> + Much of Jasmin's work was no doubt the result of intuition, for "the poet + is born, not made." He was not so much the poet of art as of instinct. Yet + M. Charles de Mazede said of him: "Left to himself, without study, he + carried art to perfection." His defect of literary education perhaps + helped him, by leaving him to his own natural instincts. He himself said, + with respect to the perusal of books: "I constantly read Lafontaine, + Victor Hugo, Lamartine and Beranger." It is thus probable that he may have + been influenced to a considerable extent by his study of the works of + others. + </p> + <p> + Before Jasmin left Paris he had the honour of being invited to visit the + royal family at the palace of Neuilly, a favourite residence of Louis + Philippe. The invitation was made through General de Rumigny, who came to + see the poet at his hotel for the purpose. Jasmin had already made the + acquaintance of the Duke and Duchess of Orleans, while at Agen a few years + before. His visit to Neuilly was made on the 24th of May, 1842. He was + graciously received by the royal family. The Duchess of Orleans took her + seat beside him. She read the verse in Gascon which had been engraved on + the pedestal of the statue at Nerac, erected to the memory of Henry IV. + The poet was surprised as well as charmed by her condescension. "What, + Madame," he exclaimed, "you speak the patois?" "El jou tabe" (and I also), + said Louis Philippe, who came and joined the Princess and the poet. Never + was Jasmin more pleased than when he heard the words of the King at such a + moment. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was placed quite at his ease by this gracious reception. The King + and the Duchess united in desiring him to recite some of his poetry. He at + once complied with their request, and recited his Caritat and L'Abuglo + ('The Blind Girl'). After this the party engaged in conversation. Jasmin, + by no means a courtier, spoke of the past, of Henry IV., and especially of + Napoleon—"L'Ampereur," as he described him. Jasmin had, in the first + volume of his 'Papillotos,' written some satirical pieces on the court and + ministers of Louis Philippe. His friends wished him to omit these pieces + from the new edition of his works, which was about to be published; but he + would not consent to do so. "I must give my works," he said, "just as they + were composed; their suppression would be a negation of myself, and an act + of adulation unworthy of any true-minded man." Accordingly they remained + in the 'Papillotos.' + </p> + <p> + Before he left the royal party, the Duchess of Orleans presented Jasmin + with a golden pin, ornamented with pearls and diamonds; and the King + afterwards sent him, as a souvenir of his visit to the Court, a beautiful + gold watch, ornamented with diamonds. Notwithstanding the pleasure of this + visit, Jasmin, as with a prophetic eye, saw the marks of sorrow upon the + countenance of the King, who was already experiencing the emptiness of + human glory. Scarcely had Jasmin left the palace when he wrote to his + friend Madame de Virens, at Agen: "On that noble face I could see, beneath + the smile, the expression of sadness; so that from to-day I can no longer + say: 'Happy as a King.'" + </p> + <p> + Another entertainment, quite in contrast with his visit to the King, was + the banquet which Jasmin received from the barbers and hair-dressers of + Paris. He there recited the verses which he had written in their honour. + M. Boisjoslin{1} says that half the barbers of Paris are Iberiens. For the + last three centuries, in all the legends and anecdotes, the barber is + always a Gascon. The actor, the singer, often came from Provence, but much + oftener from Gascony: that is the country of la parole. + </p> + <p> + During Jasmin's month at Paris he had been unable to visit many of the + leading literary men; but he was especially anxious to see M. + Chateaubriand, the father of modern French literature. Jasmin was + fortunate in finding Chateaubriand at home, at 112 Rue du Bac. He received + Jasmin with cordiality. "I know you intimately already," said the author + of the 'Genius of Christianity;' "my friends Ampere and Fauriel have often + spoken of you. They understand you, they love and admire you. They + acknowledge your great talent,' though they have long since bade their + adieu to poetry; you know poets are very wayward," he added, with a sly + smile. "You have a happy privilege, my dear sir: when our age turns prosy, + you have but to take your lyre, in the sweet country of the south, and + resuscitate the glory of the Troubadours. They tell me, that in one of + your recent journeys you evoked enthusiastic applause, and entered many + towns carpeted with flowers. Ah, mon Dieu, we can never do that with our + prose!" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, dear sir," said Jasmin, "you have achieved much more glory than I. + Without mentioning the profound respect with which all France regards you, + posterity and the world will glorify you." + </p> + <p> + "Glory, indeed," replied Chateaubriand, with a sad smile. "What is that + but a flower that fades and dies; but speak to me of your sweet south; it + is beautiful. I think of it, as of Italy; indeed it sometimes seems to me + better than that glorious country!" + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding his triumphant career at Paris, Jasmin often thought of + Agen, and of his friends and relations at home. "Oh, my wife, my children, + my guitar, my workshop, my papillotos, my pleasant Gravier, my dear good + friends, with what pleasure I shall again see you." That was his frequent + remark in his letters to Agen. He was not buoyed up by the praises he had + received. He remained, as usual, perfectly simple in his thoughts, ways, + and habits; and when the month had elapsed, he returned joyfully to his + daily work at Agen. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin afterwards described the recollections of his visit in his 'Voyage + to Paris' (Moun Bouyatage a Paris). It was a happy piece of poetry; full + of recollections of the towns and departments through which he journeyed, + and finally of his arrival in Paris. Then the wonders of the capital, the + crowds in the streets, the soldiers, the palaces, the statues and columns, + the Tuileries where the Emperor had lived. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I pass, and repass, not a soul I know, + Not one Agenais in this hurrying crowd; + No one salutes or shakes me by the hand." +</pre> + <p> + And yet, he says, what a grand world it is! how tasteful! how fashionable! + There seem to be no poor. They are all ladies and gentlemen. Each day is a + Sabbath; and under the trees the children play about the fountains. So + different from Agen! He then speaks of his interview with Louis Philippe + and the royal family, his recital of L'Abuglo before "great ladies, great + writers, lords, ministers, and great savants;" and he concludes his poem + with the words: "Paris makes me proud, but Agen makes me happy." + </p> + <p> + The poem is full of the impressions of his mind at the time—simple, + clear, naive. It is not a connected narrative, nor a description of what + he saw, but it was full of admiration of Paris, the centre of France, and, + as Frenchmen think, of civilisation. It is the simple wonder of the + country cousin who sees Paris for the first time—the city that had + so long been associated with his recollections of the past. And perhaps he + seized its more striking points more vividly than any regular denizen of + the capital. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter XII. + </p> + <p> + {1} 'Les Peuples de la France: Ethnographie Nationale.' (Didier.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. JASMIN AND HIS ENGLISH CRITICS. + </h2> + <p> + Jasmin's visit to Paris in 1842 made his works more extensively known, + both at home and abroad. His name was frequently mentioned in the Parisian + journals, and Frenchmen north of the Loire began to pride themselves on + their Gascon poet. His Blind Girl had been translated into English, + Spanish, and Italian. The principal English literary journal, the + Athenaeum, called attention to his works a few months after his appearance + in Paris.{1} The editor introduced the subject in the following words: + </p> + <p> + "On the banks of the Garonne, in the picturesque and ancient town of Agen, + there exists at this moment a man of genius of the first order—a + rustic Beranger, a Victor Hugo, a Lamartine—a poet full of fire, + originality, and feeling—an actor superior to any now in France, + excepting Rachel, whom he resembles both in his powers of declamation and + his fortunes. He is not unknown—he is no mute inglorious Milton; for + the first poets, statesmen, and men of letters in France have been to + visit him. His parlour chimney-piece, behind his barber's shop, is covered + with offerings to his genius from royalty and rank. His smiling, dark-eyed + wife, exhibits to the curious the tokens of her husband's acknowledged + merit; and gold and jewels shine in the eyes of the astonished stranger, + who, having heard his name, is led to stroll carelessly into the shop, + attracted by a gorgeous blue cloth hung outside, on which he may have read + the words, Jasmin, Coiffeur." + </p> + <p> + After mentioning the golden laurels, and the gifts awarded to him by those + who acknowledged his genius, the editor proceeds to mention his poems in + the Gascon dialect—his Souvenirs his Blind Girl and his Franconnette—and + then refers to his personal appearance. "Jasmin is handsome in person, + with eyes full of intelligence, of good features, a mobility of expression + absolutely electrifying, a manly figure and an agreeable address; but his + voice is harmony itself, and its changes have an effect seldom experienced + on or off the stage. The melody attributed to Mrs. Jordan seems to + approach it nearest. Had he been an actor instead of a poet, he would have + 'won all hearts his way'... On the whole, considering the spirit, taste, + pathos, and power of this poet, who writes in a patois hitherto confined + to the lower class of people in a remote district—considering the + effect that his verses have made among educated persons, both French and + foreign, it is impossible not to look upon him as one of the remarkable + characters of his age, and to award him, as the city of Clemence Isaure + has done, the Golden Laurel, as the first of the revived Troubadours, + destined perhaps to rescue his country from the reproach of having buried + her poetry in the graves of Alain Chartier and Charles of Orleans, four + centuries ago." + </p> + <p> + It is probable that this article in the Athenaeum was written by Miss + Louisa Stuart Costello, who had had an interview with the poet, in his + house at Agen, some years before. While making her tour through Auvergne + and Languedoc in 1840,{2} she states that she picked up three charming + ballads, and was not aware that they had ever been printed. She wrote them + down merely by ear, and afterwards translated Me cal Mouri into English + (see page 57). The ballad was very popular, and was set to music. She did + not then know the name of the composer, but when she ascertained that the + poet was "one Jasmin of Agen," she resolved to go out of her way and call + upon him, when on her journey to the Pyrenees about two years later.{3} + She had already heard much about him before she arrived, as he was + regarded in Gascony as "the greatest poet in modern times." She had no + difficulty in finding his shop at the entrance to the Promenade du + Gravier, with the lines in large gold letters, "Jasmin, Coiffeur" + </p> + <p> + Miss Costello entered, and was welcomed by a smiling dark-eyed woman, who + informed her that her husband was busy at that moment dressing a + customer's hair, but begged that she would walk into his parlour at the + back of the shop. Madame Jasmin took advantage of her husband's absence to + exhibit the memorials which he had received for his gratuitous services on + behalf of the public. There was the golden laurel from the city of + Toulouse; the golden cup from the citizens of Auch, the gold watch with + chain and seals from "Le Roi" Louis Philippe, the ring presented by the + Duke of Orleans, the pearl pin from the Duchess, the fine service of linen + presented by the citizens of Pau, with other offerings from persons of + distinction. + </p> + <p> + At last Jasmin himself appeared, having dressed his customer's hair. Miss + Costello describes his manner as well-bred and lively, and his language as + free and unembarrassed. He said, however, that he was ill, and too hoarse + to read. He spoke in a broad Gascon accent, very rapidly and even + eloquently. He told the story of his difficulties and successes; how his + grandfather had been a beggar, and all his family very poor, but that now + he was as rich as he desired to be. His son, he said, was placed in a good + position at Nantes, and he exhibited his picture with pride. Miss Costello + told him that she had seen his name mentioned in an English Review. Jasmin + said the review had been sent to him by Lord Durham, who had paid him a + visit; and then Miss Costello spoke of Me cal Mouri, as the first poem of + his that she had seen. "Oh," said he, "that little song is not my best + composition: it was merely my first." + </p> + <p> + His heart was now touched. He immediately forgot his hoarseness, and + proceeded to read some passages from his poems. "If I were only well," + said he, "and you would give me the pleasure of your company for some + time, I would kill you with weeping: I would make you die with distress + for my poor Margarido, my pretty Franconnette." He then took up two copies + of his Las Papillotos, handed one to Miss Costello, where the translation + was given in French, and read from the other in Gascon. + </p> + <p> + "He began," says the lady, "in a rich soft voice, and as we advanced we + found ourselves carried away by the spell of his enthusiasm. His eyes swam + in tears; he became pale and red; he trembled; he recovered himself; his + face was now joyous, now exulting, gay, jocose; in fact, he was twenty + actors in one; he rang the changes from Rachel to Bouffe; and he finished + by relieving us of our tears, and overwhelming us with astonishment. He + would have been a treasure on the stage; for he is still, though his youth + is past, remarkably good-looking and striking; with black, sparkling eyes + of intense expression; a fine ruddy complexion; a countenance of wondrous + mobility; a good figure, and action full of fire and grace: he has + handsome hands, which he uses with infinite effect; and on the whole he is + the best actor of the kind I ever saw. I could now quite understand what a + Troubadour or jongleur he might be; and I look upon Jasmin as a revived + specimen of that extinct race." + </p> + <p> + Miss Costello proceeded on her journey to Bearn and the Pyrenees, and on + her return northwards she again renewed her acquaintance with Jasmin and + his dark-eyed wife. "I did not expect," she says, "that I should be + recognised; but the moment I entered the little shop I was hailed as an + old friend. 'Ah' cried Jasmin, 'enfin la voila encore!' I could not but be + flattered by this recollection, but soon found that it was less on my own + account that I was thus welcomed, than because circumstances had occurred + to the poet that I might perhaps explain. He produced several French + newspapers, in which he pointed out to me an article headed 'Jasmin a + Londres,' being a translation of certain notices of himself which had + appeared in a leading English literary journal the Athenaeum.... I enjoyed + his surprise, while I informed him that I knew who was the reviewer and + translator; and explained the reason for the verses giving pleasure in an + English dress, to the superior simplicity of the English language over + modern French, for which he had a great contempt, as unfitted for lyrical + composition.{4} He inquired of me respecting Burns, to whom he had been + likened, and begged me to tell him something about Moore. + </p> + <p> + "He had a thousand things to tell me; in particular, that he had only the + day before received a letter from the Duchess of Orleans, informing him + that she had ordered a medal of her late husband to be struck, the first + of which should be sent to him. He also announced the agreeable news of + the King having granted him a pension of a thousand francs. He smiled and + wept by turns as he told all this; and declared that, much as he was + elated at the possession of a sum which made him a rich man for life + (though it was only equal to 42 sterling), the kindness of the Duchess + gratified him still more. + </p> + <p> + "He then made us sit down while he read us two new poems; both charming, + and full of grace and naivete; and one very affecting, being an address to + the King, alluding, to the death of his son. + </p> + <p> + "As he read, his wife stood by, and fearing that we did not comprehend the + language, she made a remark to that effect, to which he answered + impatiently, 'Nonsense! don't you see they are in tears?' This was + unanswerable; we were allowed to hear the poem to the end, and I certainly + never listened to anything more feelingly and energetically delivered. + </p> + <p> + "We had much conversation, for he was anxious to detain us; and in the + course of it, he told me that he had been by some accused of vanity. 'Oh!' + he exclaimed, 'what would you have? I am a child of nature, and cannot + conceal my feelings; the only difference between me and a man of + refinement is, that he knows how to conceal his vanity and exaltation at + success, while I let everybody see my emotions.' + </p> + <p> + "His wife drew me aside, and asked my opinion as to how much money it + would cost to pay Jasmin's expenses, if he undertook a journey to England. + 'However,' she added, 'I dare say he need be at no charge, for of course + your Queen has read that article in his favour, and knows his merit. She + probably will send for him, pay all the expenses of his journey, and give + him great fetes in London!" Miss Costello, knowing the difficulty of + obtaining Royal recognition of literary merit in England, unless it + appears in forma pauperis, advised the barber-poet to wait till he was + sent for—a very good advice, for then it would be never! She + concludes her recollections with this remark: "I left the happy pair, + promising to let them know the effect that the translation of Jasmin's + poetry produced in the Royal mind. Indeed, their earnest simplicity was + really entertaining." + </p> + <p> + A contributor to the Westminster Review{5} also gave a very favourable + notice of Jasmin and his poetry, which, he said, was less known in England + than it deserved to be; nor was it well known in France since he wrote in + a patois. Yet he had been well received by some of the most illustrious + men in the capital, where unaided genius, to be successful, must be genius + indeed; and there the Gascon bard had acquired for himself a fame of which + any man might well be proud. + </p> + <p> + The reviewer said that the Gascon patois was peculiarly expressive and + heart-touching, and in the South it was held in universal honour. Jasmin, + he continued, is what Burns was to the Scottish peasantry; only he + received his honours in his lifetime. The comparison with Burns, however, + was not appropriate. Burns had more pith, vigour, variety, and passion, + than Jasmin who was more of a descriptive writer. In some respects Jasmin + resembled Allan Ramsay, a barber and periwig-maker, like himself, whose + Gentle Shepherd met with as great a success as Jasmin's Franconnette. + Jasmin, however, was the greater poet of the two. + </p> + <p> + The reviewer in the Westminster, who had seen Jasmin at Agen, goes on to + speak of the honours he had received in the South and at Paris—his + recitations in the little room behind his shop—his personal + appearance, his hearty and simple manners—and yet his disdain of the + mock modesty it would be affectation to assume. The reviewer thus + concludes: "From the first prepossessing, he gains upon you every moment; + and when he is fairly launched into the recital of one of his poems, his + rich voice does full justice to the harmonious Gascon. The animation and + feeling he displays becomes contagious. Your admiration kindles, and you + become involved in his ardour. You forget the little room in which he + recites; you altogether forget the barber, and rise with him into a + superior world, an experience in a way you will never forget, the power + exercised by a true poet when pouring forth his living thoughts in his own + verses.... + </p> + <p> + "Such is Jasmin—lively in imagination, warm in temperament, + humorous, playful, easily made happy, easily softened, enthusiastically + fond of his province, of its heroes, of its scenery, of its language, and + of its manners. He is every inch a Gascon, except that he has none of that + consequential self-importance, or of the love of boasting and + exaggeration, which, falsely or not, is said to characterise his + countrymen. + </p> + <p> + "Born of the people, and following a humble trade, he is proud of both + circumstances; his poems are full of allusions to his calling; and without + ever uttering a word in disparagment of other classes, he everywhere sings + the praises of his own. He stands by his order. It is from it he draws his + poetry; it is there he finds his romance. + </p> + <p> + "And this is his great charm, as it is his chief distinction. He invests + virtue, however lowly, with the dignity that belongs to it. He rewards + merit, however obscure, with its due honour. Whatever is true or beautiful + or good, finds from him an immediate sympathy. The true is never rejected + by him because it is commonplace; nor the beautiful because it is + everyday; nor the good because it is not also great. He calls nothing + unclean but vice and crime, He sees meanness in nothing but in the sham, + the affectation, and the spangles of outward show. + </p> + <p> + "But while it is in exalting lowly excellence that Jasmin takes especial + delight, he is not blind, as some are, to excellence in high places. All + he seeks is the sterling and the real. He recognises the sparkle of the + diamond as well as that of the dewdrop. But he will not look upon paste. + </p> + <p> + "He is thus pre-eminently the poet of nature; not, be it understood, of + inanimate nature only, but of nature also, as it exists in our thoughts, + and words, and acts of nature as it is to be found living and moving in + humanity. But we cannot paint him so well as he paints himself. We well + remember how, in his little shop at Agen, he described to us what he + believed to be characteristic of his poetry; and we find in a letter from + him to M. Leonce de Lavergne the substance of what he then said to us: + </p> + <p> + "'I believe,' he said, 'that I have portrayed a part of the noble + sentiments which men and women may experience here below. I believe that I + have emancipated myself more than anyone has ever done from every school, + and I have placed myself in more direct communication with nature. My + poetry comes from my heart. I have taken my pictures from around me in the + most humble conditions of men; and I have done for my native language all + that I could.'" + </p> + <p> + A few years later Mr. Angus B. Reach, a well-known author, and a + contributor to Punch in its earlier days, was appointed a commissioner by + the Morning Chronicle to visit, for industrial purposes, the districts in + the South of France. His reports appeared in the Chronicle; but in 1852, + Mr. Reach published a fuller account of his journeys in a volume entitled + 'Claret and Olives, from the Garonne to the Rhone.'{6} In passing through + the South of France, Mr. Reach stopped at Agen. "One of my objects," he + says, "was to pay a literary visit to a very remarkable man—Jasmin, + the peasant-poet of Provence and Languedoc—the 'Last of the + Troubadours,' as, with more truth than is generally to be found in ad + captandum designations, he terms himself, and is termed by the wide circle + of his admirers; for Jasmin's songs and rural epics are written in the + patois of the people, and that patois is the still almost unaltered Langue + d'Oc—the tongue of the chivalric minstrelsy of yore. + </p> + <p> + "But Jasmin is a Troubadour in another sense than that of merely availing + himself of the tongue of the menestrels. He publishes, certainly, + conforming so far to the usages of our degenerate modern times; but his + great triumphs are his popular recitations of his poems. Standing bravely + up before an expectant assembly of perhaps a couple of thousand persons—the + hot-blooded and quick-brained children of the South—the modern + Troubadour plunges over head and ears into his lays, evoking both himself + and his applauding audiences into fits of enthusiasm and excitement, + which, whatever may be the excellence of the poetry, an Englishman finds + it difficult to conceive or account for. + </p> + <p> + "The raptures of the New Yorkers and Bostonians with Jenny Lind are weak + and cold compared with the ovations which Jasmin has received. At a + recitation given shortly before my visit to Auch, the ladies present + actually tore the flowers and feathers out of their bonnets, wove them + into extempore garlands, and flung them in showers upon the panting + minstrel; while the editors of the local papers next morning assured him, + in floods of flattering epigrams, that humble as he was now, future ages + would acknowledge the 'divinity' of a Jasmin! + </p> + <p> + "There is a feature, however, about these recitations which is still more + extraordinary than the uncontrollable fits of popular enthusiasm which + they produce. His last entertainment before I saw him was given in one of + the Pyrenean cities, and produced 2,000 francs. Every sous of this went to + the public charities; Jasmin will not accept a stiver of money so earned. + With a species of perhaps overstrained, but certainly exalted, chivalric + feeling, he declines to appear before an audience to exhibit for money the + gifts with which nature has endowed him. + </p> + <p> + "After, perhaps, a brilliant tour through the South of France, delighting + vast audiences in every city, and flinging many thousands of francs into + every poor-box which he passes, the poet contentedly returns to his humble + occupation, and to the little shop where he earns his daily bread by his + daily toil as a barber and hair-dresser. It will be generally admitted + that the man capable of self-denial of so truly heroic a nature as this, + is no ordinary poetaster. + </p> + <p> + "One would be puzzled to find a similar instance of perfect and absolute + disinterestedness in the roll of minstrels, from Homer downwards; and, to + tell the truth, there does seem a spice of Quixotism mingled with and + tinging the pure fervour of the enthusiast. Certain it is, that the + Troubadours of yore, upon whose model Jasmin professes to found his + poetry, were by no means so scrupulous. 'Largesse' was a very prominent + word in their vocabulary; and it really seems difficult to assign any + satisfactory reason for a man refusing to live upon the exercise of the + finer gifts of his intellect, and throwing himself for his bread upon the + daily performance of mere mechanical drudgery. + </p> + <p> + "Jasmin, as may be imagined, is well known in Agen. I was speedily + directed to his abode, near the open Place of the town, and within earshot + of the rush of the Garonne; and in a few moments I found myself pausing + before the lintel of the modest shop inscribed Jasmin, Perruquier, + Coiffeur des jeunes Gens. A little brass basin dangled above the + threshold; and looking through the glass I saw the master of the + establishment shaving a fat-faced neighbour. Now I had come to see and pay + my compliments to a poet, and there did appear to me to be something + strangely awkward and irresistibly ludicrous in having to address, to some + extent, in a literary and complimentary vein, an individual actually + engaged in so excessively prosaic and unelevated a species of performance. + </p> + <p> + "I retreated, uncertain what to do, and waited outside until the shop was + clear. Three words explained the nature of my visit, and Jasmin received + me with a species of warm courtesy, which was very peculiar and very + charming; dashing at once, with the most clattering volubility and fiery + speed of tongue, into a sort of rhapsodical discourse upon poetry in + general, and the patois of it, spoken in Languedoc, Provence, and Gascony + in particular. + </p> + <p> + "Jasmin is a well-built and strongly limbed man of about fifty, with a + large, massive head, and a broad pile of forehead, overhanging two + piercingly bright black-eyes, and features which would be heavy, were they + allowed a moment's repose from the continual play of the facial muscles, + sending a never-ending series of varying expressions across the dark, + swarthy visage. Two sentences of his conversation were quite sufficient to + stamp his individuality. + </p> + <p> + "The first thing which struck me was the utter absence of all the + mock-modesty, and the pretended self-underrating, conventionally assumed + by persons expecting to be complimented upon their sayings or doings. + Jasmin seemed thoroughly to despise all such flimsy hypocrisy. 'God only + made four Frenchmen poets,' he burst out with, 'and their names are, + Corneille, Lafontaine, Beranger, and Jasmin!' + </p> + <p> + "Talking with the most impassioned vehemence, and the most redundant + energy of gesture, he went on to declaim against the influences of + civilisation upon language and manners as being fatal to all real poetry. + If the true inspiration yet existed upon earth, it burned in the hearts + and brains of men far removed from cities, salons, and the clash and din + of social influences. Your only true poets were the unlettered peasants, + who poured forth their hearts in song, not because they wished to make + poetry, but because they were joyous and true. + </p> + <p> + "Colleges, academies, schools of learning, schools of literature, and all + such institutions, Jasmin denounced as the curse and the bane of true + poetry. They had spoiled, he said, the very French language. You could no + more write poetry in French now than you could in arithmetical figures. + The language had been licked and kneaded, and tricked out, and plumed, and + dandified, and scented, and minced, and ruled square, and chipped—(I + am trying to give an idea of the strange flood of epithets he used)—and + pranked out, and polished, and muscadined—until, for all honest + purposes of true high poetry, it was mere unavailable and contemptible + jargon. + </p> + <p> + "It might do for cheating agents de change on the Bourse—for + squabbling politicians in the Chambers—for mincing dandies in the + salons—for the sarcasm of Scribe-ish comedies, or the coarse + drolleries of Palais Royal farces, but for poetry the French language was + extinct. All modern poets who used it were faiseurs de phrase—thinking + about words and not feelings. 'No, no,' my Troubadour continued, 'to write + poetry, you must get the language of a rural people—a language + talked among fields, and trees, and by rivers and mountains—a + language never minced or disfigured by academies and dictionary-makers, + and journalists; you must have a language like that which your own Burns, + whom I read of in Chateaubriand, used; or like the brave, old, mellow + tongue—unchanged for centuries—stuffed with the strangest, + quaintest, richest, raciest idioms and odd solemn words, full of shifting + meanings and associations, at once pathetic and familiar, homely and + graceful—the language which I write in, and which has never yet been + defiled by calculating men of science or jack-a-dandy litterateurs.'" The + above sentences may be taken as a specimen of the ideas with which Jasmin + seemed to be actually overflowing from every pore in his body—so + rapid, vehement, and loud was his enunciation of them. Warming more and + more as he went on, he began to sketch the outlines of his favourite + pieces. Every now and then plunging into recitation, jumping from French + into patois, and from patois into French, and sometimes spluttering them + out, mixed up pell-mell together. Hardly pausing to take breath, he rushed + about the shop as he discoursed, lugging out, from old chests and drawers, + piles of old newspapers and reviews, pointing out a passage here in which + the estimate of the writer pleased him, a passage there which showed how + perfectly the critic had mistaken the scope of his poetic philosophy, and + exclaiming, with the most perfect naivete, how mortifying it was for men + of original and profound genius to be misconceived and misrepresented by + pigmy whipper-snapper scamps of journalists. + </p> + <p> + "There was one review of his works, published in a London 'Recueil,' as he + called it, to which Jasmin referred with great pleasure. A portion of it + had been translated, he said, in the preface to a French edition of his + works; and he had most of the highly complimentary phrases by heart. The + English critic, he said, wrote in the Tintinum, and he looked dubiously at + me when I confessed that I had never heard of the organ in question. + </p> + <p> + "'Pourtant,' he said, 'je vous le ferai voir,' and I soon perceived that + Jasmin's Tintinum was no other than the Athenaeum! + </p> + <p> + "In the little back drawing-room behind the shop, to which the poet + speedily introduced me, his sister {it must have been his wife}, a meek, + smiling woman, whose eyes never left him, following as he moved with a + beautiful expression of love and pride in his glory, received me with + simple cordiality. The walls were covered with testimonials, + presentations, and trophies, awarded by critics and distinguished persons, + literary and political, to the modern Troubadour. Not a few of these are + of a nature to make any man most legitimately proud. Jasmin possesses gold + and silver vases, laurel branches, snuff-boxes, medals of honour, and a + whole museum of similar gifts, inscribed with such characteristic and + laconiclegends as 'Au Poete, Les Jeunes filles de Toulouse + reconnaissantes!' &c. + </p> + <p> + "The number of garlands of immortelles, wreaths of ivy-jasmin (punning + upon the name), laurel, and so forth, utterly astonished me. Jasmin + preserved a perfect shrubbery of such tokens; and each symbol had, of + course, its pleasant associative remembrance. One was given by the ladies + of such a town; another was the gift of the prefect's wife of such a + department. A handsome full-length portrait had been presented to the poet + by the municipal authorities of Agen; and a letter from M. Lamartine, + framed, above the chimney-piece, avowed the writer's belief that the + Troubadour of the Garonne was the Homer of the modern world. M. Jasmin + wears the ribbon of the Legion of Honour, and has several valuable + presents which were made to him by the late ex-king and different members + of the Orleans family. + </p> + <p> + "I have been somewhat minute in giving an account of my interview with M. + Jasmin, because he is really the popular poet—the peasant poet of + the South of France—the Burns of Limousin, Provence, and Languedoc. + His songs are in the mouths of all who sing in the fields and by the + cottage firesides. Their subjects are always rural, naive, and full of + rustic pathos and rustic drollery. To use his words to me, he sings what + the hearts of the people say, and he can no more help it than can the + birds in the trees. Translations into French of his main poems have + appeared; and compositions more full of natural and thoroughly + unsophisticated pathos and humour it would be difficult to find. + </p> + <p> + "Jasmin writes from a teeming brain and a beaming heart; and there is a + warmth and a glow, and a strong, happy, triumphant march of song about his + poems, which carry you away in the perusal as they carried away the author + in the writing. I speak, of course, from the French translations, and I + can well conceive that they give but a comparatively faint transcript of + the pith and power of the original. The patois in which these poems are + written is the common peasant language of the South-west of France. It + varies in some slight degree in different districts, but not more than the + broad Scotch of Forfarshire differs from that of Ayrshire. As for the + dialect itself, it seems in the main to be a species of cross between old + French and Spanish—holding, however, I am assured, rather to the + latter tongue than to the former, and constituting a bold, copious, and + vigorous speech, very rich in its colouring, full of quaint words and + expressive phrases, and especially strong in all that relates to the + language of the passions and affections. + </p> + <p> + "I hardly know how long my interview with Jasmin might have lasted, for he + seemed by no means likely to tire of talking, and his talk was too good + and too curious not to be listened to with interest; but the sister {or + wife} who had left us for a moment, coming back with the intelligence that + there was quite a gathering of customers in the shop, I hastily took my + leave, the poet squeezing my hand like a vice, and immediately thereafter + dashing into all that appertains to curling-irons, scissors, razors, and + lather, with just as much apparent energy and enthusiasm as he had flung + into his rhapsodical discourse on poetry and language!" + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to apologise for the length of this extract, + because no author that we know of—not even any French author—has + given so vivid a description of the man as he lived, moved, and talked, as + Mr. Reach; and we believe the reader will thank us for quoting from an + almost entirely forgotten book, the above graphic description of the + Gascon Poet. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter XIII. + </p> + <p> + {1} The Athenaeum, 5th November, 1842. 'The Curl-papers of Jasmin, the + Barber of Agen.' ('Las Papillotos de Jasmin, Coiffeur.') + </p> + <p> + {2} 'A Pilgrimage to Auvergne, from Picardy to Velay.' 1842. + </p> + <p> + {3} 'Bearn and the Pyrenees.' 1844. + </p> + <p> + {4} "There are no poets in France now", he said to Miss Costello. "There + cannot be. The language does not admit of it. Where is the fire, the + spirit, the expression, the tenderness, the force, of the Gascon? French + is but the ladder to reach the first floor of the Gascon; how can you get + up to a height except by means of a ladder?" + </p> + <p> + {5} Westminster Review for October, 1849. + </p> + <p> + {6} Published by David Bogue, Fleet Street. 1852. Mr. Reach was very + particular about the pronunciation of his name. Being a native of + Inverness, the last vowel was guttural. One day, dining with Douglas + Jerrold, who insisted on addressing him as Mr. Reek or Reech, "No," said + the other; "my name is neither Reek nor Reech,but Reach," "Very well," + said Jerrold, "Mr. Reach will you have a Peach?" + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. JASMIN'S TOURS OF PHILANTHROPY. + </h2> + <p> + The poet had no sooner returned from his visit to Paris than he was + besieged with appeals to proceed to the relief of the poor in the South of + France. Indeed, for more than thirty years he devoted a considerable part + of his time to works of charity and benevolence. He visited successively + cities and towns so far remote from each other, as Bayonne and Marseilles, + Bagneres and Lyons. He placed his talents at the service of the public + from motives of sheer benevolence, for the large collections which were + made at his recitations were not of the slightest personal advantage to + himself. + </p> + <p> + The first place he visited on this occasion was Carcassonne, south-east of + Toulouse,—a town of considerable importance, and containing a large + number of poor people. M. Dugue, prefect of the Aude, wrote to Jasmin: + "The crying needs of this winter have called forth a desire to help the + poor; but the means are sadly wanting. Our thoughts are necessarily + directed to you. Will you come and help us?" Jasmin at once complied. He + was entertained by the prefect. + </p> + <p> + After several successful recitations, a considerable sum of money was + collected for the relief of the poor of Carcassonne. To perpetuate the + recollection of Jasmin's noble work, and to popularise the genius of the + poet, the Prefect of the Aude arranged that Jasmin's poems should be + distributed amongst all the schools of his department, and for this + purpose a portion of the surplus funds was placed at the disposal of the + Council-general. + </p> + <p> + Bordeaux next appealed to the poet. He had a strong love for Bordeaux. It + was the place where he had first recited his Blind Girl, where he had + first attracted public attention, and where he was always admired and + always feted. The Orphan Institution of the city was in difficulties; its + funds were quite exhausted; and who should be invited to come to their + help but their old friend Jasmin? He was again enthusiastically received. + The Franklin Rooms were crowded, and money flowed quickly into the + orphans' treasury. Among the poems he recited was the following:— + </p> + <p> + THE SHEPHERD AND THE GASCON POET.{1} + </p> + <p> + Aux Bordelais, au jour de ma grande Seance au Casino. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + In a far land, I know not where, + Ere viol's sigh; or organ's swell, + Had made the sons of song aware + That music! is a potent spell: + A shepherd to a city came, + Play'd on his pipe, and rose to fame. + He sang of fields, and at each close, + Applause from ready hands arose. + + The simple swain was hail'd and crown'd, + In mansions where the great reside, + And cheering smiles and praise he found, + And in his heart rose honest pride. + All seem'd with joy and rapture gleaming, + He trembled lest he was but dreaming. + + But, modest still, his soul was moved; + Yet of his hamlet was his thought— + Of friends at home, and her he loved, + When back his laurel branch he brought. + And pleasure beaming in his eyes, + Enjoyed their welcome and surprise. + 'Twas thus with me when Bordeaux deigned + To listen to my rustic song: + Whose music praise and honour gain'd + More than to rural strains belong. + + Delighted, charm'd, I scarcely knew + Whence sprung this life so fresh and new, + And to my heart I whispered low, + When to my fields returned again, + "Is not the Gascon Poet now + As happy as the shepherd swain?" + + The minstrel never can forget, + The spot where first success he met; + But he, the shepherd who, of yore, + Has charm'd so many a list'ing ear, + Came back, and was beloved no more. + He found all changed and cold and drear + A skilful hand had touch'd the flute; + His pipe and he were scorn'd—were mute. + + But I, once more I dared appear, + And found old friends so true and dear. + The mem'ry of my ancient lays + Lived in their hearts, awoke their praise. + Oh! they did more. I was their guest; + Again was welcomed and caress't, + And, twined with their melodious tongue, + Again my rustic carol rung; + And my old language proudly found + Her words had list'ners pressing round. + Thus, though condemn'd the shepherd's skill, + The Gascon Poet triumph'd still. +</pre> + <p> + At the end of the recital a pretty little orphan girl came forward and + presented Jasmin with a laurel adorned with a ruby, with these words in + golden letters, + </p> + <p> + "To Jasmin, with the orphans' gratitude." Jasmin finally descended from + the rostrum and mixed with the audience, who pressed round him and + embraced him. The result was the collection of more than a thousand francs + for the orphans' fund. + </p> + <p> + No matter what the institution was, or where it was situated, if it was in + difficulties, and Jasmin was appealed to, provided it commended itself to + his judgment, he went far and near to give his help. A priest at a remote + place in Perigord had for some time endeavoured to found an agricultural + colony for the benefit of the labourers, and at last wrote to Jasmin for + assistance. The work had been patronised by most of the wealthy people of + the province; but the colony did not prosper. There remained no one to + help them but the noble barber of Agen. Without appealing any more to the + rich for further aid, the priest applied to Jasmin through a mutual + friend, one of the promoters of the undertaking, who explained to him the + nature of the enterprise. The following was Jasmin's answer:— + </p> + <p> + "MY DEAR SIR,—I have already heard of the Pious Work of the curate + of Vedey, and shall be most happy to give him my services for one or two + evenings, though I regret that I must necessarily defer my visit until + after the month of February next. In May I have promised to go twice to + the help of the Albigenses, in aid of their hospital and the poor of Alba. + I start to-morrow for Cahors, to help in a work equally benevolent, begun + long ago. I am engaged for the month of August for Foix and Bagneres de + Luchon, in behalf of a church and an agricultural society. All my spare + time, you will observe, is occupied; and though I may be tired out by my + journeys, I will endeavour to rally my forces and do all that I can for + you. Tell the curate of Vedey, therefore, that as his labour has been of + long continuance, my Muse will be happy to help his philanthropic work + during one or two evenings at Perigueux, in the month of March next. + </p> + <p> + "Yours faithfully, + </p> + <p> + "J. JASMIN." + </p> + <p> + In due time Jasmin fulfilled his promise, and a considerable sum was + collected in aid of the agricultural colony, which, to his great joy, was + eventually established and prospered. On another and a very different + occasion the Society of Arts and Literature appealed to him. Their object + was to establish a fund for the assistance of the poorer members of their + craft—something like the Royal Literary Fund of London. The letter + addressed to him was signed by Baron Taylor, Ingres, Ambroise Thomas, + Auber, Meyerbeer, Adolphe Adam, Jules Simon, Zimmermann, Halevy, and + others. It seemed extraordinary that men of such distinction in art and + literature should appeal to a man of such humble condition, living at so + remote a place as Agen. + </p> + <p> + "We ask your help," they said, "for our work, which has only been begun, + and is waiting for assistance. We desire to have the encouragement and + powerful support of men of heart and intelligence. Do not be surprised, + sir, that we address this demand to you. We have not yet appealed to the + part of France in which you live; but we repose our hopes in your + admirable talent, inspired as it is with Christian charity, which has + already given birth to many benefactions, for the help of churches, + schools, and charitable institutions, and has spread amongst your + compatriots the idea of relieving the poor and necessitous." Incited by + these illustrious men, Jasmin at once took the field, and by his exertions + did much towards the foundation of the proposed institution. + </p> + <p> + The strength of his constitution seemed to be inexhaustible. On one + occasion he went as far as Marseilles. He worked, he walked, he travelled, + he recited almost without end. Though he sometimes complained of being + over-tired, he rallied, and went on as before. At Marseilles, for + instance, he got up early in the morning, and at 8 A.M. he was present at + a private council in a school. At 11 he presided at a meeting of the + Society of Saint Francis Xavier, where he recited several of his poems + before two thousand persons. At 2 o'clock he was present at a banquet + given in his honour. In the evening he had another triumphant reception. + In the morning he spoke of country, religion, and work to the humbler + classes, and in the evening he spoke of love and charity to a crowded + audience of distinguished ladies. He was entertained at Marseilles like a + prince, rather than like a poet. + </p> + <p> + He sometimes gave as many as three hundred recitations of this sort in a + year; visiting nearly every town from Bordeaux to Marseilles for all kinds + of charitable institutions. Of course his travels were enlivened by many + adventures, and some people were unwilling to allow him to forget that he + was a barber. When at Auch, a town several miles to the south of Agen, he + resided with the mayor. The time for the meeting had nearly arrived; but + the mayor was still busy with his toilet. The prefect of Gers was also + waiting. Fearing the impatience of his guests, the mayor opened the door + of his chamber to apologise, showing his face covered with lather. + </p> + <p> + "Just a moment," he said; "I am just finishing my shaving." + </p> + <p> + "Oh," said Jasmin, "why did you not perform your toilet sooner? But now + let me help you." Jasmin at once doffed his coat, gave the finishing touch + to his razor, and shaved the mayor in a twinkling, with what he called his + "hand of velvet." In a few minutes after, Jasmin was receiving tumultuous + applause for his splendid recitations. + </p> + <p> + Thus, as time was pressing, it was a pleasure to Jasmin to make himself + useful to his friend the mayor. But on another occasion he treated a rich + snob in the way he deserved. Jasmin had been reciting for the benefit of + the poor. At the conclusion of the meeting, the young people of the town + improvised a procession of flambeaux and triumphantly escorted him to his + hotel. + </p> + <p> + Early next morning, while Jasmin was still asleep, he was awakened by some + one knocking at his chamber door. He rose, opened it, and found himself in + presence of one of the most opulent persons of the town. There are vulgar + people everywhere, and this person had more wealth than courtesy. Like + Jasmin, he was a man of the people; but he had neither the grace nor the + politeness of the Gascon barber. He was but a parvenu, and his riches had + only produced an accumulation of snobbishness. He pushed into the room, + installed himself without invitation in a chair, and, without further + ceremony, proceeded:— + </p> + <p> + "My dear Jasmin," he said, "I am a banker—a millionaire, as you + know; I wish you to shave me with your own hand. Please set to work at + once, for I am pressed for time. You can ask what you like for your + trouble." + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, sir," said Jasmin, with some pride, "I only shave for pay at + home." + </p> + <p> + "What do you say?" + </p> + <p> + "It is true, sir; I only shave for pay at home." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come—you are jesting! I cannot be put off. Make your charge + as much as you like—but shave me." + </p> + <p> + "Again I say, sir, it is impossible." + </p> + <p> + "How impossible? It seems to me that it is your trade!" + </p> + <p> + "It is so; but at this moment I am not disposed to exercise it." + </p> + <p> + The banker again pleaded; Jasmin was firm; and the millionaire went away + unshaved! + </p> + <p> + During one of his recitations at Toulouse, he was introduced to Mdlle. + Roaldes, a young and beautiful lady, with whose father, a thriving + stockbroker, he stayed while in that city. His house was magnificent and + splendidly furnished. Many persons of influence were invited to meet + Jasmin, and, while there, he was entertained with much hospitality. But, + as often happens with stockbrokers, M. Roaldes star fell; he suffered many + losses, and at length became poor and almost destitute. + </p> + <p> + One day, while Jasmin was sharpening his razors in his shop in Agen, who + should appear but Mdlle. Therese Roaldes, sad and dejected. It was the + same young lady who had charmed him, not only by her intellectual + converse, but by her admirable musical ability. She had sung brilliantly + at the entertainment given at her father's house, and now she came to lay + her case before the Agenaise barber! She told her whole story, ending with + the present destitution of her father—formerly the rich stockbroker. + </p> + <p> + "What can we do now?" asked Jasmin; "something must be done at once." + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. Roaldes judged rightly of the generous heart of Jasmin. He was + instantly ready and willing to help her. They might not restore her + father's fortunes, but they might rescue him from the poverty and + humiliations in which his sudden reverse of fortune had involved him. The + young lady had only her voice and her harp, but Jasmin had his + "Curl-papers." Mdlle. Roaldes was beautiful; could her beauty have + influenced Jasmin? For beauty has a wonderful power in the world. But + goodness is far better, and it was that and her filial love which + principally influenced Jasmin in now offering her his assistance. + </p> + <p> + The two made their first appearance at Agen. They gave their performance + in the theatre, which was crowded, The name of Mdlle. Roaldes excited the + greatest sympathy, for the misfortunes of her father were well known in + the South. For this beautiful girl to descend from her brilliant home in + Toulouse to the boards of a theatre at Agen, was a sad blow, but her + courage bore her up, and she excited the sympathetic applause of the + audience. In the midst of the general enthusiasm, Jasmin addressed the + charming lady in some lines which he had prepared for the occasion. + Holding in his hand a bouquet of flowers, he said— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Oh well they bloom for you! Mothers and daughters, + Throw flowers to her, though moistened with your tears. + + These flowers receive them, for + They bear the incense of our hearts. + + Daughter of heaven, oh, sing! your name shines bright, + The earth applauds, and God will bless you ever." +</pre> + <p> + At the conclusion of his poem, Jasmin threw his wreath of flowers to the + young lady, and in an instant she was covered with flowers by the + audience. Mdlle. Roaldes was deeply moved. She had faced a public audience + for the first time; she had been received with applause, and from that + moment she felt confidence in her performances as well as in her labour of + love. + </p> + <p> + The poet, with the singer and harpist, made a tour in the southern + provinces, and the two muses, poetry and music, went from town to town, + enlivening and enlightening the way. Every heart praised the poet for + giving his services to his young and beautiful friend. They applauded also + the lovely woman who made her harp-chords vibrate with her minstrel's + music. The pair went to Montauban, Albi, Toulouse, and Nimes; they were + welcomed at Avignon, the city of Petrarch and the Popes. Marseilles forgot + for a time her harbour and her ships, and listened with rapture to the + musician and the poet. + </p> + <p> + At Marseilles Jasmin felt himself quite at home. In the intervals between + the concerts and recitals, he made many new friends, as well as visited + many old ones. His gay and genial humour, his lively sallies, his + brilliant recitals, brought him friends from every circle. M. Merv, in a + political effusion, welcomed the Gascon poet. He was invited to a fete of + l'Athenee-Ouvier (the Workman's Athenaeum); after several speeches, Jasmin + rose and responded: + </p> + <p> + "I am proud," he said, "of finding myself among the members of this + society, and of being welcomed by men who are doubly my brethren—by + the labour of the hands and by the labour of the head. You have moved me + and astonished me, and I have incurred to l'Athenee-Ouvier a poetical debt + which my muse can only repay with the most tender recollections." + </p> + <p> + Many pleasant letters passed between Jasmin and Mdlle. de Roaldes. The + lady entertained the liveliest gratitude to the poet, who had helped her + so nobly in her misfortunes. On the morning after her first successful + appearance at Agen, she addressed to him a letter full of praise and + thankfulness. She ended it thus: "Most amiable poet, I adore your heart, + and I do homage to your genius." In a future letter she confessed that the + rays of the sun were not less welcome than the rays of his genius, and + that her music would have been comparatively worthless but for his poetry. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of their joint entertainment she again wrote to him: "You + have become, my dear poet, my shower of gold, my heaven-sent manna, while + you continue your devotion to my personal interests.... As a poet, I give + you all the glory; as a friend, I owe you the affection of my filial + heart, the hopes of a better time, and the consolation of my future + days... Let it be remembered that this good deed on your part is due to + your heart and will. May it protect you during your life, and make you + blest in the life which is to come!" + </p> + <p> + While at Nimes, the two poet-artisans met—Reboul the baker and + Jasmin the barber. Reboul, who attended the music-recitation, went up to + Jasmin and cordially embraced him, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of three + thousand people. Jasmin afterwards visited Reboul at his bakery, where + they had a pleasant interview with respect to the patois of Provence and + Gascony. At the same time it must be observed that Reboul did not write in + patois, but in classical French. + </p> + <p> + Reboul had published a volume of poems which attracted the notice and + praise of Lamartine and Alexandre Dumas. Perhaps the finest poem in the + volume is entitled The Angel and Child. Reboul had lost his wife and + child; he sorrowed greatly at their death, and this poem was the result. + The idea is simple and beautiful. An angel, noticing a lovely child in its + cradle, and deeming it too pure for earth, bears its spirit away to + Heaven. The poem has been admirably translated by Longfellow. + </p> + <p> + Dumas, in 'Pictures of Travel in the South of France,' relates an + interview with the baker-poet of Nimes. + </p> + <p> + "What made you a poet?" asked Dumas. + </p> + <p> + "It was sorrow," replied Reboul—"the loss of a beloved wife and + child. I was in great grief; I sought solitude, and, finding no one who + could understand me, poured forth my grief to the Almighty." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Dumas, "I now comprehend your feelings. It is thus that true + poets become illustrious. How many men of talent only want a great + misfortune to become men of genius! You have told me in a word the secret + of your life; I know it now as well as you do." And yet Jasmin, the + contemporary of Reboul, had written all his poetry without a sorrow, and + amidst praise and joyfulness. + </p> + <p> + Chateaubriand, when in the South of France, called upon Reboul. The baker + met him at the door. + </p> + <p> + "Are you M. Reboul?" inquired the author of 'The Martyrs.' + </p> + <p> + "Which, sir—the baker or the poet?" + </p> + <p> + "The poet, of course." + </p> + <p> + "Then the poet cannot be seen until mid-day. At present the baker is + working at the oven." + </p> + <p> + Chateaubriand accordingly retired, but returned at the time appointed, and + had a long and interesting conversation with Reboul. + </p> + <p> + While at Montpellier Jasmin received two letters from Madame Lafarge, then + in prison. The circumstances connected with her case were much discussed + in the journals of the time. She had married at seventeen a M. Lafarge, + and found after her marriage that he had deceived her as to his property. + Ill-feeling arose between the unhappy pair, and eventually she was tried + for poisoning her husband. She was condemned with extenuating + circumstances, and imprisoned at Montpellier in 1839. She declared that + she was innocent of the crime imputed to her, and Jasmin's faith in the + virtue of womanhood led him to believe her. Her letters to Jasmin were + touching. + </p> + <p> + "Many pens," she said, "have celebrated your genius; let mine touch your + heart! Oh, yes, sir, you are good, noble, and generous! I preserve every + word of yours as a dear consolation; I guard each of your promises as a + holy hope. Voltaire has saved Calas. Sing for me, sir, and I will bless + your memory to the day of my death. I am innocent!... For eight long years + I have suffered; and I am still suffering from the stain upon my honour. I + grieve for a sight of the sun, but I still love life. Sing for me." + </p> + <p> + She again wrote to Jasmin, endeavouring to excite his interest by her + appreciation of his poems. + </p> + <p> + "The spirit of your work," she said, "vibrates through me in every form. + What a pearl of eulogy is Maltro! What a great work is L'Abuglo! In the + first of these poems you reach the sublime of love without touching a + single chord of passion. What purity, and at the same time what ease and + tenderness! It is not only the fever of the heart; it is life itself, its + religion, its virtue. This poor innuocento does not live to love; she + loves to live.... Her love diffuses itself like a perfume—like the + scent of a flower.... In writing Maltro your muse becomes virgin and + Christian; and to dictate L'Abuglo is a crown of flowers, violets mingled + with roses, like Tibullus, Anacreon, and Horace." + </p> + <p> + And again: "Poet, be happy; sing in the language of your mother, of your + infancy, of your loves, your sorrows. The Gascon songs, revived by you, + can never be forgotten. Poet, be happy! The language which you love, + France will learn to admire and read, and your brother-poets will learn to + imitate you.... Spirit speaks to spirit; genius speaks to the heart. Sing, + poet, sing! Envy jeers in vain; your Muse is French; better still, it is + Christian, and the laurel at the end of your course has two crowns—one + for the forehead of the poet and the other for the heart of the man. Grand + actions bring glory; good deeds bring happiness." + </p> + <p> + Although Jasmin wrote an interesting letter to Madame Lafarge, he did not + venture to sing or recite for her relief from prison. She died before him, + in 1852. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter XIV. + </p> + <p> + {1} We adopt the translation of Miss Costello. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. JASMIN'S VINEYARD—'MARTHA THE INNOCENT.' + </h2> + <p> + Agen, with its narrow and crooked streets, is not altogether a pleasant + town, excepting, perhaps, the beautiful promenade of the Gravier, where + Jasmin lived. Yet the neighbourhood of Agen is exceedingly picturesque, + especially the wooded crags of the Hermitage and the pretty villas near + the convent of the Carmelites. From these lofty sites a splendid view of + the neighbouring country is to be seen along the windings of the Garonne, + and far off, towards the south, to the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees. + </p> + <p> + Down beneath the Hermitage and the crags a road winds up the valley + towards Verona, once the home of the famous Scaligers.{1} Near this place + Jasmin bought a little vineyard, and established his Tivoli. In this + pretty spot his muse found pure air, liberty, and privacy. He called the + place—like his volume of poems—his "Papillote," his + "Curlpaper." Here, for nearly thirty years, he spent some of his + pleasantest hours, in exercise, in reflection, and in composition. In + commemoration of his occupation of the site, he composed his Ma Bigno—'My + Vineyard'—one of the most simple and graceful of his poems. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin dedicated Ma Bigno to Madame Louis Veill, of Paris. He told her of + his purchase of Papillote, a piece of ground which he had long desired to + have, and which he had now been able to buy with the money gained by the + sale of his poems. + </p> + <p> + He proceeds to describe the place: + </p> + <p> + "In this tiny little vineyard," he says, "my only chamber is a grotto. + Nine cherry trees: such is my wood! I have six rows of vines, between + which I walk and meditate. The peaches are mine; the hazel nuts are mine! + I have two elms, and two fountains. I am indeed rich! You may laugh, + perhaps, at my happiness. But I wish you to know that I love the earth and + the sky. It is a living picture, sparkling in the sunshine. Come," he + said, "and pluck my peaches from the branches; put them between your + lovely teeth, whiter than the snow. Press them: from the skin to the + almond they melt in the mouth—it is honey!" He next describes what + he sees and hears from his grotto: the beautiful flowers, the fruit + glowing in the sun, the luscious peaches, the notes of the woodlark, the + zug-zug of the nightingale, the superb beauty of the heavens. "They all + sing love, and love is always new." + </p> + <p> + He compares Paris, with its grand ladies and its grand opera, with his + vineyard and his nightingales. "Paris," he says, "has fine flowers and + lawns, but she is too much of the grande dame. She is unhappy, sleepy. + Here, a thousand hamlets laugh by the river's side. Our skies laugh; + everything is happy; everything lives. From the month of May, when our + joyous summer arrives, for six months the heavens resound with music. A + thousand nightingales sing all the night through.... Your grand opera is + silent, while our concert is in its fullest strain." + </p> + <p> + The poem ends with a confession on the part of the poet of sundry + pilferings committed by himself in the same place when a boy—of + apple-trees broken, hedges forced, and vine-ladders scaled, winding up + with the words: + </p> + <p> + "Madame, you see I turn towards the past without a blush; will you? What I + have robbed I return, and return with usury. I have no door to my + vineyard; only two thorns bar its threshold. When, through a hole I see + the noses of marauders, instead of arming myself with a cane, I turn and + go away, so that they may come back. He who robbed when he was young, may + in his old age allow himself to be robbed too." A most amicable sentiment, + sure to be popular amongst the rising generation of Agen. + </p> + <p> + Ma Bigno is written in graceful and felicitous verse. We have endeavoured + to give a translation in the appendix; but the rendering of such a work + into English is extremely difficult. The soul will be found wanting; for + much of the elegance of the poem consists in the choice of the words. M. + de Mazade, editor of the Revue des Deux Mondes, said of Ma Bigno that it + was one of Jasmin's best works, and that the style and sentiments were + equally satisfactory to the poetical mind and taste. + </p> + <p> + M. Rodiere, of Toulouse, in his brief memoir of Jasmin,{2} says that "it + might be thought that so great a work as Franconnette would have exhausted + the poet. When the aloe flowers, it rests for nearly a hundred years + before it blooms again. But Jasmin had an inexhaustible well of poetry in + his soul. Never in fact was he more prolific than in the two years which + followed the publication of Franconnette. Poetry seemed to flow from him + like a fountain, and it came in various forms. His poems have no rules and + little rhythm, except those which the genius of the poet chooses to give + them; but there is always the most beautiful poetry, perfectly evident by + its divine light and its inspired accents." + </p> + <p> + Jasmin, however, did not compose with the rapidity described by his + reviewer. He could not throw off a poem at one or many sittings; though he + could write an impromptu with ready facility. When he had an elaborate + work in hand, such as The Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille, Franconnette, or + Martha the Innocent, he meditated long over it, and elaborated it with + conscientious care. He arranged the plan in his mind, and waited for the + best words and expressions in which to elaborate his stanzas, so as most + clearly to explain his true meaning. Thus Franconnette cost him two years' + labour. Although he wrote of peasants in peasants' language, he took care + to avoid everything gross or vulgar. Not even the most classical poet + could have displayed inborn politeness—la politesse du coeur—in + a higher degree. At the same time, while he expressed passion in many + forms, it was always with delicacy, truth, and beauty. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding his constant philanthropic journeys, he beguiled his time + with the germs of some forthcoming poem, ready to be elaborated on his + return to Agen and his vineyard. + </p> + <p> + His second volume of poems was published in 1842, and in a few months it + reached its third edition. About 20,000 copies of his poems had by this + time been issued. The sale of these made him comparatively easy in his + circumstances; and it was mainly by their profits that he was enabled to + buy his little vineyard near Verona. + </p> + <p> + It may also be mentioned that Jasmin received a further increase of his + means from the Government of Louis Philippe. Many of his friends in the + South of France were of opinion that his philanthropic labours should be + publicly recognised. While Jasmin had made numerous gifts to the poor from + the collections made at his recitations; while he had helped to build + schools, orphanages, asylums, and even churches, it was thought that some + recompense should be awarded to him by the State for his self-sacrificing + labours. + </p> + <p> + In 1843 the Duchess of Orleans had a golden medal struck in his honour; + and M. Dumon, when presenting it to Jasmin, announced that the Minister of + Instruction had inscribed his name amongst the men of letters whose works + the Government was desirous of encouraging; and that consequently a + pension had been awarded to him of 1,000 francs per annum. This welcome + news was shortly after confirmed by the Minister of Instruction himself. + "I am happy," said M. Villemain, "to bear witness to the merit of your + writings, and the originality of your poetry, as well as to the loyalty of + your sentiments." + </p> + <p> + The minister was not, however, satisfied with conferring this favour. It + was ordered that Jasmin should be made a Chevalier of the Legion of + Honour, at the same time that Balzac, Frederick Soulie, and Alfred de + Musset, were advanced to the same role of honour. The minister, in + conveying the insignia to Jasmin, said: + </p> + <p> + "Your actions are equal to your works; you build churches; you succour + indigence; you are a powerful benefactor; and your muse is the sister of + Charity." + </p> + <p> + These unexpected honours made no difference in the poet's daily life. He + shaved and curled hair as before. He lived in the same humble shop on the + Gravier. He was not in the least puffed up. His additional income merely + enabled him to defray his expenses while on his charitable journeys on + behalf of his poorer neighbours. He had no desire to be rich; and he was + now more than comfortable in his position of life. + </p> + <p> + When the news arrived at Agen that Jasmin had been made a Chevalier of the + Legion of Honour, his salon was crowded with sympathetic admirers. In the + evening, a serenade was performed before his door on the Gravier by the + Philharmonic Society of Agen. Indeed, the whole town was filled with joy + at the acknowledged celebrity of their poet. A few years later Pope Pius + IX. conferred upon Jasmin the honour of Chevalier of the Order of St. + Gregory the Great. The insignia of the Order was handed to the poet by + Monseigneur de Vezins, Bishop of Agen, in Sept. 1850. Who could have + thought that the barber-poet would have been so honoured by his King, and + by the Head of his Church? + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's next important poem, after the production of Franconnette was + Martha the Innocent.—{In Gascon, Maltro l'Innoucento; French, Marthe + la Folle}. It is like The Blind Girl, a touching story of disappointment + in love. Martha was an orphan living at Laffitte, on the banks of the Lot. + She was betrothed to a young fellow, but the conscription forbade their + union. The conscript was sent to the wars of the first Napoleon, which + were then raging. The orphan sold her little cottage in the hope of buying + him off, or providing him with a substitute. But it was all in vain. He + was compelled to follow his regiment. She was a good and pious girl, + beloved by all. She was also beautiful,—tall, fair, and handsome, + with eyes of blue—"the blue of heaven," according to Jasmin: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "With grace so fine, and air so sweet, + She was a lady amongst peasants." +</pre> + <p> + The war came to an end for a time. The soldier was discharged, and + returned home. + </p> + <p> + Martha went out to meet him; but alas! like many other fickle men, he had + met and married another. It was his wife who accompanied him homewards. + Martha could not bear the terrible calamity of her blighted love. She + became crazy—almost an idiot. + </p> + <p> + She ran away from her home at Laffitte, and wandered about the country. + Jasmin, when a boy, had often seen the crazy woman wandering about the + streets of Agen with a basket on her arm, begging for bread. Even in her + rags she had the remains of beauty. The children ran after her, and cried, + "Martha, a soldier!" then she ran off, and concealed herself. + </p> + <p> + Like other children of his age Jasmin teased her; and now, after more than + thirty years, he proposed to atone for his childish folly by converting + her sad story into a still sadder poem. Martha the Innocent is a charming + poem, full of grace, harmony, and beauty. Jasmin often recited it, and + drew tears from many eyes. In the introduction he related his own part in + her history. "It all came back upon him," he said," and now he recited the + story of this martyr of love."{3} + </p> + <p> + After the completion of Martha, new triumphs awaited Jasmin in the South + of France. In 1846 he again went to Toulouse on a labour of love. He + recited his new poem in the Room of the Illustrious at the Capitol. A + brilliant assembly was present. Flowers perfumed the air. The entire + audience rose and applauded the poet. The ladies smiled and wept by turns. + Jasmin seemed to possess an electric influence. His clear, harmonious, and + flexible voice, gave emphasis by its rich sympathetic tones to the + artistic elements of his story. + </p> + <p> + The man who thus evoked such rapture from his audience was not arrayed in + gorgeous costume. He was a little dark-eyed man of the working class, + clothed in a quiet suit of black. + </p> + <p> + At the close of the recitation, the assembly, ravished with his + performance, threw him a wreath of flowers and laurels—more modest, + though not less precious than the golden branch which they had previously + conferred upon him. Jasmin thanked them most heartily for their welcome. + "My Muse," he said, "with its glorious branch of gold, little dreamt of + gleaning anything more from Toulouse; but Toulouse has again invited me to + this day's festival, and I feel more happy than a king, because my poem is + enthroned in the midst of the Capitol. Your hands have applauded me + throughout, and you have concluded by throwing this crown of flowers at my + feet." + </p> + <p> + It was then resolved to invite Jasmin to a banquet. Forty ladies, the + cream of Toulousian society, organised the proceedings, and the banquet + was given at the palace of M. de Narbonne. At the end of the proceedings a + young lady stepped forward, and placed upon the poet's head a crown of + immortelles and violets joined together by a ribbon with golden threads, + on which was inscribed in letters of gold, "Your thoughts are immortal!" + Was not this enough to turn any poor poet's head? The ladies clapped their + hands. What could Jasmin say? "It is enough," he said "to make angels + jealous!" The dinner ended with a toast to the author of Martha, who still + wore the crown upon his brow. + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to describe the enthusiasm with which the poet was + received all through the South. At Dax, the ladies, for want of crowns of + laurels to cover him, tore the flowers and feathers from their bonnets, + and threw them at his feet. In another town the ladies rose and invaded + the platform where Jasmin stood; they plucked from his button-hole the + ribbon of the Legion of Honour, and divided it amongst them, as a precious + relic of their glorious poet. + </p> + <p> + He was received at Gers and Condon with equal enthusiasm. At Condon he + charmed his audience with his recitations for about five hours. Frenzies + of applause greeted him. He was invited to a banquet, where he received + the usual praises. When the banquet was over, and Jasmin escaped, he was + met in the street by crowds of people, who wished to grasp him by the + hand. He recited to them in the open air his poem of charity. They + compared Jasmin to O'Connell; but the barber of Agen, by the power which + he exercised for the good of the people, proved himself more than equal to + the greatest of agitators. + </p> + <p> + Sainte-Beuve quotes with keen enjoyment{4} the bantering letter which + Jasmin sent to Peyrottes, a Provencal poet, who challenged him to a + poetical combat. It was while he was making one of his charitable tours + through Languedoc, that Jasmin received the following letter (24 December, + 1847):— + </p> + <p> + "SIR,—I dare, in my temerity, which may look like hardihood, to + propose to you a challenge. Will you have the goodness to accept it? In + the Middle Ages, the Troubadours did not disdain such a challenge as that + which, in my audacity, I now propose to you. + </p> + <p> + "I will place myself at your disposal at Montpellier on any day and at any + hour that may be most convenient to you. We shall name four persons of + literary standing to give us three subjects with which we are to deal for + twenty-four hours. We shall be shut up together. Sentries will stand at + the door. Only our provisions shall pass through. + </p> + <p> + "A son of Herault, I will support the honour and the glory of my country! + And as in such circumstances, a good object is indispensable, the three + subjects given must be printed and sold for the benefit of the Creche of + Montpellier." Peyrotte ended his letter with a postscript, in which he + said that he would circulate his challenge among the most eminent persons + in Montpellier. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin answered this letter as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "SIR,—I did not receive your poetical challenge until the day before + yesterday, on the point of my departure for home; but I must tell you + that, though I have received it, I cannot accept it. + </p> + <p> + "Do you really propose to my muse, which aims at free air and liberty, to + shut myself up in a close room, guarded by sentinels, who could only allow + provisions to enter, and there to treat of three given subjects in + twenty-four hours! Three subjects in twenty-four hours! You frighten me, + sir, for the peril in which you place my muse. + </p> + <p> + "I must inform you, in all humility, that I often cannot compose more than + two or three lines a day. My five poems, L'Aveugle, Mes Souvenirs, + Franconnette, Martha the Innocent, and Les Deux Jumeaux, have cost me ten + years' work, and they only contain in all but 2,400 verses!... I cannot + write poetry by command. I cannot be a prisoner while I compose. Therefore + I decline to enter the lists with you. + </p> + <p> + "The courser who drags his chariot with difficulty, albeit he may arrive + at the goal, cannot contend with the fiery locomotive of the iron railway. + The art which produces verses one by one, depends upon inspiration, not + upon manufacture. Therefore my muse declares itself vanquished in advance; + and I authorise you to publish my refusal of your challenge." + </p> + <p> + In a postscript, Jasmin added: "Now that you have made the acquaintance of + my Muse, I will, in a few words, introduce you to the man. I love glory, + but the success of others never troubles my sleep at night!" + </p> + <p> + "When one finds," says Sainte-Beuve, "this theory of work pushed to such a + degree by Jasmin, with whom the spark of inspiration seems always so + prompt and natural, what a sad return we have of the poetical wealth + dissipated by the poets of our day." Sainte-Beuve summed up his praise of + the Gascon poet by insisting that he was invariably sober in his tone. + </p> + <p> + "I have learned," said Jasmin of himself, "that in moments of heat and + emotion we may be eloquent or laconic, alike in speech and action—unconscious + poets, in fact; but I have also learned that it is possible for a poet to + become all this voluntarily by dint of patient toil and conscientious + labour!" + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was not the man to rest upon his laurels. Shortly after his visit + to Paris in 1842, he began to compose his Martha the Innocent, which we + have already briefly described. Two years later he composed Les Deux + Freres Jumeaux—a story of paternal and motherly affection. This was + followed by his Ma Bigno ('My Vineyard'), and La Semaine d'un Fils ('The + Week's Work of a Son'), which a foot-note tells us is historical, the + event having recently occurred in the neighbourhood of Agen. + </p> + <p> + A short description may be given of this affecting story. The poem is + divided into three parts. In the first, a young boy and his sister, Abel + and Jeanne, are described as kneeling before a cross in the moonlight, + praying to the Virgin to cure their father. "Mother of God, Virgin + compassionate, send down thine Angel and cure our sick father. Our mother + will then be happy, and we, Blessed Virgin, will love and praise thee for + ever." + </p> + <p> + The Virgin hears their prayer, and the father is cured. A woman opens the + door of a neighbouring house and exclaims joyously, "Poor little ones, + death has departed. The poison of the fever is counteracted, and your + father's life is saved. Come, little lambs, and pray to God with me." They + all three kneel and pray by the side of the good father Hilaire, formerly + a brave soldier, but now a mason's labourer. This ends the first part. + </p> + <p> + The second begins with a description of morning. The sun shines through + the glass of the casement mended with paper, yet the morning rays are + bright and glorious. Little Abel glides into his father's room. He is told + that he must go to the house of his preceptor to-day, for he must learn to + read and write. Abel is "more pretty than strong;" he is to be an homme de + lettres, as his little arms would fail him if he were to handle the rough + stones of his father's trade. Father and son embraced each other. + </p> + <p> + For a few days all goes well, but on the fourth, a Sunday, a command comes + from the master mason that if Hilaire does not return to his work + to-morrow, his place shall be given to another. This news spreads dismay + and consternation among them all. Hilaire declares that he is cured, tries + to rise from his bed, but falls prostrate through weakness. It will take a + week yet to re-establish his health. + </p> + <p> + The soul of little Abel is stirred. He dries his tears and assumes the air + of a man; he feels some strength in his little arms. He goes out, and + proceeds to the house of the master mason. When he returns, he is no + longer sorrowful: "honey was in his mouth, and his eyes were smiling." He + said, "My father, rest yourself: gain strength and courage; you have the + whole week before you. Then you may labour. Some one who loves you will do + your work, and you shall still keep your place." Thus ends the second + part. + </p> + <p> + The third begins: "Behold our little Abel, who no longer toils at the + school-desk, but in the workshop. In the evenings he becomes again a petit + monsieur; and, the better to deceive his father, speaks of books, papers, + and writings, and with a wink replies to the inquiring look of his mother + (et d'un clin d'oeil repond aux clins des yeux de sa mere). Four days pass + thus. On the fifth, Friday, Hilaire, now cured, leaves his house at + mid-day. But fatal Friday, God has made thee for sorrow!" + </p> + <p> + The father goes to the place where the masons are at work. Though the hour + for luncheon has not arrived, yet no one is seen on the platforms above; + and O bon Dieu! what a crowd of people is seen at the foot of the + building! Master, workmen, neighbours—all are there, in haste and + tumult. A workman has fallen from the scaffold. It is poor little Abel. + Hilaire pressed forward to see his beloved boy lie bleeding on the ground! + Abel is dying, but before he expires, he whispers, "Master, I have not + been able to finish the work, but for my poor mother's sake do not dismiss + my father because there is one day short!" The boy died, and was carried + home by his sorrowful parent. The place was preserved for Hilaire, and his + wages were even doubled. But it was too late. One morning death closed his + eyelids; and the good father went to take another place in the tomb by the + side of his son. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin dedicated this poem to Lamartine, who answered his dedication as + follows:— + </p> + <p> + "Paris, 28th April, 1849. + </p> + <p> + "My dear brother,—I am proud to read my name in the language which + you have made classic; more proud still of the beautiful verses in which + you embalm the recollection of our three months of struggle with the + demagogues against our true republic. Poets entertain living presentiments + of posterity. I accept your omen. Your poem has made us weep. You are the + only epic writer of our time, the sensible and pathetic Homer of the + people (proletaires). + </p> + <p> + "Others sing, but you feel. I have seen your son, who has three times + sheltered me with his bayonet—in March and April. He appears to me + worthy of your name.—LAMARTINE." + </p> + <p> + Besides the above poems, Jasmin composed Le Pretre sans Eglise (The Priest + without a Church), which forms the subject of the next chapter. These + poems, with other songs and impromptus, were published in 1851, forming + the third volume of his Papillotos. + </p> + <p> + After Jasmin had completed his masterpieces, he again devoted himself to + the cause of charity. Before, he had merely walked; now he soared aloft. + What he accomplished will be ascertained in the following pages. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter XV. + </p> + <p> + {1} The elder Scaliger had been banished from Verona, settled near Agen, + and gave the villa its name. The tomb of the Scaliger family in Verona is + one of the finest mausoleums ever erected. + </p> + <p> + {2} Journal de Toulouse, 4th July, 1840. + </p> + <p> + {3} In the preface to the poem, which was published in 1845, the editor + observes:—"This little drama begins in 1798, at Laffitte, a pretty + market-town on the banks of the Lot, near Clairac, and ends in 1802. When + Martha became an idiot, she ran away from the town to which she belonged, + and went to Agen. When seen in the streets of that town she became an + object of commiseration to many, but the children pursued her, calling + out, 'Martha, a soldier!' Sometimes she disappeared for two weeks at a + time, and the people would then observe, 'Martha has hidden herself; she + must now be very hungry!' More than once Jasmin, in his childhood, pursued + Martha with the usual cry of 'A soldier.' He little thought that at a + future time he should make some compensation for his sarcasms, by writing + the touching poem of Martha the Innocent; but this merely revealed the + goodness of his heart and his exquisite sensibility. Martha died at Agen + in 1834." + </p> + <p> + {4} 'Causeries du Lundi,' iv. 241, edit. 1852. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. THE PRIEST WITHOUT A CHURCH. + </h2> + <p> + The Abbe Masson, priest of Vergt in Perigord, found the church in which he + officiated so decayed and crumbling, that he was obliged to close it. It + had long been in a ruinous condition. The walls were cracked, and pieces + of plaster and even brick fell down upon the heads of the congregation; + and for their sake as well as for his own, the Abbe Masson was obliged to + discontinue the services. At length he resolved to pull down the ruined + building, and erect another church in its place. + </p> + <p> + Vergt is not a town of any considerable importance. It contains the ruins + of a fortress built by the English while this part of France was in their + possession. At a later period a bloody battle was fought in the + neighbourhood between the Catholics and the Huguenots. Indeed, the whole + of the South of France was for a long period disturbed by the civil war + which raged between these sections of Christians. Though both Roman + Catholics and Protestants still exist at Vergt, they now live together in + peace and harmony. + </p> + <p> + Vergt is the chief town of the Canton, and contains about 1800 + inhabitants. It is a small but picturesque town, the buildings being half + concealed by foliage and chestnut trees. Not far off, by the river Candou, + the scenery reminds one of the wooded valley at Bolton Priory in + Yorkshire. + </p> + <p> + Though the Abbe Masson was a man of power and vigour, he found it very + difficult to obtain funds from the inhabitants of the town for the purpose + of rebuilding his church. There were no Ecclesiastical Commissioners to + whom he could appeal, and the people of the neighbourhood were too limited + in their circumstances to help him to any large extent. + </p> + <p> + However, he said to himself, "Heaven helps those who help themselves;" or + rather, according to the Southern proverb, Qui trabaillo, Thion li baillo—"Who + is diligent, God helps." The priest began his work with much zeal. He + collected what he could in Vergt and the neighbourhood, and set the + builders to work. He hoped that Providence would help him in collecting + the rest of the building fund. + </p> + <p> + But the rebuilding of a church is a formidable affair; and perhaps the + priest, not being a man of business, did not count the cost of the + undertaking. He may have "counted his chickens before they were hatched." + Before long the priest's funds again ran short. He had begun the + rebuilding in 1840; the work went on for about a year; but in 1841 the + builders had to stop their operations, as the Abbe Masson's funds were + entirely exhausted. + </p> + <p> + What was he to do now? He suddenly remembered the barber of Agen, who was + always willing to give his friendly help. He had established Mdlle. + Roaldes as a musician a few years before; he had helped to build schools, + orphanages, asylums, and such like. But he had never helped to build a + church. Would he now help him to rebuild the church of Vergt? + </p> + <p> + The Abbe did not know Jasmin personally, but he went over to Agen, and + through a relative, made his acquaintance. Thus the Abbe and the poet came + together. After the priest had made an explanation of his position, and of + his difficulties in obtaining money for the rebuilding of the church of + Vergt, Jasmin at once complied with the request that he would come over + and help him. They arranged for a circuit of visits throughout the + district—the priest with his address, and Jasmin with his poems. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin set out for Vergt in January 1843. He was received at the border of + the Canton by a numerous and brilliant escort of cavalry, which + accompanied him to the presbytery. He remained there for two days, + conferring with the Abbe. Then the two set out together for Perigueux, the + chief city of the province, accompanied on their departure by the members + of the Municipal Council and the leading men of the town. + </p> + <p> + The first meeting was held in the theatre of Perigueux, which was crowded + from floor to ceiling, and many remained outside who could not obtain + admission. The Mayor and Municipal Councillors were present to welcome and + introduce the poet. On this occasion, Jasmin recited for the first time, + "The Ruined Church" (in Gascon: La Gleyzo Descapelado) composed in one of + his happiest moments. Jasmin compared himself to Amphion, the sweet singer + of Greece, who by his musical powers, enabled a city to be built; and now + the poet invoked the citizens of Perigueux to enable the Abbe Masson to + rebuild his church. His poem was received with enthusiasm, and almost with + tears of joy at the pleading of Jasmin. There was a shower of silver and + gold. The priest was overjoyed at the popularity of his colleague, and + also at his purse, which was filled with offerings. + </p> + <p> + While at Perigueux the poet and the priest enjoyed the hospitality of M. + August Dupont, to whom Jasmin, in thanks, dedicated a piece of poetry. + Other entertainments followed—matinees and soirees. Jasmin recited + some of his poems before the professors and students at the college, and + at other places of public instruction. Then came banquets—aristocratic + and popular—and, as usual, a banquet of the hair-dressers. There was + quite an ovation in the city while he remained there. + </p> + <p> + But other calls awaited Jasmin. He received deputations from many of the + towns in the department soliciting his appearance, and the recitation of + his poems. He had to portion out his time with care, and to arrange the + programme of his visits. When the two pilgrims started on their journey, + they were frequently interrupted by crowds of people, who would not allow + Jasmin to pass without reciting some of his poetry. Jasmin and Masson + travelled by the post-office car—the cheapest of all conveyances—but + at Montignac they were stopped by a crowd of people, and Jasmin had to + undergo the same process. Free and hearty, he was always willing to comply + with their requests. That day the postman arrived at his destination three + hours after his appointed time. + </p> + <p> + It was in the month of February, when darkness comes on so quickly, that + Jasmin informed the magistrates of Sarlat, whither he was bound, that he + would be there by five o'clock. But they waited, and waited for him and + the priest at the entrance to the town, attended by the clergy, the + sub-prefect, the town councillors, and a crowd of people. It was a cold + and dreary night. Still no Jasmin! They waited for three long hours. At + last Jasmin appeared on the post-office car. "There he comes at last!" was + the general cry. His arrival was greeted with enthusiastic cheers. It was + now quite dark. The poet and the priest entered Sarlat in triumph, amidst + the glare of torches and the joyful shouts of the multitude. Then came the + priest's address, Jasmin's recitations, and the final collection of + offerings. + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary to repeat the scenes, however impressive, which occurred + during the journey of the poet and the priest. There was the same amount + of enthusiasm at Nontron, Bergerac, and the other towns which they + visited. At Nontron, M. A. de Calvimont, the sub-prefect, welcomed Jasmin + with the following lines: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "To Jasmin, our grand poet, + The painter of humanity; + For him, elect of heaven, life is a fete + Ending in immortality." +</pre> + <p> + Jasmin replied to this with some impromptu lines, 'To Poetry,' dedicated + to the sub-prefect. At Bergerac he wrote his Adieu to Perigord, in which + he conveyed his thanks to the inhabitants of the department for the + kindness with which they had received him and his companion. This, their + first journey through Perigord, was brought to a close at the end of + February, 1843. + </p> + <p> + The result of this brilliant journey was very successful. The purse of the + Abbe was now sufficiently well filled to enable him to proceed with the + rebuilding of the church of Vergt; and the work was so well advanced, that + by the 23rd of the following month of July it was ready for consecration. + A solemn ceremony then took place. Six bishops, including an archbishop, + and three hundred priests were present, with more than fifteen thousand + people of all ranks and conditions of life. Never had such a ceremony been + seen before—at least in so small a town. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal Gousset, Archbishop of Rheims, after consecrating the church, + turned to Jasmin, and said: "Poet, we cannot avoid the recognition of your + self-sacrificing labours in the rebuilding of this church; and we shall be + happy if you will consent to say a few words before we part." + </p> + <p> + "Monseigneur," replied Jasmin, "can you believe that my muse has laboured + for fifteen days and fifteen nights, that I should interrupt this day of + the fete? Vergt keeps fete to-day for religion, but not for poetry, though + it welcomes and loves it. The church has six pontiffs; the poet is only a + subdeacon; but if I must sing my hymn officially, it must be elsewhere." + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop—a man of intelligence who understood the feelings of + poets—promised, at the collation which followed the consecration, to + give Jasmin the opportunity of reciting the verses which he had composed + for the occasion. The poem was entitled 'A Priest without a Church' (in + Gascon: Lou Preste sans Glegzo) dedicated to M. Masson, the Cure of Vergt. + In his verses the poet described the influence of a noble church upon the + imagination as well as the religion of the people. But he said nothing of + his own labours in collecting the necessary funds for the rebuilding of + the church. The recitation of the poem was received with enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + Monseigneur Bertaud, who preached in the afternoon on the "Infinity of + God," touchingly referred to the poems of Jasmin, and developed the + subject so happily referred to by the poet. + </p> + <p> + "Such examples as his," he said, "such delicate and generous sentiments + mingled together, elevate poetry and show its noble origin, so that we + cannot listen to him without the gravest emotion."{1} + </p> + <p> + It was a great day for Vergt, and also a great day for the poet. The + consecration of the church amidst so large an assemblage of clergy and + people occasioned great excitement in the South. It was noised abroad in + the public journals, and even in the foreign press. Jasmin's fame became + greater than ever; and his barber's shop at Agen became, as it were, a + shrine, where pilgrims, passing through the district, stopped to visit him + and praise his almost divine efforts to help the cause of religion and + civilisation. + </p> + <p> + The local enthusiasm was not, however, without its drawbacks. The success + of the curate of Vergt occasioned a good deal of jealousy. Why should he + be patronised by Jasmin, and have his purse filled by his recitations, + when there were so many other churches to be built and repaired, so many + hospitals and schools to found and maintain, so many orphanages to assist, + so many poor to relieve, so many good works to be done? Why should not + Jasmin, who could coin money with words which cost him nothing, come to + the help of the needy and afflicted in the various districts throughout + the South? + </p> + <p> + Thus Jasmin was constantly assailed by deputations. He must leave his + razors and his curling-tongs, and go here, there, and everywhere to raise + money by his recitations. + </p> + <p> + The members of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul were, as usual, full + of many charitable designs. There had been a fire, a flood, an epidemic, a + severe winter, a failure of crops, which had thrown hundreds of families + into poverty and misery; and Jasmin must come immediately to their + succour. "Come, Jasmin! Come quick, quick!" He was always willing to give + his assistance; but it was a terrible strain upon his mental as well as + his physical powers. + </p> + <p> + In all seasons, at all hours, in cold, in heat, in wind, in rain, he + hastened to give his recitations—sometimes of more than two hours' + duration, and often twice or thrice in the same day. He hastened, for fear + lest the poor should receive their food and firing too late. + </p> + <p> + What a picture! Had Jasmin lived in the time of St. Vincent de Paul, the + saint would have embraced him a thousand times, and rejoiced to see + himself in one way surpassed; for in pleading for the poor, he also helped + the rich by celebrating the great deeds of their ancestors, as he did at + Beziers, Riquet, Albi, Lafeyrouse, and other places. The spectacle which + he presented was so extraordinary, that all France was struck with + admiration at the qualities of this noble barber of Agen. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion Jasmin was requested by a curate to come to his help and + reconcile him with his parishioners. Jasmin succeeded in performing the + miracle. It happened that in 1846 the curate of Saint-Leger, near Penne, + in the Tarn, had caused a ball-room to be closed. This gave great offence + to the young people, who desired the ball-room to be opened, that they + might have their fill of dancing. They left his church, and declared that + they would have nothing further to do with him. To reconcile the + malcontents, the curate promised to let them hear Jasmin. accordingly, one + Sunday afternoon the inhabitants of four parishes assembled in a beautiful + wood to listen to Jasmin. He recited his Charity and some other of his + serious poems. When he had finished, the young people of Saint-Leger + embraced first the poet, and then the curate. The reconciliation was + complete. + </p> + <p> + To return to the church at Vergt. Jasmin was a poet, not an architect. The + Abbe Masson knew nothing about stone or mortar. He was merely anxious to + have his church rebuilt and consecrated as soon as possible. That had been + done in 1843. But in the course of a few years it was found that the + church had been very badly built. The lime was bad, and the carpentry was + bad. The consequence was, that the main walls of the church bulged out, + and the shoddy building had to be supported by outside abutments. In + course of time it became clear that the work, for the most part, had to be + done over again. + </p> + <p> + In 1847 the Abbe again appealed to Jasmin. This new task was more + difficult than the first, for it was necessary to appeal to a larger + circle of contributors; not confining themselves to Perigord only, but + taking a wider range throughout the South of France. The priest made the + necessary arrangements for the joint tour. They would first take the + northern districts—Angouleme, Limoges, Tulle, and Brives—and + then proceed towards the south. + </p> + <p> + The pair started at the beginning of May, and began their usual + recitations and addresses, such as had been given during the first journey + in Perigord. They were received with the usual enthusiasm. Prefects, + bishops, and municipal bodies, vied with each other in receiving and + entertaining them. At Angouleme, the queen of southern cities, Jasmin was + presented with a crown of immortelles and a snuff-box, on which was + engraved: "Esteem—Love—Admiration! To Jasmin, the most sublime + of poets! From the youth of Angouleme, who have had the happiness of + seeing and hearing him!" + </p> + <p> + The poet and priest travelled by night as well as by day in order to + economise time. After their tour in the northern towns and cities, they + returned to Vergt for rest. They entered the town under a triumphal arch, + and were escorted by a numerous cavalcade. Before they retired to the + priest's house, the leading men of the commune, in the name of the + citizens, complimented Jasmin for his cordial help towards the rebuilding + of the church. + </p> + <p> + After two days of needful rest Jasmin set out for Bordeaux, the city whose + inhabitants had first encouraged him by their applause, and for which he + continued to entertain a cordial feeling to the last days of his life. His + mission on this occasion was to assist in the inauguration of a creche, + founded and supported by the charitable contributions of the friends of + poor children. It is not necessary to mention the enthusiasm with which he + was received. + </p> + <p> + The further progress of the poet and the priest, in search of + contributions for rebuilding the church, was rudely interrupted by the + Revolution which broke out at Paris in 1848. His Majesty Louis Philippe + abdicated the throne of France on the 24th of February, rather than come + into armed collision with his subjects; and, two days after, the Republic + was officially proclaimed at the Hotel de Ville. Louis Philippe and his + family took refuge in England—the usual retreat of persecuted + Frenchmen; and nine months later, Louis Napoleon Buonaparte, who had also + been a refugee in England, returned to France, and on the 20th of December + was proclaimed President of the French Republic. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin and Masson accordingly suspended their tour. No one would listen to + poetical recitations in the midst of political revolutions. Freedom and + tranquillity were necessary for the contemplation of ideas very different + from local and national squabbles. The poet and priest accordingly bade + adieu to each other; and it was not until two years later that they were + able to recommence their united journeys through the South of France. The + proclamation of the Republic, and the forth coming elections, brought many + new men to the front. Even poets made their appearance. Lamartine, who had + been a deputy, was a leader in the Revolution, and for a time was minister + for foreign affairs. Victor Hugo, a still greater poet, took a special + interest in the politics of the time, though he was fined and imprisoned + for condemning capital punishment. Even Reboul, the poet-baker of Nimes, + deserted his muse and his kneading trough to solicit the suffrages of his + fellow-citizens. Jasmin was wiser. He was more popular in his + neighbourhood than Reboul, though he cared little about politics. He would + neither be a deputy, nor a municipal councillor, nor an agent for + elections. He preferred to influence his country by spreading the seeds of + domestic and social virtues; and he was satisfied with his position in + Agen as poet and hair-dresser. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless a deputation of his townsmen waited upon Jasmin to request + him to allow his name to appear as a candidate for their suffrages. The + delegates did not find him at his shop. He was at his vineyard; and there + the deputation found him tranquilly seated under a cherry-tree shelling + peas! He listened to them with his usual courtesy, and when one of the + committee pressed him for an answer, and wished to know if he was not a + good Republican, he said, "Really, I care nothing for the Republic. I am + one of those who would have saved the constitutional monarchy by enabling + it to carry out further reforms.... But," he continued, "look to the past; + was it not a loss to destroy the constitutional monarchy? But now we must + march forward, that we may all be united again under the same flag. The + welfare of France should reign in all our thoughts and evoke our most + ardent sympathy. Choose among our citizens a strong and wise man... If the + Republic is to live in France, it must be great, strong, and good for all + classes of the people. Maintaining the predominance of the law will be its + security; and in preserving law it will strengthen our liberties.'" + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, Jasmin cordially thanked his fellow-citizens for the honour + they proposed to confer upon him, although he could not accept it. The + affairs of the State, he said, were in a very confused condition, and he + could not pretend to unravel them. He then took leave of the deputation, + and quietly proceeded to complete his task—the shelling of his peas! + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter XVI. + </p> + <p> + {1} The whole of the interview between the Archbishop of Rheims and Jasmin + is given by Sainte-Beuve in 'Causeries du Lundi,' iv. 250. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. THE CHURCH OF VERGT AGAIN—FRENCH ACADEMY—EMPEROR + AND + </h2> + <p> + EMPRESS. + </p> + <p> + When the political turmoils in France had for a time subsided, Jasmin and + the Abbe Masson recommenced their journeys in the South for the collection + of funds for the church at Vergt. They had already made two pilgrimages—the + first through Perigord, the second to Angouleme, Limoges, Tulle, and + Brives. The third was begun early in 1850, and included the department of + the Landes, the higher and lower Pyrenees, and other districts in the + South of France. + </p> + <p> + At Bagneres de Bigorre and at Bagneres de Luchon the receipts were divided + between the church at Vergt and that at Luchon. The public hospitals and + the benevolent societies frequently shared in the receipts. There seemed + to be no limits to the poet's zeal in labouring for those who were in want + of funds. Independent of his recitations for the benefit of the church at + Vergt, he often turned aside to one place or another where the poor were + in the greatest need of assistance. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion he went to Arcachon. He started early in the morning by + the steamer from Agen to Bordeaux, intending to proceed by railway (a five + hours' journey) from Bordeaux to Arcachon. But the steamers on the Garonne + were then very irregular, and Jasmin did not reach Bordeaux until six + hours later than the appointed time. In the meanwhile a large assembly had + met in the largest room in Arcachon. They waited and waited; but no + Jasmin! The Abbe Masson became embarrassed; but at length he gave his + address, and the receipts were 800 francs. The meeting dispersed very much + disappointed, because no Jasmin had appeared, and they missed his + recitations. At midnight the cure returned to Bordeaux and there he found + Jasmin, just arrived from Agen by the boat, which had been six hours late. + He was in great dismay; but he afterwards made up for the disappointment + by reciting to the people of Arcachon. + </p> + <p> + The same thing happened at Biarritz. A large assembly had met, and + everything was ready for Jasmin. But there was no Jasmin! The omnibus from + Bayonne did not bring him. It turned out, that at the moment of setting + out he was seized with a sudden loss of voice. As in the case of Arcachon, + the cure had to do without him. The result of his address was a collection + of 700 francs. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Masson was a liberal-minded man. When Jasmin urged him to help + others more needy than himself, he was always ready to comply with his + request. When at Narbonne, in the department of Aude, a poor troupe of + comedians found themselves in difficulties. It was winter-time, and the + weather was very cold. The public could not bear their canvas-covered + shed, and deserted the entertainment. Meanwhile the artistes were + famished. Knowing the generosity of Jasmin, they asked him to recite at + one of their representations. He complied with their request; the place + was crowded; and Jasmin's recitations were received with the usual + enthusiasm. It had been arranged that half the proceeds should go to the + church at Vergt, and the other half to the comedians. But when the entire + troupe presented themselves to the Abbe and offered him the full half, he + said: "No! no! keep it all. You want it more than I do. Besides, I can + always fall back upon my dear poet!" + </p> + <p> + A fourth pilgrimage of the priest and poet was afterwards made to the + towns of Rodez, Villefranche-d'aveyron, Cahors, Figeac, Gourdon, and + Sarlat; and the proceeds of these excursions, added to a subvention of + 5,000 francs from the Government, enabled the church of Vergt to be + completed. In 1852 the steeple was built, and appropriately named + "Jasmin's Bell-tower" (Clocher Jasmin). But it was still without bells, + for which a subsequent pilgrimage was made by Jasmin and Masson. + </p> + <p> + To return to the honours paid to Jasmin for his works of benevolence and + charity. What was worth more to him than the numerous golden laurels which + had been bestowed upon him, was his recognition by the highest and noblest + of institutions, the Academy of France. Although one of the objects of its + members was to preserve the French language in its highest purity they + were found ready to crown a poet who wrote his poems in the patois of the + South. + </p> + <p> + There were, however, several adverse criticisms on the proposed decision + of the Academy; though poetry may be written in every tongue, and is quite + independent of the language or patois in which it is conveyed. Indeed; + several members of the Academy—such as MM. Thiers, De Remusat, + Viennet, and Flourens—came from the meridional districts of France, + and thoroughly understood the language of Jasmin. They saw in him two men—the + poet, and the benefactor of humanity. + </p> + <p> + This consideration completely overruled the criticisms of the minority. + Jasmin had once before appeared at M. Thierry's before the best men of the + Academy; and now the whole of the Academy, notwithstanding his patois, + approached and honoured the man of good deeds. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin owed to M. Villemain one of the most brilliant panegyrics which he + had ever received. The Academy desired to award a special prize in + accordance with the testamentary bequest of M. de Montyon{1}—his + last debt to art and morality; a talent that employs itself in doing good + under a form the most brilliant and popular. This talent, he continued, is + that of the true poet; and Jasmin, during his pure and modest life, has + employed his art for the benefit of morality with a noble, helpful + influence, while nothing detracted from the dignity of his name. + </p> + <p> + Like the Scottish poet Burns, Jasmin had by his dialect and his poetical + talents enriched the literature of his country. Jasmin, the hair-dresser + of Agen, the poet of the South, who drew crowds to hear the sound of his + voice—who even embellished the festivals of the rich, but who still + more assisted in the pleasures of the poor—who spent his time in + endowing charitable establishments—who helped to build churches, + schools, and orphanages—Jasmin, the glory of his Commune as well as + of the South of France, deserved to be adopted by all France and publicly + acknowledged by the Academy. + </p> + <p> + Tacitus has said that renown is not always deserved, it chooses its due + time—Non semper errat fama, aliquando eligit ("Fame is not always + mistaken; she sometimes chooses the right"). We have proof of it to-day. + The enthusiastic approbation of the great provinces of France for a + popular poet cannot be a surprise. They single out the last, and I may + add, the greatest poet of the Troubadours! + </p> + <p> + M. Villemain proceeded to comment upon the poetical works of Jasmin—especially + his Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille, his Franconnette, and the noble works he + had done for the poor and the suffering; his self-sacrificing labours for + the building of schools, orphanages, and churches. "Everywhere," he said, + "his elevated and generous soul has laboured for the benefit of the world + about him; and now he would, by the aid of the Academy, embellish his + coronet with a privileged donation to the poet and philanthropist." He + concluded by saying that the especial prize for literary morality and + virtuous actions would be awarded to him, and that a gold medal would be + struck in his honour with the inscription: "Au Jasmin, Poete moral et + populaire!" + </p> + <p> + M. Ancelo communicated to Jasmin the decision of the Academy. "I have + great pleasure," he said, "in transmitting to you the genuine sympathy, + the sincere admiration, and the unanimous esteem, which your name and your + works have evoked at this meeting of the Academy. The legitimate applause + which you everywhere receive in your beautiful country finds its echo on + this side of the Loire; and if the spontaneous adoption of you by the + French Academy adds nothing to your glory, it will at least serve to + enhance our own." + </p> + <p> + The prize unanimously awarded to Jasmin on the 19th of August, 1852, was + 3000 francs, which was made up to 5000 by the number of copies of the + "Papillotos" purchased by the Academy for distribution amongst the + members. Jasmin devoted part of the money to repairing his little house on + the Gravier: and the rest was ready for his future charitable missions. + </p> + <p> + On receiving the intimation of the prizes awarded to him, he made another + journey to Paris to pay his respects to his devoted friends of the + Academy. He was received with welcome by the most eminent persons in the + metropolis. He was feted as usual. At the salon of the Marquis de + Barthelemy he met the Duc de Levis, the Duc des Cars, MM. Berryer, de + Salvandy, de Vatismenil, Hyde de Neuville, and other distinguished + noblemen and gentlemen. Monsigneur Sibour, Archbishop of Paris, was + desirous of seeing and hearing this remarkable poet of the South. The + Archbishop invited him to his palace for the purpose of hearing a + recitation of his poems; and there he met the Pope's Nuncio, several + bishops, and the principal members of the Parisian clergy. After the + recitation, the Archbishop presented Jasmin with a golden branch with this + device: "To Jasmin! the greatest of the Troubadours, past, present, or to + come." + </p> + <p> + The chief authors of Paris, the journalists, and the artists, had a + special meeting in honour of Jasmin. A banquet was organised by the + journalists of the Deux Mondes, at the instance of Meissonier, Lireux, + Lalandelle, C. Reynaud, L. Pichat, and others. M. Jules Janin presided, + and complimented Jasmin in the name of the Parisian press. The people of + Agen, resident in Paris, also gave him a banquet, at which Jasmin recited + a poem composed for the occasion. + </p> + <p> + One of his evenings was spent at the house of Madame la Marquise de + Barthelemy. An interesting account of the soiree is given by a + correspondent of Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, who was present on the + occasion.{2} The salons of Madame la Marquise were filled to overflowing. + Many of the old nobility of France were present. + </p> + <p> + "It was a St. Germain's night," as she herself expressed it. High-sounding + names were there—much intellect and beauty; all were assembled to do + honour to the coiffeur from the banks of the Garonne. France honours + intellect, no matter to what class of society it belongs: it is an + affectionate kind of social democracy. Indeed, among many virtues in + French society, none is so delightful, none so cheering, none so mutually + improving, and none more Christian, than the kindly intercourse, almost + the equality, of all ranks of society, and the comparatively small + importance attached to wealth or condition, wherever there is intellect + and power. + </p> + <p> + At half-past nine. Jasmin made his appearance—a short, stout, + dark-haired man, with large bright eyes, and a mobile animated face, his + button-hole decorated with the red ribbon of the Legion of Honour. He made + his way through the richly attired ladies sparkling with jewels, to a + small table at the upper end of the salon, whereon were books, his own + "Curl-papers," two candles, a carafe of fresh water, and a vase of + flowers. + </p> + <p> + The ladies arranged themselves in a series of brilliant semicircles before + him. The men blocked up the doorway, peering over each other's shoulders. + Jasmin waved his hand like the leader of an orchestra, and a general + silence sealed all the fresh noisy lips. One haughty little brunette, not + long emancipated from her convent, giggled audibly; but Jasmin's eye + transfixed her, and the poor child sat thereafter rebuked and dumb. The + hero of the evening again waved his hands, tossed back his hair, struck an + attitude, and began his poem. The first he recited was "The Priest without + a Church" (Le Preste sans gleyzo). He pleaded for the church as if it were + about to be built. He clasped his hands, looked up to heaven, and tears + were in his eyes. Some sought for the silver and gold in their purses; but + no collection was made, as the church had already been built, and was free + of debt. + </p> + <p> + After an interval, he recited La Semaine d'un Fils; and he recited it very + beautifully. There were some men who wept; and many women who exclaimed, + "Charmant! Tout-a-fait charmant!" but who did not weep. Jasmin next + recited Ma Bigno, which has been already described. The contributor to + Chambers's Journal proceeds: "It was all very amusing to a proud, stiff, + reserved Britisher like myself, to see how grey-headed men with stars and + ribbons could cry at Jasmin's reading; and how Jasmin, himself a man, + could sob and wipe his eyes, and weep so violently, and display such + excessive emotion. This surpassed my understanding—probably clouded + by the chill atmosphere of the fogs, in which every Frenchman believes we + live.... After the recitations had concluded, Jasmin's social ovation + began. Ladies surrounded him, and men admired him. A ring was presented, + and a pretty speech spoken by a pretty mouth, accompanied the + presentation; and the man of the people was flattered out of all + proportion by the brave, haughty old noblesse. + </p> + <p> + "To do Jasmin justice, although naturally enough spoiled by the absurd + amount of adulation he has met with, he has not been made cold-hearted or + worldly. He is vain, but true and loyal to his class. He does not seek to + disguise or belie his profession. In fact, he always dwells upon his past + more or less, and never misses an opportunity of reminding his audience + that he is but a plebeian, after all. + </p> + <p> + "He wears a white apron, and shaves and frizzes hair to this day, when at + Agen; and though a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, member of Academies + and Institutes without number, feted, praised, flattered beyond anything + we can imagine in England, crowned by the king and the then heir to the + throne with gilt and silver crowns, decked with flowers and oak-leaves, + and all conceivable species of coronets, he does not ape the gentleman, + but clips, curls, and chatters as simply as heretofore, and as + professionally. There is no little merit in this steady attachment to his + native place, and no little good sense in this adherence to his old + profession... It is far manlier and nobler than that weak form of vanity + shown in a slavish imitation of the great, and a cowardly shame of one's + native condition. + </p> + <p> + "Without going so far as his eulogistic admirers in the press, yet we + honour in him a true poet, and a true man, brave, affectionate, mobile, + loving, whose very faults are all amiable, and whose vanity takes the form + of nature. And if we of the cold North can scarcely comprehend the + childish passionateness and emotional unreserve of the more sensitive + South, at least we can profoundly respect the good common to us all the + good which lies underneath that many-coloured robe of manners which + changes with every hamlet; the good which speaks from heart to heart, and + quickens the pulses of the blood; the good which binds us all as brothers, + and makes but one family of universal man; and this good we lovingly + recognise in Jasmin; and while rallying him for his foibles, respectfully + love him for his virtues, and tender him a hand of sympathy and admiration + as a fine; poet, a good citizen, and a true-hearted man." + </p> + <p> + Before leaving Paris it was necessary for Jasmin to acknowledge his + gratitude to the French Academy. The members had done him much honour by + the gold medal and the handsome donation they had awarded him. On the 24th + of August, 1852, he addressed the Forty of the Academy in a poem which he + entitled 'Langue Francaise, Langue Gasconne,' or, as he styled it in + Gascon, 'Lengo Gascouno, Lengo Francezo.' In this poem, which was + decorated with the most fragrant flowers of poetry with which he could + clothe his words, Jasmin endeavoured to disclose the characteristics of + the two languages. At the beginning, he said: + </p> + <p> + "O my birth-place, what a concert delights my ear! Nightingales, sing + aloud; bees, hum together; Garonne, make music on your pure and laughing + stream; the elms of Gravier, tower above me; not for glory, but for + gladness."{3} + </p> + <p> + After the recitation of the poem, M. Laurentie said that it abounded in + patriotic sentiments and fine appreciation, to say nothing of the charming + style of the falling strophes, at intervals, in their sonorous and lyrical + refrain. M. Villemain added his acclamation. "In truth," said he, "once + more our Academy is indebted to Jasmin!" The poet, though delighted by + these ovations, declared that it was he who was indebted to the members of + the Academy, not they to him. M. de Salvandy reassured him: "Do not + trouble yourself, Jasmin; you have accomplished everything we could have + wished; you have given us ten for one, and still we are your debtors." + </p> + <p> + After Jasmin had paid his compliments to the French Academy, he was about + to set out for Agen—being fatigued and almost broken down by his + numerous entertainments in Paris—when he was invited by General + Fleury to visit the President of the French Republic at Saint-Cloud. This + interview did not please him so much as the gracious reception which he + had received in the same palace some years before from Louis Philippe and + the Duchess of Orleans; yet Jasmin was a man who respected the law, and as + France had elected Louis Napoleon as President, he was not unwilling to + render him his homage. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin had already seen the President when passing through Agen a few + years before, on his visit to Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Toulon; but they had + no personal interview. M. Edmond Texier, however, visited Jasmin, and + asked him whether he had not composed a hymn for the fete of the day. No! + he had composed nothing; yet he had voted for Louis Napoleon, believing + him to be the saviour of France. "But," said M. Texier, "if the Prince + appeals to you, you will eulogise him in a poem?" "Certainly," replied + Jasmin, "and this is what I would say: 'Sir, in the name of our country, + restore to us our noble friend M. Baze. He was your adversary, but he is + now conquered, disarmed, and most unhappy. Restore him to his mother, now + eighty years old; to his weeping family; and to all his household, who + deplore his absence; restore him also to our townsmen, who love and honour + him, and bear no hostility towards the President, His recall will be an + admirable political act, and will give our country more happiness that the + highest act of benevolence.'" + </p> + <p> + This conversation between Jasmin and Texier immediately appeared in the + columns of the Siecle, accompanied with a stirring sympathetic article by + the editor. It may be mentioned that M. Baze was one of Jasmin's best + friends. He had introduced the poet to the public, and written the + charming preface to the first volume of the 'Papillotos,' issued in 1835. + M. Baze was an advocate of the Royal Court of Agen—a man of fine + character, and a true patriot. He was Mayor of Agen, commander of the + National Guard, and afterwards member of the Legislative Assembly and the + Senate. But he was opposed to Prince Louis Napoleon, and was one of the + authors of the motion entitled de Questeurs. He was arrested on the night + of the 2nd December, 1851, imprisoned for a month in the Mazas, and then + expelled from the territory of France. During his exile he practised at + Liege as an advocate. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin again went to Paris in May 1853, and this time on his mission of + mercy. The editor of the Siecle announced his arrival. He was again feted, + and the salons rejoiced in his recitations. After a few days he was + invited to Saint-Cloud. Louis Napoleon was now Emperor of France, and the + Empress Eugenie sat by his side. The appearance of Jasmin was welcomed, + and he was soon made thoroughly at ease by the Emperor's interesting + conversation. A company had been assembled, and Jasmin was requested to + recite some of his poems. As usual, he evoked smiles and tears by turns. + When the audience were in one of their fits of weeping, and Jasmin had + finished his declamation, the Emperor exclaimed, "Why; poet, this is a + genuine display of handkerchiefs"—(Mais, poete, c'est un veritable + scene de mouchoirs). + </p> + <p> + Jasmin seized this moment for revealing to the Emperor the desire which he + had long entertained, for recalling from exile his dear friend M. Baze. He + had prepared a charming piece of verse addressed to the Empress Eugenie, + requesting his return to France through the grand door of honour. "Restore + him to us," he said; "Agen cries aloud. The young Empress, as good as + beautiful, beloved of Heaven, will pray with her sympathetic soul, and + save two children and an unhappy mother—she, who will be soon + blessed as a happy mother herself."{4} Jasmin concluded his poem with the + following words in Gascon: Esperi! Lou angels nou se troumpon jamay.' + </p> + <p> + The result of this appeal to the Empress was that Jasmin's prayer was + immediately granted by the Emperor. M. Baze returned to France at once, + without any conditions whatever. The parents of the quondam exile wrote to + Jasmin thanking him most cordially for his exertions in their favour. Four + days after the soiree at Saint-Cloud, the Prefect of the Indre-et-Loire, + head of the Baze family, wrote to Jasmin, saying: "Your muse is accustomed + to triumphs; but this one ought to rejoice your heart, and should yield + you more honour than all the others. For my part, I feel myself under the + necessity of thanking you cordially for your beautiful and noble action; + and in saying so, I interpret the sentiments of the whole family." Madame + Baze addressed the Emperor in a letter of grateful thanks, which she wrote + at the dictation of Jasmin. The Siecle also gave an account of Jasmin's + interview with the Emperor and Empress at Saint-Cloud, and the whole + proceeding redounded to the honour of the Gascon poet. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin had been made Chevalier of the Legion of Honour at the same time as + Balzac, Frederick Soulie, and Alfred de Musset. The minister bore witness + to the worth of Jasmin, notwithstanding the rusticity of his idiom; and he + was classed amongst the men who did honour to French literature. He was + considered great, not only in his poems, but in his benevolent works: "You + build churches; you help indigence; you possess the talent of a powerful + benefactor; and your muse is the sister of charity." + </p> + <p> + When the news of the honours conferred upon Jasmin reached Agen, the + people were most sympathetic in their demonstrations. The shop of the + barber-poet was crowded with visitors, and when he himself reached the + town he was received with the greatest enthusiasm. The Philharmonic + Society again treated him to a serenade, and the whole town was full of + joy at the honour done to their beloved poet. + </p> + <p> + To return to the church of Vergt, which was not yet entirely finished. A + bell-tower had been erected, but what was a bell-tower without bells? + There was a little tinkling affair which could scarcely be heard in the + church, still less in the neighbourhood. With his constant trust in + Providence, the Abbe did not hesitate to buy a clock and order two large + bells. The expense of both amounted to 7000 francs. How was this to be + paid? His funds were entirely exhausted. The priest first applied to the + inhabitants of Vergt, but they could not raise half the necessary funds. + There was Jasmin! He was the only person that could enable the Abbe to + defray his debt. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, another appeal was made to the public outside of Vergt. The + poet and the priest set out on their fifth and last pilgrimage; and this + time they went as far as Lyons—a city which Jasmin had never seen + before. There he found himself face to face with an immense audience, who + knew next to nothing of his Gascon patois. He was afraid of his success; + but unwilling to retreat, he resolved, he said, "to create a squadron in + reserve"; that is, after reciting some of the old inspirations of his + youth, to give them his Helene or 'Love and Poetry,' in modern classical + French. The result, we need scarcely say, was eminently successful, and + the Abbe; was doubly grateful in having added so many more thousand francs + to his purse. + </p> + <p> + During this journey another priest, the Abbe Cabanel, united his forces + with those of Jasmin and Masson. This Abbe was curate of Port de + Sainte-Foi-la-Grande. He had endeavoured to erect in his parish a public + school under the charge of religious teachers. He now proposed to partake + of the profits of the recitations for the purpose of helping on his + project; and Jasmin and Masson willingly complied with his request. They + accordingly appeared at the town of Sainte-Foi, and the result was another + excellent collection. + </p> + <p> + After visiting other towns, sufficient subscriptions were collected to + enable the Abbe to pay off his debts. The clock and bells were christened + by Monseigneur de Sangalerie, who had himself been a curate of the parish + of Vergt; and the bells were inscribed with the name of JASMIN, the chief + founder and rebuilder of the church. The bells were the last addition to + Jasmin's bell-tower, but the final result was reached long after the + beginning of the rebuilding of the church. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter XVII. + </p> + <p> + {1} The Baron de Montyon bequeathed a large sum to the Academie Francaise, + the Academie des Sciences, and the Faculte de Medecine, for the purpose of + being awarded in prizes to men of invention and discovery, or for any + literary work likely to be useful to society, and to rewarding acts of + virtue among the poor. Jasmin was certainly entitled to a share in this + benevolent fund. + </p> + <p> + {2} Chambers' Edinburgh Journal, July, 1853 + </p> + <p> + {3} The following are the Gascon words of this part of the poem: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "O moun bres, d'un councer festejo moun aoureillo! + Rouseignol, canto fort! brounzino fort, Abeillo! + Garono, fay souna toun flot rizen et pur; + Des ourmes del Grabe floureji la cabeillo, + Non de glorio... mais de bounhur!" +</pre> + <p> + {4} The editor of Vol. IV. of Jasmins Poems (1863) gives this note: "In + this circumstance, Jasmin has realised the foresight which the ancients + afforded to their poets, of predicting, two years in advance, the birth of + the Prince Imperial." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. JASMIN ENROLLED MAITRE-ES-JEUX AT TOULOUSE—CROWNED BY + </h2> + <p> + AGEN. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after the return of Jasmin from Paris, where he had the honour of + an interview with the Emperor and Empress, as well as with the members of + the French Academy, he was invited to Toulouse for the purpose of being + enrolled as Maitre-es-jeux in the Academy of Jeux Floreaux. + </p> + <p> + Toulouse is known as the city of Literary Fetes, and the reception of + Jasmin as Maitre-es-Jeux will long exist as a permanent record in her + annals. The Academy of Jeux Floreaux had no prize of 5000 frs. to bestow, + nor any crowns, nor any golden laurels. She hides her poverty under her + flowers, and although she would willingly have given all her flowers to + Jasmin, yet her rules prevented her. She called Jasmin to her bosom, and + gave him the heartiest of welcomes. But the honour was there—the + honour of being invited to join a brotherhood of illustrious men. + </p> + <p> + The title of Maitre-es-jeux is a rare distinction, awarded only to the + highest celebrities. The ceremony of installing Jasmin took place on the + 6th of February, 1854. The great Salle des Illustres was crowded long + before he made his appearance, while the Place de Capitol was filled with + a vast number of his admirers. The archbishop, the prefect, the mayor, the + magistrates, and the principal citizens of Toulouse were present, with the + most beautiful women in the city. Many of the southern bishops were + present, having desired to enjoy the pleasure of assisting at the + ceremony. + </p> + <p> + After an address of congratulation, Jasmin was enrolled amongst the + members, and presented with his diploma of Maitre-es-jeux. Though it was + only a piece of parchment, he considered it the rarest of distinctions. It + connected the poet, through five centuries, with the last of the + Troubadours, whose language he had so splendidly revived. Jasmin valued + his bit of parchment more highly than all the other gifts he had received. + In answer to his enrolment, he said: + </p> + <p> + "I have now enough! I want no more! All things smile upon me. My muse went + proudly from the forty of Toulouse to the forty of Paris. She is more than + proud to-day, she is completely happy; for she sees my name, which Isaure + blessed, come from the forty of Paris to the forty of Toulouse," + </p> + <p> + After his enrolment, the poet-barber left the salon. A large crowd had + assembled in the court, under the peristyle, in the Place of the Capitol. + Every head was uncovered as he passed through their ranks, and those who + accompanied him to his lodging, called out, "Vive Jasmin! Vive Jasmin!" + Never had such a scene been witnessed before. + </p> + <p> + Although Jasmin had declared to the Academy of Jeux Floreaux that he + wanted nothing more than the diploma they had given him, yet another + triumph was waiting him. The citizens of Agen capped all the previous + honours of the poet. They awarded him a crown of gold, which must have + been the greatest recompense of all. They had known him during almost his + entire life—the son of a humpbacked tailor and a crippled mother, of + poor but honest people, whose means had been helped by the grandfather, + Boe, who begged from door to door, the old man who closed his eyes in the + hospital, "where all the Jasmins die!" + </p> + <p> + They had known him by his boyish tricks, his expulsion from the Academy, + his setting up as a barber, his happy marriage, and his laborious + progress, until the "shower of silver" came running into his shop. "Pau de + labouro, pau de salouro," No work, no bread. Though born in the lowest + condition of life, he had, by the help of his wife, and by his own energy + and perseverance, raised himself to the highest position as a man of + character. Before he reached the age of thirty {1} he began to show + evidences of his genius as a poet. + </p> + <p> + But still more important were his works of charity, which endeared him to + the people through the South of France. It was right and reasonable that + his fellow-citizens should desire to take part in the honours conferred + upon their beloved poet. He had already experienced their profound + sympathy during his self-sacrificing work, but they now wished to testify + their public admiration, and to proclaim the fact by some offering of + intrinsic value. + </p> + <p> + The Society of Saint-Vincent de Paul—whom he had so often helped in + their charitable labours—first started the idea. They knew what + Jasmin had done to found schools, orphanages, and creches. Indeed, this + was their own mission, and no one had laboured so willingly as he had done + to help them in their noble work. The idea, thus started by the society, + immediately attracted public attention, and was received with universal + approval. + </p> + <p> + A committee was formed, consisting of De Bouy, mayor; H. Noubel, deputy; + Aunac, banker; Canon Deyche, arch-priest of the cathedral; Dufort, + imperial councillor; Guizot, receiver-general; Labat, advocate-general; + Maysonnade, president of the conference of Saint-Vincent de Paul; + Couturier, the engineer, and other gentlemen. A subscription was at once + opened and more than four thousand persons answered the appeal. + </p> + <p> + When the subscriptions were collected, they were found so great in amount, + that the committee resolved to present Jasmin with a crown of gold. Five + hundred years before, Petrarch had been crowned at Rome in the name of + Italy, and now Jasmin was to be crowned at Agen, in the name of Meridional + France. To crown a man, who, during his lifetime had been engaged in the + trade of barber and hair-dresser, seemed something extraordinary and + unique. To the cold-blooded people of the North there might appear + something theatrical in such a demonstration, but it was quite in keeping + with the warm-hearted children of the South. + </p> + <p> + The construction of the crown was entrusted to MM. Fannieres of Paris, the + best workers of gold in France. They put their best art and skill into the + crown. It consisted of two branches of laurel in dead gold, large and + knotted behind, like the crowns of the Caesars and the poets, with a ruby, + artistically arranged, containing the simple device: La Ville d'Agen, a + Jasmin! The pendants of the laurel, in dead silver, were mixed with the + foliage. The style of the work was severe and pure, and the effect of the + chef d'oeuvre was admirable. + </p> + <p> + The public meeting, at which the golden crown was presented to Jasmin, was + held on the 27th of November, 1856, in the large hall of the Great + Seminary. Gilt banners were hung round the walls, containing the titles of + Jasmin's principal poems, while the platform was splendidly decorated with + emblems and festoons of flowers. Although the great hall was of large + dimensions, it could not contain half the number of people who desired to + be present on this grand occasion. + </p> + <p> + An immense crowd assembled in the streets adjoining the seminary. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin, on his arrival, was received with a triple salvo of applause from + the crowd without, and next from the assembly within. On the platform were + the members of the subscription committee, the prefect, the Bishop of + Agen, the chiefs of the local government, the general in command of the + district, and a large number of officers and ecclesiastics. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin, when taking his place on the platform saluted the audience with + one of his brilliant impromptus, and proceeded to recite some of his + favourite poems: Charity; The Doctor of the Poor; Town and Country; and, + The Week's Work of a Son. Then M. Noubel, in his double capacity of deputy + for the department, and member of the subscription committee, addressed + Jasmin in the following words: + </p> + <p> + "Poet, I appear here in the name of the people of Agen, to offer you the + testimony of their admiration and profound sympathy. I ask you to accept + this crown! It is given you by a loving and hearty friend, in the name of + your native town of Agen, which your poetry has charmed, which rejoices in + your present success, and is proud of the glory of your genius. Agen + welcomed the first germs of your talent; she has seen it growing, and + increasing your fame; she has entered with you into the palaces of kings; + she has associated herself with your triumphs throughout; now the hour of + recognising your merits has arrived, and she honours herself in crowning + you. + </p> + <p> + "But it is not merely the Poet whom we recognise to-day; you have a much + greater claim to our homage. In an age in which egoism and the eager + thirst for riches prevails, you have, in the noble work which you have + performed, displayed the virtues of benevolence and self-sacrifice. You + yourself have put them into practice. Ardent in the work of charity, you + have gone wherever misery and poverty had to be relieved, and all that you + yourself have received was merely the blessings of the unfortunate. Each + of your days has been celebrated for its good works, and your whole life + has been a hymn to benevolence and charity. + </p> + <p> + "Accept, then, Jasmin, this crown! Great poet, good citizen, you have + nobly earned it! Give it an honoured place in that glorious museum of + yours, which the towns and cities of the South have enriched by their + gifts. May it remain there in testimony of your poetical triumphs, and + attest the welcome recognition of your merits by your fellow-citizens. + </p> + <p> + "For myself, I cannot but be proud of the mission which has been entrusted + to me. I only owe it, I know, to the position of deputy in which you have + placed me by popular election. I am proud, nevertheless, of having the + honour of crowning you, and I shall ever regard this event as the most + glorious recollection of my life." + </p> + <p> + After this address, during which M. Noubel was greatly moved, he took the + crown of gold and placed it on the head of the poet. It is impossible to + describe the enthusiasm of the meeting at this supreme moment. The people + were almost beside themselves. Their exclamations of sympathy and applause + were almost frantic. Jasmin wept with happiness. After the emotion hard + subsided, with his eyes full of tears, he recited his piece of poetry + entitled: The Crown of my Birthplace.{2} + </p> + <p> + In this poem, Jasmin took occasion to recite the state of poverty in which + he was born, yet with the star of poetry in his breast; his dear mother, + and her anxieties about his education and up-bringing; his growth; his + first efforts in poetical composition, and his final triumph; and at last + his crown of gold conferred upon him by the people of Agen—the crown + of his birthplace. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I feel that if my birthplace crowns me, + In place of singing. . . I should weep!" +</pre> + <p> + After Jasmin had recited his touching poem, he affectionately took leave + of his friends, and the assembly dispersed. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes to Chapter XVIII. + </p> + <p> + {1} There is a Gascon proverb which says: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Qu'a vingt ans nouns po, + Qu'a trent ans noun sa, + Qu'a cranto noun er, + Qu'a cincanto se paouso pa, + Sabe pa que pot esper." +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"Who at twenty does nothing; Who at thirty knows nothing; + Who at forty has nothing; + Who at fifty changes nothing: + For him there is no hope." +</pre> + <p> + {2} Perhaps this might be better rendered "The Crown of my Infancy;" in + Gascon, "La Courouno del Bres." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. LAST POEMS—MORE MISSIONS OF CHARITY. + </h2> + <p> + This was the last occasion on which Jasmin publicly appeared before his + fellow-townsmen; and it could not perhaps have been more fitting and + appropriate. He still went on composing poetry; amongst other pieces, La + Vierge, dedicated to the Bishop of Algiers, who acknowledged it in a + complimentary letter. In his sixty-second year, when his hair had become + white, he composed some New Recollections (Mous Noubels Soubenis), in + which he again recalled the memories of his youth. In his new Souvenirs he + only gives a few fresh stories relating to the period of his infancy and + youth. Indeed they scarcely go beyond the period covered by his original + Souvenirs. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of his various honours at Paris, Toulouse, and Agen, he did + not forget his true mission, the help and relief of the afflicted. He went + to Albi, and gave a recitation which produced 2000 francs. The whole of + this sum went to the poor. There was nothing for himself but applause, and + showers of flowers thrown at his feet by the ladies present. + </p> + <p> + It was considered quite unprecedented that so large a sum should have been + collected in so poor a district. The mayor however was prepared for the + event. After a touching address to the poet, he presented him with a ring + of honour, with the arms of the town, and the inscribed words: "Albi a + Jasmin." + </p> + <p> + He went for the same purpose, to Castera in the Gers, a decayed town, to + recite his poems, in the words of the cure, for "our poor church." He was + received as usual with great enthusiasm; and a present of silver was given + to him with the inscribed words: "A Jasmin, l'Eglise du Castera + reconnaissante!" Jasmin answered, by reciting an impromptu he had composed + for the occasion. + </p> + <p> + At Bordeaux, one of his favourite cities, he was received with more than + the usual enthusiasm. There he made a collection in aid of the Conference + of Saint-vincent de Paul. In the midst of the seance, he appeared almost + inspired, and recited "La Charite dans Bordeaux"—the grand piece of + the evening. The assembly rose en masse, and cheered the poet with frantic + applause. The ladies threw an avalanche of bouquets at the hero of the + fete. + </p> + <p> + After quiet had been restored, the Society of Saint-vincent de Paul + cordially thanked Jasmin through the mouth of their President; and + presented him with a magnificent golden circlet, with this inscription: + "La Caritat dins Bourdeau!" + </p> + <p> + Among his other recitations towards the close of his life, for the purpose + of collecting money for the relief of the poor, were those at Montignac in + Perigord; at Saint-Macaire; at Saint-Andre de Cubzac, and at Monsegur. + Most of these were remote villages far apart from each other. He had + disappointed his friends at Arcachon several years before, when he failed + to make his appearance with the Abbe Masson, during their tour on behalf + of the church of Vergt, owing to the unpunctuality of the steamboat; but + he promised to visit them at some future period. + </p> + <p> + He now redeemed his promise. The poor were in need, and he went to their + help. A large audience had assembled to listen to his recitations, and a + considerable sum of money was collected. The audience overwhelmed him with + praises and the Mayor of Teste the head department of the district—after + thanking Jasmin for his admirable assistance, presented him with a gold + medal, on which was inscribed: "Fete de Charite d'Arcachon: A Jasmin." + These laurels and medals had become so numerous, that Jasmin had almost + become tired of such tributes to his benevolence. + </p> + <p> + He went to Bareges again, where Monseigneur the Bishop of Tarbes had + appealed to him for help in the erection of an hospital. From that town he + proceeded to Saint-Emilion and Castel-Naudary, to aid the Society of + Mutual Help in these two towns. In fact, he was never weary of well-doing. + "This calamitous winter," he wrote in January, 1854, "requires all my + devotion. I will obey my conscience and give myself to the help of the + famished and suffering, even to the extinction of my personal health." + </p> + <p> + And so it was to the end. When his friends offered him public + entertainments, he would say, "No, no! give the money to the poor!" What + gave Jasmin as much pleasure as any of the laurels and crowns conferred + upon him, was a beautifully bound copy of the 'Imitation of Christ,' with + the following inscription: "A testimony from the Bishop of Saint-Flour, in + acknowledgment of the services which the great poet has rendered to the + poor of his diocese." + </p> + <p> + No poet had so many opportunities of making money, and of enriching + himself by the contributions of the rich as well as the poor. But such an + idea never entered his mind. He would have regarded it as a sacrilege to + evoke the enthusiasm of the people, and make money; for his own benefit, + or to speculate upon the triumphs of his muse. Gold earned in this way, he + said, would have burnt his fingers. He worked solely for the benefit of + those who could not help themselves. His poetry was to him like a sweet + rose that delighted the soul and produced the fruits of charity. + </p> + <p> + His conduct has been called Quixotic. Would that there were more + </p> + <p> + Quixotes in the world! After his readings, which sometimes produced from + two to three thousand francs, the whole of the proceeds were handed over + to those for whose benefit they had been given, after deducting, of + course, the expenses of travelling, of which he kept a most accurate + account. + </p> + <p> + It is estimated that the amount of money collected by Jasmin during his + recitations for philanthropic objects amounted to at least 1,500,000 + francs (equal to 62,500 sterling). Besides, there were the labour of his + journeys, and the amount of his correspondence, which were almost heroic. + M. Rabain{1} states that from 1825 to 1860, the number of letters received + by Jasmin was more than twelve thousand. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dickens, in giving the readings from his works in Great Britain, + netted over 35,000 sterling, besides what he received for his readings in + America. This, of course, led quite reasonably to the enhancing of his + fortune. But all that Jasmin received from his readings was given away—some + say "thrown away"—to the poor and the needy. It is not necessary to + comment on such facts; one can only mention and admire them. + </p> + <p> + The editor of Le Pays says: "The journeys of Jasmin in the South were like + a triumphal march. No prince ever received more brilliant ovations. + Flowers were strewn in his way; the bells rang out on his appearance; the + houses were illuminated; the Mayors addressed him in words of praise; the + magistrates, the clergy followed him in procession. Bestowed upon a man, + and a poet, such honours might seem exaggerated; but Jasmin, under the + circumstances, represented more than poetry: he represented Charity. Each + of his verses transformed him into an alms-giver; and from the harvest of + gold which he reaped from the people, he preserved for himself only the + flowers. His epics were for the unfortunate. This was very noble; and the + people of Agen should be proud of their poet."{2} + </p> + <p> + The account which Jasmin records of his expenses during a journey of fifty + days, in which he collected more than 20,000 francs, is very remarkable. + It is given in the fourth volume of 'Les Papillotes,' published in 1863, + the year before his death, and is entitled, "Note of my expenses of the + journey, which I have deducted from the receipts during my circuit of + fifty days." + </p> + <p> + On certain occasions nothing whatever was charged, but a carriage was + probably placed at his disposal, or the ticket for a railway or a + diligence may have been paid for by his friends. On many occasions he + walked the distance between the several places, and thus saved the cost of + his conveyance. But every item of expense was set forth in his "Note" with + the most scrupulous exactness. + </p> + <p> + Here is the translation of Jasmin's record for his journeys during these + fifty days:—"... At Foix, from M. de Groussou, President of the + Communion of Bienfaisance, 33 fr., 50 c. At Pamiers, nil. At Saint-Girons, + from the President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 16 fr. At + Lavaur, from M. the Mayor, 22 fr. At Saint-Sulpice, nil. At Toulouse, + where I gave five special seances, of which the two first, to + Saint-Vincent de Paul and the Prefecture, produced more than 1600 fr., + nil. My muse was sufficiently accounted for; it was during my reception as + Maitre-es-jeux. At Rodez, from the President of the Conference of + Saint-Vincent de Paul, 29 fr. 50c. At Saint-Geniez, nil. At Saint-Flour, + from M. Simon, vicar-general, 22 fr. 50 c. At Murat, nil. At Mauriac, nil. + At Aurillac, from M. Geneste, mayor, for my return to Agen, 24 fr. Total, + 147 fr. 50 centimes." + </p> + <p> + Thus, more than 20,000 francs were collected for the poor, Jasmin having + deducted 147 fr. 50 c. for the cost of his journeys from place to place. + It must also be remembered that he travelled mostly in winter, when the + ground was covered with snow. In February, 1854, M. Migneret, Prefect of + Haute-garonne, addressed a letter to Jasmin, which is worthy of + preservation. "It is pleasant," he said, "after having enjoyed at night + the charms of your poetry, to begin the next day by taking account of the + misfortunes they relieve. I owe you this double honour, and I thank you + with the greatest gratitude.... As to our admiration of your talent, it + yields to our esteem for your noble heart; the poet cannot be jealous of + the good citizen."{3} + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the rigour of the season, and the snow and wind, the like + of which had not been known for more than twenty years, Jasmin was + welcomed by an immense audience at Rodez. The recitation was given in the + large hall of the Palais de Justice, and never had so large a collection + been made. The young people of the town wished to give Jasmin a banquet, + but he declined, as he had to hurry on to another place for a similar + purpose. He left them, however, one of his poems prepared for the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + He arrived at Saint-Flour exhausted by fatigue. His voice began to fail, + partly through the rigours of the climate, yet he continued to persevere. + The bishop entertained him in his palace, and introduced him personally to + the audience before which he was to give his recitations. Over the + entrance-door was written the inscription, "A Jasmin, le Poete des + Pauvres, Saint-fleur reconnaissante!" Before Jasmin began to recite he was + serenaded by the audience. The collection was greater than had ever been + known. It was here that the bishop presented Jasmin with that famous + manual, 'The Imitation of Christ,' already referred to. + </p> + <p> + It was the same at Murat, Mauriac, and Aurillac. The recitation at + Aurillac was given in the theatre, and the receipts were 1200 francs. Here + also he was serenaded. He departed from Aurillac covered with the poor + people's blessings and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + At Toulouse he gave another entertainment, at the instance of the + Conference of Saint-Francois Xavier. There were about 3000 persons + present, mostly of the working classes. The seance was prolonged almost to + midnight. The audience, most of whom had to rise early in the morning, + forgot their sleep, and wished the poet to prolong his recitations! + </p> + <p> + Although the poor machine of Jasmin's body was often in need of rest, he + still went about doing good. He never ceased ministering to the poor until + he was altogether unable to go to their help. Even in the distressing + cold, rain, and wind of winter—and it was in winter more than in + summer that he travelled, for it was then that the poor were most + distressed—he entirely disregarded his own comfort, and sometimes + travelled at much peril; yet he went north and south, by highways and + byways, by rivers and railways, in any and every direction, provided his + services could be of use. + </p> + <p> + He sacrificed himself always, and was perfectly regardless of self. He was + overwhelmed with honours and praises. He became weary of triumphs—of + laurels, flowers, and medals—he sometimes became weary of his life; + yet he never could refuse any pressing solicitation made to him for a new + recital of his poems. + </p> + <p> + His trials, especially in winter time, were often most distressing. He + would recite before a crowded audience, in a heated room, and afterwards + face the icy air without, often without any covering for his throat and + neck. Hence his repeated bronchial attacks, the loss of his voice, and + other serious affections of his lungs. + </p> + <p> + The last meeting which Jasmin attended on behalf of the poor was at the + end of January 1864, only three months before his death. It was at + Villeneuve-sur-Lot, a town several miles north of Agen. He did not desire + to put the people to the expense of a conveyance, and therefore he decided + to walk. He was already prematurely old and stooping. + </p> + <p> + The disease which ended his life had already made considerable progress. + He should have been in bed; nevertheless, as the poor needed his help, the + brave old man determined to proceed to Villeneuve. He was helped along the + road by some of his friends; and at last, wearied and panting, he arrived + at his destination. + </p> + <p> + The meeting was held in the theatre, which was crowded to suffocation. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Jasmin reached the platform, amidst the usual triumphant + cheering, than, after taking a short rest, he sprang to his feet and began + the recitation of his poems. Never had his voice seemed more spirited and + entrancing. He delighted his audience, while he pleaded most eloquently + for the relief of the poor. + </p> + <p> + "I see him now," wrote one of his friends, "from behind the side-scenes of + the theatre, perspiring profusely, wet to the skin, with a carafe of water + to allay the ardent thirst occasioned by three hours of splendid + declamation." + </p> + <p> + In his then critical state, the three hours' declamation was enough to + kill him. At all events, it was his last recitation. It was the song of + the dying swan. In the midst of his triumphs, he laid down his life for + the poor; like the soldier who dies with the sound of victory in his ears. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes to Chapter XIX. + </p> + <p> + {1} 'Jasmin, sa Vie et ses OEuvres.' Paris, 1867. + </p> + <p> + {2} Le Pays, 14th February, 1854. + </p> + <p> + {3} 'Las Papillotos de Jasmin,' iv. 56. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. DEATH OF JASMIN—HIS CHARACTER. + </h2> + <p> + After his final recitation at Villeneuve, Jasmin, sick, ill, and utterly + exhausted, reached Agen with difficulty. He could scarcely stand. It was + not often that travelling had so affected him; but nature now cried out + and rebelled. His wife was, of course, greatly alarmed. He was at once + carefully put to bed, and there he lay for fifteen days. + </p> + <p> + When he was at length able to rise, he was placed in his easy chair, but + he was still weak, wearied, and exhausted. Mariette believed that he would + yet recover his strength; but the disease under which he laboured had + taken a strong hold of him, and Jasmin felt that he was gradually + approaching the close of his life. + </p> + <p> + About this time Renan's 'Life of Jesus' was published. Jasmin was + inexpressibly shocked by the appearance of the book, for it seemed to him + to strike at the foundations of Christianity, and to be entirely opposed + to the teachings of the Church. He immediately began to compose a poem, + entitled The Poet of the People to M. Renan,{1} in which he vindicated the + Catholic faith, and denounced the poisonous mischief contained in the new + attack upon Christianity. The poem was full of poetic feeling, with many + pathetic touches illustrative of the life and trials of man while here + below. + </p> + <p> + The composition of this poem occupied him for some time. Although broken + by grief and pain, he made every haste to correct the proofs, feeling that + it would probably be the last work that he should give to the world. And + it was his last. It was finished and printed on the 24th of August, 1864. + He sent several copies to his more intimate friends with a dedication; and + then he took finally to his bed, never to rise again. "I am happy," he + said, "to have terminated my career by an act of faith, and to have + consecrated my last work to the name of Jesus Christ." He felt that it was + his passport to eternity. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin's life was fast drawing to a close. He knew that he must soon die; + yet never a word of fear escaped his lips; nor was his serenity of mind + disturbed. He made his preparations for departure with as much + tranquillity and happiness, as on the days when he was about to start on + one of his philanthropic missions. + </p> + <p> + He desired that M. Saint-Hilaire, the vicar of the parish, should be sent + for. The priest was at once by the bedside of his dying friend. Jasmin + made his replies to him in a clear and calm voice. His wife, his son, his + grand-children, were present when he received the Viaticum—the last + sacrament of the church. After the ceremony he turned to his wife and + family, and said: "In my last communion I have prayed to God that He may + keep you all in the most affectionate peace and union, and that He may + ever reign in the hearts of those whom I love so much and am about to + leave behind me." Then speaking to his wife, he said, "Now Mariette,—now + I can die peacefully." + </p> + <p> + He continued to live until the following morning. He conversed + occasionally with his wife, his son, and a few attached friends. + </p> + <p> + He talked, though with difficulty, of the future of the family, for whom + he had made provision. At last, lifting himself up by the aid of his son, + he looked towards his wife. The brightness of love glowed in his eyes; but + in a moment he fell back senseless upon the pillow, and his spirit quietly + passed away. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin departed this life on the 5th of October, 1864, at the age of + sixty-five. He was not an old man; but the brightest jewels soonest wear + their setting. When laid in his coffin, the poem to Renan, his last act of + faith, was placed on his breast, with his hands crossed over it. + </p> + <p> + The grief felt at his death was wide and universal. In the South of France + he was lamented as a personal friend; and he was followed to the grave by + an immense number of his townspeople. + </p> + <p> + The municipal administration took charge of the funeral. At ten o'clock in + the morning of the 8th October the procession started from Jasmin's house + on the Promenade du Gravier. On the coffin were placed the Crown of Gold + presented to him by his fellow-townsmen, the cross of Chevalier of the + Legion of Honour, and that of Saint-Gregory the Great. A company of five + men, and a detachment of troops commanded by an officer, formed the line. + </p> + <p> + The following gentlemen held the cords of the funeral pall:— + </p> + <p> + M. Feart, Prefect of the Lot-et-Garonne; M. Henri Noubel, Deputy and Mayor + of Agen; General Ressayre, Commander of the Military Division; M. Bouet, + President of the Imperial Court; M. de Laffore, engineer; and M. Magen, + Secretary of the Society of Agriculture, Sciences, and Arts. A second + funeral pall was held by six coiffeurs of the corporation to which Jasmin + had belonged. Behind the hearse were the Brothers of the Christian + Doctrine, the Sisters of Saint-Vincent de Paul, and the Little Sisters of + the Poor. + </p> + <p> + The mourners were headed by the poet's son and the other members of his + family. The cortege was very numerous, including the elite of the + population. Among them were the Procureur-General, the Procureur-imperial, + the Engineer-in-chief of the Department, the Director of Taxes, many + Councillors-General, all the members of the Society of Agriculture, many + officers of the army, many ecclesiastics as well as ministers of the + reformed worship. Indeed, representatives of nearly the whole population + were present. + </p> + <p> + The procession first entered the church of Saint Hilaire, where the clergy + of the four parishes had assembled. High mass was performed by the full + choir. The Miserere of Beethoven was given, and some exquisite pieces from + Mozart. Deep emotion was produced by the introduction, in the midst of + this beautiful music, of some popular airs from the romance of + Franconnette and Me Cal Mouri, Jasmin's first work. The entire ceremony + was touching, and moved many to tears. + </p> + <p> + After the service had been finished, the procession moved off to the + cemetery—passing through the principal streets of the town, which + were lined by crowds of mournful spectators. Large numbers of people had + also assembled at the cemetery. After the final prayer, M. Noubel, Deputy + and Mayor of Agen, took the opportunity of pronouncing a eulogium over the + grave of the deceased. His speech was most sympathetic and touching. We + can only give a few extracts from his address: + </p> + <p> + "Dear and great poet," he said, "at the moment when we commit to the earth + thy mortal remains, I wish, in the name of this town of Agen, where thou + wert born and which thou hast truly loved, to address to thee a last, a + supreme adieu. Alas! What would'st thou have said to me some years ago, + when I placed upon thy forehead the crown—decreed by the love and + admiration of thy compatriots—that I should so soon have been called + upon to fulfil a duty that now rends my heart. The bright genius of thy + countenance, the brilliant vigour in thine eyes, which time, it seemed, + would never tarnish, indicated the fertile source of thy beautiful verses + and noble aspirations! + </p> + <p> + "And yet thy days had been numbered, and you yourself seemed to have + cherished this presentiment; but, faithful to thy double mission of poet + and apostle of benevolence, thou redoubled thy efforts to enrich with new + epics thy sheaf of poetry, and by thy bountiful gifts and charity to allay + the sorrows of the poor. Indefatigable worker! Thou hast dispensed most + unselfishly thy genius and thy powers! Death alone has been able to compel + thee to repose! + </p> + <p> + "But now our friend is departed for ever! That poetical fire, that + brilliant and vivid intelligence, that ardent heart, have now ceased to + strive for the good of all; for this great and generous soul has ascended + to Him who gave it birth. It has returned to the Giver of Good, + accompanied by our sorrows and our tears. It has ascended to heaven with + the benedictions of all the distressed and unfortunate whom he has + succoured. It is our hope and consolation that he may find the recompense + assured for those who have usefully and boldly fulfilled their duty here + below. + </p> + <p> + "This duty, O poet, thou hast well fulfilled. Those faculties, which God + had so largely bestowed upon thee, have never been employed save for the + service of just and holy causes. Child of the people, thou hast shown us + how mind and heart enlarge with work; that the sufferings and privations + of thy youth enabled thee to retain thy love of the poor and thy pity for + the distressed. Thy muse, sincerely Christian, was never used to inflame + the passions, but always to instruct, to soothe, and to console. Thy last + song, the Song of the Swan, was an eloquent and impassioned protest of the + Christian, attacked in his fervent belief and his faith. + </p> + <p> + "God has doubtless marked the term of thy mission; and thy death was not a + matter of surprise. Thou hast come and gone, without fear; and religion, + thy supreme consoler, has calmed the sufferings of thy later hours, as it + had cradled thee in thy earlier years. + </p> + <p> + "Thy body will disappear, but thy spirit, Jasmin, will never be far from + us. Inspire us with thy innocent gaiety and brotherly love. The town of + Agen is never ungrateful; she counts thee amongst the most pure and + illustrious of her citizens. She will consecrate thy memory in the way + most dignified to thee and to herself. + </p> + <p> + "The inhabitants of towns without number, where thou hast exercised thy + apostolate of charity, will associate themselves with this work of + affection and remembrance. But the most imperishable monument is that + which thou hast thyself founded with thine own head and hands, and which + will live in our hearts—the creations of thy genius and the memory + of thy philanthropy." + </p> + <p> + After the Mayor of Agen had taken leave of the mortal remains of the poet, + M. Capot, President of the Society of Agriculture, Sciences, and Arts, + gave another eloquent address. He was followed by M. Magen, Secretary to + the same society. The troops fired a salute over the grave, and took leave + of the poet's remains with military honours. The immense crowd of mourners + then slowly departed from the cemetery. + </p> + <p> + Another public meeting took place on the 12th of May, 1870, on the + inauguration of the bronze statue of Jasmin in the Place Saint Antoine, + now called the Place Jasmin. The statue was erected by public + subscription, and executed by the celebrated M. Vital Dubray. It stands + nearly opposite the house where Jasmin lived and carried on his trade. + Many of his old friends came from a considerable distance to be present at + the inauguration of the statue. The Abbe Masson of Vergt was there, whose + church Jasmin had helped to re-build. M. l'Abbe Donis, curate of + Saint-Louis at Bordeaux, whom he had often helped with his recitations; + the able philologist Azais; the young and illustrious Provencal poet + Mistral; and many representatives of the Parisian and Southern press, were + present on the occasion. The widow and son of the poet, surrounded by + their family, were on the platform. When the statue was unveiled, a salvo + of artillery was fired; then the choir of the Brothers of the Communal + Christian School saluted the "glorious resurrection of Jasmin" with their + magnificent music, which was followed by enthusiastic cheers. + </p> + <p> + M. Henri Noubel, Deputy and Mayor of Agen, made an eloquent speech on the + unveiling of the statue. He had already pronounced his eulogium of Jasmin + at the burial of the poet, but he was still full of the subject, and + brought to mind many charming recollections of the sweetness of + disposition and energetic labours of Jasmin on behalf of the poor and + afflicted. He again expressed his heartfelt regret for the departure of + the poet. + </p> + <p> + M. Noubel was followed by M. l'Abbe Donis, of Bordeaux, who achieved a + great success by his eulogy of the life of Jasmin, whom he entitled "The + Saint-vincent de Paul of poetry." + </p> + <p> + He was followed by the Abbe Capot, in the name of the clergy, and by M. + Magen, in the name of the Society of Agriculture, Sciences, and Arts. They + were followed by MM. Azais and Pozzi, who recited some choice pieces of + poetry in the Gascon patois. M. Mistral came last—the celebrated + singer of "Mireio"—who, with his faltering voice, recited a + beautiful piece of poetry composed for the occasion, which was + enthusiastically applauded. + </p> + <p> + The day was wound up with a banquet in honour of M. Dubray, the artist who + had executed the bronze statue. The Place Jasmin was brilliantly + illuminated during the evening, where an immense crowd assembled to view + the statue of the poet, whose face and attitude appeared in splendid + relief amidst a blaze of light. + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary further to describe the character of Jasmin. It is + sufficiently shown by his life and labours—his genius and + philanthropy. In the recollections of his infancy and boyhood, he + truthfully describes the pleasures and sorrows of his youth—his love + for his mother, his affection for his grandfather, who died in the + hospital, "where all the Jasmins die." He did not even conceal the little + tricks played by him in the Academy, from which he was expelled, nor the + various troubles of his apprenticeship. + </p> + <p> + This was one of the virtues of Jasmin—his love of truth. He never + pretended to be other than what he was. He was even proud of being a + barber, with his "hand of velvet." He was pleased to be entertained by the + coiffeurs of Agen, Paris, Bordeaux, and Toulouse. He was a man of the + people, and believed in the dignity of labour. At the same time, but for + his perseverance and force of character, he never could have raised + himself to the honour and power of the true poet. + </p> + <p> + He was born poor, and the feeling of inherited poverty adhered to him + through life, and inspired him with profound love for the poor and the + afflicted of his class. He was always ready to help them, whether they + lived near to him or far from him. He was, in truth, "The Saint-Vincent de + Paul of poetry." His statue, said M. Noubel, pointing up to it, + represented the glorification of genius and virtue, the conquest of + ignorance and misery. + </p> + <p> + M. Deydou said at Bordeaux, when delivering an address upon the genius of + Jasmin—his Eminence Cardinal Donnet presiding—that poetry, + when devoted to the cause of charity, according to the poet himself, was + "the glory of the earth and the perfume of heaven." + </p> + <p> + Jasmin loved his dear town of Agen, and was proud of it. After his visit + to the metropolis, he said, "If Paris makes me proud, Agen makes me + happy." "This town," he said, on another occasion, "has been my + birthplace; soon it shall be my grave." He loved his country too, and + above all he loved his native language. It was his mother-tongue; and + though he was often expostulated with for using it, he never forsook the + Gascon. It was the language of the home, of the fireside, of the fields, + of the workshop, of the people amongst whom he lived, and he resolved ever + to cherish and elevate the Gascon dialect. + </p> + <p> + "Popular and purely natural poetry," said Montaigne in the 16th century, + "has a simplicity and gracefulness which surpass the beauty of poetry + according to art." Jasmin united the naive artlessness of poetry with the + perfection of art. He retained the simplicity of youth throughout his + career, and his domestic life was the sanctuary of all the virtues. + </p> + <p> + In his poems he vividly described filial love, conjugal tenderness, and + paternal affection, because no one felt these graces of life more + fervently than himself. He was like the Italian painter, who never went + beyond his home for a beautiful model. + </p> + <p> + Victor Hugo says that a great man is like the sun—most beautiful + when he touches the earth, at his rising and at his setting. Jasmin's + rising was in the depths of honest poverty, but his setting was glorious. + God crowned his fine life by a special act of favour; for the last song of + the poet was his "act of faith"—his address to Renan. + </p> + <p> + Jasmin was loyal, single-minded, self-reliant, patient, temperate, and + utterly unselfish. He made all manner of sacrifices during his efforts in + the cause of charity. Nothing was allowed to stand in the way of his + missions on behalf of the poor. In his journey of fifty days in 1854, he + went from Orthez—the country of Gaston Phoebus—to the + mountains of Auvergne, in spite of the rigours of the weather. During that + journey he collected 20,000 francs. In all, as we have said, he collected, + during his life-time, more than a million and a half of francs, all of + which he devoted to the cause of philanthropy. + </p> + <p> + Two words were engraved on the pedestal of his statue, Poetry and Charity! + Charity was the object and purpose of his heroic programme. Yet, in his + poetry he always exhibited his tender-hearted gaiety. Even when he weeps, + you see the ray of sunlight in his tears. Though simple as a child in + ordinary life, he displayed in his writings the pathos and satire of the + ancient Troubadours, with no small part of the shrewdness and wit + attributed to persons of his calling. + </p> + <p> + Although esteemed and praised by all ranks and classes of people—by + king, emperor, princes, and princesses; by cardinals and bishops; by + generals, magistrates, literary men, and politicians—though the + working people almost worshipped him, and village girls strewed flowers + along his pathway—though the artisan quitted his workshop, and the + working woman her washing-tub, to listen to his marvellous recitations, + yet Jasmin never lost his head or was carried away by the enthusiastic + cheers which accompanied his efforts, but remained simple and unaffected + to the last. + </p> + <p> + Another characteristic of him was, that he never forsook his friends, + however poor. His happiest moments were those in which he encountered a + companion of his early youth. Many still survived who had accompanied him + while making up his bundle of fagots on the islands of the Garonne. He was + delighted to shake hands with them, and to help, when necessary, these + playmates of his boyhood. + </p> + <p> + He would also meet with pleasure the working women of his acquaintance, + those who had related to him the stories of Loup Garou and the traditions + of the neighbourhood, and encouraged the boy from his earliest youth. + Then, at a later period of his life, nothing could have been more worthy + of him than his affection for his old benefactor, M. Baze, and his + pleading with Napoleon III., through the Empress, for his return to France + "through the great gate of honour!" + </p> + <p> + Had Jasmin a fault? Yes, he had many, for no one exists within the limits + of perfection. But he had one in especial, which he himself confessed. He + was vain and loved applause, nor did he conceal his love. + </p> + <p> + When at Toulouse, he said to some of his friends, "I love to be applauded: + it is my whim; and I think it would be difficult for a poet to free + himself from the excitement of applause." When at Paris, he said, + "Applaud! applaud! The cheers you raise will be heard at Agen." Who would + not overlook a fault, if fault it be, which is confessed in so naive a + manner? + </p> + <p> + When complimented about reviving the traditions of the Troubadours, Jasmin + replied, "The Troubadours, indeed! Why, I am a better poet than any of the + Troubadours! Not one of them could have composed a long poem of sustained + interest, like my Franconnette." + </p> + <p> + Any fault or weakness which Jasmin exhibited was effaced by the good + wishes and prayers of thousands of the poor and afflicted whom he had + relieved by his charity and benevolence. The reality of his life almost + touches the ideal. Indeed, it was a long apostolate. + </p> + <p> + Cardinal Donnet, Archbishop of Bordeaux, said of him, that "he was gifted + with a rich nature, a loyal and unreserved character, and a genius as + fertile as the soil of his native country. The lyre of Jasmin," he said, + "had three chords, which summed up the harmonies of heaven and earth—the + true, the useful, and the beautiful." + </p> + <p> + Did not the members of the French Academy—the highest literary + institution in the world—strike a gold medal in his honour, with the + inscription, "La medaille du poete moral et populaire"? M. Sainte-Beuve, + the most distinguished of French critics, used a much stronger expression. + He said, "If France had ten poets like Jasmin—ten poets of the same + power and influence—she need no longer have any fear of + revolutions." + </p> + <p> + Genius is as nothing in the sight of God; but "whosoever shall give a cup + of water to drink in the name of Christ, because they belong to Christ, + shall not lose his reward." M. Tron, Deputy and Mayor of + Bagnere-du-luchon, enlarged upon this text in his eulogy of Jasmin. + </p> + <p> + "He was a man," he said, "as rich in his heart as in his genius. He + carried out that life of 'going about doing good' which Christ rehearsed + for our instruction. He fed the hungry, clothed the naked, succoured the + distressed, and consoled and sympathised with the afflicted. Few men have + accomplished more than he has done. His existence was unique, not only in + the history of poets, but of philanthropists." + </p> + <p> + A life so full of good could only end with a Christian death. He departed + with a lively faith and serene piety, crowning by a peaceful death one of + the strangest and most diversified careers in the nineteenth century. + "Poetry and Charity," inscribed on the pedestal of his statue in Agen, + fairly sums up his noble life and character. + </p> + <p> + Endnotes for Chapter XX. + </p> + <p> + {1} 'Lou Poeto del Puple a Moussu Renan.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX. + </h2> + <h3> + JASMIN'S DEFENCE OF THE GASCON DIALECT. + </h3> + <p> + To M. SYLVAIN DUMON, Deputy-Minister, who has condemned to death our + native language. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There's not a deeper grief to man + Than when our mother, faint with years, + Decrepit, old, and weak, and wan, + Beyond the leech's art appears; + When by her couch her son may stay, + And press her hand, and watch her eyes, + And feel, though she survives to-day, + Perchance his hope to-morrow dies. + + It is not thus, believe me, Sir, + With this enchantress, we will call + Our second mother. Frenchmen err, + Who cent'ries since proclaimed her fall! + Our mother tongue, all melody, + While music lives, shall never die. + + Yes! still she lives, her words still ring, + Her children yet her carols sing; + And thousand years may roll away + Before her magic notes decay. + + The people love their ancient songs, and will + While yet a people, love and keep them still. + These lays are like their mother—they recall + Fond thoughts of brother, sister, friends, and all + The many little things that please the heart— + Those dreams and hopes, from which we cannot part; + These songs are as sweet waters, where we find + Health in the sparkling wave that nerves the mind. + In every home, at every cottage door, + By every fireside, when our toil is o'er, + These songs are round us, near our cradles sigh, + And to the grave attend us when we die. + + Oh! think, cold critic! 'twill be late and long + Ere time shall sweep away this flood of song! + There are who bid this music sound no more, + And you can hear them, nor defend—deplore! + You, who were born where the first daisies grew, + Have 'fed upon its honey, sipp'd its dew, + Slept in its arms, and wakened to its kiss, + Danced to its sounds, and warbled to its tone— + You can forsake it in an hour like this! + Weary of age, you may renounce, disown, + And blame one minstrel who is true—alone! + + For me, truth to my eyes made all things plain; + At Paris, the great fount, I did not find + The waters pure, and to my stream again + I come, with saddened and with sobered mind; + And now the spell is broken, and I rate + The little country far above the great. + + For you, who seem her sorrows to deplore, + You, seated high in power, the first among, + Beware! nor make her cause of grief the more; + Believe her mis'ry, nor condemn her tongue. + Methinks you injure where you seek to heal, + If you deprive her of that only weal. + + We love, alas! to sing in our distress; + For so the bitterness of woe seems less; + But if we may not in our language mourn, + What will the polish'd give us in return? + Fine sentences, but all for us unmeet— + Words full of grace, even such as courtiers greet: + A deck'd out miss, too delicate and nice + To walk in fields; too tender and precise + To sing the chorus of the poor, or come + When Labour lays him down fatigued at home. + + To cover rags with gilded robes were vain— + The rents of poverty would show too plain. + + How would this dainty dame, with haughty brow, + Shrink at a load, and shudder at a plough! + Sulky, and piqued, and silent would she stand + As the tired peasant urged his team along: + No word of kind encouragement at hand, + For flocks no welcome, and for herds no song! + + Yet we will learn, and you shall teach— + Our people shall have double speech: + One to be homely, one polite, + As you have robes for different wear; + But this is all:—'tis just and right, + And more our children will not bear, + Lest flocks of buzzards flit along, + Where nightingales once poured their song. + + There may be some who, vain and proud, + May ape the manners of the crowd, + Lisp French, and maim it at each word, + And jest and gibe to all afford; + But we, as in long ages past, + Will still be poets to the last!{1} + + Hark! and list the bridal song, + As they lead the bride along: + "Hear, gentle bride! your mother's sighs, + And you would hence away! + Weep, weep, for tears become those eyes." + ——"I cannot weep—to-day." + + Hark! the farmer in the mead + Bids the shepherd swain take heed: + "Come, your lambs together fold, + Haste, my sons! your toil is o'er: + For the setting sun has told + That the ox should work no more." + + Hark! the cooper in the shade + Sings to the sound his hammer made: + "Strike, comrades, strike! prepare the cask. + 'Tis lusty May that fills the flask: + Strike, comrades! summer suns that shine + Fill the cellars full of wine." + + Verse is, with us, a charm divine, + Our people, loving verse, will still, + Unknowing of their art, entwine + Garlands of poesy at will. + Their simple language suits them best: + Then let them keep it and be blest. + + Let the wise critics build a wall + Between the nurse's cherished voice, + And the fond ear her words enthral, + And say their idol is her choice. + Yes!—let our fingers feel the rule, + The angry chiding of the school; + True to our nurse, in good or ill, + We are not French, but Gascon still. + + 'Tis said that age new feeling brings, + Our youth returns as we grow old; + And that we love again the things + Which in our memory had grown cold. + If this be true, the time will come + When to our ancient tongue, once more, + You will return, as to a home, + And thank us that we kept the store. + + Remember thou the tale they tell + Of Lacuee and Lacepede,{2} + When age crept on, who loved to dwell + On words that once their music made; + And, in the midst of grandeur, hung, + Delighted, on their parent tongue. + + This will you do: and it may be, + When weary of the world's deceit, + Some summer-day we yet may see + Your coming in our meadows sweet; + Where, midst the flowers, the finch's lay + Shall welcome you with music gay; + While you shall bid our antique tongue + Some word devise, or air supply, + Like those that charm'd your youth so long, + And lent a spell to memory. + + Bethink you how we stray'd alone + Beneath those elms in Agen grown, + That each an arch above us throws, + Like giants, hand-in-hand, in rows. + A storm once struck a fav'rite tree, + It trembled, shook, and bent its boughs,— + The vista is no longer free: + Our governor no pause allows; + "Bring hither hatchet, axe, and spade, + The tree must straight be prostrate laid!" + + But vainly strength and art were tried, + The stately tree all force defied; + Well might the elm resist and foil their might, + For though his branches were decay'd to sight, + As many as his leaves the roots spread round, + And in the firm set earth they slept profound. + + Since then, more full, more green, more gay, + The crests amid the breezes play: + And birds of every note and hue + Come trooping to his shade in Spring; + Each summer they their lays renew, + And while the years endure they sing. + + And thus it is, believe me, sir, + With this enchantress—she we call + Our second mother; Frenchmen err + Who, cent'ries since, proclaimed her fall. + + No! she still lives, her words still ring, + Her children yet her carols sing; + And thousand years may roll away + Before her magic notes decay. + + September 2nd, 1837. +</pre> + <p> + Endnotes to JASMIN'S DEFENCE OF THE GASCON DIALECT. + </p> + <p> + {1} Jasmin here quotes several patois songs, well known in the country. + </p> + <p> + {2} Both Gascons. + </p> + <p> + THE MASON'S SON.{1} {LA SEMMANO D'UN FIL.} + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Riches, n'oubliez pas un seul petit moment + Que des pauvres la grande couvee + Se reveille toujours le sourire a la bouche + Quand elle s'endort sans avoir faire! + + (Riche et Pauvre.) + + The swallows fly about, although the air is cold, + Our once fair sun has shed his brightest gold. + The fields decay + On All-saints day. + Ground's hard afoot, + The birds are mute; + The tree-tops shed their chill'd and yellow leaves, + They dying fall, and whirl about in sheaves. + + One night, when leaving late a neighb'ring town, + Although the heavens were clear, + Two children paced along, with many a moan— + Brother and sister dear; + And when they reached the wayside cross + Upon their knees they fell, quite close. + + Abel and Jane, by the moon's light, + Were long time silent quite; + As they before the altar bend, + With one accord their voices sweet ascend. + + "Mother of God, Virgin compassionate! + Oh! send thy angel to abate + The sickness of our father dear, + That mother may no longer fear— + And for us both! Oh! Blessed Mother, + We love thee, more and more, we two together!" + + The Virgin doubtless heard their prayer, + For, when they reached the cottage near, + The door before them opened wide, + And the dear mother, ere she turned aside, + Cried out: "My children brave, + The fever's gone—your father's life is safe! + Now come, my little lambs, and thank God for His grace." + + In their small cot, forthwith the three, + To God in prayer did bend the knee, + Mother and children in their gladness weeping, + While on a sorry bed a man lay sleeping— + It was the father, good Hilaire! + Not long ago, a soldier brave, + But now—a working mason's slave. + + II. + + The dawn next day was clear and bright, + The glint of morning sunlight + Gleamed through the windows taper, + Although they only were patched up with paper. + + When Abel noiseless entered, with his foot-fall slight, + He slipped along to the bedside; + He oped the little curtain, without stirring of the rings; + His father woke and smiled, with joy that pleasure brings. + + "Abel," he said, "I longed for thee; now listen thou to me: + We're very poor indeed—I've nothing save my weekly fee; + But Heaven has helped our lives to save—by curing me. + Dear boy, already thou art fifteen years— + You know to read, to write—then have no fears; + Thou art alone, thou'rt sad, but dream no more, + Thou ought'st to work, for now thou hast the power! + I know thy pain and sorrow, and thy deep alarms; + More good than strong—how could thy little arms + Ply hard the hammer on the stony blocks? + But our hard master, though he likes good looks, + May find thee quite a youth; + He says that thou hast spirit; and he means for thy behoof. + Then do what gives thee pleasure, + Without vain-glory, Abel; and spend thy precious leisure + In writing or in working—each is a labour worthy, + Either with pen or hammer—they are the tools most lofty; + Labour in mind or body, they do fatigue us ever— + But then, Abel my son, I hope that never + One blush upon you e'er will gather + To shame the honour of your father." + + Abel's blue eyes were bright with bliss and joy— + Father rejoiced—four times embraced the boy; + Mother and daughter mixed their tears and kisses, + Then Abel saw the master, to his happiness, + And afterwards four days did pass, + All full of joyfulness. + But pleasure with the poor is always unenduring. + + A brutal order had been given on Sunday morning + That if, next day, the father did not show his face, + Another workman, in that case, + Would be employed to take his place! + A shot of cannon filled with grape + Could not have caused such grief, + As this most cruel order gives + To these four poor unfortunates. + + "I'm cured!" Hilaire cried; "let me rise and dress;" + He tried—fell back; and then he must confess + He could not labour for another week! + Oh, wretched plight— + For him, his work was life! + Should he keep sick, 'twas death! + All four sat mute; sudden a my of hope + Beamed in the soul of Abel. + He brushed the tear-drops from his een, + Assumed a manly mien, + + Strength rushed into his little arms, + On his bright face the blushes came; + He rose at once, and went to reason + With that cruel master mason. + + Abel returned, with spirits bright, + No longer trembling with affright; + At once he gaily cries, + With laughing mouth and laughing eyes:— + + "My father! take your rest; have faith and courage; + Take all the week, then thou shalt work apace; + Some one, who loves thee well, will take thy place, + Then thou may'st go again and show thy face." + + III. + + Saved by a friend, indeed! He yet had friends in store! + Oh! how I wish that in this life so lonely.... + But, all will be explained at work on Monday; + There are good friends as yet—perhaps there's many more. + + It was indeed our Abel took his father's place. + At office first he showed his face; + Then to the work-yard: thus his father he beguiled. + Spite of his slender mien, he worked and always smiled. + He was as deft as workmen twain; he dressed + The stones, and in the mortar then he pressed + The heavy blocks; the workmen found him cheerful. + Mounting the ladder like a bird: + He skipped across the rafters fearful. + He smiled as he ascended, smiled as he descended— + The very masons trembled at his hardiness: + But he was working for his father—in his gladness, + His life was full of happiness; + His brave companions loved the boy + Who filled their little life with joy. + They saw the sweat run down his brow, + And clapped their hands, though weary he was now. + + What bliss of Abel, when the day's work's o'er, + And the bright stars were shining: + Unto the office he must go, + And don his better clothing— + Thus his poor father to deceive, who thought he went a-clerking. + He took his paper home and wrote, 'midst talk with Jane so shyly, + And with a twinkling eye he answered mother's looks so slyly. + + Three days thus passed, and the sick man arose, + Life now appeared to him a sweet repose. + On Thursday, tempting was the road; + At midday, Friday, he must walk abroad. + + But, fatal Friday—God has made for sorrow. + + The father, warmed up by the sun's bright ray, + Hied to the work-yard, smiling by the way; + He wished to thank the friend who worked for him, + But saw him not—his eyes were dim— + Yet he was near; and looking up, he saw no people working, + No dinner-bell had struck, no workmen sure were lurking. + Oh, God! what's happened at the building yard? + A crowd collected—master, mason—as on guard. + "What's this?" the old man cried. "Alas! some man has fallen!" + Perhaps it was his friend! His soul with grief was burning. + He ran. Before him thronged the press of men, + They tried to thrust him back again; + But no; Hilaire pressed through the crowd of working men. + Oh, wretched father—man unfortunate; + The friend who saved thee was thy child—sad fate! + Now he has fallen from the ladder's head, + And lies a bleeding mass, now nearly dead! + + Now Hilaire uttered a most fearful cry; + The child had given his life, now he might die. + Alas! the bleeding youth + Was in his death-throes, he could scarcely breathe; + "Master," he said, "I've not fulfilled my task, + But, in the name of my poor mother dear, + For the day lost, take father on at last." + + The father heard, o'erwhelmed he was with fear, + Abel now saw him, felt that he was near, + Inclined his head upon his breast, and praying— + Hand held in hand, he smiled on him while dying. + + For Hilary, his place was well preserved, + His wages might perhaps be doubled. + + Too late! too late! one saddened morn + The sorrow of his life was gone; + And the good father, with his pallid face, + Went now to take another place + Within the tomb, beside his much loved son. +</pre> + <p> + Endnotes to THE MASON'S SON. + </p> + <p> + {1} Jasmin says, "the subject of this poem is historical, and recently + took place in our neighbourhood." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE POOR MAN'S DOCTOR. + </h2> + <h3> + {LOU MEDICI DES PAURES.} + </h3> + <p> + Dedicated to M. CANY, Physician of Toulouse. + </p> + <p> + With the permission of the Rev. Dr. J. Duncan Craig, of Glenagary, + Kingston, Dublin, I adopt, with some alterations, his free translation of + Jasmin's poem. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sweet comes this April morning, its faint perfumes exhaling; + Brilliant shines the sun, so crisp, so bright, so freshening; + Pearl-like gleam and sparkle the dew-drops on the rose, + While grey and gnarled olives droop like giants in repose. + + Soundeth low, solemnly, the mid-day bell in th' air, + Glideth on sadly a maiden sick with care; + Her head is bent, and sobbing words she sheds with many a tear, + But 'tween the chapel and the windmill another doth appear. + + She laughs and plucks the lovely flowers with many a joyous + bound, + The other, pale and spiritless, looks upward from the ground; + "Where goest thou, sweet Marianne, this lovely April day?" + "Beneath the elms of Agen—there lies my destined way. + + "I go to seek this very day the Doctor of the Poor.{1} + Did'st thou not hear how skilfully he did my mother cure? + Behold this silver in my hand, these violets so sweet, + The guerdon of his loving care—I'll lay them at his feet. + + "Now, dost thou not remember, my darling Marianne, + How in our lonely hut the typhus fever ran? + And we were poor, without a friend, or e'en our daily bread, + And sadly then, and sorrowful, dear mother bowed her head. + + "One day, the sun was shining low in lurid western sky, + All, all, our little wealth was gone, and mother yearned to die, + When sudden, at the open door, a shadow crossed the way, + And cheerfully a manly voice did words of comfort say: + + "'Take courage, friends, your ills I know, your life I hope to + save.' + 'Too late!' dear mother cried; 'too late! My home is in the + grave; + + Our things are pledged, our med'cine gone, e'en bread we cannot + buy.' + The doctor shudder'd, then grew pale, but sadly still drew nigh. + + "No curtains had we on our bed: I marked his pallid face; + Five silver crowns now forth he drew with melancholy grace— + + 'Poor woman, take these worthless coins, suppress your bitter + grief! + Don't blush; repay them when you can—these drops will give + relief.' + + "He left the hut, and went away; soon sleep's refreshing calm + Relieved the patient he had helped—a wonder-working balm; + The world now seemed to smile again, like springtide flowers so + gay, + While mother, brothers, and myself, incessant worked away. + + "Thus, like the swallows which return with spring unto our shore, + The doctor brought rejoicing back unto our vine-wreathed door; + And we are happy, Isabel, and money too we've made; + But why dost weep, when I can laugh?" the gentle maiden said. + + "Alas! alas! dear Marianne, I weep and mourn to-day, + From your house to our cottage-home the fever made its way; + My father lies with ghastly face, and many a raving cry— + Oh, would that Durand too might come, before the sick man die!" + + "Dear Isabel, haste on, haste on—we'll seek his house this hour! + Come, let us run, and hasten on with all our utmost power. + He'll leave the richest palace for the poor man's humble roof— + He's far from rich, except in love, of that we've had full + proof!" + + The good God bless the noble heart that careth for the poor; + Then forth the panting children speed to seek the sick man's + cure; + And as beneath our giant elms they pass with rapid tread, + They scarcely dare to look around, or lift their weary head. + The town at last is reached, by the Pont-Long they enter, + Close by the Hue des Jacobins, near Durand's house they venture. + Around the portals of the door there throngs a mournful crowd; + They see the Cross, they hear the priests the Requiem chaunt + aloud. + + The girls were troubled in their souls, their minds were rent + with grief; + One above all, young Marianne, was trembling like a leaf: + Another death—oh, cruel thought! then of her father dying, + She quickly ran to Durand's door, and asked a neighbour, crying: + + "Where's the good doctor, sir, I pray? I seek him for my + father!" + He soft replied, "The gracious God into His fold doth gather + The best of poor folks' doctors now, to his eternal rest; + They bear the body forth, 'tis true: his spirit's with the + blest." + + Bright on his corpse the candles shine around his narrow bier, + Escorted by the crowds of poor with many a bitter tear; + No more, alas! can he the sad and anguished-laden cure— + Oh, wail! For Durand is no more—the Doctor of the Poor! +</pre> + <p> + Endnotes to THE POOR MAN'S DOCTOR. + </p> + <p> + {1} In the last edition of Jasmin's poems (4 vols. 8vo, edited by Buyer + d'Agen) it is stated (p. 40, 1st vol.) that "M. Durand, physician, was one + of those rare men whom Providence seems to have provided to assuage the + lot of the poorest classes. His career was full of noble acts of devotion + towards the sick whom he was called upon to cure. He died at the early age + of thirty-five, of a stroke of apoplexy. His remains were accompanied to + the grave by nearly all the poor of Agen and the neighbourhood." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MY VINEYARD.{1} + </h2> + <h3> + {MA BIGNO.} + </h3> + <p> + To MADAME LOUIS VEILL, Paris. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear lady, it is true, that last month I have signed + A little scrap of parchment; now myself I find + The master of a piece of ground + Within the smallest bound— + Not, as you heard, a spacious English garden + Covered with flowers and trees, to shrine your bard in— + But of a tiny little vineyard, + Which I have christened "Papilhoto"! + Where, for a chamber, I have but a grotto. + The vine-stocks hang about their boughs, + At other end a screen of hedgerows, + So small they do not half unroll; + A hundred would not make a mile, + Six sheets would cover the whole pile. + + Well! as it is, of this I've dreamt for twenty years— + You laugh, Madame, at my great happiness, + Perhaps you'll laugh still more, when it appears, + That when I bought the place, I must confess + There were no fruits, + Though rich in roots; + Nine cherry trees—behold my wood! + Ten rows of vines—my promenade! + A few peach trees; the hazels too; + Of elms and fountains there are two. + How rich I am! My muse is grateful very; + Oh! might I paint? while I the pencil try, + Our country loves the Heavens so bright and cheery. + + Here, verdure starts up as we scratch the ground, + Who owns it, strips it into pieces round; + Beneath our sun there's nought but gayest sound. + You tell me, true, that in your Paris hot-house, + You ripen two months sooner 'neath your glass, of course. + What is your fruit? Mostly of water clear, + The heat may redden what your tendrils bear. + But, lady dear, you cannot live on fruits alone while here! + Now slip away your glossy glove + And pluck that ripened peach above, + Then place it in your pearly mouth + And suck it—how it 'lays your drouth— + Melts in your lips like honey of the South! + + Dear Madame, in the North you have great sights— + Of churches, castles, theatres of greatest heights; + Your works of art are greater far than here. + But come and see, quite near + The banks of the Garonne, on a sweet summer's day, + All works of God! and then you'll say + No place more beautiful and gay! + You see the rocks in all their velvet greenery; + The plains are always gold; and mossy very, + The valleys, where we breathe the healthy air, + And where we walk on beds of flowers most fair! + + The country round your Paris has its flowers and greensward, + But 'tis too grand a dame for me, it is too dull and sad. + Here, thousand houses smile along the river's stream; + Our sky is bright, it laughs aloud from morn to e'en. + Since month of May, when brightest weather bounds + For six months, music through the air resounds— + A thousand nightingales the shepherd's ears delight: + All sing of Love—Love which is new and bright. + Your Opera, surprised, would silent hearken, + When day for night has drawn aside its curtain, + Under our heavens, which very soon comes glowing. + Listen, good God! our concert is beginning! + What notes! what raptures? Listen, shepherd-swains, + One chaunt is for the hill-side, the other's for the plains. + + "Those lofty mountains + Far up above, + I cannot see + All that I love; + Move lower, mountains, + Plains, up-move, + That I may see + All that I love."{2} + + And thousand voices sound through Heaven's alcove, + Coming across the skies so blue, + Making the angels smile above— + The earth embalms the songsters true; + The nightingales, from tree to flower, + Sing louder, fuller, stronger. + 'Tis all so sweet, though no one beats the measure, + To hear it all while concerts last—such pleasure! + Indeed my vineyard's but a seat of honour, + For, from my hillock, shadowed by my bower, + I look upon the fields of Agen, the valley of Verone.{3} + How happy am I 'mongst my vines! Such pleasures there are none. + + For here I am the poet-dresser, working for the wines. + I only think of propping up my arbours and my vines; + Upon the road I pick the little stones— + And take them to my vineyard to set them up in cones, + And thus I make a little house with but a sheltered door— + As each friend, in his turn, now helps to make the store. + And then there comes the vintage—the ground is firm and fast, + With all my friends, with wallets or with baskets cast, + We then proceed to gather up the fertile grapes at last. + + Oh! my young vine, + The sun's bright shine + Hath ripened thee + All—all for me! + No drizzling showers + Have spoilt the hours. + My muse can't borrow; + My friends, to-morrow + Cannot me lend; + But thee, young friend, + Grapes nicely drest, + With figs the finest + And raisins gather + Bind them together! + Th' abundant season + Will still us bring + A glorious harvesting; + Close up thy hands with bravery + Upon the luscious grapery! + + Now all push forth their tendrils; though not past remedy, + At th' hour when I am here, my faithful memory + Comes crowding back; my oldest friends + Now make me young again—for pleasure binds + Me to their hearts and minds. + But now the curtained night comes on again. + + I see, the meadows sweet around, + My little island, midst the varying ground, + Where I have often laughed, and sometimes I have groaned. + + I see far off the leafy woodland, + Or near the fountain, where I've; often dreamed; + Long time ago there was a famous man{4} + Who gave its fame to Agen. + I who but write these verses slight + Midst thoughts of memory bright. + + But I will tell you all—in front, to left, to right, + More than a hedgerow thick that I have brought the light, + More than an apple-tree that I have trimmed, + More than an old vine-stalk that I have thinned + To ripen lovely Muscat. + Madame, you see that I look back upon my past, + Without a blush at last; + What would you? That I gave my vineyard back— + And that with usury? Alack! + And yet unto my garden I've no door— + Two thorns are all my fence—no more! + When the marauders come, and through a hole I see their nose, + Instead of taking up a stick to give them blows, + I turn aside; perhaps they never may return, the horde! + He who young robs, when older lets himself be robbed! +</pre> + <p> + Endnotes to MY VINEYARD. + </p> + <p> + {1} Jasmin purchased a little piece of ground, which he dedicated to his + "Curl-papers" (Papilhoto), on the road to Scaliger's villa, and addressed + the above lines to his lady-admirer in Paris, Madame Louis veill. + </p> + <p> + {2} From a popular song by Gaston Phebus. + </p> + <p> + {3} Referring to Verona, the villa of Scaliger, the great scholar. + </p> + <p> + {4} Scaliger. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FRANCONNETTE. + </h2> + <h3> + FIRST PART. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Blaise de Montluc—Festival at Roquefort—The Prettiest + Maiden—The Soldier and the Shepherds—Kissing and Panting— + Courage of Pascal—Fury of Marcel—Terrible Contest. + + 'Twas at the time when Blaise the murderous + Struck heavy blows by force of arms. + He hewed the Protestants to pieces, + And, in the name of God the Merciful, + Flooded the earth with sorrow, blood, and tears. + + Alas! 'twas pitiful—far worse beyond the hills, + Where flashing gun and culverin were heard; + There the unhappy bore their heavy cross, + And suffered, more than elsewhere, agonising pain, + Were killed and strangled, tumbled into wells; + 'Tween Penne and Fumel the saddened earth was gorged. + Men, women, children, murdered everywhere, + The hangman even stopped for breath; + While Blaise, with heart of steel, dismounted at the gate + Of his strong castle wall, + With triple bridge and triple fosse; + Then kneeling, made his pious prayers, + Taking the Holy Sacrament, + His hands yet dripping with fraternal blood!{1} + + Now every shepherd, every shepherd lass, + At the word Huguenot shuddered with affright, + Even 'midst their laughing courtship. + And yet it came to pass + That in a hamlet, 'neath a castled height, + One Sunday, when a troop of sweethearts danced + Upon the day of Roquefort fete, + And to a fife the praises sang + Of Saint James and the August weather— + That bounteous month which year by year, + Through dew-fall of the evening bright, + And heat of Autumn noons doth bring + Both grapes and figs to ripening. + + It was the finest fete that eyes had ever seen + Under the shadow of the leafy parasol, + Where aye the country-folk convene. + O'erflowing were the spaces all, + From cliff, from dale, from every home + Of Montagnac and Sainte-Colombe, + Still they do come, + Too many far to number; + More, ever more, while flames the sunshine o'er, + There's room for all, their coming will not cumber, + The fields shall be their chamber, and the little hillocks green + The couches of their slumber. + + What pleasure! what delight! the sun now fills the air; + The sweetest thing in life + Is the music of the fife + And the dancing of the fair. + You see their baskets emptying + Of waffles all home-made. + They quaff the nectar sparkling + Of freshest lemonade. + What crowds at Punchinello, + While the showman beats his cymbal! + Crowds everywhere! + But who is this appears below? + Ah! 'tis the beauteous village queen! + Yes, 'tis she; 'tis Franconnette! + A fairer girl was never seen. + + In the town as in the prairie, + You must know that every country + Has its chosen pearl of love. + Ah, well! This was the one— + They named her in the Canton, + The prettiest, sweetest dove. + + But now, you must not fancy, gentlemen, + That she was sad and sighing, + Her features pale as any lily, + That she had dying eyes, half-shut and blue, + And slender figure clothed with languishing, + Like to a weeping willow by a limpid lake. + Not so, my masters. Franconnette + Had two keen flashing eyes, like two live stars; + Her laughing cheeks were round, where on a lover might + Gather in handfuls roses bright; + Brown locks and curly decked her head; + Her lips were as the cherry red, + Whiter than snow her teeth; her feet + How softly moulded, small and fleet; + How light her limbs! Ah, well-a-day! + And of the whole at once I say, + She was the very beau-ideal + Of beauty in a woman's form, most fair and real. + + Such loveliness, in every race, + May sudden start to light. + She fired the youths with ready love, + Each maiden with despair. + Poor youths, indeed! Oh! how they wished + To fall beneath her feet! + They all admired her, and adored, + Just as the priest adores the cross— + 'Twas as if there shone a star of light + The young girl's brow across! + + Yet, something vexing in her soul began to hover; + The finest flower had failed her in this day of honour. + Pascal, whom all the world esteemed, + Pascal, the handsomest, whose voice with music beamed, + He shunned the maid, cast ne'er a loving glance; + Despised! She felt hate growing in her heart, + And in her pretty vengeance + She seized the moment for a brilliant dart + Of her bright eyes to chain him. + What would you have? A girl so greatly envied, + She might become a flirt conceited; + Already had she seemed all this, + Self-glorious she was, I fear, + Coquetting rarely comes amiss, + Though she might never love, with many lovers near! + Grandmother often said to her, "Child, child!" with gentle frown, + "A meadow's not a parlour, and the country's not a town, + And thou knowest well that we have promised thee lang syne + To the soldier-lad, Marcel, who is lover true of thine. + So curb thy flights, thou giddy one, + The maid who covets all, in the end mayhap hath none." + "Nay, nay," replied the tricksy fay, + With swift caress, and laughter gay, + "There is another saw well-known, + Time enough, my grannie dear, to love some later day! + 'She who hath only me, hath 'none.'" + + Now, such a flighty course, you may divine, + Made hosts of melancholy swains, + Who sighed and suffered jealous pains, + Yet never sang reproachful strains, + Like learned lovers when they pine, + Who, as they go to die, their woes write carefully + On willow or on poplar tree. + Good lack! thou could'st not shape a letter, + And the silly souls, though love-sick, to death did not incline, + Thinking to live and suffer on were better! + But tools were handled clumsily, + And vine-sprays blew abroad at will, + And trees were pruned exceeding ill, + And many a furrow drawn awry. + + Methinks you know her now, this fair and foolish girl; + Watch while she treads one measure, then see her dip and twirl! + Young Etienne holds her hand by chance, + 'Tis the first rigadoon they dance; + With parted lips, right thirstily + Each rustic tracks them as they fly, + And the damsel sly + Feels every eye, + And lighter moves for each adoring glance. + Holy cross! what a sight! when the madcap rears aright + Her shining lizard's head! her Spanish foot falls light, + Her wasp-like figure sways + And swims and whirls and springs again. + The wind with corner of her 'kerchief plays. + Those lovely cheeks where on the youths now gaze, + They hunger to salute with kisses twain! + + And someone shall; for here the custom is, + Who tires his partner out, salutes her with a kiss; + The girls grow weary everywhere, + Wherefore already Jean and Paul, + Louis, Guillaume, and strong Pierre, + Have breathless yielded up their place + Without the coveted embrace. + + Another takes his place, Marcel the wight, + The soldier of Montluc, prodigious in his height, + Arrayed in uniform, bearing his sword, + A cockade in his cap, the emblem of his lord, + Straight as an I, though bold yet not well-bred, + His heart was soft, but thickish was his head. + He blustered much and boasted more and more, + Frolicked and vapoured as he took the floor + Indeed he was a very horrid bore. + Marcel, most mad for Franconnette, tortured the other girls, + Made her most jealous, yet she had no chance, + The swelled-out coxcomb called on her to dance. + But Franconnette was loth, and she must let him see it; + He felt most madly jealous, yet was maladroit, + He boasted that he was beloved; perhaps he did believe it quite— + + The other day, in such a place, + She shrank from his embrace! + + The crowd now watched the dancing pair, + And marked the tricksy witching fair; + They rush, they whirl! But what's amiss? + The bouncing soldier lad, I wis, + Can never snatch disputed kiss! + The dancing maid at first smiles at her self-styled lover, + "Makes eyes" at him, but ne'er a word does utter; + She only leaped the faster! + Marcel, piqued to the quick, longed to subdue this creature, + He wished to show before the crowd what love he bore her; + One open kiss were sweeter far + Than twenty in a corner! + But, no! his legs began to fail, his head was in a trance, + He reeled, he almost fell, he could no longer dance; + Now he would give cockade, sabre, and silver lace, + Would it were gold indeed, for her embrace! + + Yet while the pair were still afoot, the girl looked very gay— + Resolved never to give way! + While headstrong Marcel, breathless, spent, and hot in face, + He reeled and all but fell; then to the next gave place! + Forth darted Pascal in the soldier's stead, + They make two steps, then change, and Franconnette, + Weary at last, with laughing grace, + Her foot stayed and upraised her face! + Tarried Pascal that kiss to set? + Not he, be sure! and all the crowd + His vict'ry hailed with plaudits loud. + The clapping of their palms like battle-dores resounded, + While Pascal stood among them quite confounded! + + Oh, what a picture for the soldier who so loved his queen! + Him the kiss maddened! Measuring Pascal with his een, + He thundered, "Peasant, you have filled my place most sly; + Not so fast, churl!"—and brutally let fly + With aim unerring one fierce blow, + Straight in the other's eyes, doubling the insult so. + + Good God!{2} how stings the madd'ning pain, + His dearest happiness that blow must stain, + Kissing and boxing—glory, shame! + Light, darkness! Fire, ice! Life, death! Heaven, hell! + All this was to our Pascal's soul the knell + Of hope! But to be thus tormented + By flagrant insult, as the soldier meant it; + Now without fear he must resent it! + It does not need to be a soldier nor a "Monsieur," + An outrage placidly to bear. + Now fiery Pascal let fly at his foe, + Before he could turn round, a stunning blow; + 'Twas like a thunder peal, + And made the soldier reel; + Trying to draw his sabre, + But Pascal, seeming bigger, + Gripped Marcel by the waist, and sturdily + Lifted him up, and threw his surly + Foe on the ground, breathless, and stunned severely. + + "Now then!" while Pascal looked on the hound thrown by him, + "The peasant grants thee chance of living!" + "Despatch him!" cried the surging crowd. + "Thou art all cover'd o'er with blood!" + But Pascal, in his angry fit of passion, + Had hurt his wrist and fist in a most serious fashion. + + "No matter! All the same I pardon him! + You must have pity on the beaten hound!" + "No, finish him! Into morsels cut him!" + The surging, violent crowd now cried around. + "Back, peasants, back! Do him no harm!" + Sudden exclaimed a Monsieur, speaking with alarm; + The peasants moved aside, and then gave place + To Montluc, glittering with golden lace; + It was the Baron of Roquefort! + + The frightened girls, like hunted hares, + At once dispers'd, flew here and there. + The shepherds, but a moment after, + With thrilling fife and beaming laughter, + The brave and good Pascal attended on his way, + Unto his humble home, as 'twere his nuptial day. + + But Marcel, furious, mad with rage, exclaimed, + "Oh! could I stab and kill them! But I'm maimed!" + Only a gesture of his lord + Restrained him, hand upon his sword. + Then did he grind his teeth, as he lay battered, + And in a low and broken voice he muttered: + "They love each other, and despise my kindness, + She favours him, and she admires his fondness; + Ah, well! by Marcel's patron, I'll not tarry + To make them smart, and Franconnette + No other husband than myself shall marry!" +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SECOND PART. + + The Enamoured Blacksmith—His Fretful Mother—The Busking + Soiree—Pascal's Song—The Sorcerer of the Black Forest— + The Girl Sold to the Demon. + + Since Roquefort fete, one, two, three months have fled; + The dancing frolic, with the harvest ended; + The out-door sports are banished— + For winter comes; the air is sad and cold, it sighs + Under the vaulted skies. + At fall of night, none risks to walk across the fields, + For each one, sad and cheerless, beelds + Before the great fires blazing, + Or talks of wolfish fiends{3} amazing; + And sorcerers—to make one shudder with affright— + That walk around the cots so wight, + Or 'neath the gloomy elms, and by farmyards at night. + + But now at last has Christmas come, + And little Jack, who beats the drum, + Cries round the hamlet, with his beaming face: + "Come brisken up, you maidens fair, + A merry busking{4} shall take place + On Friday, first night of the year!" + + Ah! now the happy youths and maidens fair + Proclaimed the drummer's words, so bright and rare. + The news were carried far and near + Light as a bird most fleet + With wings to carry thoughts so sweet. + The sun, with beaming rays, had scarcely shone + Ere everywhere the joyous news had flown; + At every fireside they were known, + By every hearth, in converse keen, + The busking was the theme. + + But when the Friday came, a frozen dew was raining, + And by a fireless forge a mother sat complaining; + And to her son, who sat thereby, + She spoke at last entreatingly: + "Hast thou forgot the summer day, my boy, when thou didst come + All bleeding from the furious fray, to the sound of music home? + How I have suffered for your sorrow, + And all that you have had to go through. + Long have I troubled for your arm! For mercy's sake + Oh! go not forth to-night! I dreamt of flowers again, + And what means that, Pascal, but so much tears and pain!" + + "Now art thou craven, mother! and see'st that life's all black, + But wherefore tremble, since Marcel has gone, and comes not + back!" + "Oh yet, my son, do you take heed, I pray! + For the wizard of the Black Wood is roaming round this way; + The same who wrought such havoc, 'twas but a year agone, + They tell me one was seen to come from 's cave at dawn + But two days past—it was a soldier; now + What if this were Marcel? Oh, my child, do take care! + Each mother gives her charms unto her sons; do thou + Take mine; but I beseech, go not forth anywhere!" + + "Just for one little hour, mine eyes to set + On my friend Thomas, whom I'm bound to meet!" + + "Thy friend, indeed! Nay, nay! Thou meanest Franconnette, + Whom thou loves dearly! I wish thou'd love some other maid! + Oh, yes! I read it in thine eyes! + Though thou sing'st, art gay, thy secret bravely keeping, + That I may not be sad, yet all alone thou'rt weeping— + My head aches for thy misery; + Yet leave her, for thine own good, my dear Pascal; + She would so greatly scorn a working smith like thee, + With mother old in penury; + For poor we are—thou knowest truly. + + "How we have sold and sold fill scarce a scythe remains. + Oh, dark the days this house hath seen + Since, Pascal, thou so ill hast been; + Now thou art well, arouse! do something for our gains + Or rest thee, if thou wilt; with suffering we can fight; + But, for God's love, oh! go not forth to-night!" + + And the poor mother, quite undone, + Cried, while thus pleading with her son, + Who, leaning on his blacksmith's forge + The stifling sobs quelled in his gorge. + "'Tis very true," he said, "that we are poor, + But had I that forgot?... I go to work, my mother, now, be sure!" + + No sooner said than done; for in a blink + Was heard the anvil's clink, + The sparks flew from the blacksmith's fire + Higher and still higher! + The forgeman struck the molten iron dead, + Hammer in hand, as if he had a hundred in his head! + + But now, the Busking was apace, + And soon, from every corner place + The girls came with the skein of their own making + To wind up at this sweethearts' merry meeting. + + In the large chamber, where they sat and winded + The threads, all doubly garnished, + The girls, the lads, plied hard their finger, + And swiftly wound together + The clews of lint so fair, + As fine as any hair. + + The winding now was done; and the white wine, and rhymsters, + Came forth with rippling glass and porringers, + And brought their vivid vapours + To brighten up their capers— + Ah! if the prettiest were the best, with pride + I would my Franconnette describe. + + Though queen of games, she was the last, not worst, + It is not that she reigned at present, yet was first. + + "Hold! Hold!" she cried, the brown-haired maid, + Now she directed them from side to side— + Three women merged in one, they said— + She dances, speaks, sings, all bewitching, + By maiden's wiles she was so rich in; + She sings with soul of turtle-dove, + She speaks with grace angelic; + She dances on the wings of love— + Sings, speaks, and dances, in a guise + More than enough to turn the head most wise! + + Her triumph is complete; all eyes are fixed upon her, + Though her adorers are but peasants; + Her eyes are beaming, + Blazing and sparkling, + And quite bewitching; + No wonder that the sweetheart lads are ravished with her! + + Then Thomas rose and, on the coquette fixing + His ardent eyes, though blushing, + In language full of neatness, + And tones of lute-like sweetness, + This song began to sing: + + THE SYREN WITH A HEART OF ICE. + + "Oh, tell us, charming Syren, + With heart of ice unmoved, + When shall we hear the sound + Of bells that ring around, + To say that you have loved? + Always so free and gay, + Those wings of dazzling ray, + + Are spread to every air— + And all your favour share; + Attracted by their light + All follow in your flight. + But ah! believe me, 'tis not bliss, + Such triumphs do but purchase pain; + What is it to be loved like this, + To her who cannot love again? + + "You've seen how full of joy + We've marked the sun arise; + Even so each Sunday morn + When you, before our eyes, + Bring us such sweet surprise. + With us new life is born: + We love your angel face, + Your step so debonnaire, + Your mien of maiden grace, + Your voice, your lips, your hair, + Your eyes of gentle fire, + All these we now admire! + But ah! believe me, 'tis not bliss, + Such triumphs do but purchase pain; + What is it to be loved like this, + To her who cannot love again? + + "Alas! our groves are dull + When widowed of thy sight, + And neither hedge nor field + Their perfume seem to yield; + The blue sky is not bright + When you return once more, + All that was sad is gone, + All nature you restore, + We breathe in you alone; + We could your rosy fingers cover + With kisses of delight all over! + But ah! believe me, 'tis not bliss, + Such triumphs do but purchase pain; + What is it to be loved like this, + To her who cannot love again? + + "The dove you lost of late, + Might warn you by her flight, + She sought in woods her mate, + And has forgot you quite; + She has become more fair + Since love has been her care. + 'Tis love makes all things gay, + Oh follow where she leads— + When beauteous looks decay, + What dreary life succeeds! + And ah! believe me, perfect bliss, + A joy, where peace and triumph reign, + Is when a maiden, loved like this, + Has learnt 'tis sweet to love again!" + + The songster finished, and the ardent crowd + Of listeners clapped their hands in praises loud. + + "Oh! what a lovely song!" they cried. "Who is the poet?" + "'Tis Pascal," answered Thomas, "that has made it!" + "Bravo! Long live Pascal!" exclaimed the fervent crowd. + + Nothing said Franconnette; but she rejoiced—was proud— + At having so much love evoked, + And in a song so touching, + Before this crowd admiring. + + Then she became more serious as she thought of Pascal; + "How brave he is! 'Tis all for him; he has not got his equal! + How he paints love! All praise him without doubt; + And his sweet song—so touching!" for now by heart she knows it. + "But if he loves at last, why does he hide away?" + Then turning suddenly, she says— + "Thomas, he is not here, away he stays; + I would him compliment; can he not come?" + "Oh! now he cannot; but remains at home." + + Then spoke the jealous Lawrence: "Pascal knows + He cannot any other songs compose; + Poor fellow! almost ruined quite he is; + His father's most infirm—stretched out, and cannot rise; + The baker will not give him bread, he is constrained to debts." + + Then Franconnette grew pale, and said, "And he so very good! + Poor lad! how much he suffers; and now he wants his food!" + + "My faith!" said Lawrence, a heart of goodness aping, + "They say that now he goes a-begging!" + "You lie!" cried Thomas, "hold thy serpent's tongue! + Pascal, 'tis true, is working, yet with harm, + Since, for this maiden, he has suffered in his arm; + But he is cured; heed not this spiteful knave! + He works now all alone, for he is strong and brave." + If someone on the girl his eyes had set, + He would have seen tears on the cheeks of Franconnette. + + "Let's 'Hunt the Slipper!"' cried the maids; + Round a wide ring they sat, the jades. + Slipper was bid by Franconnette, + But in a twinkle, Marionette— + "Lawrence, hast thou my slipper?" "No, demoiselle!" + "Rise then, and seek it now, ah, well!" + Lawrence, exulting in his features, + Said, "Franconnette, hast thou my slipper?" + "No, sir!" "'Tis false!" It was beneath her seat! + "Thou hast it! Rise! Now kiss me as the forfeit!" + + A finch, just taken in a net, + First tries some gap to fly at; + So Franconnette, just like a bird, escaped + With Lawrence, whom she hated; + Incensed he turned to kiss her; + He swiftly ran, but in his pursuit warm, + The moment she was caught he stumbled, + Slipped, fell, and sudden broke his arm. + + Misfortunes ne'er come single, it is said. + The gloomy night was now far spent; + But in that fright of frights, quite in a breath, + The house-door creaked and ope'd! Was it a wraith? + No! but an old man bearded to the waist, + And now there stood before the throng the Black Wood Ghaist! + "Imprudent youths!" he cried; "I come from gloomy rocks up + yonder, + Your eyes to ope: I'm filled with wrath and wonder! + You all admire this Franconnette; + Learn who she is, infatuate! + + From very cradle she's all evil; + Her wretched father, miserable, + + Passed to the Hugnenots and sold her to the Devil; + Her mother died of shame— + And thus the demon plays his game. + Now he has bought this woman base, + He tracks her in her hiding-place. + You see how he has punished Pascal and Lawrence + Because they gave her light embrace! + Be warned! For who so dares this maid to wed, + Amid the brief delight of their first nuptial night, + Will sudden hear a thunder-peal o'er head! + The demon cometh in his might + To snatch the bride away in fright, + And leave the ill-starred bridegroom dead!" + + The Wizard said no more; but angry, fiery rays, + From scars his visage bore, seemed suddenly to blaze. + Four times he turned his heel upon, + Then bade the door stand wide, or ere his foot he stayed; + With one long creak the door obeyed, + And lo! the bearded ghaist was gone! + + He left great horror in his wake! None stirred in all the + throng; + They looked nor left nor right, when he away had gone, + They seemed all changed to stone— + Only the stricken maid herself stood brave against her wrong; + + And in the hope forlorn that all might pass for jest, + With tremulous smile, half bright, half pleading, + She swept them with her eyes, and two steps forward pressed; + But when she saw them all receding, + And heard them cry "Avaunt!" then did she know her fate; + Then did her saddened eyes dilate + With speechless terror more and more, + The while her heart beat fast and loud, + Till with a cry her head she bowed + And sank in swoon upon the floor. + Such was the close of Busking night, + Though it began so gay and bright; + The morrow was the New Year's day, + It should have been a time most gay; + But now there went abroad a fearful rumour— + It was remembered long time after + In every house and cottage home throughout the land— + Though 'twas a fiction and a superstition,— + It was, "The De'il's abroad! He's now a-roaming; + How dreadful! He is now for lost souls seeking!" + + The folks were roused and each one called to mind + That some, in times of yore, had heard the sound + Of Devil's chains that clanked; + How soon the father vanished, + The mother, bent in agony, + A maniac she died! + That then all smiled; they felt nor hurt nor harm, + They lived quite happy on their cottage farm, + And when the fields were spoilt with hail or rain, + Their ground was covered o'er with plums and grain. + + It was enough; the girls believed it all, + Grandmothers, mothers—thoughts did them appal— + Even infants trembled at the demon's name; + And when the maiden hung her head in pain,. + And went abroad, they scarce would give her passage; + They called to her, "Away! Avaunt! thou imp of evil, + Behold the crime of dealing with the Devil!" +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THIRD PART. + + The Maid at Estanquet—A Bad Dream—The Grandmother's Advice— + Blessed Bread—Satisfaction and Affection—First Thought of Love + —Sorrowfulness—The Virgin. + + Beside a cot at Estanquet, + Down by a leafy brooklet, + The limpid stream + Enshadowed sheen, + Lapped o'er the pebbles murmuring. + Last summer sat a maid, with gathered flowers, + She was engaged in setting, + Within her grassy bowers; + She sang in joy her notes so thrilling, + As made the birds, their sweet songs trilling, + Most jealous. + + Why does she sing no more? midst fields and hedgerows verdant; + 'The nightingales that came within her garden, + With their loud "jug! jug!" warbling, + And their sweet quavers singing; + Can she have left her cottage home? + + No! There's her pretty hat of straw + Laid on the bench; but then they saw + There was no ribbon round it; + The garden all neglected; + The rake and wat'ring-pot were down + Amongst the jonquils overthrown; + The broken-branched roses running riot; + The dandelion, groundsell, all about; + And the nice walks, laid out with so much taste, + Now cover'd with neglected weeds and wanton waste. + + Oh! what has happened here? Where is the lively maid? + The little birds now whispering said; + Her home is sparkling there beyond, + With tufted branch of hazel round; + Let's just peep in, the door is open, + We make no noise, but let us listen. + Ah! there's grandmother, on her arm-chair, fast asleep! + And here, beside the casement deep, + The maid of Estanquet, in saddened pain and grief, + The tears down-falling on her pretty hand; + To whom no joy nor hope can ever give relief! + + Ah! yes,'twas dark enough! for it is Franconnette, + Already you've divined it is our pet! + + And see her now, poor maiden, + Bending beneath the falsest blow, o'erladen; + She sobs and weeps alternately— + Her heart is rent and empty, + Oft, to console herself, she rises, walks, and walks again; + Alas! her trouble is so full of pain— + Awake or sleeping— + she's only soothed by weeping. + Daughter of Huguenot accursed, + And banished from the Church! + Sold to the demon; she's for ever cursed! + Grandmother, waking, said, "Child, 'tis not true; + It matters not; 'tis but thy father fled, + No one can contradict that raving crew; + They know not where he is, and could they see him, + They would so frightened be, they'd not believe their een!" + + "How changed things are," said Franconnette, "before I was so + happy; + Then I was village queen, all followed love in harmony; + And all the lads, to please me, + Would come barefooted, e'en through serpents' nests, to bless me! + But now, to be despised and curst, + I, who was once the very first! + And Pascal, too, whom once I thought the best, + In all my misery shuns me like a pest! + Now that he knows my very sad mishaps, + He ne'er consoles with me at all—perhaps——" + + She did deceive herself. Her grief to-day was softened + By hearing that Pascal 'gainst slanders her defended; + Such magic help, it was a balm + Her aching soul to calm; + And then, to sweeten all her ill, + She thought always of Pascal—did this softened girl. + + What is that sound? A sudden shriek! + Grandmother dreamt—she was now wide awake; + The girl sprang to her; she said, "Isn't the house aflame? + Ah! twas a dream! Thank God!" her murmur came. + + "Dear heart," the girl said softly; "what was this dream of + thine?" + "Oh, love! 'twas night, and loud ferocious men, methought + Came lighting fires all round our little cot, + And thou did'st cry unto them, daughter mine, + To save me, but did'st vainly strive, + For here we too must burn alive! + The torment that I bore! How shall I cure my fright + Come hither, darling, let me hold thee tight!" + + Then the white-headed dame, in withered arms of love, + With yearning tenderness folded the brown-haired girl, who + strove, + By many a smile, and mute caress, + To hearten her, until at length + The aged one cried out, her love gave vital strength, + "Sold to the Demon, thou? It is a hideous lie! + Therefore, dear child, weep not so piteously; + Take courage! Be thou brave in heart once more, + Thou art more lovely than before— + Take grannie's word for that! Arise! + Go forth; who hides from envious eyes + Makes wicked people spiteful; I've heard this, my pet; + I know full well there's one who loves thee yet— + Marcel would guard thee with his love; + Thou lik'st not him? Ah! could he move + Thy feelings, he would shield thee, dear, + And claim thee for his own. + But I am all too feeble grown; + Yet stay, my darling, stay! To-morrow's Easter Day, + Go thou to Mass, and pray as ne'er before! + Then take the blessed bread, if so the good God may + The precious favour of his former smile restore, + And on thy sweet face, clear as day, + Own thou art numbered with his children evermore!" + + Then such a gleam of hope lit the old face again, + Furrowed so deep with years and pain, + That, falling on her neck, the maiden promised well, + And once more on the white cot silence fell. + + When, therefore, on the morrow, came the country-side, + To hear the Hallelujas in the church of Saint Pierre; + Great was the wonderment of those that spied + The maiden, Franconnette, silently kneeling there, + + Telling her beads with downcast eyes of prayer. + She needs, poor thing, Heaven's mercy to implore, + For ne'er a woman's will she win! + But then, beholding her sweet mien, + Were Marvel and Pascal, eyeing her fondly o'er; + She saw them with her glances, dark as night, + Then shrinking back, they left her all alone, + Midway of a great circle, as they might + Some poor condemned one + Bearing some stigma on her brow in sight. + + This was not all, poor child! It was well known— + The warden, uncle to Marcel, + Carried the Blessed Bread; + And like a councillor, did swell + In long-tailed coat, with pompous tread: + But when the trembling maid, making a cross, essayed + To take a double portion, as her dear old grandame bade, + Right in the view of every eye, + The sacred basket he withdrew, and passed her wholly + And so, denied her portion of the bread whereby we live, + She, on glad Easter, doth receive + Dismissal from God's house for aye. + + The maid, trembling with fear, thought all was lost indeed! + But no! she hath a friend at need; + 'Twas Pascal, who had seen her all the while— + Pacal, whose young foot walked along the aisle, + He made the quest, and nothing loth, + In view of uncle and of nephew both, + Doth quietly to her present, + + Upon a silver plate, with flowers fair blossoming, + The crown-piece{5} of the Holy Sacrament— + And all the world beholds the pious offering. + + Oh! moment full of joy; her blood sprang into fleetness; + Warmth was in all her frame, her senses thrilled with sweetness; + She saw the bread of God arisen + Out of its earthly prison, + Thus life unto her own was given: + But wherefore did her brow quite blushing grow? + Because the angel bright of love, I trow, + Did with her glowing breath impart + Life to the flame long smouldering in her heart. + It did become a something strange, and passing all desire + As honey sweet, and quick as fire + Did her sad soul illuminate + With a new being; and, though late, + She knew the word for her delight, + The fair enigma she could guess. + People and priest all vanish'd from her sight, + She saw in all the church only one man aright— + He whom she loved at last, with utmost gratefulness. + + Then from Saint Peter's church the throng widely dispersed, + And of the scandal they had seen, now eagerly conversed; + But lost not sight of her at all + Who bore the Bread of Honour to the ancient dame, ere this, + She sitteth now alone, shut in her chamber small, + While Franconnette beams brightly with her new-found bliss. + + On the parched earth, where falls the earliest dew, + As shines the sun's first rays, the winter flown— + So love's first spark awakes to life anew, + And fills the startled mind with joy unknown. + The maiden yielded every thought to this— + The trembling certainty of real bliss; + The lightning of a joy before improved, + Flash'd in her heart, and told her that she loved. + + She fled from envy, and from curious eyes, + And dreamed, as all have done, their waking dreams, + Bidding in thought bright fairy fabrics rise + To shrine the loved one in their golden gleams. + Alas! the sage is right, 'tis the distrest + Who dream the fondest, and who love the best. + + But when the saddened heart controls us quite, + It quickly turns to gall the sweets of our delight. + Then she remembered all! The opening heaven turned grey, + Dread thought now smites her heavily. + Dreams she of love? Why, what is she? + Sweet love is not for her! The dreaded sorcerer + Hath said she's fore-sold for a price—a murderer! + With heart of dev'lish wrath, which whoso dares to brave + To lie with her one night, therein shall find his grave. + She, to see Pascal perish at her side! + "Oh God! have pity on me now!" she cried. + So, rent with cruel agonies, + And weeping very sore, + Fell the poor child upon her knees, + Her little shrine before. + + "Oh, Holy Virgin!"—sighing—"on thee alone relying, + I come; I'm all astray! Father and mother too + Are dead lang syne, and I accursed! All tongues are crying + This hideous tale! Yet save me if't be true; + If they have falsely sworn, be it on their souls borne + When I shall bring my taper on the fete-day morn{6} + Oh! blessed Mother, let me see + That I am not denied of thee!" + + Brief prayer, + Though 'tis sincere, + To Heaven mounts quickly, + Sure to have won a gracious ear; + The maid her purpose holds, and ponders momently, + And oftentimes grows sick, and cannot speak for fear, + But sometimes taketh heart, and sudden hope and strong + Shines in her soul, as brightest meteor gleams the sky along. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FOURTH PART. + + The Fete at Notre Dame—Offering to the Virgin—Thunderstroke + and Taper Extinguished—The Storm at Roquefort— + Fire at Estanquet—Triumph of Pascal—Fury of Marcel— + Power of a Mother—Bad Head and Good Heart—Conclusion. + + At last, behold the day she longed for, yet so fearfully, + But lo! the sun rose cheerfully; + And long, long lines of white-robed village girls + From all the country round, walked tow'rds the tinkling bells, + And soon, proud Notre Dame appeared in sight, + As 'midst a cloud of perfume! + 'Twas if the thirty hamlets in their might + Were piled together into one. + + What priests! What candles! Crucifixes! Garlands! + What Angels,{7} and what banners! + + You see there Artigues, Puymiral, Astafort, + Saint-Cirq, Cardonnet, Lusignan, Brax, Roquefort, + But this year, Roquefort first, o'erleapeth all. + What crowds there are of curious people, + To watch the girl sold to the Devil! + The news has travelled everywhere; + They know that she, in silent prayer, + Implores the Virgin to protect her there! + + Her neighbours scoff, and her menace, + But saddened friends grieve at her sore disgrace, + Love, through their heart, in fervour rills, + Each one respects this plaintivest of girls; + And many a pitying soul a prayer said, + That some great miracle might yet be made + In favour of this poor and suppliant maid. + + She saw, rejoiced, more hope with her abode; + Though voice of people is the voice of God! + Oh! how her heart beat as the church she neared, + 'Twas for the Virgin's indulgence she cared. + Mothers with heartaches; young unfortunates; + The orphan girls; the women without mates; + All knelt before, with tapers waxen, + The image of the Virgin; + And there the aged priest, in surplice dressed, + Placed the crosses at their lips, and afterwards them blessed. + + No sign of sorrow did on any suppliant fall, + But with their happy hearts, their ways went one and all, + So Franconnette grew happy too, + And most because Pascal prayed fervent in her view; + She dared t'raise her eyes to the holy father's face, + It seemed to her that love, hymns, lights, and the incense + United, cried out, "Grace!" + "Grace, grace divine," she sighed, "and love! Let them be mine!" + Then stretching out her taper lit, and followed to the shrine, + Bearing a garland in her hand; and all about her strove + To give a place to her, and bade her forward move. + They fixed their eyes upon the sacred priest and her, + And scarce a breath was drawn, and not a soul did stir; + But when the priest, holding the image of redeeming love, + Had laid it on the orphan's lips; before her kiss was given, + Burst a terrific thunderpeal, as if 'twould rend the heaven, + Blowing her taper out, and all the altar lights above. + + Oh, what is this? The crashing thunder! + Her prayer denied, the lights put out! + Good God! she's sold indeed! All, all is true, no doubt, + So a long murmur rose of horror and of wonder; + For while the maiden breathlessly + Cowering like some lost soul, their shuddering glances under, + Sudden crept forth, all shrunk away, and let her pass them by. + + Howbeit, that great peal was the opening blow + Of a wild storm and terrible, + That straightway upon Roquefort fell, + The spire of Saint Pierre{8} lay in ruins low, + And, smitten by the sharp scourge of the hail, + In all the region round, men could but weep and wail. + + The angel bands who walked that day + In fair procession, hymns to sing, + Turned sorrowing, all save one, away, + Ora pro nobis chaunting. + + Yet, in those early times, though not as now, + The angry waves to clear; + To other jealous towns could Agen show + Great bridges three, as she a royal city were; + + Then she had only barges two, by poles propelled slow, + That waited for the minstrels, to bear them to Roquefort, + Whose villagers heard rumours of the widespread woe; + Ere landing, they were ranged for singing on the shore. + At first the tale but half they heed, + But soon they see in very deed, + Vineyards and happy fields with hopeless ruin smit; + Then each let fall his banner fair, + And lamentations infinite + Bent on all sides the evening air, + Till o'er the swelling throng rose deadly clear the cry, + "And still we spare this Franconnette!" Then suddenly, + As match to powder laid, the words + "Set her on fire! That daughter of the Huguenot, + Let's burn her up, and let her ashes rot." + Then violent cries were heard. + Howls of "Ay! Ay! the wretch! Now let her meet her fate! + She is the cause of all, 'tis plain! + Once she has made us desolate, + But she shall never curse again!" + + And now the crowd grew angrier, wilder too. + "Hunt her off face of earth!" one shouts anew; + "Hunt her to death! 'Tis meet," a thousand tongues repeat, + The tempest in the skies cannot with this compete. + Oh, then, to see them as they came, + With clenched fists and eyes aflame, + Hell did indeed its demons all unchain. + And while the storm recedes, the night is growing clear, + But poison shoots through every vein + Of the possess'd madmen there. + + Thus goaded they themselves to crime; but where was she, + Unhappy Franconnette? To her own cottage driven— + Worshipping her one relic, sad and dreamily, + And whispered to the withered flowers Pascal had loving given: + "Dear nosegay, when I saw thee first, + Methought thy sweetness was divine, + And I did drink it, heart athirst; + But now thou art not sweet as erst, + Because those wicked thoughts of mine + Have blighted all thy beauty rare; + I'm sold to powers of ill, for Heav'n hath spurned my prayer; + My love is deadly love! No hope on earth have I! + So, treasure of my heart, flowers of the meadow fair, + Because I bless the hand that gathered thee, good-bye! + Pascal must not love such as I! + He must th' accursed maid forswear, + Who yet to God for him doth cry! + In wanton merriment last year, + Even at love laughed Franconnette; + Now is my condemnation clear, + Now whom I love, I must forget; + Sold to the demon at my birth! + My God, how can it be? Have I not faith in Thee? + Oh! blessed blossoms of the earth; + Let me drive with my cross the evil one from me! + And thou, my mother, in the star-lit skies above, + And thou, my guardian, oh! mother of our God, + Pity me: For I bless Pascal, but part from him I love! + + Pity the maid accursed, by the rod + Sore smitten, to the earth down-trod, + Help me, thy Heart Divine to move!" + + "Franconnette, little one, what means thy plaintive moan?" + So spake the hoary dame. "Didst thou not smiling say + Our Lady did receive thy offering to-day? + But sure, no happy heart should make so sad a groan. + Thou hast deceived me? Some new ill," she said, + Hath fall'n upon us!" "Nay, not so; be comforted. + I—I'm quite happy!" "So my sweetest deary, + God grant that some good respite we may have, + For your sad sorrow diggeth up my grave; + And this hath been a lonesome, fearsome day, and weary; + That cruel dream of fire I had some time ago, + Howe'er I strove, did always haunt me so! + And then, thou know'st the storm; oh, I was terrified, + So that, to-night, my dear, I shudder in my fright!" + + What sudden noise is this outside? + "Fire! Fire! Let's burn them in their cot!" + Flames shine through all the shutters wide, + Then Franconnette springs to the doorway tremblingly, + And, gracious Heaven! what doth she see? + By light of burning reek, + An angry people huddled thick; + She hears them shout, "Now, to your fate! + Spare ne'er the young one, nor the old, + Both work us ruin manifold. + Sold to the demon, we must burn you straight!" + + The girl fell on her knees, before the face + Of that most furious populace. + + She cried, "Grandmother will you kill? Oh, pity, grace!" + "Twas of no use, the wretches, blind with fury, + In viewing her bareheaded, in their hurry, + Saw but a cursed leman, + Sold bodily to the demon. + The fiercest cried "Avaunt!" + While the more savage forward spring, + And on the door their feet they plant, + With fiery brand in their hand brandishing. + + "Hold! I implore you!"cried a voice, before unheard; + And sudden leapt before the crowd like lightning with the word, + A man of stately strength and tall, + It was the noble, brave Pascal! + + "Cowards!" he cried. "What? Will you murder women then, + And burn their cot? Children of God! Are you the same? + Tigers you are, and cannot then be men; + And after all that they have suffered! Shame! + Fall back! Fall back! I say; the walls are growing hot!" + + "Then let her leave us quite, this wretched Huguenot, + For she was long since by the devil bought, + God smites us 'cause we did not drive her forth before." + "Quick! quick!" cried Pascal, "living they will burn! + Ye dogs, who moved ye to this awful crime?" + "'Twas Marcel," they replied. "See, now he comes in time!" + "You lie!" the soldier thundered in his turn; + "I love her, boaster, more than thou!" + Said Pascal, "How wilt prove thy love, thou of the tender heart?" + "I come," the other said, "to save her. I come to take her part. + I come, if so she will, to wed her, even now." + + "And so am I," replied Pascal, and steadfastly + Before his rival's eyes, as bound by some great spell. + Then to the orphan girl turned he, + With worship all unspeakable. + "Answer me, Franconnette, and speak the truth alone; + Thou'st followed by the wicked with spite and scorn, my own; + But we two love thee well, and ready are to brave + Death! Yes, or hell, thy precious life to save. + Choose which of us thou wilt!" "Nay," she lamented sore, + "Dearest, mine is a love that slays! + Be happy, then, without me! Forget me! Go thy ways!" + + "Happy without thee, dear! That can I never more: + Nay, were it true, as lying rumour says, + An evil spirit ruled you o'er, + I'd rather die with you, than live bereaved days!" + + When life is at its bitterest, + The voice of love aye rules us best; + Instantly rose the girl above her mortal dread, + And on the crowd advancing straight, + "Because I love Pascal, alone I'd meet my fate! + Howbeit his will is law," she said, + "Wherefore together let our souls be sped." + Then was Pascal in heav'n, and Marcel in the dust laid low; + Then Pascal sought his gallant rival, saying, + "I am more blest than thou! Forgive! thou'rt brave, I know, + Some squire{9} should follow me to death; then wilt thou not + Serve me? I have no other friend!" Marcel seemed dreaming; + And now he scowled with wrath, and now his eyes were kindling; + Terrible was the battle in his mind; + Till his eye fell on Franconnette, serene and beaming, + But with no word for him; then pale, but smilingly, + "Because it is her will," he said, "I follow thee." + + Two weeks had passed away, and a strange nuptial train, + Adown the verdant hill went slowly to the plain; + First came the comely pair we know, in all their bloom, + While gathered far and wide, three deep on either side, + The ever-curious rustics hied, + Shudd'ring at heart o'er Pascal's doom. + Marcel conducts their march, but pleasures kindly true, + Glows not upon th' unmoving face he lifts to view. + And something glances from his eye, + That makes men shudder as they pass him by; + + Yet verily his mien triumphant is, at least + Sole master is he of this feast, + And gives his rival, for bouquet, + A supper and a ball to-day. + But at the dance and at the board + Alike, scarce one essayed a word; + None sung a song, none raised a jest, + For dark forebodings everyone oppressed. + + And the betrothed, by love's deep rapture fascinated, + Silent and sweet, though near the fate she sad awaited, + No sound their dream dispelled, yet hand in hand did press, + Their eyes looked ever in a visioned happiness; + And so, at last, the evening fell. + But one affrighted woman straightway broke the spell; + She fell on Pascal's neck and "Fly, my son!" she cried. + "I from the Sorcerer come! Fly, fly from thy false bride + The fatal sieve{10} hath turned; thy death decree is spoken! + There's sulphur fume in bridal room, and by the same dread token, + Enter it not; for if thou liv'st thou'rt lost," she sadly said; + "And what were life to me, my son, if thou wert dead?" + Then Pascal felt his eyes were wet, + And turned away, striving to hide his face, where on + The mother shrieked, "Ingrate! but I will save thee yet. + + Thou wilt not dare!"—falling before her stricken son. + "Thou shalt now o'er my body pass, even as thou goest forth! + A wife, it seems, is all; and mother nothing worth! + Unhappy that I am! "The crowd alas! their heavy tears ran down! + + "Marcel," the bridegroom said, "her grief is my despair; + But love, thou knowest, 's stronger yet; indeed 'tis time to go! + Only, should I perish, let my mother be thy care." + + "I can no more," cried Marcel, "thy mother's conquered here." + And then the valiant soldier from his eyelids brushed a tear. + "Take courage, Pascal, friend of mine + Thy Franconnette is good and pure. + That hideous tale was told, of dark design; + But give thy mother thanks; but for her coming, sure + This night might yet have seen my death and thine." + "What say'st thou?" "Hush! now I will tell thee all; + Thou knowest that I lov'd this maid, Pascal. + For her, like thee, I would have shed my blood; + I dreamt that I was loved again; she held me in her thrall. + Albeit my prayer was aye withstood; + Her elders promised her to me; + And so, when other suitors barr'd my way, In spite, + Saying, in love or war, one may use strategy, + I gave the wizard gold, my rival to affright, + Therefore, my chance did everything, insomuch that I said, + My treasure is already won and made. + But when, in the same breath, we two our suit made known, + And when I saw her, without turn of head, + Choose thee, to my despair, it was not to be borne. + And then I vow'd her death and thine, before the morrow morn! + I thought to lead you forth to the bridal bower ere long, + And then, the bed beside which I had mined with care, + That they might say no prince or power of th' air + Is here. That I might burn you for my wrong; + Ay, cross yourselves, thought I, for you shall surely die! + But thy mother, with her tears, has made my vengeance fly + I thought of my own, Pascal, who died so long ago. + Care thou for thine! And now fear nought from me, I trow, + Eden is coming down to earth for thee, no doubt, + But I, whom henceforth men can only hate and flout, + Will to the wars away! For in me something saith + I may recover from my rout, + Better than by a crime! Ay! by a soldier's death!" + Thus saying, Marcel vanished, loudly cheered on every side; + And then with deepening blushes the twain each other eyed, + For now the morning stars in the dark heavens shone + But now I lift my pencil suddenly. + Colours for strife and pain have I, + But for such perfect rapture—none! + + And so the morning came, with softly-dawning light, + No sound, no stir as yet within the cottage white, + At Estanquet the people of the hamlets gathered were, + To wait the waking of the happy married pair. + Marcel had frankly told th' unhappy truth; Nathless, + The devil had an awful power, + And ignorance was still his dower. + Some feared for bride and bridegroom yet; and guess + At strange mischance. "In the night cries were heard," + Others had seen some shadows on the wall, in wondrous ways. + Lives Pascal yet? None dares to dress + The spicy broth,{11} to leave beside the nuptial door; + And so another hour goes o'er. + Then floats a lovely strain of music overhead, + A sweet refrain oft heard before, + 'Tis the aoubado{12} offered to the newly-wed. + + So the door opes at last, and the young pair was seen, + She blushed before the folk, but friendly hand and mien, + The fragments of her garter gives, + And every woman two receives; + Then winks and words of ruth from eye and lip are passed, + And luck of proud Pascal makes envious all at last, + For the poor lads, whose hearts are healed but slightly, + Of their first fervent pain, + When they see Franconnette, blossoming rose-light brightly, + All dewy fresh, so sweet and sightly, + They cry aloud, "We'll ne'er believe a Sorcerer again!" +</pre> + <p> + Endnotes to FRANCONNETTE. + </p> + <p> + {1} Blaise de Montluc, Marshal of France, was one of the bitterest + persecutors of the Hugueuots. Towards the end of the sixteenth century, + Agen was a centre of Protestantism. The town was taken again and again by + the contending religious factions. When Montluc retook the place, in 1562, + from Truelle, the Huguenot captain, he found that the inhabitants had + fled, and there was no one to butcher (Gascogne et Languedoc, par Paul + Joanne, p. 95). Montluc made up for his disappointment by laying waste the + country between Fumel and Penne, towns to the north of Agen, and slaying + all the Huguenots—men, women, and children—on whom he could + lay his hands. He then returned to his castle of Estillac, devoted himself + to religious exercises, and "took the sacrament," says Jasmin, "while his + hands were dripping with fraternal blood." Montluc died in 1577, and was + buried in the garden of Estillac, where a monument, the ruins of which + still exist', was erected over his remains. + </p> + <p> + {2} Jour de Dieu! + </p> + <p> + {3} Wehr-wolves, wizard wolves—loup-garou. Superstitions respecting + them are known in Brittany and the South of France. + </p> + <p> + {4} Miss Harriett W. Preston, in her article on Jasmin's Franconnette in + the Atlantic Monthly for February, 1876, says: "The buscou, or busking, + was a kind of bee, at which the young people assembled, bringing the + thread of their late spinning, which was divided into skeins of the proper + size by a broad thin plate of steel or whalebone called a busc. The same + thing, under precisely the same name, figured in the toilets of our + grandmothers, and hence, probably, the Scotch use of the verb to busk, or + attire." Jamieson (Scottish Dictionary) says: "The term busk is employed + in a beautiful proverb which is very commonly used in Scotland, 'A bonny + bride is soon busked.'" + </p> + <p> + {5} Miss Preston says this was a custom which prevailed in certain parts + of France. It was carried by the French emigrants to Canada, where it + flourished in recent times. The Sacramental Bread was crowned by one or + more frosted or otherwise ornamented cakes, which were reserved for the + family of the Seigneur, or other communicants of distinction. + </p> + <p> + {6} At Notre Dame de Bon Encontre, a church in the suburbs of Agen, + celebrated for its legends, its miracles, and the numerous pilgrimages + which are usually made to it in the month of May. + </p> + <p> + {7} The Angels walked in procession, and sang the Angelos at the + appropriate hours. + </p> + <p> + {8} The ancient parish church of Roquefort, whose ruins only now remain. + See text for the effects of the storm. + </p> + <p> + {9} Dounzel is the word used by Jasmin. Miss H. W. Preston says of this + passage: "There is something essentially knightly in Pascal's cast of + character, and it is singular that, at the supreme crisis of his fate, he + assumes, as if unconsciously, the very phraseology of chivalry. 'Some + squire (dounzel) should follow me to death,' &c., and we find it + altogether natural and burning in the high-hearted smith. There are many + places where Jasmin addresses his hearers directly as 'Messieurs,' where + the context also makes it evident that the word is emphatic, that he is + distinctly conscious of addressing those who are above him in rank, and + that the proper translation is 'gentles,' or even 'masters'; yet no poet + ever lived who was less of a sycophant." + </p> + <p> + {10} Low sedas (the sieve) is made of raw silk, and is used for sifting + flour. It has also a singular use in necromancy. When one desires to know + the name of the doer of an act—a theft for instance—the sieve + is made to revolve, but woe to him whose name is spoken just as the sieve + stops! + </p> + <p> + {11} An ancient practice. Lou Tourrin noubial, a highly-spiced onion soup, + was carried by the wedding guests to the bridegroom at a late hour of the + night. + </p> + <p> + {12} The aoubado—a song of early morning, corresponding to the + serenade or evening song. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Jasmin: Barber, Poet, Philanthropist, by +Samuel Smiles + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JASMIN: BARBER, POET *** + +***** This file should be named 838-h.htm or 838-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/3/838/ + +Produced by Eric Hutton, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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