“This is quite a business letter, so I beg you will read it with all due attention. I have read now a considerable portion of French new works, and find a great many which, translated with judgment, would, I think, tell. I underline judgment, for not a little would be required. What I propose, is to make an annual, consisting entirely of French translations—prose and verse. I could get it ready in about a month. I propose first, a slight, general, and popular view of the present literature; secondly, tales, which must be abridged, altered, and adapted to our taste; thirdly, poems. To be called—what? We must think of a good title. ‘The Laurel, or Leaves from French Literature;’ ‘The Exchange, or Selection of French Authors,’ with a little vignette on the title-page of the Bourse; or ‘The Stranger,’ &c. &c.
“I do not propose new prints; anyone who knew how to
set about it might form here a collection of very pretty prints of all sorts of
popular subjects. You must please see if any publisher will undertake this, and
if they will, please
| 202 | AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY. |
“The weather is now awfully hot—it is a positive
exertion to open one’s eyes—yet I went yesterday to see the Museum
d’Artillerie, and one or two old churches, but truly sightseeing is the
most tiresome thing in the world. God never sent me into the world to use my
hands, or my feet, or my eyes; he put all my activity into my tongue and ears.
Yesterday I had a visit from Monsieur and Madame Roget Collard, and a very pleasant visit it was. I have
received so much kindness and attention from Monsieur Merimée; he is very amusing, speaks English (a
great fault in my eyes) like a native, and tells you all sorts of anecdotes in
the most unscrupulous fashion. I think a young man called A.
Fontanez, more realises my beau
ideal of a young French poet than any one that I have
seen, being pale, silent, réveur, with a sort, too, of enthusiasm. I like Monsieur Odillon Barrot the best; there is
something so very kind in his manners. As to seeing the ‘Gazette’ at Galignani’s, first, we do not subscribe
there; secondly, it is so crowded with gentlemen; thirdly, remember to go to
any place is a matter of difficulty, as I have no walking companion. We have
now very pleasant apartments, with a delightful garden, a fine view over Paris,
and the windmills of Montmartre in the distance. Such a magnificent storm as we
had last night. I am, however, looking out anxiously for an escort to return.
If I can only get to Boulogne I should not at all mind the passage. I do not
think, under your circumstances, your plan of crossing the channel at all
prudent, or rather it is the very reverse, and meeting me at the custom-house
will
| L. E. L. | 203 |
